Walk Your Dog Month takes place throughout January, an opportunity for dog owners to kick start their New Year’s resolutions by embracing the great outdoors with their furry friends. This initiative highlights the dual health benefits of dog walking: essential exercise for pets and improved cardiovascular fitness, reduced stress, and enhanced mental well-being for owners. Cold January strolls invigorate body and mind, setting a positive tone for the year.
Here’s how to step positively into 2025 with Elite Hotels:
EAST SUSSEX: Ashdown Park Hotel & Country Club
Set in 186 acres of lakes, secret gardens and woodland trails, within the magical Ashdown Forest (the inspiration for A. A. Milne’s delightful Winnie-The-Pooh stories), Ashdown Park Hotel & Country Club is one of the best options for hotels in Sussex that welcome dogs. The concierge can provide a map of dog walking trails, and recommend some local, dog-friendly pubs.
Back in the warmth of this opulent forest mansion, unwind by a roaring fire, indulge in an exquisitely presented afternoon tea, bask in your dog-friendly bedroom, and look forward to a candlelit evening of fine dining. Dogs are allowed in specific bedrooms only.
Save 30% on a stay at Ashdown Park Hotel & Country Club with the Winter Offer. A bed and breakfast stay costs from £152.50pp based on a dog-friendly Fairway Junior Suite (two sharing), including use of the hotel’s stunning indoor swimming pool, relaxation lounge and gymnasium. Offer available until 28 February, inclusive (excluding Christmas and Valentine’s dates).To top off your delightful getaway, you may wish to book a beauty treatment or a massage in the hotel’s spa. For just £30 per dog, per night, your dog will have the use of their own basket and be provided with dinner.
SEASIDE SUSSEX: The Grand Hotel Eastbourne
Eastbourne is a fabulous place for dog walking. Situated between the sea and the South Downs, there are so many options. With four miles of glorious promenade, dotted with dog-friendly places to stop off for a cup of tea or coffee, start at one end and admire the changing scenery as you progress along the way, from the almost Mediterranean feel of Holywell and the Italian Gardens, via the Bandstand and Sovereign Park, to the modern harbour.
Recently featured in the Dog Friendly Eastbourne Guide 2025, dogs are very welcome at The Grand Hotel Eastbourne, the only five-star luxury resort to be found in an English seaside town. Dog-friendly healthy dinners are provided. The hotel’s concierge can also recommend some local dog-friendly pubs in the area.
Save 30% on a stay at The Grand Hotel Eastbourne with the Winter Offer. A bed and breakfast stay costs from £134.40 pp (two sharing), including use of the hotel’s indoor swimming pool, steam room and gymnasium. Offer available until 28 February, inclusive (excluding Christmas and Valentine’s dates). One dog stays for just £20 per night, and be provided with one meal a day.
HAMPSHIRE: Tylney Hall Hotel & Gardens
Sitting amidst 66 acres of glorious countryside, near Hook, Tylney Hall Hotel & Gardens – a magnificent, Victorian-era, Grade II Mansion – is a proud RHS Partner Garden. The dog-friendly gardens were originally created over many years by Gertrude Jekyll, one of the most influential English horticulturists and garden designers. Highlights include the Italian and Dutch gardens, and the Water Garden – a beautiful, tranquil space. The hotel’s concierge can provide a map of walking trails within the estate, and can also recommend some local dog-friendly pubs. Dogs are allowed in specific bedrooms only.
An outstanding example of a luxury country house hotel, Tylney Hall boasts an award-winning restaurant, and wellness facilities include an indoor pool, treatment rooms, and a gym.
Save 30% on a stay at Tylney Hall Hotel with the Winter Offer. A bed and breakfast stay costs from £140.00pp based on a dog-friendly Garden Suite (two sharing), including use of the hotel’s health club facilities, including indoor pool and gymnasium. Offer available until 28 February, inclusive (excluding Christmas and Valentine’s dates). For just £25 per dog, per night, your dog will have the use of their own basket, blankets and bowl, along with a chewy toy.
Hearing Dogs for Deaf People
Why not help Elite Hotels with a donation to their most recent charitable partner, Hearing Dogs for Deaf People? The charity trains dogs in order to transform the lives of deaf people, and is committed to delivering a positive impact to those with hearing disabilities. Donations may be made using the following three links:
1. The Grand Hotel is fundraising for Hearing Dogs For Deaf People (justgiving.com)
2. Ashdown Park is fundraising for Hearing Dogs For Deaf People (justgiving.com)
3. Tylney Hall is fundraising for Hearing Dogs For Deaf People (justgiving.com)
Image: L-R: Ashdown Park Hotel & Country Club; Tylney Hall Hotel & Gardens.