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Houghton Forest
Houghton Forest is a woodland near West Burton, West Sussex. We rate it Great for off-lead dog walking (79 out of 100): plenty of ground well away from roads, 17 miles of paths and car park.
| Off the lead? | Probably: a walking guide says so |
|---|---|
| Where | Woodland near West Burton, West Sussex |
| Size | About 790 acres (322 ha) |
| Water for a swim | There's no water for a swim. |
| Parking | There's a car park. |
| Livestock | None known |
| Ground | It's usually firm underfoot: the ground is mostly chalk, which drains well but can be slippery when wet. |
| Shade | 100% woodland |
| Suggested loop | 2.9 miles, about 80 minutes |
What it's like
A huge woodland of about 790 acres, with 17 miles of paths. There's no water for a swim. It's usually firm underfoot: the ground is mostly chalk, which drains well but can be slippery when wet. Most of it is woodland, so there's plenty of shade. A public road runs through it, so take care near the road. There's a car park.
Dogs
A walking guide says dogs can be off the lead here, but we couldn't find the landowner's own rules.
You're responsible for your dog. Before you let it off the lead, read the signs at the entrance, look out for livestock and roads, and make sure it will come back when called.
Parking
- Car park · free · 269 m from the edge · Directions
Suggested loop
A 2.9-mile loop from the car park with about 110 m of climbing , about 80 minutes at a dog's pace.
Shown dashed on the map above. Drawn by computer from OpenStreetMap paths. We haven't walked it: paths can be missing, private, closed or overgrown.
Questions
Can dogs go off the lead at Houghton Forest?
A walking guide says dogs can be off the lead here, but we couldn't find the landowner's own rules.
Is there parking at Houghton Forest?
There's a car park. Parking: free.
Can dogs swim at Houghton Forest?
There's no water for a swim.
Are there cows or sheep at Houghton Forest?
We don't know of any grazing livestock, but check the signs and fields when you arrive.
Is Houghton Forest muddy?
It's usually firm underfoot: the ground is mostly chalk, which drains well but can be slippery when wet.
How long is a walk at Houghton Forest?
Our suggested loop is about 2.9 miles (4.7 km) from the car park and takes about 80 minutes at a dog's pace, with about 110 m of climbing.
Where this comes from
Forestry England lists dogs as welcome at Houghton Forest. Its general guidance asks owners to keep dogs in sight and use a lead if they do not reliably return. No livestock or loop length stated.
Researched online in November 2026. Nobody from Find Dog Walks has checked this place in person. Mud and shade are estimated from geology and woodland maps.
Something wrong? Open it on the map and use "Report a problem with this page", or email [email protected].