CAFE PUB DOG WALKS KENT
CAFE PUB DOG WALKS KENT
A steeply sloping shingle beach with rockpools. Dogs are welcome all year round.
Photo credit Explore Kent
Cafes and Pubs The Zetland Arms is right on the beach and dogs are welcome throughout the pub.
Parking Parking at Kingsdown is limited but there ia large free carpark near Walmer Castle which is one mile away.
A sandy beach backed by high chalk cliffs where dogs are welcome off their lead all year round. Dogs are allowed on the beaches east of the small tidal pool. However, they are not permitted within the National Nature Reserve, which starts at the small tidal paddling pool and includes the chalk reef, mud flats and saltmarsh.
Mid to low tides are the best times to visit as the beach is covered at high tide.
Photo credit Thanet Guide.
Cafes and Pubs The Hovelling Boat Inn is a dog friendly micro pub in Ramsgate. The Ramsgate Boating Pool welcomes well behaved dogs on leads in the Café and Bar. Doggie treats available.
Parking There is parking on the Royal Esplanade at the top of the cliffs. There are steps or sloped walk ways to get down to the beach.
A shingle beach with a promenade and a pier. Dogs are welcome from 6.00pm till 9.00am 1st May - 30th September and anytime 1st October to 30th April on the stretch of beach between Deal Castle and Sandown Castle. Dogs on leads are allowed on the pier and on the promenade between Deal Castle & Sandown Castle all year round.
Photo credit British Beaches
Cafes and Pubs Deal Pier is dog friendly and Deal Pier Kitchen is at the end serving Brunch and Lunch daily and Steak and Lobster Friday and Saturday evenings with outdoor takeaway shack for coffees and snacks.
Parking There is parking in Middle Street car park which is one road away from the beach. There are also spaces along Beach Street.
A sheltered shingle beach with a backdrop of white cliffs. Dogs are welcome from 6pm to 9am May to September inclusive and anytime October to April inclusive. On the stretch of beach between the south-west end of the slipway to Ness Point. France is only 18 miles away and mobile phone coverage can be patchy.
On the Saxon Shore Way check out Explore Kent for a St Margarets walk taking in the historic South Foreland Lighthouse
Cafes and Pubs The Coastguard is a dog friendly pub right on the beach.
Parking Pay and display carpark by the beach access via steep narrow road with blind corners. Free car park at Reach Road in St Margaret's village which is a 25 minute walk away.
A shingle beach in the shelter of Dover Harbour. Dogs are welcome on the beach between 6pm and 9am May to September inclusive and anytime October to April. Dogs have to be kept on a lead on the promenade and grassed areas all year round.
Cafes and Pubs The Salty Dog Harbour Cafe is super dog friendly
Parking There is paid parking on Waterloo Crescent and Marine Parade.
A beautiful bay with white cliffs and chalk stacks. Botany Bay is unrestricted for dogs October to April inclusive and 6pm to 10am May to September.
There is plenty of exposed sand to enjoy when the tide is in, but due to the bay's shape the ends are cut off at high tide.
Cafes and Pubs Botany Bar Hotel welcomes dogs although do check in before settling down with staff as they have dedicated tables in their bar and snug area for you and your dog(s).
Parking Parking at Botany Bay is very limited. Parking is advised at Palm Bay Avenue, where there are over 200 free parking spaces, (CT9 3PP) for Palm Bay beach and a short cliff top walk to Botany Bay
A sandy bay, backed by chalk cliffs. Stone Bay is unrestricted for dogs October to April inclusive and 6pm to 10am May to September.
The beach disappears entirely at high tide.
Photo by Tourism @ Thanet District Council
Cafes and Pubs The Tartar pub is a dog-friendly pub just outside of Broadstairs for before or after a lovely dog walk at the beach. Dogs allowed in the downstairs bar but not in the upstairs restaurant.
Parking There is parking in Broadstairs which is about a 10 minute walk or along the residential streets.
A sandy beach. Westbrook Bay is unrestricted for dogs October to April inclusive and 6pm to 10am May to September. Dogs are also allowed on a lead from May to September all day.
Only a small section of the beach is uncovered at high tide.
Cafes and Pubs Darcy's at 89 Cafe Bistro is just a short walk inland.
Parking There is parking along the residential streets.
A sandy beach with lots of rock pools at low tide. West Bay is unrestricted for dogs October to April inclusive and 6pm to 10am May to September.
West Bay is completely tidal and the beach disappears at high tide. There is an esplanade to walk on if the beach is inaccessible.
Cafes and Pubs Dogs are welcome on the terrace at Finbars Restaurant which is on the esplanade adjacent to the beach.
Parking There is parking along Sea Road or along the residential streets.
A sandy beach with a promenade and a tidal pool. St Mildred's Bay is unrestricted for dogs October to April inclusive and 6pm to 10am May to September.
A small amount of beach remains at high tide except on spring tides when the beach is completely covered.
Cafes and Pubs Dogs are welcome on the terrace at Millie's Beach Bar and Restaurant which is on the promenade adjacent to the beach.
Parking There is parking at St Mildreds Bay carpark CT8 8PR or on the residential streets.
Minster Leas is unrestricted all year round beach hut side so dogs can go off lead and all of the beach October to April inclusive.
Beach hut side there are different steps up so you can make a circular walk and it's easy to work out where you are as you can see the sea from the top! Note tides important at Minster as if you want a dog run on the beach low tide is generally sinky mud flats. Dog Advisor HQ speaks from experience of lost flip flops and muddy legs!
Public toilets and fresh water on tap at the back of the toilets as well as dog water bowls.
Green space the other side to the beach huts where dogs can go off lead all year round.
Outdoor gym equipment.
Little Oyster Cafe for a cup of tea and/or an ice cream although not clear if dogs allowed inside there is outside seating.
Cafes and Pubs Little Oyster Cafe has outside seating beach hut side open 11am in season The Sweet Hut on the other side also an option
Parking Free parking on the road along Minster Leas or Ringo parking at Little Oyster Car Park
This stunning 4 mile circular walk created by Jenn at MJ Outdoor Adventures starts on the Saxon Shore Way, takes in the footpath through Port Lympne Safari Park where you might be lucky enough to see some animals, the Royal Military Canal and ends back at Lympne Castle where you can enjoy refreshments at dog friendly The Naughty Dog or the Good Knight both at Lympne Castle. Do take care if it is muddy weather as there is steep uphill at the end. Also be aware of cows do keep your dog on lead and take care :-)
Image credit Conor Kerrigan Photography
Cafes and Pubs Lympne Castle is incredibly dog friendly. The Good Knight inside Lympne Castle itself serves food and drinks do check that there is not a private event on as it is closed in this case. Roast dinners on Sundays. Normal opens midday. The Naughty Dog bistro is accessible from the outside of the castle wall and is open 7 days a week 8am-6pm. Everything is dog inspired including the tapestry chairs and crockery!
Parking Street parking around Lympne Castle
Credit MJ Outdoor Adventures
For a low key woodland walk Kingsborough Manor between Minster and Eastchurch has free parking (height restriction) and woodland trails with tracks and a green space for zoomies at the end. You can use the road to guide you back to the car park if you get lost.
Cafes and Pubs Lots of dog friendly cafes on the Isle of Sheppey there's Starbucks for drive through puppacinos or you can sit in - Bosuns in Queenborough - Rumours Sheerness - Abbey Cake Shop Minster spawlt for choice!
Parking Free parking height restriction 2.3m
The Street is a shingle strip accessible 2 hours either side of low tide opposite Whitstable Castle between Whitstable and Tankerton.
Pictured here Toby dog on the green space behind the colourful beach huts just across from Whitstable Castle where we'd enjoyed tea and cake (me) and a natural dog treat (Toby) from the Whitstable Castle downstairs cafe where dogs are welcome on the wooden floor area.
It was a beautiful day and felt like an adventure to walk The Street. Do take care.
Cafes and Pubs Whitstable Castle is dog friendly and dogs are welcome in the downstairs cafe (wooden floor section). Whitstable also very dog friendly lots of dog friendly options if you walk into town.
Parking Limited parking outside Hotel Continental also limited parking at Whitstable Castle if you are a customer or park at Gorrell Tank and walk towards the castle
Dude and Disco loved Samphire Hoe a 3.5km on lead walk with a dog friendly beach at the end for some unrestrained (whilst in control!) off lead fun. Free leads and poo bags if you've forgotten yours. On lead to protect the amazing wildlife. Rebel Coffee Pod with small food menu Wednesday to Sunday. Parking good value. Cool tunnel to get there! Clean toilets. Be careful at the beach on stormy days. Fun memory statue (intrigued? go along and find out for yourself!). Sheltered and spaced out picnic seating. Ideal for reactive dogs
Cafes and Pubs Rebels Samphire Coffee Pod open Wednesday to Sunday. Pup cups not officially on the menu but do ask! Hoomans said hot chocolate was "best ever" and pistachio latte was pretty amazing too! Small food menu gourmet toasties, crisps, ice creams and cakes. Seating inside the exhibition shelter and outside
Parking Parking good value £1 an hour or £3 all day correct March 2026. Parking free with a blue badge displayed on dashboard
A walk of about 6.5km (4 miles) thank you to kentdowns.org.uk - allow 2 to 2 1⁄2hours. There are steep steps up and down, woodland glades, historic tracks, megaliths and extensive views. Sounds pawsome!
Cafes and Pubs (Squirrel) Nutkins Tea Room open 7 days a week love dogs and are at 116 Common Road within Squirrels Riding School but open to all. If you park at Bluebell Hill viewpoint and turn left you'll find the riding school and tearoom signposted from the road, they have inside and outside seating. Head down the driveway past the big house and keep going through the metal gate and you'll find the tearoom on your right. Enjoy!
Also Bluebell Tearoom is dog friendly in Bluebell Hill Village on the Maidstone Road s-paw-lt for choice!
Parking You can park at Bluebell Hill Picnic Site which you find in wherever you get your maps and that's where this walk starts
According to gov.uk Stodmarsh has over 6 kilometres of footpaths, including a circular walk around the whole site. There are short and long easy access ‘sensory’ trails at the Stodmarsh end of the reserve, both with wheelchair access.
Cafes and Pubs Access all areas dog friendly Red Lion at Stodmarsh is a few minutes walk away from Stodmarsh Nature Reserve perfect for a pub dog walk, open every day except Monday they do a great Sunday roast dinner and have outside space as well as inside. And free dog treats and water buckets!
Parking The official car park is on Google Maps and is east of Stodmarsh Village, along the turn off between the Red Lion and the church
Greenhill Photography Amy and Sam and their lovely spaniels recommend Hemstead Forest for a dog walk. They did a 3 mile loop and may have got slightly lost so do take care, the trails are not waymarked. Lara at Labs Training recommends taking a picture of the map of the woodland which is at the main carpark on Goodards Green Road, great idea!
Cafes and Pubs Amy suggested Tenterden or Cranbrook for dog-friendly cafes and pubs so we reached out to Lara at LABS Training Tenterden for a Tenterden recommendation. Lara recommends (Cafe wise) Brunch and Brew are super dog friendly. Pub wise, The Woolpack and the White Lion are on the highstreet and dog friendly. Thank you Lara!
Parking Free parking at Goodards Green Road, the main car park and handy map to photograph so you don't get lost!
Credit Amy Louisa Greenhill Photography
Dog-friendly Wateringbury Pub has 10 AllTrails walks note we have not tried these out as dog walks so use your judgement and enjoy!
Cafes and Pubs Dog-friendly Wateringbury Pub Restaurant
Parking Parking varies if you do park at Wateringbury pub do pop in for a drink :-)
- Turn right out of the pub and turn immediately left at the crossroads.
- Proceed up the hill to the kissing gate on the bend and pass through the gate continuing up the trail until you reach another kissing gate.
- At this point, if you wish, follow the sign to Thurnham castle on your left.
- If not, pass through the gate following the trail marked North Downs Way.
After a slight climb, you will come to yet another kissing gate.
- Pass through and turn right between two fences that lead to another gate.
- Pass through and you will descend down a few steps before coming to the steps made of sleepers (60) leading up.
- At the top follow the trail through the trees until reaching more steps, this time going down.
- You will have a short walk before starting to climb some more steps, this time a mere 52!
- At the summit on the post in front of you, follow the sign North Downs Way to the right.
Walk through the trees descending to a lane.
- Turn right here and follow the lane past Fox Farm cottages on your right down to the crossroads.
- Turn right again and follow the lane back to the Black Horse
Thank you John and Jack for this pawsome dog walk
Cafes and Pubs This walk starts at The Black Horse Inn Thurnham which is a dog-friendly hotel, dog-friendly pub and has a Dog Loft or outdoor seating where you can enjoy a restaurant meal! Note closed January 2026
Parking You can park at dog-friendly The Black Horse but do pop in for a drink!
You can use Chiddingstone Castle as a base for a selection of walks that you can find on the Chiddingstone Castle Explore page including
- A 4 mile or 1.5 hour walk taking you across the Kent Weald with views back to Ide Hill and Greensand Ridge from quiet farmland.
- A variety of 20 walks in the Chiddingstone area from 2 miles to 10.7 miles.
- An 11 mile or 4.5 hour walk linking Penshurst, Hever and Chiddingstone.
- An 11 mile or 4.5 hour walk from Chiddingstone to Penshurst Place.
- The Castle on The Hill Route from Walk Tonbridge. 4 miles.
- A 9.6 mile walk through Penshurst, Chiddingstone and Bough Beech
Lots of options have fun!
Do check opening hours of Chiddingstone Castle if you are going to park there and use as a base. As at May 2025 open Wednesday to Sunday and closed ad hoc for private functions so do check their website.
Cafes and Pubs Chiddingstone Castle has a lovely dog-friendly tearoom in the Castle Grounds no charge to walk the grounds and enjoy the tea room - Dog Advisor verified April 2025
Parking You can park at Chiddingstone Castle for £3 in the Honesty Box correct as at May 2025
A 10.5km walk from Toddlers Cove to Chartham and back via Westgate Gardens. Just follow the Great Stour river!
All pathed and pretty flat route. There is a section that dogs have to be on lead as it's grazing land between April - October.
Cafes and Pubs At the end in Chartham there's a pub called The Artichoke Chartham which is nice and dog friendly. Proper old character place.
Parking Toddlers Cove Car Park, Parking if paid through the Ringo app you get 30 mins free.
Credit Rox
A fantastic place for family and dogs, we followed the Forest Walkies with Wallace and Gromit trail with fun activities to do with our pup on the way round. A gentle walk suitable for the family with some play parks for the kids on the way. Nice spots for picnics or a cafe on site too. Our 5 month Staffy loved trying out her agility skills along the way.
Cafes and Pubs Cafe at the Visitor Centre and a Kiosk at the start of the play trail. Dogs are allowed inside the cafe to make your order and then you may sit in the atrium to eat. Do ask at the cafe for clarification.
Parking Parking at Bedgebury it is payable by the day
Credit Jemma Palushi
Barton’s Point Coastal Park is a lovely spot to spend a relaxing day outdoors. With 40 acres of natural beauty, there’s plenty of space to explore, including grassy paths and open fields that are perfect for walking, picnicking, or just soaking up the scenery. The salt-water lake adds to the peaceful atmosphere, and the park also forms part of the Sheppey Cycle Route—great for cyclists looking for a scenic ride.
Facilities are excellent, with free parking, a playground for the kids, a café, toilets, and bins throughout the park, making it a convenient and family-friendly destination. One of the highlights is the miniature railway, which runs on Sunday afternoons and is a real treat—especially for children and train enthusiasts—thanks to the efforts of The Sheppey Miniature Engineering and Model Society.
Overall, Barton’s Point is a well-maintained and charming coastal park, perfect for a casual visit or a weekend outing.
Cafes and Pubs The Bartons Point Cafe is dog-friendly
Parking Free to park
Credit Samantha Warner
King’s Wood, nestled in the heart of the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty offers 588 hectares of stunning mixed conifer and broadleaf woodland. It’s the perfect spot for a peaceful walk, with a variety of footpaths and a marked 6km trail to explore.
In spring, the woodland comes alive with carpets of bluebells
There’s free parking and bins on site, but no other facilities.
After your walk, don’t miss a visit to The Red Lion in Badlesmere — a charming and dog-friendly pub just a 5-minute drive away, ideal for a tasty meal or a well-earned drink.
Whether you’re a local or just visiting, King’s Wood is well worth the trip.
Cafes and Pubs The Red Lion in Badlesmere — a charming and dog-friendly pub just a 5-minute drive away, ideal for a tasty meal or a well-earned drink.
Parking Free parking
Credit Samantha Warner
Thank you Rox and Dude for this pawsome info - "We walked the white cliffs in Dover this afternoon. It was glorious as it's National Trust it's free to park if you're a member and £6 for non members. They have to be on the lead at all times. There's a main path and then you can walk along the grass and closer to the edge. It's so lovely and perfect weather for it today. Dogs are allowed on the terrace of the café but not inside."
Cafes and Pubs The Visitor Centre allows dogs on the terrace of the cafe but not inside.
Parking Free to park or £6 for members at time of publication
Credit Rox and Dude
One of my favourite local walks, especially early in the morning when nobody is around.
Start at White Horse Wood Country Park (£1.50 parking). Exit the car park in the direction of the A249 and follow the well made path through the woods.
As the path bends sharply right, go straight ahead along the track, exiting to views of the North Downs.
Go through the gate, turn right and then almost immediately left down the steep bank.
At the bottom, go through the gate at follow the path straight ahead through the vineyard/orchard to the hedgerow.
There is a gap in the hedge on to the road. Cross over and go through the gap on the other side and follow the diagonal path.
At the end of the path you have several choices:
- Turn right, and track along the bottom of the Downs. Turn right and follow the path back up to the country park.
- Turn left through the church grounds, turn right and follow the road before turning right just before the tunnel and then tracking along the bottom of the Downs as above.
- Make it up as you go along remembering that regardless of your route, at some point you have to go back up!
This walk was from Adrian Coleman thank you, and Samantha Warner also entered this walk in our content competition, a slightly different take on it so here it is.
Set within the stunning Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, White Horse Wood Country Park is a lovely spot to enjoy beautiful countryside, local history, and far-reaching views. It’s ideal for a peaceful picnic or a dog walk, with the added bonus of exploring the atmospheric medieval ruins of Thurnham Castle.
We followed signs for the North Downs Way and took a scenic walk through the vineyards in nearby Detling before looping back to the Country Park. However, if you prefer to stay within the park itself, there’s a well-maintained hard-surfaced path that’s easy to follow.
The park has a car park, picnic benches, and bins, but no other facilities—so plan ahead if you need toilets or refreshments. Overall, it’s a quiet and picturesque place, perfect for a few hours outdoors.
Cafes and Pubs The Black Horse Thurnham is dog-friendly as is The Hook and Hatchett Hucking, neither are far but you will need to get back in the car.
Parking White Horse Wood Country Park (£1.50 parking)
Credit Adrian Coleman and Samantha Warner
Dog-friendly Perry Court Farm Shop and Tearoom is on the North Downs Way and you can walk to or from Wye or Chilham or why not have fun at Kingswood and then drive over to Perry Court Farm for apres walk! The team at Perry Court Farm are very friendly so if you're unclear then do ask but the footpaths are well signposted and the stiles are newly accessible.
Cafes and Pubs Dog-friendly Perry Court Farm has a Tea Room and Farm Shop for before or after your walk.
Parking Perry Court Farm Canterbury Road, Wye, Ashford Kent TN25 4ES
Credit Amy at Greenhill Animal Care
Dog-friendly Folkestone Warren beach is unrestricted all year round and Jolene loves it! Thank you for putting Folkestone on the map, note Sunny Sands is also good for dogs from October to April
Cafes and Pubs Wild area so no real facilities but that's the beauty of it. Folkestone has lots of dog-friendly cafes and pubs for before or after a trip to the Warren.
Parking There is parking along East Cliff or along the residential streets.
Dog-friendly Herne Bay is unrestricted October to April and Herne Bay Pier is dog-friendly too how pawsome is that! Remi and Rexi from R&R Treats HQ pictured loving their lives on the beach.
May to September if you are facing the pier then the beach is unrestricted on the right hand side. You are not allowed to take your dog between Herne Bay Pier and westwards to Lane End see google pic below.
Cafes and Pubs Herne Bay pier is dog-friendly
Parking
Thank you to Elton The Rocket Pug for this Hythe Canal Unit 1 Bar/Cafe combo, park on Burwash Road next to the canal then it's a 20 minute walk to Unit 1. Coco also enjoyed the Hythe Canal walk, a lovely flat walk in the sunshine (we can't promise sunshine lol), According to Coco's pawrent, the canal path runs behind Port Lympne zoo so you can see some of the animals too, they love this walk and loved Unit 1 with their dog shop!
Cafes and Pubs Unit 1 on the Hythe Canal
Parking You can park on Burmash Road by the Hythe Canal
Walmer Beach is unrestricted for dogs all year round. Enjoy!
Cafes and Pubs Dog-friendly Zetland Arms Wellington Parade, Kingsdown, Deal CT14 8AF
Parking
Walk around the front of the pub, join the public bridle path and you have arrived in the picturesque Mereworth Woods, a large area of woodland and scrub just between Maidstone and West Malling. The woods are quite large and you could easily spend hours there.
During the Second World War the area was one of many in the South East taken over by the British Army for training purposes and as you walk around the woods you can sometimes see tank traps and other concrete structures.
Today Mereworth Woods are a wildlife haven as well as being a wonderful place for a gentle ramble.
Cafes and Pubs Dog-friendly The Moody Mare
Parking Dog-friendly The Moody Mare pub is happy for you to park there and go for your walk but do pop in for a drink or bite on your return, well behaved dogs welcome in the bar
Credit Dog-friendly The Moody Mare pub website
Various dog walks from dog-friendly The Potting Shed Langley Maidstone check out the link and take your pick! Click here to see your options including detailed instructions and handy maps >>
Cafes and Pubs These walks start and finish at dog-friendly The Potting Shed so do say thank you by popping in for some food and/or a drink before or after your walk.
Parking Ample pub parking
Credit The Potting Shed
Depending on where you've parked you can enjoy Tonbridge with The Pup Cup Doggy Cafe on 3 floors and dog-friendly Tonbridge Castle (note it is closing from 6th January 2025 for essential repairs) and then head to Haysden Country Park or enjoy Haysden Country Park first with its lakes and green space and woodlands then head to Tonbridge for The Pup Cup with delicious refreshments for dogs and their hoomans! Check out the Explore Kent Tonbridge to Haysden information page
Cafes and Pubs The Pup Cup Tonbridge is at 154 High Street Tonbridge TN9 1BB and is on 3 floors! Definitely worth a special visit!
Parking You can park at Lower Castle Field Car Park, 5 The Slade, Tonbridge TN9 1HR or park at Haysden Country Park, Lower Haysden Lane, Tonbridge TN11 9BB and do the walk in reverse
This is an AllTrails route from Fordwich to Canterbury can be 3 or 6 miles depending on whether you add in the extension into Canterbury exploring the Stour Valley and the River Stour - you can download the walk pdf here
Cafes and Pubs Dog-friendly George and Dragon Fordwich who organise dog walks from the pub with complimentary bacon sandwiches!
Parking Dog-friendly The George & Dragon, King Street, Fordwich, Canterbury CT2 0DB make sure to pop in for a drink or food!
Credit AllTrails and The George and Dragon
Waymarked trails with options for a shorter (1.28km) or slightly longer (2.28km) loop or just explore! You can get down to the creek itself and walk along if you choose, see if you can find the fun benches for a photo opp! You can also do ParkRun here, did you know you can ParkRun with your dog?!
Cafes and Pubs The Milton Creek Country Park Car Park is right next to a Greggs Drive Thru which has outdoor sheltered seating and doggy drinking bowls or you can ask for water inside.
Parking Milton Creek Country Park Car Park Saffron Way, Sittingbourne ME10 2EX note height restriction
Credit The Dog Advisor Kent
Start at dog-friendly Bredgar Farm Shop which has a handy sign with walks just by the postbox so take a look and explore! Have fun!
Cafes and Pubs Dog-friendly Bredgar Farm Shop and Tea Room The Street, Bredgar, Sittingbourne ME9 8EX - tea room open 9.30am - 3pm Monday to Saturday 9.30am - 2.30pm Sundays as at 22-12-2024
Parking Dog-friendly Bredgar Farm Shop has parking The Street, Bredgar, Sittingbourne ME9 8EX
Credit Angela Hutchings and Bree
Venture on a picturesque walk over Newnham Valley by walking along The Street towards Doddington, taking a right up through Doddington Place and into Sharsted Woods behind, and back down Sharsted Hill to the pub, utilising the field behind the pub to take in stunning views on your way back down the hill. Enjoy the dog-friendly pub with your dog before or after your loop.
Cafes and Pubs The George Inn Newnham is dog-friendly in the bar and also has outdoor seating. Currently doing brunch Saturday mornings (as at 21/12/24)
Parking The George Inn Newnham is dog-friendly and has parking - 44 The Street Newnham ME9 0LL
Blean Woods ancient woodland is a huge area with lots of waymarked trails, the Big Blean Walk being a 25 mile circular walk so not for the faint-hearted! Have fun exploring! You might find the Explore Kent Blean Woods information page useful which includes a map.
Cafes and Pubs Arby's Cafe Mobile Coffee Shop is outside of Blean Woods at Brook Farm on Denstroude Lane CT2 9JZ normally serving food & drinks Wed/11-2/Fri8-4/Sat8-4/Sun9-4 note Christmas 2024 opening hours 24th December 8am-2pm closed Christmas Day Thursday 26th December 8am-2pm Friday 27th December 8am-2pm Saturday 28th December 9am-4pm Sunday 29th December 9am-4pm - The Royal Oak Blean Common CT2 9JJ is dog-friendly too
Parking Denstroude Lane Blean CT2 9JZ
From Oare Road near Cafe by the Creek, you can walk the footpath all the way to the Oare nature reserve or if you walk up the road from dog-friendly Cafe on the Creek there is another footpath that opens up to the creek on the other side, where you will find the Shipwrights Arms too. Or start from the Shipwrights Arms which is on the Saxon Shore Way. Check out this handy Visit Swale The Two Creeks pdf which includes a handy map of the larger loop. Good luck!
Cafes and Pubs The Three Mariners is dog-friendly with a great beer garden, Cafe by the Creek is dog-friendly open every day October to April 10am-3pm April to October 10am-4pm correct as at 21-12-2024, The Shipwrights Arms also dog-friendly and both encourage walkers so why not pop in and get their advice on walks if they're open we're sure they'd love to help
Parking You can start your walk at dog-friendly The Shipwrights Arms Hollow Shore, Faversham ME13 7TU who have parking for customers only or dog-friendly The Three Mariners which has a car park. At the Shipwright you can park and pre-order food for your return! O(a)r(e) park along the road near dog-friendly Cafe by the Creek Oare Road The Boatyard, Faversham ME13 7UA - parking at dog-friendly Cafe by the Creek is reserved for customers for the duration of their cafe visit understandably.
Acres of space to explore at Shorne Woods Country Park DA12 3HX with visitor centre and good signage or you can check out the kent.gov leaflet to have a look before you go. Enjoy!
Cafes and Pubs The Shorne cafe does not allow dogs inside but has lots of outdoor seating space or you can grab a takeaway hot drink for your walk. There is also a dog friendly cafe in Shorne village No 1
Parking As at 20/12/24 parking £3 weekdays £4 weekends closes at dusk. Height restriction 2m
Credit Ursula and Rolo
Dog-friendly beach Kingsgate Bay is sandy and unrestricted for dogs all year round. Access is only available via a set of steep steps. The bay was renamed after King Charles I was forced to land here due to a bad storm.
Cafes and Pubs Outside seating for dogs at the Captain Digby Whiteness Road, Broadstairs CT10 3QH
Parking Park at Joss Bay and walk to Kingsgate Bay or park at Captain Digby pub for £10 do check though!
Hucking Estate is in the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty - there are several entrances into the estate from public footpaths but the clearest way if you don't know the estate is from the Church Road Woodland Trust Car Park where you can choose a trail. The Landscape Trail is the one we did which is around 2.5 miles and has a beautiful viewpoint over the Weald of Kent.
From the Hook and Hatchett website - pick up a leaflet from the Hook and Hatchett and follow the blue waymarked trail for a 30 minute circular walk (1.1 mile), or take your time and wander a bit further - there's 573 acres (282 hectares) to explore!
To access the Estate continue walking up hill past the Inn to the field entrance on your left. There are often sheep grazing in this field so please keep your dogs under control.
Click here for more detailed instructions on the Landscape Trail guide here
Cafes and Pubs The Hook and Hatchett Inn is dog-friendly and also caters for horses! If you do park at the Woodland Trust car park it's just a short hop after your walk or you can park at the Hook and Hatchett.
Parking Free parking at the Church Road Hucking Maidstone ME17 1QT car park, note height restriction or park at dog-friendly Hook and Hatchett Inn Church Road ME17 1QT but do pop in before or after your walk
Credit The Dog Advisor Kent
Dog-friendly beach Seasalter is unrestricted all year round so your dog can enjoy a leg stretch and a swim! There's also green space and parking next to the beach. Thank you to Tina Alexander and Kent Views for this stunning image!
Cafes and Pubs The Oyster Pearl Pub and Restaurant at 185 Faversham Rd, Seasalter CT5 4BJ is dog-friendly
Parking There is parking along Faversham Road, Seasalter CT5 4BW (just to the right of Seasalter Sailing Club), charges apply 10.00am - 4.00pm April to September.
Beach in front of Neptunes Cafe dog-friendly all year round, enjoy some beach fun, also green space over the coast road. Watch out for mud flats at low tide check out our handy tide widget!
Cafes and Pubs The Neptune Beach Cafe has outdoor seating with a dog-friendly bus for inclement weather! Check their Facebook page for opening times as often weather dependent
Parking Neptune's Beach Cafe ME12 4RH is on google maps, large car park right there. Free as at 20/12/2024 do check!
Iwade has its own Nature Park with proper paths, mown paths and wild sections you can explore and behind the obvious park there is a path to ponds and an enclosed orchard. Click here for more detailed instructions or have fun exploring! With your back to the playpark look top right to find the path to the ponds and gated orchard behind. Gated orchard immediately on your left when you go up this path (not fully secure and deep undergrowth for cheeky dogs!) then ponds on the right a little bit further up. Enjoy!
Cafes and Pubs The Mews Brewhouse is very dog-friendly open every day except Mondays. The Woolpack Iwade opposite All Saints Church Iwade is also dog-friendly in the bar and has an outside area.
Parking If you use dog-friendly The Woolpack ME9 8SH then there is parking or if you use dog-friendly The Mews Brewhouse ME9 8UW then there is parking otherwise there are a couple of layby spaces next to Woodpecker Drive playground ME9 8ST
Credit The Dog Advisor Kent
From the car park go back down to the church, then up to Bearsted Woodland Trust (well signposted) through the trees and down and over a little wooden bridge, follow the path up, all the way round the big field, you'll see a wooden horse, back down the hill over the wooden bridge and explore! Have fun!
Cafes and Pubs The Petite Retreate Vintage Coffee van with hot and cold drinks and food or take a walk to The Oak on the Green Bearsted which is dog-friendly and has outside seating too
Parking Bearsted Woodland Trust parking Church Lane ME14 4EEon google maps, free as at 21/12/2024 behind Bearsted Church
The St Mary's Island loop includes some on lead, off lead, options for coffee and some beautiful views of Upnor. Enclosed dog park en route. Thank you to Little Paws Dog-Friendly Candles for the detailed walk instructions to guide you
Cafes and Pubs Various options including Cafe Bueno Coffee Van ME4 3ER next to Maritime Way by the water, Ship and Trades has outdoor seating and Starbucks allows dogs.
Parking
Dog-friendly beach Reculver near Whitstable is unrestricted all year round. Part of the Herne Bay Coastal Park there is good walking on and off beach. Thank you to The Pawfect Pad West Malling for the detailed walk instructions to guide you.
Cafes and Pubs The King Ethelbert Inn Reculver CT6 6SU is dog-friendly for dry, well-behaved dogs so take a towel on your walk if you have a sea dog!
Parking Reasonably priced parking at Ocean View Car Park 50 Reculver Drive, Reculver CT6 6QF
Dog-friendly beach Sandwich Bay is largely unrestricted (apart from nature reserve and golf course dunes path need to be on a lead) and accessible via a toll road. Walk info courtesy of Linnets Dog Walks Sandwich and photo credit Stacy founder of Pawfest pictured on her horse with cockapoo Hugo.
Cafes and Pubs There are no cafes and pubs at Sandwich Bay but Sandwich itself (which is not on the seafront) is super dog friendly so worth a short drive for dog-friendly refreshments pre or post beach - check out our DOG FRIENDLY CAFES PUBS KENT map
Parking Sandwich Bay is a private estate with 2 entry points, from Deal and Sandwich. Admission charges apply but then you can park freely (not overnight). The cost is £10 per day for a car or a van and £16 per day for a campervan, caravan or motorhome. Payment can be made from the Tollhouses. If the Tollhouses are unmanned, payment can be made online within 24 hours of entering the estate. You could park at Sandwich Quay and walk however google maps shows it at around 2 miles and we do not have information on this route. Check out the Sandwich Bay Estate website for current charges.
Credit Stacy founder of Pawfest
Dog-friendly beach Whitstable beach is unrestricted for dogs all year round. From the harbour head along the boardwalk towards the Old Neptune pub on the beach - past the Old Neptune the beach is quieter if you want more space for your dog. We like to loop back along the High Street for a mooch and a coffee. Check out our WAGGY WHITSTABLE blog for more detailed inspo!
Cafes and Pubs Lots of dog-friendly options in Whitstable including South Quay Shed and the Picnic Box CT5 1AB Cafe Nero and Costa and various coffee shops on the High Street, Amadea a Croatian Bar Oxford Street CT5 1DB - The Old Neptune pub on the beach is dog-friendly too and also has outdoor tables.
Parking Gorrell Tank Car Park opposite the harbour is nice and big although not cheap!
Credit The Dog Advisor Kent
On the East Sussex coast but a stone's throw from the Kent border and too good to leave out, thank you to Sophie at Leashes and Love West Malling for the image and info. Leashes and Love offer adventure days (including beach days!), licensed day care and walks. Sophie at Leashes and Love recommends parking at Western Car Park where there's a cafe and toilets, at time of writing £8 for 3 hours. To the right of the car park is unrestricted for dogs all year round. Enjoy!
Cafes and Pubs Cafe and Toilets
Parking You can park in the Western Car Park
Dog-friendly beach Dungeness is unrestricted for dogs all year round, shingle beach and you can park in the Dungeness Nature Reserve Car Park. Look out for the lighthouses, Prospect Cottage and the nuclear power station. Thank you to Liane at 5* licensed dog boarder West Malling - The Pawfect Pad for this image from a recent beach day. And did you know the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch railway is dog-friendly? Hop on at Dungeness have fun!
Cafes and Pubs The Britannia Inn Dungeness Road, Dungeness, Romney Marsh TN29 9ND is dog-friendly
Parking Dog-friendly Britannia Inn has free parking Lydd Beach Boardwalk, Romney Marsh TN29 9ND or you can park in the Dungeness Nature Reserve Car Park