11 Best Dog-Friendly Beaches in Kent [2023]
Thinking of visiting dog-friendly beaches in Kent? We got you.
The beach is my dogs favourite walkie destination. Whenever the word ‘beach’ is mentioned his ears perk up and his tail immediately starts wagging. He loves running along the sand, paddling in the water and of course making friends with his fellow furry friends. Fortunately for him, I have family who lives in Kent, so we’ve been lucky enough to explore many of the county’s gorgeous beaches.
Kent is a beautiful county in South East England that is known for its stunning coastlines, picturesque beaches and nature reserves. The county boasts some of the best dog-friendly beaches in the country, each with its own unique characteristics and attractions. Whether you’re looking for a remote and quiet beach away from the hustle and bustle, or a busier beach with a busy town to explore, Kent has them all. So if you’re looking for a seaside escape, Kent is an ideal destination for pet owners who want to enjoy the sun, sand, and sea with their furry friends.
In this article, we will highlight some of the best dog-friendly beaches in Kent and help you choose the best one for you.
What are the best dog-friendly beaches in Kent?
1. Botany Bay, near Margate.
Botany Bay is my personal favourite dog-friendly beach in Kent. Unlike some of the other beaches in Kent, Botany Bay has a long stretch of soft, golden sand. It is one of the most picturesque beaches, backed by towering cliffs, made up of layers of different-coloured rock. At low tide, you can explore the fascinating rock formations and caves along the shoreline. The beach is part of the Viking Coastal Trail, a 27-mile walking and cycling route that runs along the coast of Kent. The trail offers stunning views of the coastline and is a great way to explore the area.
Despite being one of the most picturesque beaches, it’s one of the quieter beaches. The beach is quite secluded, making it an ideal destination for pet owners who want to let their dogs run and play freely. There are several amenities at Botany Bay, including toilets, showers, and a seasonal beach café. There is also a large car park nearby.
There is a dog ban in place from 1st May until 30th September, meaning dogs are not permitted between 10am to 6pm. However, I have let my dog off lead all year round and have personally never ran into any trouble. Just be sure to keep your dog under control and away from any barbecues or picnics.
Beach type: sand
Toilets: yes
Parking: yes
Food: yes (seasonal)
Vibe: on the quieter side
Dog restrictions: dogs on leads from 1st May until 30th September
2. Kingsgate Bay, Broadstairs.
Located just a short two-mile drive north from Broadstairs, Kingsgate Bay is popular among dog owners who are looking for a quieter seaside experience. While families with younger kids may be tempted to stay closer to Viking Bay or one of the other beaches that feature lifeguards, dog owners tend to like the fact there’s fewer people around.
But what it lacks in amenities, Kingsgate Bay Beach more than makes up for when it comes to providing picturesque views of the stunning coastline. Sheltered by high cliffs and reachable only by a set of steep steps set in the cliff face, it boasts a sandy, pebble-free beach that’s sheltered from sea breezes or rough seas.
Kingsgate Bay is one of the most popular dog-friendly beaches in Kent as it welcomes dogs all year-round.
Beach type: sand
Toilets: yes
Parking: yes
Food: yes (seasonal)
Vibe: on the quieter side
Dog restrictions: none
3. The Warren, Folkestone.
The Warren is a pleasant sandy beach, that is popular for its rock pools, like many of the dog-friendly beaches in Kent. The beach is also quite popular amongst fossil hunters as over the years some interesting specimens have been found here!
The beach backs onto an area known as The Warren Country Park, a beautiful nature reserve where dogs are allowed to run freely. The Country Park is home to a wide variety of rare animal and plant life.
There are toilets close by, however the nearest food outlets are 1 mile away in Folkestone, so it’s a good idea to bring some snacks or a picnic!
There is a dog ban in place from 1st May until 30th September, which bans dogs from visiting from 10am – 6pm. However, I personally find that it isn’t very well policed and many owners still bring their dogs to visit the beach. Just be sure to keep an eye on your dog to avoid any trouble.
Beach type: sand
Toilets: yes
Parking: yes
Food: no
Vibe: on the quieter side
Dog restrictions: dogs on leads from 1st May until 30th September
4. Samphire Hoe, near Dover.
With the beautiful background of the famous White Cliffs of Dover, Samphire Hoe is one of the most stunning a dog-friendly beaches in Kent. Located 2 miles west of Dover, it is a 30-hectare nature reserve created from 4.9 million cubic metres of excess chalk from the Channel Tunnel excavations. There is a stunning circular walk that takes approximately 40 minutes to complete. Down on the beach, there’s plenty of rock pools and rubble for you and your dog to explore. There is a lovely little tea kiosk with accessible facilities, parking, and wheelchair-friendly routes.
Due to the rocky terrain on the beach, Samphire Hoe is not the most ideal beach for swimming, but it’s a great spot for rock pooling, walking, cycling, fishing off the seawall (a daily licence is required), as well as bird watching. While the beach is very dog friendly, there is an on-lead policy.
Beach type: sand
Toilets: yes
Parking: yes
Food: yes (seasonal)
Vibe: on the quieter side
Dog restrictions: dogs on leads
5.Viking Bay, Broadstairs.
Viking Bay is located in Broadstairs and is a popular dog-friendly beach in Kent. It’s a little busier than some of the other beaches listed, but if you’re looking for somewhere to spend the day, Viking Bay is perfect as there are several amenities, including toilets, showers, and a seasonal lifeguard station. There are also several restaurants, cafes, and ice cream shops close by in Broadstairs town, as well as a children’s play area.
Viking Bay is a popular venue for events and festivals, particularly during the summer months. The annual Broadstairs Folk Week is held in August and attracts musicians and dancers from all over the world.
The beach is dog-friendly all year round, but owners are reminded to keep them under control at all times.
Broadstairs train station is a short walk up the road from the beach, so it’s an ideal destination if you don’t drive.
Beach type: sand
Toilets: yes
Parking: yes
Food: yes
Vibe: on the busier side
Dog restrictions: keep dogs under control
6. Joss Bay, Broadstairs.
Joss Bay is a beautiful sandy beach sheltered by steep chalk cliffs and backing on to the North Foreland golf course. Joss Bay is backed by tall cliffs, which offer stunning views of the sea. At low tide, you can explore the rock pools and discover all sorts of marine life.
It’s more remote than some beaches, but there are several amenities at Joss Bay, including toilets, showers, and a seasonal beach café. There’s also a lovely dog-friendly clifftop pub called The Captain Digby to stop and have some lunch. There’s also deck-chair hire if you want the full English seaside experience!
The beach is dog-friendly all year round, but owners are reminded to keep their dogs under control at all times.
Beach type: sand
Toilets: yes
Parking: yes
Food: yes (seasonal)
Vibe: on the quieter side
Dog restrictions: none
7. Whitstable Beach, Whitstable.
Whitstable beach is one of the best dog-friendly beaches in Kent. It is a popular destination for day-trippers and holidaymakers, thanks in part to its beautiful pebble beach and charming town. Along the beachfront, there is a wide promenade that runs the length of the town, a great place for you and your pooch to explore. The town is home to plenty of antique shops, independent shops, locally crafted beers and plenty of cafes, restaurants and pubs, where you can stop for a rest or a snack. You may even want to try some of the local famous Oysters, caught right off the shore. Along the promenade, you’ll see dozens of colourful beach huts, which are available to rent by the day or week.
There are no restrictions for your dog, so you can let him run free!
Beach type: pebble
Toilets: yes
Parking: yes
Food: yes
Vibe: on the busier side
Dog restrictions: none
8. Dungeness, near Lydd-on-Sea.
Dungeness Beach is the second largest shingle formation in the world, located on the south coast of Kent. Because of this, it’s better suited for dog-owners who want to explore and hike, as opposed to lounging and swimming.
The Dungeness reserve itself is set back from the sea, boasting mile after mile of open shingle, fresh water pits, wet grassland and stunning wildflower meadows. Here you can enjoy a 12.7-km circular trail near Romney Marsh. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 2 h 39 min to complete. It’s a great trail if you’d like to get away from the crowds and reconnect with nature as it’s an ideal and quiet spot for bird watching. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome on the trail, but must be on a lead.
There are public toilets, a couple of pubs and a cafe at the steam train station, so you can stop to have a bite and a bev.
Beach type: shingles
Toilets: yes
Parking: yes
Food: yes
Vibe: on the quieter side
Dog restrictions: dogs on leads from 1st May until 30th September
9. Dumpton Gap Beach, Ramsgate.
Dumpton Gap is a charming little beach, only about 150m in length but well worth the journey. It is a quiet, peaceful beach that is perfect for a relaxing day out. The lack of crowds and amenities means that you can enjoy the natural beauty of the area without any distractions. The best time to visit is during low tide, when hundreds of rock pools are exposed for you and your dog to explore. There are also some lovely walking routes to Ramsgate town. However, please pay attention to the tides as the beach disappears at high tide!
There are no facilities at Dumpton Gap, so it’s important to bring your own food, water, and other essentials. There is a car park nearby, although it can get busy during peak season. The beach is dog friendly all year round with no restrictions.
Beach type: sand
Toilets: no
Parking: yes
Food: no
Vibe: on the quieter side
Dog restrictions: none
10. Sandwich Bay, Sandwich.
Sandwich Bay occupies a long inlet of the sea, which runs between Ramsgate and Deal. The beach has plenty to discover when the tide is out, a popular spot to fly kites, bird watch and fish. The beach consists of sand flats, salt marshes and sand dunes, a varied terrain that your dog will enjoy exploring. There is also a fantastic walk to the caves that lead to Western Undercliff. A real adventure destination!
Sandwich Bay is surrounded by several golf courses and a private estate, which means it can be a little more complicated to reach than other beaches. The best way to the bay is to drive. The road takes you through a private toll road, but for a visit to one of the most peaceful dog-friendly beaches in Kent, it’s well worth it.
Beach type: sand and shingle
Toilets: yes
Parking: yes
Food: yes
Vibe: on the quieter side
Dog restrictions: none
11. Walmer Beach, Deal.
Walmer Beach is a dog-friendly beaches in Kent ideal for those who want to explore and get away from the crowds. Walmer is a small shingle and pebble beach located in the village of Walmer, just south of Deal. Unlike some of the more popular beaches in the area, Walmer Beach tends to be quieter and less crowded, so it’s a great place to enjoy a peaceful day by the sea. The beach at Walmer is a mix of shingle and pebbles, which can make it a bit uncomfortable for sunbathing. However, the beach is popular with dog walkers and there are plenty of rock pools to explore at low tide.
There is a coastal path that runs along the top of the cliffs overlooking the beach. This is a great place for a dog walk and offers stunning views of the coastline. Although Walmer Beach itself is fairly secluded, there are plenty of amenities nearby in the town of Deal, including restaurants, cafes, and shops.
There are no restrictions on bringing dogs to Walmer beach.
Beach type: shingle and pebble
Toilets: yes
Parking: yes
Food: yes
Vibe: on the quieter side
Dog restrictions: none
Tips for visiting dog-friendly beaches in Kent.
1. Bring plenty of water.
Dogs can easily become dehydrated when playing in the sun and sand, so it’s important to bring plenty of water and a bowl for your dog to drink from. Make sure to offer your dog water frequently to keep them hydrated. Don’t let your dog drink the sea water, as it’s not good for their health.
2. Train recall.
Before letting your dog off the lead, make sure they are good at recall. Unless your dog will respond to your commands, it’s a good idea to keep your dog on a leash. This will help you keep them under control and prevent any accidents or incidents.
3. Watch out for signs of heatstroke.
Dogs can easily overheat in hot weather, especially when playing on the beach. Watch for signs of heatstroke, such as excessive panting, drooling, and lethargy, and take your dog to a shaded area and offer them water if you notice any symptoms. It’s a good idea to find a shaded part of the beach, or bring an umbrella to provide some shade for your dog.
4. Clean up after your dog.
Always bring waste bags with you and clean up after your dog. Not only is it a responsible thing to do, but it also helps keep the beach clean and safe for everyone to enjoy.
5. Bring a towel.
After playing in the water, make sure to dry your dog off with a towel to prevent them from getting chilled or developing skin irritations.
6. Watch out for washed up sea creatures.
There are sadly many sea creatures that get washed up to shore. Keep an eye on your dog to make sure they don’t eat anything they shouldn’t.
How do I get to Kent?
Kent is easily accessible by various modes of transportation. Here are some ways to get to Kent:
- By car: Kent is well-connected to the rest of the country by a network of major roads and highways, including the M25, M2, and M20. If you’re traveling from London, the journey to Kent can take anywhere from 45 minutes to 2 hours depending on traffic and your destination.
- By train: Kent is served by several train operators, including Southeastern, Thameslink, and Eurostar. There are direct trains from London to several destinations in Kent, including Canterbury, Margate, and Dover. The journey time varies depending on your destination, but most journeys take between 45 minutes to 1.5 hours.
- By bus: National Express and other bus operators offer services to various destinations in Kent, including Canterbury, Dover, and Margate. The journey times can vary depending on your destination and traffic conditions.
- By plane: Kent is served by several airports, including London City Airport, Gatwick Airport, and Heathrow Airport. From these airports, you can take a train, bus, or taxi to reach your destination in Kent.
- By ferry: Kent is well-connected to Europe by several ferry services, including Eurotunnel and the Dover to Calais ferry. The Eurotunnel connects Folkestone in Kent with Coquelles in France, and the ferry service operates between Dover and Calais, offering a convenient way to travel to and from the continent.
Overall, Kent is a well-connected county with plenty of options for transportation, making it easy to reach from anywhere in the UK or Europe.
Final Words.
As mentioned, there are heaps of dog-friendly beaches in Kent. Each has their own quirks and atmospheres. So, whether you’re looking for a quiet and secluded beach, or somewhere a bit livelier, there’s a beach for everyone!
Areas such as Botany Bay, Dungeness and Samphire Hoe give you amazing views, meaning you can walk your way around the Kent coastal map enjoying everything from exploring rock pools, bird-watching or watching the local fishing boats come in and out. Some of the best dog-friendly beaches in Kent, such as Sandwich Bay and Botany Bay have plenty of sea caves for you and your dog to explore, too.
Where many of the beaches in Kent have no dog restrictions, some of them do have a dog ban in place from May to September. So, be sure to check the restrictions and keep your dog under control at all times.
Have day tripping!
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