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Dog Friendly Days Out in Kent

13 November 2025
Holly Price

Dog Friendly Days Out in Kent

There is nothing quite so rewarding as taking your dog out for the day. Our selfless little sidekicks don’t ask for much, and so by choosing to take your dog somewhere new, you’ll be giving them an enriching, exciting adventure that ensures wagging tails and sweet dreams. When it comes to the Garden of England, there are plenty of places to enjoy with your dog, from expansive beaches with sandy shorelines to quaint country villages with welcoming pubs. 

Kent’s diverse landscape makes it ideal for four-legged explorers, with coastal paths, woodland trails and open countryside all within easy reach. From sunrise beach walks along the shore to relaxed pub lunches after a ramble through the Kent Downs, every outing becomes a shared adventure, one that’s just as memorable for you as it is for them.

Whether you’re just visiting for the day or you’re staying in one of our dog-friendly cottages, here are some ideas for dog-friendly days out in Kent.  

Dog Friendly stays in Kent | Dog Friendly beaches & walks in Kent

A coastal path walk with a pub pit-stop

Location: Deal to Kingsdown 

Perfect for: Coastal path sights, sounds and smells 

A great out-and-back walk for anyone staying in Deal or Kingsdown, a leisurely walk along the England Coast Path is a great dog-friendly thing to do in Kent. While the path does cover most of Kent, this particular stretch is perfect because you can call into the Zetland Arms for a well-earned pitstop at either the turning point or the end of your walk. For a similar experience on the north coast, the stretch between Tankerton and Whitstable can finish in a pub stop at The Old Neptune.    

Want some more ideas for walkies in Kent? Take a look at our top walks in Kent guide – there’s even a list of dog-friendly pubs at the bottom!

Folkestone | Dog Friendly days out in Folkestone, Kent

A full beach day finished with fish & chips

Location: Folkestone 

Perfect for: Long walkies that work up an appetite  

Sea air, smiling faces, and your dog running free on the beach are some of life’s greatest joys. You can combine all three at East Cliff & The Warren Country Park, where a series of historic landslides has created a hilly, diverse area of walking trails that zig-zag along the cliffs. Perhaps best visited at low tide for beach walks, it’s also a great place to go fossil hunting. It’s only a short distance east of Folkestone, which means you can return to the harbour arm for fresh fish & chips afterwards. If you’re visiting between April and September, finding a dog-friendly beach can feel like a chore. Fret not, we’ve listed the year-round dog-friendly beaches in Kent here, along with when the restrictions are in place on some of Kent’s favourite beaches. 

A taste of Kent heritage and a parkland walk 

Location: Hever Castle

Perfect for: A laidback mooch for an older pooch 

For the cultured canine, it would be remiss to pass up on the chance to visit some of Kent’s stunning country homes and castles during your stay. Hever Castle is just one example, where dogs on leads are welcome in the grounds and gardens, but not in the main house itself. For a historical outing where one of you won’t need to wait outside, Canterbury Cathedral allows well-behaved dogs on leads inside, meaning you can take your beloved pooch for a stroll in seriously sacred surroundings. Some tour companies will also allow small to medium-sized dogs on their punting tours, which is a great way to see the city.  Alternatively, Knole House is a glorious National Trust property with acres of rolling parkland to explore – just be aware of the wild deer herd that lives there!   For more doggy days out like this one, take a look at other pet-friendly Kent attractions.

 

A run, a sniff and a scenic tour of the forest

Location: Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest

Perfect for: Tiring out high-energy boys and girls 

Open all year round and streaked with countless trails, Bedgebury is a stunning forest with over 12,000 specimen trees – that’s a lot of sniffs to be sniffed. Also onsite is a cafe, Go Ape and a Gruffalo Trail, keeping everyone in the family entertained!   Some other great dog-friendly places to run wild include Betteshanger Park in Deal, the 780-acre estate at Scotney Castle near Tunbridge Wells and Blean Woods, near Canterbury.    

Dog Friendly days out in Kent

A rainy day option at the shops 

Location: Ashford 

Perfect for: Rainy days or tired old paws

With covered walkways, accessible terrain and plenty of parking, the Ashford Designer Outlet is a perfect rainy day option for a dog-friendly day out in Kent. Most stores are dog-friendly – you can usually tell by a sticker in the shop window, but please ask an assistant if you’re not sure.   While you’re there, don’t forget to visit guest services to get your free dog treat or enjoy a water pit-stop. 

Dog-friendly holiday cottages in Kent

We are big dog people at Keepers Cottages, and we love to see our guests bringing along their four-legged friends – they are a member of the family, after all! Take a look at our complete collection of dog-friendly holiday cottages in Kent to book your next staycation.

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About Holly Price

Holly is a Freelance Copywriter who joined the Keeper's Cottage marketing team in 2025. Passionate about good food, good wine, good books and good beaches, she's keen to highlight the very best spots to explore and enjoy throughout Kent.

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