Holly Price
From stone and shingle to glimmering golden sands, there is a huge variety of dog-friendly beaches throughout Kent, despite its gloriously green reputation as the Garden of England. A haven for walkers with its meandering landscapes and coastal paths, it is little wonder that holidaymakers want to bring along their four-legged friends for the adventure. In the guide below, we’ve listed five of the best dog-friendly beaches throughout Kent.
Dog-friendly holiday cottages in Kent
We’re big believers that dogs deserve a holiday too, which is why we offer a range of dog-friendly cottages throughout Kent. Choose between cosy cottages just a stone’s throw from the shoreline to contemporary townhouses and terraces with dog-friendly venues on your doorstep.
Our Favourite Year-Round Dog-Friendly Beaches in Kent
Planning a dog-friendly Kent holiday? Finding the best beach to let your loyal canine companion run wild on can sometimes feel like a minefield of restrictions. The five beaches below are completely dog-friendly all year round, meaning they can enjoy an off-leash explore at any time of the day, during any month of the year.
Kingsgate Bay Beach, Broadstairs
A sheltered, sandy cove backed by the area’s signature chalky cliffs, Kingsgate Bay is a quieter and dog-friendly alternative to the neighbouring Broadstairs beaches of Joss Bay and Botany Bay. Home to sea caves, rockpools and a good stretch of golden sand, this is the perfect choice for a dog-friendly day out. The Captain Digby Pub on the headland offers a perfect post-walkies pit stop – they don’t allow dogs inside, but they do welcome them in the outdoor beer garden area.
The Warren, Folkestone
Popular with fossil hunters and nature enthusiasts, The Warren Beach near Folkestone is backed by a sprawling nature reserve that scrambles up the chalky cliffs beyond. The beach itself is a mix of shingle and sand, with ancient wooden groynes still visible along the shoreline. Dogs are welcome all-year round for off-lead adventures, and if the tide is in you can still enjoy the paths of the nature reserve!
Whitstable West Beach, Whitstable
Just a few miles from Canterbury, Whitstable’s West Beach is a long stretch of dog-friendly shingle with quaint beach huts and views across the the Isle of Sheppey. Just south of Whitstable’s town centre and harbour, the beach has a uniquely west-facing position, which makes it perfect for sunset. We recommend walking to the Old Neptune at golden hour and enjoying a scenic sundowner or two with your furry friend.
Walmer Beach, Deal
A continuation of Deal’s Castle Beach, Walmer is perfect for those looking for dog-friendly beaches in Kent. The main beach, which is the stretch between the pier and the castle, imposes dog restrictions during summer, but this southerly stretch (from the memorial bandstand onwards) is completely dog-friendly all year round. You’ll also be right beside the Sea Cafe on the Green, which offers a variety of food and drink options and is dog-friendly.
Shakespeare Beach, Dover
A popular go-to for fishing and dog walks, Shakespeare Beach is a peaceful and scenic spot said to have inspired the Bard himself. It’s a narrow stretch of shingle at high tide, while low tide exposes a wealth of rockpools and plenty of ball-chasing space. Accessing the beach is not for the faint of heart, with over 100 steps down from the England Coast Path – or you could walk along it from the Dover Harbour end.
Other dog-friendly beaches in Kent
- Sandwich Beach, Ramsgate/Deal: dogs allowed all year round.
- Samphire Hoe, Dover: dogs allowed on leads all year round.
- Westbrook Bay, Margate: dogs allowed on leads all year round.
Which Kent beaches have dog restrictions during summer?
Some of the more popular and busy beaches impose dog restrictions during peak summer season. The following Kent beaches do not allow dogs between the hours of 10am and 6pm from the 1st May to the 30th September inclusive:
- Botany Bay, Broadstairs
- Joss Bay, Broadstairs
- Stone Bay, Broadstairs
- Main Castle Beach, Deal (hours are 9am to 6pm for this one)
- Kingsdown Beach, Dover: Between 1st may and 30th September, dogs are not allowed on the beach from the south-west end of the slipway to Ness Point between 9am and 6pm.
That means you can take your four-legged friend for beach walkies before 10am or after 6pm in the height of summer, or any time you like during January, February, March, April, October, November and December. Some beaches, such as Margate Main Sands, Minnis Bay and Viking Bay do not allow dogs at any time between 1st May and 30th September, so be sure to check ahead if you have a particular beach in mind!
To keep an eye on any updates or to check for yourself, take a look at the dog beach information across the following areas:
