One of the dog's favourite things to do is go to the beach. He loves running along the sand and paddling in the water. Fortunately for him, my family lives right on the coast. Whenever we stay with them, he gets to enjoy a trip to the beach—we've even discovered some favourites.
I've shared a complete dog-friendly guide to Kent covering everything you need to know about visiting with your companion. Thanet is only a short train journey from London. But it's well worth the visiting even if you live further afield, like we do. My dog-friendly travel guides will help you find even more adventures with your companion.
I'm sharing my favourite dog-friendly beaches in South-East England. The ones we return to again and again. Keep scrolling to find a complete list of all the dog-friendly beaches in Kent with no restrictions.
Dumpton Gap
If you want a lively beach that doesn't get overly crowded, Dumpton Gap is the ideal spot for a seaside stroll. It tends to be much quieter than the central beaches of the nearby towns, even at the height of Summer. During low tide, you can walk from Ramsgate to Broadstairs by following the chalk cliffs in either direction. The walk takes around half an hour. If you don't fancy getting your feet wet, there's a wide promenade that follows the coast to Louisa Bay. During Summer, the cafe and toilets are open and there are beach huts available to rent.
Dungeness
Once referred to as "Britain's only desert," Dungeness has a remarkable landscape with the largest expanse of shingle in Europe. It spans Dungeness Nuclear Power Station, the hamlet of Dungeness, and an ecological site. The flooded gravel pits and shingle beach are home to a variety of wildlife and over 600 types of plant. Dog's are welcome to explore the beaches, and even get to ride on the Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway for free. See photographs of Dungeness from my last trip.
Kingsgate Bay
This secluded sandy cove is flanked by hugh white chalk cliff. It has some of the best sea caves in the country, with plenty of coves to explore. Although popular, there are no facilities here, meaning it's usually much quieter than the neighbouring beaches of Joss Bay and Botany Bay. At high tide the sand is exposed, providing a calm and secluded beach. But at full tide the beach does get cut off at both ends.
Palm Bay
This sandy beach is close to Margate's town centre so it does get rather busy during peak holiday season. It's a popular spot for jet-skis and dog walkers as well as sun bathers and swimmers. Large parts of the beach can get covered in seaweed. Just keep walking and you'll discover a clear beach further along with rockpools and a promade to enjoy.
Reculver Beach
Overlooked by the remains of a 12th century church, Reculver Beach is a quiet stretch of shingle. Home to interesting flora and fauna, thousands of migratory birds gather here on their Winter journey to the Arctic Circle. In Summer, you can spot sand martins nesting in the cliffs. It's a picturesque spot with closeby coastal paths and circular walks at Recluver Country Park. While the ruins get busy, the beach is quiet. There's also a large expanse of grass, ideal for picnics.
Samphire Hoe
Situated 2 miles west of Dover, Samphire Hoe is a 30-hectare nature reserve created by using 4.9 million cubic metres of chalk marl from the Channel Tunnel excavations. There is a circular walk that takes approximately 40 minutes to complete. Head down onto the sandy beach to explore the rock pools and rubble with your companion. There is a seasonal tea kiosk with accessible facilities, cheap parking, and wheelchair-friendly routes.
Kent's Dog-Friendly Beaches With No Restrictions
- Abbot's Cliff
- Dumpton Gap
- Dungeness
- Fulsam Rock Margate
- West Hampton Pier
- Isle of Grain
- Kingsgate Bay
- Lydden Spout
- Palm Bay
- Reculver Beach
- Samphire Hoe
- Sandwich Bay
- Shakespeare Beach
- Shellness
- Walmer
- Westbrook Bay Margate
- Whitstable Beach
