Why leave your pup at home when you can bring them along for adventures in the Garden of England? Kent's attractions are rolling out the welcome mat for our four-legged pals, making family outings a breeze! From exploring exquisite gardens to embarking on countryside walks with your furry co-pilot, or even paddling down the river in a canoe alongside your canine companion, there's no shortage of exciting, tail-wagging fun to be had on dog-friendly days out in Kent!
For those days when you want to take to the trails, check out our dog-friendly walks and don't forget to share your adventures with us on Twitter and Instagram.
Canterbury Cathedral
Time for some paw-fect news...Canterbury Cathedral is now dog friendly! All our four-legged friends can now join us on lead, for those scenic walks through the grounds and are welcomed inside the Cathedral too. Only assistance dogs are permitted at services. Come along and give your pup a day out that they'll never forget!
Riverhill Himalayan Gardens
At Riverhill, well-behaved dogs on leads are always greeted with a warm welcome! With dog water bowls provided by the Ticket Office and treats for those who have been extra good. You can collect dog bags at the Ticket Office in case you forget to bring any with you on your walk. Riverhill has a stunning country garden with plenty of space for leisurely walks with your furry companion. The Cafe features a spacious outdoor terrace where you can enjoy a coffee after your stroll, all while keeping your four-legged friend by your side.
Penshurst Place
Is there any greater joy after a lengthy stroll with your dog than unwinding with a cup of coffee and a snack, while enjoying the company of your beloved furry companion? At Penshurst Place, both The Gift Shop and Porcupine Pantry Café extend a warm welcome to well-behaved dogs indoors, ensuring they can unwind alongside you. Look out for tables marked with blue pawprints, that allow all visitors a comfortable dining experience.
Castle Farm
At Castle Farm, dogs on leads are welcomed year-round, and during the popular Lavender season, they are also invited to join their owners at the Lavender Field Walks events. From late June to late July, the lavender rows at Castle Farm bloom in vibrant purple hues, providing a picturesque setting for leisurely strolls and photo opportunities with furry companions in the Walks Field. Pre-booking your tickets is advised as these events are often in high demand!
Tonbridge Castle
Explore 950 years of history at Tonbridge Castle with your waggy-tailed friend leading the way through the castle and grounds. Well-behaved dogs are welcome in all areas of the grounds. Treat the whole family to a day out at Tonbridge Castle and pop into the gift shop to pick up a free dog treat.
Curious Brewery
A pint with your pooch. Honestly, if you ask us, it's what dreams are made of. Head to the restaurant at Curious Brewery in Ashford and you and your pup will be welcomed with beer freshly brewed on-site and a menu that pairs perfectly with the Curious Brew, Kentish Pilsner, or even one of their rotating seasonal specials. What's more, true hop heads should prepare for the best view in town, with seats overlooking the Miss Adams Brew House below (you'll have to take a tour to find out the backstory for that one). Once you've supped and dined (we heartily recommend the burgers), your carriage awaits, as you and your four-legged friend are just minutes from Ashford International Station - what could be easier?
Dover Castle
At Dover Castle, dogs on leads can venture behind the battlements for a walk through the grounds of the ancient fortress. Finish off your walk with a drink and water bowl for your partner in crime. Good Journey brings you: 20% off tickets if you travel by bus, bike, or train to the majestic Dover Castle.
Dreamland
We’ve got paw-some news for you… Dreamland Dog Day is BACK on Sunday, 11:00 – 18:00 5th May 2024. FREE TO ENTER, you can bring your furry friends to enjoy a doggy day out at Dreamland.
There’ll be the opportunity to take part in agility courses (priced at £1.50 per pooch), watch a free film on the Scenic Screen and browse an array of gifts and treats from stall holders in the Food Court. Grab your FREE doggy ice cream at Rosco’s Ice Cream from midday, whilst stocks last! Plus, Gary Thatcher will be back in the VIP huts providing Dog Photography sessions, where you can have a professional photograph of you and your furry friend for just £18, plus bf. Tickets are on sale now, so fetch them quickly!
Dog Photography – 11:00 to 17:00 (individual sessions will need to be booked below, and each slot is 5 minutes within a 20-minute window). Photographs will be available to download post-event.
Please note, the entrance for Dreamland Dog Day will be via the Scenic Gate in the Belgrave Road Car Park.
Battle of Britain Memorial
Take your dog up to Dover to the White Cliffs at Capel-le-Ferne to visit the Battle of Britain Memorial dedicated to Churchill’s famous “Few”, who fought in the skies overhead to keep their country free from invasion.
Betteshanger Park
The 250-acres of parkland at Betteshanger Park near Deal are perfect dog walking territory. Bring your dog and the rest of the family for a day out that's bound to encourage smiles and wagging tails.
Hever Castle
Set in impressive 125-acre grounds, Hevers Castle's astonishing gardens are perfect to explore with pooches on leads. Visit each season for new sights and scents in the ever-changing grounds.
Kearsney Parks
Explore the beautiful gardens of Kearsney Parks (Kearsney Abbey and Russell Gardens) situated on the outskirts of Dover. The newly renovated café at Kearsney Abbey, is open all year round with a selection of food and drink available, with vast open spaces to wander with your pup this is a wonderful place to visit.
Tunbridge Wells, Rusthall Common and Dunorlan Park
Both parks offer excellent spots for a walk with your best friend and, with the added bonus of being within walking distance of Royal Tunbridge Wells, you can round off your stroll with a coffee and a treat in the town centre.
Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest
While your dog may not quite appreciate that this impressive setting is the finest collections of conifers in the world, they are bound to enjoy the chance to run through the woods along forest trails.
Deal Pier
Take a stroll along the pier after a long coastal walk with your canine and recharge at the award-winning kitchen on Deal Pier. Home of the building at the end of the pier which opened in 2009, Deal Pier Kitchen offers locally sourced food and drink with a gorgeous view of Deal’s seafront with views looking out over the ocean.
Belmont House and Gardens
Pups are welcome on leads in the gardens of this neo-classical house near Faversham. Wander the walled garden and explore the woods and pinetum.
Canoe Wild
Bring your dog along on the adventure on a canoe trail fit for a canine. Small to medium dogs are welcome aboard Canoe Wild boats, with fresh water and treats available after a paddle with your pooch.
Spa Valley Railway
If you're travelling through the High Weald, step back in time for a journey aboard the Spa Valley Railway. Bring along your pooch for the day and they too can enjoy the glorious Wealden countryside and it won't cost them a penny.
Ashford Designer Outlet
Yes, really...you can go shopping with your pup! While you shop over 90 paw-some designer brands, your pooch will be welcomed along with you, with treats and a special dog fountain seeing to their every need. Better still the infinitely Instagrammable Living Wall offers the perfect backdrop for a pup's photo opportunity...hands up, whose dog has more followers than they could ever hope to have?
Romney Hythe and Dymchurch Railway
Believe it or not, dogs travel for FREE with their owners on miniature trains across Romney Marsh, so there's no excuse to leave them at home. On those hot summer days, dogs will have the chance to cool off with water bowls provided.
Active Ramsgate
Coastal walks and adventures? That sounds like the perfect doggo's day out to us. Active Ramsgate have shared the many, many businesses in that will welcome your four-legged friends, from restaurants and cafes, to seal spotting boat trips! What's more, with their series of paw-fect walks, ranging in distance from short circulars to long distance, your pup will have plenty to set that tail wagging.
Coastal adventures
Reuthe’s
While we don’t always share the same interests as our four-legged friends (chasing squirrels…not really our idea of fun), a visit to a gorgeous garden is something you can both enjoy. Reuthe’s in Sevenoaks is pup-friendly, allowing them to sniff out new paths while you enjoy the tranquil woodland. Once you’ve finished your walkies, grab a drink from the Doggy Hut with man’s best friend.
Walkies...
Gusbourne
Wine paired with time with our furry friend? We're sold. This spring and summer, Gusbourne's perfectly packed picnics come with a bottle of Gusbourne Brut Reserve and a selection of local artisan produce to enjoy at the very top of the Boot Hill Vineyard, surrounded by those sensational views. Better still, once you've tucked into your picnic head for a wander around the vineyard and an outdoor tasting.
Sandwich Medieval Centre
Accompany your dog in a step back through history and discover the heritage at the visitor centre in the medieval town of Sandwich. Watch regular demonstrations of medieval crafts and skills including Blacksmithing and Calligraphy.
To help you plan your visit to White Cliffs Country, see their website for a full list of dog-friendly places.
Bredgar and Wormshill Light Railway Tea Room
Picture it…the rolling countryside, the wind in your ears (well, your dog’s ears anyway) as it’s all aboard the Bredgar and Wormshill Light Railway Tea Room! Discover the age of steam amongst the historic locomotives before settling in for light refreshments before you step aboard your train. Choose from homemade cakes, tea and coffee in the cosy surroundings with the your canine companion.
Goodnestone Park
Steeped in history, a manor at its heart, beautifully manicured gardens...now enough of what you're looking for, because Goodnestone Park welcomes your well-behaved pups for a jaunt in the gardens. Better still, the Old Dairy Cafe is a cosy retreat for homemade cakes, cheese scones and coffee shop favourites.
Best National Trust places for dogs in Kent
The National Trust has worked in partnership with Forthglade to create a pawprint rating system, which shows the facilities for your dog at their places. Kent's Three Pawprints places, which offer the best dog access and facilities, are Chartwell, Scotney Castle and Emmetts Garden:
Chartwell: Dogs are welcome in all outdoor areas at Chartwell, including on a short lead throughout the garden. Dogs are welcome in a dedicated indoor area of the café too.
Scotney Castle: Dogs on leads are very welcome at Scotney. With 780 acres of estate covering woodland and parkland as well gardens, they’ve got plenty of walks to choose from, and dogs are welcome in the tea-room and shops too.
Emmetts Garden: Dogs are welcome in all the outdoor areas at Emmetts Garden including the outdoor café seating area. There are lots of open spaces to tire dogs out, as well as woodland paths and routes to roam.
Kent's beaches
Sand, sea and fresh air - what is there for a dog not to like? The glorious sandy beaches of Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate welcome dogs, with some restrictions in place between 1st May and 30th September. So be sure to take your pooch to the coast to stretch their legs.
Folkestone
We love hopping on the train and heading to Folkestone with our four-legged friend. With sea air to sniff and and incredible artworks along the coast to be found as part of Creative Folkestone Artworks, the UK's largest outdoor exhibition of public art, we reckon it's the paw-fect spot to entertain you and your fur-riend.
The Isle of Thanet
Our friends in the Isle of Thanet are always ready with a coastal doggy day out. From dog friendly beaches and boat trips to the newly opened Crab Museum and Shell Grotto, these ideas are perfect for a relaxed day out the WHOLE family will enjoy.
White Cliffs Country
White Cliffs Country is home to some stunning gardens that also welcome dogs on leads. Visit the Pines Garden at St Margaret’s at Cliffe near Dover and picturesque and peaceful Kearsney Abbey for wonderful outdoor experiences that your happy hound can share. Better still, look out for the new “Dogs Welcome” stickers on display in the windows of businesses across White Cliffs Country, which you’ll begin to notice across the town centres of Dover, Deal and Sandwich over the coming weeks.
Dogs are welcome on Stagecoach buses!
Catch a Stagecoach bus to and from your favourite walking spots, ensuring that you continue to reduce your carbon footprint and help your local environment on the way.
Southeastern
Southeastern allows well-behaved pets on board their trains - check their pet policy before your travel. Take a peek at Kent's walking routes and find your local escape #SElocalescapes.
