Kent’s beaches are still some of the most visited places in the county in summer or winter, and are perfect for either that bracing winter walk, or wander in the sunshine in those warmer months! One of the pros of a winter beach trip is that dogs are now allowed on most Kent beaches (wahoo!). It’s unlikely your pooch will appreciate a beautiful sunset, or whip out their phone to grab a shot of the stones up close, but they’ll definitely like the wide variety of beaches they can now run, walk and potentially swim at. To help filter out some of the best, we’ve pulled together this list...
Whitstable
Grab those leads and head on up to Whitstable, where you and your pup can enjoy a walk year-round – now that’s what we like to hear. The seafront offers picture perfect moments, with west-facing views filling evenings with sunsets to remember, and the rocky beaches meaning no pesky sand in the shoes! Feeling peckish? Head along the coast to the East Quay, where you’ll find The Lobster Shack, with its mouth-watering range of both hot and cold seafood to be enjoyed in the sunny outdoors or sheltered indoors from the cold during those winter months.
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Reculver
Another spot with no restrictions at any time of year is Reculver, home to the iconic Reculver Towers and Roman Fort that mark the skyline. With shallow waters fit for a paddle, enjoy a walk along the quiet seafront, taking in the beautiful views with your pup by your side. Right nearby, you’ll find a popular path with walkers and cyclists, that will take you to Reculver Country Park – even more adventures await!
Sheppey Beach
With miles of beautiful beach lining the Isle of Sheppey, we’re here to bring the good news that a lot of it is dog friendly! Apart from three seasonal bathing beaches, you and your pup can roam the beaches of Sheerness, Minster Leas, and Leysdown on Sea to your heart’s content. Pack a picnic, grab the camera, and we’ll see you there for an exciting day out in Kent.
Minnis Bay
If you’re looking for a day out and about walking along the coast, look no further than Minnis Bay in Birchington. With a long stretch of beach and headland, you can get that much-needed outdoors time as you walk the coastline with your canine. And for some delightful dining options after your walk, head over to the Minnis Bay Bar & Brasserie, with ample outdoors seating offering the perfect lookout over the sea as you eat.
West Bay to Margate
They say good things come to those who wait, and in the case of the walk from West Bay Beach to Margate, it’s most certainly true. When the tide is out, you can enjoy an uninterrupted walk from one to the other, starting at the sandy beach of West Bay and ending up in the colourful, vibrant town of Margate. Once you’ve reached the end of your walk, a stop off at dog-friendly (and vegan friendly!) Margate Coffee Shed is a must.
Ramsgate to Broadstairs
Begin your next day out along the Kent seaside at Ramsgate Harbour, where you and your pooch will head off along the coast to pass through iconic sites, stunning natural landscape, and towns bursting with life, finishing at the beautiful Broadstairs. Walk past stunning chalk cliffs and sandy beaches, looking out over the sea to those awe-inspiring skies, taking a moment to relax away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Image: Josh Carter
Walpole Bay
With a striking low tide rock display, the beach at Walpole Bay is the ideal place to discover some of the sea's little secrets. Quite often one of the quieter beaches in the area, Walpole is open to dogs all year, however they must be kept on a lead between 10am and 6pm from 1st May to 30th September. There’s also the tidal pool if your pooch, or you, wishes to have a chilly dip (although it may be slightly warmer than the sea that feeds it!).
Joss Bay
A beautiful sandy paradise reminiscent of Portugal’s Lagos coast, Joss Bay is one of Kent’s most popular sunshine and surf beach spots. Through the summer, it is a firm favourite whenever the sun comes out, but from 1st October to 30th April, the beach is open for dogs wishing to run in the sand, explore some cliffs at low tide and, if you’ve got a skilled pooch, take to some winter waves.
Hythe Beach
One of the flattest and most wide-reaching beaches, Hythe is a serene place that is perfect any time of the year. With flat paths along the promenade, you can cycle with your pup by your side, or simply take a wander on the pebbles and let them swim out a little. There’s a good amount of parking, plus with Hythe nearby you’re sure to find somewhere to warm up after your winter wander! If you’re tempted, the beach allows dogs from the 1st October to the 30th April inclusive.
Image: (c) Dover District Council
Deal
Quaint streets await visitors in Deal, with nook-like streets that lead to the stretching promenade that reaches for as far as the eye can see towards Dover in the south and Sandwich to the north. Pebbles form this beach, which is perfect for sunrise walks as it faces due east and from 1st October to 30th April, you’re able to bring your dog along! If you stick near the town, you’ll even be able to take your four-legged pal into a bit of warmth as the pier now has a newly opened dog friendly café on the end too.
Image: @sussex_safari on Instagram
Tankerton
One of Kent’s most picturesque beaches, with its string of colourful beach huts adorning the sea wall, Tankerton Beach is near Whitstable but receives fewer visitors so is often a popular choice for local dog walkers wishing to stretch their legs. Open to dogs from 1st October to 30th April, Tankerton has a unique spit of land, known as ‘The Street’, that appears at low tide, meaning you walk on shingle right out to sea like you are walking on a pier!
