With around 45% of UK households owning a pet in 2018, it’s no surprise that dogs take the top position on the leader board with 26% owning one. And if our calculations serve us correctly, that’s roughly 17.4m pooches! (That’s a whole lot of dog walking). With that in mind, it’s no wonder that more attractions, beaches, and eateries are becoming dog-friendly. After all, they are a part of the family!

When visiting ‘The Garden of England’, there’s no need to leave your four-legged friend at home as there are so many places that openly welcome dogs with responsible owners, so a day out with the whole family is easier than you think! Whether you fancy a traditional English pub lunch, a stroll along the beach, or a day out exploring the local attractions, we’ve got plenty of inspiration for days out in Kent to put a smile on your face and get your dog’s tail wagging.

Dog-friendly Attractions

Photo courtesy of the Romney Hythe and Dymchurch Railway

Romney Hythe and Dymchurch Railway

Park Holidays UK exclusive offer - receive 10% discount on a Romney Rover ticket

It’s not just people that can ride the world-famous Romney Hythe and Dymchurch Railway, dogs can also join and take in those beautiful views too! The line stretches for 13.5 miles starting in Hythe and terminating in Dungeness, with five stations in between. On those hot summer days, dogs can cool off afterwards with water bowls provided.

Closest holiday parks: Marlie (4 mins), New Beach (12 mins), Alberta (58 mins)

Photos courtesy of @canoe.wild

Canoe Wild

Self-proclaimed ‘super dog friendly’ Canoe Wild allow small to medium dogs to experience the fun with you in any craft that you choose. After you’ve paddled the day away, there will be fresh water and treats available for your furry friend, and maybe even a treat for you too!

Closest holiday parks: Seaview (17 mins), Alberta (22 mins), Birchington Vale (23 mins), Marlie (52 mins), New Beach (44 mins) Harts (58 mins)

Canterbury Historic River Tours

Bask in the gruesome history of bygone years with a tour that promises to reveal a chilling side of Canterbury soaked in scary secrets. And if you need a paw to hold, bring your dog on board and soak up the sights of this memorable but grisly historic tour.

Closest holiday parks: Seaview (20 mins), Alberta (23 mins), Birchington Vale (33 mins), Marlie (53 mins), New Beach (45 mins) Harts (55 mins)

Photo courtesy of Danielle at Belmont House & Gardens

Belmont House and Gardens

Responsible dog owners can bring their pup along to explore the gardens, so as long as they’re kept on a lead. Wander the walled gardens and the pinetum at your own leisurely pace, or take part in their Garden Tours hosted by their Head Gardener.

Closest holiday parks: Alberta (21 mins), Seaview (27 mins), Birchington Vale (35 mins), New Beach (44 mins) Marlie (46 mins), Harts (52 mins)

Dover Castle

Dogs are welcome to explore the castle’s grounds and should be kept on a lead at all times. Perfect strolling opportunities on a pleasant sunny afternoon!

Closest holiday parks: New Beach (32 mins) Birchington Vale (35 mins), Alberta (40 mins), Marlie (40 mins), Seaview (47 mins)

Dog-friendly Beaches

Photos courtesy of @walter_the_minidachshund

Dumpton Gap Beach

Quiet and sandy, Dumpton Gap beach is the ideal spot for a bit of rock-pooling during low tide times. Plus, it’s completely dog-friendly, so you and your beloved pet are free to roam the sands together in this secluded bay. (Please make sure to keep your dog on a lead when on the cliffs).

Closest holiday parks: Birchington Vale (20 mins) Seaview (34 mins), Alberta (36 mins)

Photo courtesy of @hectorpickleton

Dungeness Beach

A vast expanse of shingle, two lighthouses, and a nuclear power station make the Dungeness a truly unique habitat. Explore this desolate beach with your four-legged friend, and discover wildlife and plants you’ve never seen before!

Closest holiday parks: Marlie (14 mins), New Beach (23 mins)

Photos courtesy of @oliviabeagley

Whitstable West Beach

Full of colourful beach huts, this is the perfect spot for your holiday Instagram snap! Whitstable beach faces west, meaning it’s also a great place to catch a beautiful sunset. And if you’re feeling a bit parched after a stroll along the shingle with your pooch, stop off at The Old Neptune that’s right on the beach and is also dog-friendly – winner!

Closest holiday parks: Seaview (12 mins), Alberta (12 mins), Birchington Vale (27 mins), Harts (50 mins)

Dog-friendly Pubs and Eateries

The Sportsman

If refreshing drinks, à la carte dining, and dogs are your thing, then The Sportsman is your place! The Sportsman, located in Seasalter, even holds a Michelin star. But fine dining aside, it’s also a great place to bring your dog and enjoy the beautiful coastal views.

Closest holiday parks: Alberta (5 mins), Seaview (16 mins), Birchington Vale (28 mins), Harts (46 mins), New Beach (50 mins)

The Fitzwalter Arms

More commonly known as ‘The Fitz’ they promise fine ales, great food, and 400 years of history. Located in Goodnestone near Canterbury, the pub dates back to 1589 and welcomes dogs to join their owners who will no doubt need a well-earned rest after a long walk.

Closest holiday parks: Birchington Vale (27 mins), Seaview (35 mins), Alberta (40 mins), New Beach (46 mins), Marlie (53 mins)

The Sweet Hut

The Sweet Hut is a mix of a traditional British sweet shop and tea room, located on the promenade at Minster on the Isle of Sheppey. It’s a great little place to stop off for some tea and cake during a walk along the seafront, and a grab a bowl of refreshing water for your dog, too!

Closest holiday parks: Harts (19 mins), Alberta (44 mins), Seaview (50 mins)

The Crispin Inn

A warm welcome awaits you at The Crispin Inn, for both you and your pup. Serving classic pub favourites, you can choose to dine inside by the open fire, or out in the beer garden on those warmer summer days.

Closest holiday parks: Birchington Vale (18 mins), Seaview (30 mins), Alberta (30 mins), New Beach (44 mins), Marlie (50 mins)

Photo courtesy of The Tiger Inn

The Tiger Inn

This traditional country pub is nothing short of atmosphere, tastefully decorated with dry hops around the ceilings and beautiful oil candles on each table. Dogs are welcome in the bar so the whole family can soak up the surroundings and enjoy some delicious homemade food.

Closest holiday parks: New Beach (19 mins), Marlie (27 mins), Alberta (37 mins), Seaview (39 mins), Birchington Vale (49 mins)