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Few things excite your four-legged friends better than a visit to the beach. Unfortunately, not all beaches welcome dogs and other pets. If you’re in or around Kent, you’re in luck, as this southeastern county is home to a number of dog-welcoming, picturesque beaches. Join us in this blog post as we explore the best dog-friendly beaches in Kent. With options ranging from sandy shores to pebbly watersides, there’s no excuse not to enjoy a day by the sea with your furry companion.
Table Of Contents
Top 7 Dog-Friendly Beaches In Kent
There are quite a few beach options for dog owners living in Kent, so we’ve put together a list of the best seven.
1. Whitstable West Beach
Whitstable is a beautiful beach in Whitstable, a small, vibrant town on the north coast of Kent. This beach runs around a mile from the town’s harbour to a neighbouring village, Seasalter. Dogs are welcome on this beach all year round, so you don’t have to schedule your visit for any particular month or season.
You can stroll along the sea wall, walking past fishing boats with your pet or just find a relaxing spot to enjoy beautiful views of the Thames Estuary. You’ll also like that the whole town of Whitstable is dog-friendly so you can take your dog along to many cafes, pubs and shops.
2. Joss Bay
Next on the list is Joss Bay, a popular surfing beach in Broadstairs. This scenic beach comprises golden sands, surrounded by a field and golf course. It welcomes dogs from October 1st to April 30th, so any visit with your furry friend needs to be planned for this period.
Joss Bay is named after an eighteenth-century smuggler, Joss Snelling.
In addition to it being a dog-friendly beach, you get a range of amenities, from beach cafes and toilets to plenty of car parking and deck-chair hire. What’s more, this sandy beach is a good starting point for coastal walks and bike rides.
3. Dumpton Gap
Ignore the funny name; Dumpton Gap is one of the best dog-friendly beaches in Kent. This 150-metre (490-foot) long bay welcomes dogs all year round and you can access it via a steep slope from Dumpton Gap Road. There’s also free on-street parking on Dumpton Gap Road, so you can leave your vehicle before walking down.
The distance to the parking area is a blessing in disguise because it means you get to enjoy a secluded beach. Despite that, there are still plenty of facilities, including colourful beach huts, cafes and toilets, to ensure maximum comfort while you’re here. If you fancy a walk with your furry pet, a route on this sandy beach connects you to Ramsgate.
4. Dungeness
Some call it ‘weird’; others say it’s ‘unique’, but there is certainly something that makes Dungeness different from other UK habitats. Although it is classified as a desert, this area features a wealth of wildlife and a beautiful beach. This shingle beach welcomes dogs all year round, making it another great location for dog walkers in Kent.
Swimming and watersports are unsafe at Dungeness Beach due to the strong currents.
You can relax by the waterside with your pet or take advantage of the lovely scenery to capture some lovely pictures with your pet. Keep in mind that there are very few facilities in this location due to its remote nature.
5. St. Mary’s Bay
You won’t find many better sandy beaches in Kent than St. Mary’s Bay. This secluded beach with a laid-back vibe is dog-welcoming in most areas all year round. St. Mary’s Bay stretches along the coast between Dymchurch and Littlestone-on-Sea, featuring a good promenade and plenty of space for your pooch to run around.
Dogs are not allowed on the beach from May to September between the Fairway and the Jesson Rock Groyne at the southern end.
In the summer season, a kiosk opens on the promenade, selling drinks and snacks. You’ll also find plenty of attractions around this sandy beach, including Romney Marsh, a wetland that is home to a variety of wildlife.
6. Botany Bay
Botany Bay is famous for its towering white chalk cliffs, so it’s easy to see why it is on most people’s favourite dog-friendly beaches list. This beach welcomes dogs throughout the day, from October to April, but there’s a ban that prevents you from bringing your furry friend from 10 am to 6 pm around the summer months.
Botany Bay is a great location for fossil hunting at low tide. You can also explore the rock pools or enjoy walks with your pet along the coastline. You can approach Botany Bay on foot or by cycling along the Viking Coastal Trail.
7. Kingsgate Bay
Kingsgate Bay is a popular family beach that’s also welcoming to your dog. This beach, which is made up of sand dunes backed by high, white chalk cliffs, is best known for its sea caves. It is only a short walk from Joss Bay, so you can settle for either, depending on your preference.
Keep in mind that parking isn’t very good at this beach, so you may prefer to use the large car park close to Joss Bay. Kingsgate Bay offers a range of facilities, from beach huts and cafes to pubs. Kent attractions like Kingsgate Castle and Captain Digby Public House are also nearby.
If you’re in the Ashford district of Kent for a few days and you’re looking for fun stuff to do, check out the best activities.
Tips For A Great Beach Day With Your Dog
A day at the beach with your furry friend can be an unforgettable experience. If this is your first time at the beach with your dog and you’re not sure where to start, we have some tips for you.
- Bring plenty of fresh water, a collapsable bowl, shade (umbrella or pop-up tent), treats, toys and waste bags to clean up after your dog.
- Apply pet-safe sunscreen to exposed areas, especially for light-coloured or short-haired dogs.
- Watch out for signs of overheating in the summer. These include excessive panting, drooling and lethargy.
- Let your dog interact with other friendly dogs (if they enjoy it).
- Bring along interactive toys or puzzles to keep your dog entertained.
- Remove salt and sand from your dog’s fur to prevent skin irritation.
Extend your visit beyond the shorelines by exploring Rochester’s best attractions.
Beach Activities For Dogs
- Fetch: A beach is the perfect place to play fetch. The wind adds an extra challenge.
- Digging: Let your dog indulge their natural instincts by digging if it’s a sandy beach.
- Ball games: From tennis balls to squeaky toys, there are countless ball games to play.
- Beach walks: Enjoy a stroll along the shoreline, letting your dog explore the sights and smells as you go.
- Swimming: Many dogs love to swim but you must always supervise your pet in the water.
SDVH offers estate car hire, perfect for a trip to the beach with your furry companion. You can also check out our SUV options with spacious interiors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Some Of The Best Dog-Friendly Beaches In Kent?
Some of the best dog-friendly beaches in Kent are Whitstable, Dungeness, Joss Bay, Kingsgate Bay and Dumpton Gap. These include shingles and sandy beaches to cater to different preferences. Also keep in mind that some of these beaches are dog-friendly all year, while others have temporary bans at certain times or seasons.
What Facilities Are Available At Kent's Dog-Friendly Beaches?
Facilities available at Kent’s dog-friendly beaches include public toilets, car parking, cafes, pubs and beach huts. Others have dog showers and lifeguard patrols to ensure safety. The exact facility you’ll find at each beach varies across locations, so it’s best to make enquiries before visiting. Local councils or tourist information centres can provide the most up-to-date information.
What Beaches In Kent Have Beach Huts?
Dumpton Gap, Joss Bay, West Bay and Kingsgate Bay have beach huts. These locations offer visitors and tourists the opportunity to hire huts for a relaxing time at the beach. Note that these huts are highly sought after and available in limited supply, so it’s advisable to book in advance, especially during peak season.
Do I Need To Clean Up After My Dog At The Beach?
Yes, you need to clean up after your dog at the beach. Doing so ensures the beach remains clean and pleasant for other visitors and their pets. Many beaches have designated waste bins for dog waste, but it’s always a good idea to bring your own poop bags just in case.
Does Kent Have A Shingle Beach?
Yes, Kent has a shingle beach. If you’re looking for a dog-friendly shingle beach to visit, your best bet is Dungeness Beach. This beach is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and is part of the headland on Kent coast. Its vast expanse of shingle is unlike any other beach in the UK, earning it the nickname ‘the English desert’. Whitstable is another beach with plenty of shingle.
Conclusion
There you have it. There are plenty of options when it comes to dog-friendly beaches on Kent coast, each one offering a unique experience for you and your furry friend. All you need to do is hire a spacious car and plan your next coastal escape with your furry companion. Just be sure to keep the beach clean and respect other beachgoers so everyone has a wonderful experience.
If a roomy cargo compartment is your main concern when hiring, our estate car hire selection is here to save the day!
