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dog friendly stays in kent

Dog Friendly Holiday Cottages on the Kent Coast

Because the best holidays include every member of the family

The Kent coast around Deal, Walmer, Kingsdown, Sandwich and St Margaret’s Bay is one of the most genuinely dog friendly stretches of coastline in the South East. Miles of open beach, dramatic clifftop paths, woodland trails at Betteshanger Park, and a local café culture that seems to have collectively decided dogs make everything better. Add in the Zetland Arms in Kingsdown, The Coastguard in St Margaret’s Bay, and Middle Street Coffee in Deal – where dogs get their own bed – and you have a coastline that understands what a proper dog holiday looks like.  Foreland Cottages has a carefully selected collection of properties that welcome dogs across all our areas. Here’s how to find the right one for you and your companion.

Our Dog Friendly Cottages

These cottages welcome dogs and are located close to beaches, coastal walks and dog-friendly cafés

Which Area Suits Your Dog Best?

Not all dogs , or dog holidays,  are the same. Here’s a quick guide to help you choose:

Deal & Walmer:  Best for sociable dogs who love people, café culture and a relaxed seaside pace. Long pebble beaches, the coastal promenade and easy access to dog friendly town life.

Kingsdown:  Best for dogs who want space and quiet. Wide open beach, the coastal path and The Zetland Arms pub right on the shore at the end of a long walk.

Sandwich Bay:  Best for dogs who love wild, open space and a true sense of escape. The private estate offers direct access to dunes, beach and nature reserve with very little traffic and virtually no crowds. For dogs who need room to roam, this is as good as it gets on the Kent coast.

St Margaret’s at Cliffe:  Best for adventurous dogs who love big walks. The clifftop path to South Foreland Lighthouse, the sheltered bay, rock pools at low tide and The Coastguard pub for post-walk recovery.


Explore the Kent Coast With Your Dog

We’ve put together a collection of local guides to help you plan the perfect dog friendly stay:

FAQs

How many dogs can we bring?
This varies by property. Please check the individual cottage listing or contact us directly and we’ll help you find the right fit. We ask that all dogs are well behaved and that owners take responsibility for their pets throughout their stay.

Do the dog friendly cottages have enclosed gardens?
Some of our properties have enclosed or private outdoor spaces.  Please check individual listings or ask us when enquiring. We’re always happy to advise on which property best suits your dog’s needs.

Are dogs allowed on the beach?
Yes.  Dogs are welcome on the beaches year-round. The long pebble shoreline gives plenty of space and early mornings are particularly peaceful.

Are there dog friendly pubs near the cottages?
Absolutely. The Zetland Arms in Kingsdown, The Coastguard in St Margaret’s Bay, The Lighthouse in Walmer, and The Royal in Deal are among our personal favourites – all warmly welcoming to dogs.  Kent is very dog friendly so you will find almost all pubs welcome paws.

Is there a dog charge?
We charge £25 for paws, which pays towards the additional cleaning.  

What should I bring for my dog?
We recommend bringing your dog’s own bed and bowls for their comfort. A large clean blanket for sofas and towels for post-beach drying are always useful on the Kent coast,  the beaches are wonderfully open but the sea does tend to follow your dog home

Do you allow dogs in the beds? 
No. While our cottages welcome dogs, we kindly ask that they are not allowed in beds or on soft furnishings. Guests are welcome to bring large clean double-sized blankets for their pets to sleep on.

Are the towns and villages dog friendly?
Yes. The coastal towns and villages around Deal, Walmer, Kingsdown and St Margaret’s Bay are extremely dog friendly. Around 99% of local cafés, pubs and restaurants welcome dogs, making it easy to explore the area together.

Will my dog enjoy their stay?
Absolutely. With miles of beaches, open coastline and cliff-top paths to explore, dogs have plenty of space to run, play and enjoy the sea air.

Can you recommend local pet shops and vets?
Yes. There are several excellent pet shops and veterinary practices close to our cottages. Please don’t hesitate to ask us for recommendations during your stay.

Will I know this is a dog-friendly cottage?
Apart from a small dog welcome pack, you wouldn’t know at all. We ensure our pet friendly cottages are just as beautifully maintained as our non-pet properties, and every home is carefully prepared for each guest.

dog friendly stays in kent
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