The Best Dog Friendly Beaches

One of the great joys of visiting this stretch of the Kent coast is the miles of open beach available for dogs to explore.

• Deal Beach:  Deal’s long pebble shoreline offers plenty of space for seaside strolls with your dog. The beach stretches along the town’s seafront, with beautiful views across the Channel and easy access to cafés and shops. Dogs are welcome along most of the beach throughout the year, making it a favourite spot for morning walks beside the sea.
• Walmer & Kingsdown Beach:  Continuing south along the coast brings you to Walmer and Kingsdown, where the beaches feel quieter and more relaxed.  The coastline here curves gently along the village shoreline, offering plenty of space for dogs to run and explore. Early mornings and evenings are especially peaceful, with the sea stretching endlessly along the horizon.
• St Margaret’s Bay:  Tucked beneath the White Cliffs of Dover, St Margaret’s Bay is one of the most beautiful coastal spots in Kent.  The sheltered bay and surrounding cliff-top paths offer wonderful places to explore with a dog, particularly at low tide when rock pools appear along the shoreline.

The Best Walks with a Dog

If your dog enjoys a good adventure, this part of the Kent coast offers some truly spectacular walking routes.

• St Margaret’s Bay to South Foreland Lighthouse:  One of the most beautiful walks in the area begins at St Margaret’s Bay and climbs gently along the White Cliffs path towards South Foreland Lighthouse.  The route offers incredible sea views, open cliff-top paths and plenty of space for dogs to explore along the way.
• Deal, Walmer & Kingsdown Coastal Walk: For a relaxed and wonderfully scenic walk, follow the coastal path from Deal through Walmer and onwards to Kingsdown. The route is largely flat, making it perfect for a leisurely stroll with your dog. The walk hugs the shoreline with uninterrupted sea views and passes several local landmarks including Walmer Castle and Deal Castle along the way. Once you reach the charming village of Kingsdown, stop at The Zetland Arms, a much-loved beachside pub where dogs are welcome and walkers can pause for refreshments, a drink or a wonderful lunch beside the sea. Afterwards, enjoy the gentle return walk along the coastline back towards Deal, passing beach huts, sea views and plenty of coffee stops along the way.
• Betteshanger Park:  Just a short drive from Deal, Betteshanger Park offers a fantastic setting for dog walks through woodland trails, open countryside and nature paths.  With wide paths and beautiful scenery, it’s a great place to enjoy a longer walk with your dog before returning to the coast.

For Little Legs

Not every pup is in it for the long haul — and that’s perfectly fine.  For dogs with little legs or a love of café stops, a gentle walk along the promenades of Deal and Walmer provides plenty of opportunities for sniffs, sea air and meeting other friendly dogs along the way.  With cafés and coffee spots dotted along the seafront, it’s easy to pause for a warm drink while your dog enjoys the atmosphere beside the sea.

Dog Friendly Stays on the Kent Coast

One of the lovely things about visiting this stretch of the Kent coast with a dog is how welcoming the local businesses are.  In fact, around 99% of cafés, pubs and restaurants across Deal and the surrounding villages are dog friendly, making it easy to explore the area without leaving your four-legged companion behind.

Here are just a few of our favourites.

• The Coastguard — St Margaret’s Bay:  Perched at the edge of St Margaret’s Bay, The Coastguard is a relaxed seaside pub offering beautiful views across the sea.  With cosy log burning fires inside and wonderful sea views outside, it’s the perfect place to stop after a coastal walk. Whether you’re enjoying a traditional roast dinner, light bite or simply a cup of tea overlooking the water, dogs are warmly welcomed.
• The Coach:  Located just outside Deal, The Coach offers a fantastic menu with a relaxed atmosphere and a spacious garden where dogs can happily explore while their owners enjoy a meal.  It’s a popular spot for both locals and visitors looking for excellent food in a welcoming setting.
• Deal Pier Kitchen:  Situated at the end of Deal Pier, this café offers spectacular views across the Channel and a wonderfully relaxed setting.  Dogs are welcome to join you while you enjoy breakfast, lunch or coffee over the sea.
• The Waiting Room: Located in Sandwich, The Waiting Room is a much-loved café known for its excellent brunch menu and welcoming atmosphere for both visitors and their dogs.  It’s the perfect stop for coffee or brunch after exploring the surrounding countryside and coastline.
• The Lane:  Located in Deal’s vibrant high street, The Lane offers relaxed dining and a friendly atmosphere where dogs are welcome to join their owners.

And we just have to share:

• Barkened :  For visiting dogs in need of a treat, Barkened in Deal offers something rather special. This beautiful high-end homeware store also features a carefully curated collection of luxury pet products, making it a wonderful place to pick up something special for your four-legged companion during your stay.

Which location is best for you

For dogs who prefer a warm lap to a lap around the park, Deal and Walmer offer relaxed strolls and welcoming dog-friendly cafés where they can settle in beside you. But for dogs who love long adventures and open space, the nearby villages of Kingsdown, St Margaret’s Bay and Sandwich Bay offer wonderful coastal walks with miles of paths to explore.

And of course, every location along this beautiful stretch of coast offers the chance for a refreshing sea dip.