Ever wanted to explore the Garden of England with your pets? So-called thanks to its Royal Tudor connections, Kent remains an absolutely wonderful county to go adventuring in with dogs. In this guide, we take a look at the absolute best dog-friendly walks in Kent.
Find Good Places to Walk Dogs in Kent
If you’re keen to take your dogs to more than just simple country strolls and bumbles down the odd beach, then you should definitely read our guide on the pet friendly days out in Kent for you to head to. Keep reading for the complete lowdown on dog walking in Kent, and find your own personal favourites, too!
Our Five Best Walks in Kent for Dogs
1. Horton Kirby, Sevenoaks
If the idea of strolling by meadows and rivers for miles and miles appeals to, then you’re definitely going to want to take the dogs to Horton Kirby. There are truly beautiful circular trails down here, taking you around the very best of the Garden of England. It’s a must-walk.
2. The Lower Leas, Folkestone
The Lower Leas is a coastal park that’s pretty much built for a purpose! Backing onto the delightful Kent coastline, this area is well known for its family-friendly attractions, and what’s more, it really does make for the perfect pet-friendly strolling spot. Bright, breezy, colourful and fun – great stuff! There are lots of dog friendly beaches in Kent that allow pets off there leads, and the coastal park is one of them.
3. Oldbury Hill
The walks around Oldbury Hill are amazing on their own without pets, but your dogs are sure to love the gorgeous strolls around the Iron Age fort here. It’s one of several walking spots in the county that will really bring you up close to local, ancient Kent heritage
4. The Charles Dickens Walk, Higham
For dog lovers who also love nothing more than taking a peek at a novel or two, the Charles Dickens Walk is likely to be a fantastic place to take a leisurely stroll. This circular trail in Higham is certainly historic and stretches over six and a half miles.
5. The Meopham Walk
Did you know that Meopham in Kent is something of a record holder? It’s apparently the longest village in all of Europe, meaning that anyone looking for long dog walks will likely find the trails here to be more than worthwhile. The best-known walk is almost five miles long – just one village!
Forest Walks in Kent Your Dog Will Go Barking Mad For
1. Hamstreet Woods, Hamstreet
Hamstreet Woods tends to be a highlight for many dog walkers in the region, and for very good reason. This forest trail will take you through two miles of beautiful fauna, giving you the chance to really get back in touch with nature. Your dog will love it too!
2. Ashdown Forest, Wych Cross
Ashdown Forest is an ancient woodland hotspot for dog walkers and hikers alike, making it a central point of adventure for people from all corners of Kent. There are around 13 different mapped walks for you to enjoy through the forests, with many being really dog-friendly, too.
3. King’s Wood, The Kent Downs
Of course, the Kent Downs present some of the most beautiful walking trails in the wider region – so they have pride of place in this list! The King’s Wood is just one of the park highlights, with clearly marked trails, cycling routes and more besides. It’s great for dogs!
Three of the Best Coastal Dog Walks in Kent
1. Kingsgate Bay, Broadstairs
One of the best-loved beaches in the Thanet area, Kingsgate Bay brings you close to majestic cliffs and quiet beach walks. There are plenty of sea caves for you to explore down here, too, meaning that you and your dog will never be short on stunning natural sights – and sea air!
2. The White Cliffs, Dover
The White Cliffs of Dover remain one of the best-known landmarks in the whole of the UK, and yes – you can walk your dogs around them! Look over the channel and enjoy the breezy cliff-top trails along with the lovely greenery. It’s surprisingly quiet up here despite the area’s fame.
3. Dungeness
Dungeness in general is a popular dog-walking area purely for the fact that it offers a beach walking experience in the region unlike any other. Shingle beaches are a lot of fun to traverse, and you’re also close to other beach zones such as Camber Sands and Broomhill Sands.
Country Park Walks Kent Dogs Love
1. Shorne Woods
Shorne Woods Country Park is probably one of the best-known activity parks in the area, offering cycling trails, lots of running tracks and – naturally – plenty of space for you to walk dogs and to let them enjoy the wide-open greens. There are more than 290 acres to enjoy.
2. The Harvel Hike
Fancy taking a trip between Harvel and the North Downs? This bracing Kent walk takes you deep into the heart of the Garden of England. It’s around six and a half miles long and offers a historic trail between Canterbury and nearby Winchester. Trace the pilgrims’ footsteps on the route, too!
3. Reculver Country Park, Herne Bay
This marvellous country park spot gives you and your dogs the chance to explore the wonders of the Kent coastline from the comfort of a park setting, with amazing views leading all the way along to Margate. What’s more, there are 26 hectares of flora and fauna to uncover, too!
Last Word
Kent is slightly hidden down towards the far end of England, but it’s famous for its Tudor links and for being the gateway into the UK for anyone crossing the English Channel. Who hasn’t heard of the White Cliffs of Dover? If you’ve never been, you’ll likely find they provide some of the best dog walks in the UK. Nothing ever really beats that authentic sea breeze. The Kent Downs, of course, will also offer you countryside trails and green vistas to enjoy at your own pace.
If you work up a thirst while enjoying dog walking in Kent, you should definitely check out our guide to Kent’s best dog friendly pubs. There are plenty of drinking spots and restaurants from country to coast that will gladly welcome pets, so make a point to check out our list before you make a trip down here.
Whether it’s woodland walks in Kent or trails along the famous coastline you’re looking for, this county remains one of the biggest hidden gems just waiting for dog lovers to uncover. We think dog friendly Kent cottages are full of promise, and therefore, you should certainly head out here and hunt down a few personal favourite trails of your own. You can also use our guide to search for Kent dog friendly hot tub cottage holidays.