15 Dog Friendly Trails in Kent Also known as the ‘Garden of England’, Kent is one of the most beautiful counties you can visit in the country. In fact, a whopping 28% of the county is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Stretching from Greater London to the coast, the region is also uniquely diverse, with landscapes ranging from the enchanting Kent Downs to ancient woodlands and the dramatic White Cliffs of Dover.
This means that whatever you’re looking for, you’re sure to find the perfect backdrop for your next dog walk.In this article we share the Exploring Kent’s 15 Most Scenic Dog-Friendly Trails for you and your pup. Dogs are welcome in different rustic regions and territories, so there are numerous open doors for wonderful outside exercises together.
Exploring Kent’s 15 Most Scenic Dog-Friendly Trails Here are some options of countryside, coastal walks and woodland walks in kent to explore:
15 Dog Friendly Trails in Kent | Countryside and Country Park Walks
Shorne Woods Country Park
This 292 hectare country park has a lot to offer, from fabulous pools and lagoons to majestic primeval forests and award-winning eco-visitors.Please note that dogs must be led in certain areas and there are only litter boxes in the city center or on the orange walkway. If the puppy likes more than walking, there is also a pond where dogs are allowed to swim. Perfect for extra excitement and exercise for your furry friend.
Selling & Surroundings
This longer walk in the Northern Downs is a true tour of the English countryside. On this walk, you’ll enjoy views of open countryside, orchards and working farms, and charming villages that look like they’re straight out of a picture book.You can start anywhere on the route, but we recommend starting and ending your trip at Selling’s White Lion, which is very dog-friendly.
They provide wipes for dirty paws and treats for your dog to enjoy while you treat yourself to a drink.No need to worry about parking either as there is plenty of room and the pub is waiting for walkers to park their country adventures there. You will also pass other pubs in the villages along this route if you and your son need a stop.
Scotney Castle
One of Kent’s many National Trust sites, most of which are dog-friendly, Scotney Castle offers a more regal walk for you and your furry friend. Dogs are not allowed in the castle, but are welcome in the shop, gardens and vast 780 acres.
They are welcome on the tea room’s covered outdoor seating when you and the pup are feeling down.Water bowls are available at all locations and the reception team even have free duffle bags if you’ve forgotten yours, so you can be sure your canine companion will be looked after.
Harveli Hike
Hike with a name and hiking in nature! You will be rewarded with great views of the magnificent Northern Downs, despite the walk’s challenging inclines. Lime grass is a spring breeding ground for bluebells and butterflies, which will no doubt delight your son, who may be interested in the insects flying by.
Walking you will pass the sleepy village of Harvel. Harvel itself is home to dogs and their friends, and the small village has a greyhound rehoming center, village fridge and pub. (Unsurprisingly, it’s also dog-friendly.)
Teston River Walk
Teston River Walk is one of many beautiful riverside walks in Kent. By walking, you can partake in a stroll near the ocean and meander through the recreation area, based on a provincial cloth span that traces all the way back to the late Center Ages.
This walk offers extraordinary perspectives over the staggering Medway Valley and is likewise perfect for untamed life seeing. During the Kingfisher’s flight down the river, you might catch a glimpse of a bright blue flash.
Reculver Country Park
Boasting both stunning countryside and coastline, Reculver Country Park is a great place to walk whether you’re human or dog. 15 Dog Friendly Trails in Kent In the winter, when thousands of migratory birds flock to the coast to escape the frigid temperatures of the Arctic, this walk is especially magical.
With on-site refreshments and a picnic area, it’s easy to make a day of walking around the park.If you want to go further, you can visit the Roman fort or the striking ruins of St. Mary’s Church.
15 Dog Friendly Trails in Kent | Coastal Walks
The White Cliffs of Dover
The White Cliffs are a National Trust site and therefore benefit from facilities such as ample parking and a visitor center with gift shop and cafe. 15 Dog Friendly Trails in Kent If you walk to the lighthouse, you will also find a famous tea house there.
The main walk is the coastal path to the South Foreland Lighthouse. Remember to put your dog on a leash when you reach the top, as the rock is not fenced. It’s also a short walk from the visitor center to the wheelchair and kid-friendly cliff overlook.
Sandwich Bay
This mainly rocky beach on the east coast is a quiet and beautiful opportunity for a coastal walk with the dog. When you are on the beach, you have no amenities, but you are very close to the wonderful town of Sandwich. 15 Dog Friendly Trails in Kent This atmospheric and historic town with its timber-framed buildings offers a glimpse into the past, as well as many good pubs, many of which are dog-friendly, local shops and cafes.
Dungeness
The desert landscape of Dungeness contains an awe-inspiring beauty that you will find hard to find anywhere else in the UK. This is because the landscape here, although it is a rocky beach, is classified as a desert.Between the two lighthouses, the beach itself is mostly empty. You walk along the wooden walkways and you can find old wooden houses and a handful of abandoned boats, all guarded by the scarf of a nearby nuclear power plant..
Kingsgate Bay
Between Margate and Broadstairs you will find Kingsgate Bay. Bordered by monumental white limestone cliffs and a sea arch, the peaceful sandy beach is guarded by a beautiful 18th-century castle.Overall, it’s a walk you won’t soon forget. The bay is 15 Dog Friendly Trails in Kent , so your dog can play in the waves or run along the sand to his heart’s content while you take in the mysterious beach’s beauty.
15 Dog Friendly Trails in Kent | Woodland Walk
Hamstreet Woods
This wild and enchanting woodland walk is both family and dog friendly. It is a pristine forest area preserved from the Ice Age, which is managed using traditional methods, such as logging.
Although beautiful all year round, a spring visit is especially memorable thanks to the carpet of blue flowers in the forest. 15 Dog Friendly Trails in Kent It’s the perfect place to take an Instagram-worthy photo of your poop or just take a few minutes to admire the unmistakable beauty of nature.
King’s Wood
King’s Wood, a royal hunting ground, is now an area of natural beauty and home to red deer.This walk has hills and rough terrain, so be sure to wear sturdy shoes. This walk is different because not only are there exciting smells for your dog, but also interesting artwork for you.
Oldbury Hill and Styants Wood
Oldbury Hill and Styants Wood is a wonderful woodland walk on the Kent Downs, another Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The more adventurous can explore the 166-hectare forest, but for those who want to stay off the beaten track, there are also circular trails.
In addition to the incredibly beautiful surroundings, the place is also rich in history. 15 Dog Friendly Trails in Kent On the walk you will find the remains of an Iron Age fortress that was built more than 2000 years ago. Although the puppy is probably more interested in exploring the forest and smelling the squirrels!
Hartfield and Ashdown Forest
Perhaps one of the most exciting walks in Kent is in and around Hartfield. Both the High Weald Trail and the Forest Way pass through the town, along with many local walks, making it a popular stop for walkers.
Not only is this another area of great natural beauty to admire, like many walks in Kent, but it is also close to the famous Ashdown Forest. 15 Dog Friendly Trails in Kent This forest became the inspiration for Winnie the Pooh and the real places here were captured in stories.
Hucking Woodland Estate
Named one of the Woodland Trust’s 10 best blueberry woodlands, Hucking Estate is best enjoyed in spring when a magic carpet of flowers spreads among the trees. 15 Dog Friendly Trails in Kent You and your dog can enjoy a nice circular walk through the beautiful woods and meadows, maybe sing with your feet to smell the flowers and experience all the sights and smells that come from walking in the woods and discovering the local wildlife.