Top 5 Year‑Round Dog‑Friendly Beaches in Kent (2025) – Rules, Access, Tips

Top 5 Year‑Round Dog‑Friendly Beaches in Kent (2025): Rules, Access, Tips

Last updated: 13 November 2025

Kent's coastline is brilliant for dog walks, but here's the catch: most of the popular beaches ban dogs completely during summer. Between 1st May and 30th September, places like Margate Main Sands and Viking Bay in Broadstairs don't allow dogs at all.

But there's good news. Some beaches welcome dogs all year round, with no seasonal restrictions. That means your dog can run, splash, and dig to their heart's content in January or July.

This guide covers five beaches in Kent where dogs are allowed 365 days a year. We'll cover the rules, facilities, and what makes each beach worth the trip.

At A Glance: Year‑Round Dog‑Friendly Beaches in Kent

Beach	Location	Type	Key Features	Best For
Walmer Beach	Deal	Shingle	Dog‑friendly cafe, parking	Long walks
Kingsgate Bay	Broadstairs	Sandy cove	Sea caves, rockpools, pub above	Exploring
Whitstable West Beach	Whitstable	Shingle	Dog bins, beach pub, mile‑long	Socialising
Dumpton Gap	Broadstairs	Sandy	Slope access, seasonal cafe	Active dogs
Shakespeare Cliff Beach	Dover	Shingle	White cliffs, rockpools, quiet	Peace & views

Where to Find Dog‑Friendly Beaches in Kent

1. Walmer Beach, Deal

Walmer Beach is one of Kent's most reliable dog-friendly spots. Unlike Deal's main beach (which has summer restrictions), Walmer generally welcomes dogs all year round outside any signed exclusion zones (Dover District PSPO).

It's a shingle beach, so not ideal for sandcastle building, but perfect for long walks. The beach is wide and fairly quiet, backed by the impressive Walmer Castle. On a clear day, the views down the coast are stunning.

What's nearby: The Sea Cafe on the Green sits right by the beach and welcomes dogs. It's a proper cafe with hot food, not just a kiosk, which makes it handy for a warming coffee after a winter walk.

• Beach type: Shingle
• Dog rules: Generally allowed all year; leads may be required on promenades; follow on-site signage
• Facilities: Dog-friendly cafe, parking nearby
• Best for: Long walks away from crowds

2. Kingsgate Bay, Broadstairs

Kingsgate Bay is a sandy cove that feels more sheltered than the busier Broadstairs beaches. Thanet District Council confirms dogs are allowed all year round, making it a solid choice when nearby Joss Bay and Botany Bay get packed in summer.

The beach has sea caves and rockpools, which dogs seem to love investigating. At low tide, there's plenty of sand for running around. The cliffs surrounding the bay create a dramatic backdrop that's worth the trip alone.

Access warning: You'll need to walk down a lot of steps to reach the beach. It's not ideal if your dog struggles with stairs or if you've got an older dog with joint issues. Keep dogs away from cliff bases where signage advises due to chalk fall risks.

What's nearby: The Captain Digby pub sits on the headland above the bay. Dogs are welcome in the outdoor beer garden (but not inside the pub itself). The views from up there are excellent.

• Beach type: Sandy cove
• Dog rules: Allowed all year; always follow on-site signage and keep dogs under control
• Facilities: None on the beach, pub above welcomes dogs outdoors
• Best for: Exploring rockpools and caves

If your dog needs a grooming session after a sandy beach adventure, check out our guide to the best dog groomers in Dover.

3. Whitstable West Beach

Whitstable West Beach is arguably the most dog-friendly spot in Kent. Canterbury City Council confirms that 98% of its coast is dog-friendly year-round, and West Beach is included. The mile-long stretch of shingle means there's space for everyone.

The beach runs from the town centre towards Seasalter, divided by wooden groynes. It faces west, which makes it brilliant for sunset walks. On clear evenings, you can see across to the Isle of Sheppey.

You'll spot dog walkers here at all times of day. The atmosphere is relaxed, and most dog owners let their dogs off lead to run and play. Leads may be required on the promenade, so follow local signage. Dog bins are dotted along the beach, which shows how seriously Whitstable takes its dog-friendly reputation.

What's nearby: The Old Neptune pub (locals call it "The Neppy") sits literally on the beach. It's a proper seaside pub that welcomes dogs and serves decent food. If you fancy fish and chips, you're in the right town.

• Beach type: Shingle with groynes
• Dog rules: Allowed all year; leads may be required on promenades; check local signage
• Facilities: Dog bins, dog-friendly pub on the beach, parking nearby
• Best for: Socialising with other dogs, sunset walks

4. Dumpton Gap, Broadstairs

Dumpton Gap is a sandy beach that's popular with local dog walkers. Dogs are allowed all year (Thanet District Council), which makes it a proper playground for energetic dogs.

The beach sits between Broadstairs and Ramsgate, accessed via a slope rather than steps. This makes it easier for older dogs or anyone with mobility concerns. There's a wide promenade that links to Viking Bay, so you can extend your walk if the weather's good. Leads may be required on promenades, so check signage.

What's nearby: The Bayside Cafe operates at the beach during the warmer months. It's a kiosk-style setup serving coffee, ice cream, and snacks. There's also Dumpton Park just back from the beach, which is another dog-friendly spot with plenty of grass for running around.

• Beach type: Sandy
• Dog rules: Allowed all year; leads may be required on promenades; follow Thanet District signage
• Facilities: Seasonal cafe, easier access than some beaches
• Best for: Dogs that need a good run

5. Shakespeare Cliff Beach, Dover

Shakespeare Cliff Beach is one of Kent's hidden gems. Dogs are generally permitted all year (Dover District PSPO), and because it's harder to reach than most beaches, it stays quieter even in summer.

This is a shingle beach backed by the famous white cliffs. At low tide, deep rockpools appear, which are fascinating for both dogs and their owners. The beach sits at the shortest point between the UK and France, which gives it a certain romance.

Access warning: Getting down here takes effort. You can either walk along the western side of Dover port near the marina, or take the England Coast Path and descend more than 100 steps. Keep dogs away from the cliff base and be mindful of tide times. It's worth it for the views, but plan accordingly.

What's nearby: There are no facilities on the beach itself, and no dog bins. Bring bags and take waste with you. The peace and scenery make up for the lack of amenities.

• Beach type: Shingle with rockpools
• Dog rules: Generally permitted all year; follow Dover District PSPO and on-site signage
• Facilities: None (bring waste bags)
• Best for: Quiet walks away from crowds

Understanding Beach Rules in Kent

Most Kent beaches ban dogs completely during summer. The restrictions run from 1st May to 30th September, covering the busiest holiday months.

Beaches with Total Dog Bans in Summer

These popular beaches don't allow dogs at all between May and September:

• Ramsgate Main Sands
• Viking Bay, Broadstairs
• Margate Main Sands
• Minnis Bay

Some beaches have partial bans, blocking dogs between 9am or 10am and 6pm during summer. Check local council websites before travelling.

Where Dogs Must Stay on Leads

Even at dog-friendly beaches, some areas require dogs to be on leads all year. This typically applies to promenades and grassed amenity areas.

Examples include Dover's Marine Parade and Granville Gardens, plus St Margaret's Bay promenade and car park. The beach itself might allow off-lead dogs, but the paved areas don't.

Penalties for Breaking Rules

Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) typically range from £100 to £1,000 for ignoring dog restrictions. Council enforcement officers patrol beaches during summer, and they will issue fines for violations of Public Spaces Protection Orders (Dover District PSPO, Thanet District PSPO, Canterbury City Council PSPO).

It's not worth the risk. Stick to the beaches that welcome dogs all year, and everyone stays happy.

The Non-Negotiable Rule: Clean Up

Always bag and bin your dog's waste. Dog poo contains nitrates that damage bathing water quality and harm marine life.

Most beaches have dog bins, but if they're full, bagged waste can go in normal litter bins. If there are no bins at all (like Shakespeare Cliff Beach), take it home with you.

After the Beach: Grooming Tips

Beach trips are brilliant fun, but they're brutal on your dog's coat. Saltwater dries out skin, and sand gets everywhere. Here's how to sort it out properly.

Before You Go

If your dog has longer fur, apply a bit of dog-safe detangler before heading out. This creates a barrier that makes sand easier to brush out later. For more detailed preparation advice, see our pre-groom checklist.

Bring fresh water. Dogs will drink seawater if they're thirsty, and it'll make them feel rough. You'll also need it for rinsing afterwards.

Rinse Straight Away

Don't wait until you get home. Rinse your dog off as soon as you leave the beach. Some beaches have freshwater taps or showers, which are perfect for this. For full post-walk recovery, check our muddy walk recovery guide.

Focus on the paws, belly, and ears. That's where sand hides. If you let it dry, it becomes a nightmare to remove and can cause skin irritation or matting.

Brush Before Bathing

Once you're home, brush your dog thoroughly before getting them wet. This removes loose sand and fur.

If you wet the coat first, any remaining sand will clump and create mats. It's much harder to fix at that point.

The Proper Bath

Use a moisturising dog shampoo. Saltwater strips natural oils from the coat, so look for products with aloe vera, oatmeal, or coconut oil. Read our guide on choosing the best shampoo for dog grooming at home.

Don't use human shampoo. It's the wrong pH for dogs and will dry their skin out even more. For more on this topic, see our article can you wash a dog with human shampoo.

Rinse thoroughly. Keep going until the water runs completely clear. Any salt left in the coat will keep irritating their skin.

Dry Properly and Check for Problems

Dry the coat completely. Damp fur attracts more dirt, and leftover moisture in thick coats can cause skin problems.

Check between the paw pads for trapped sand. It's easy to miss and can cause limping later. While you're at it, check the ears. Sand and moisture in ears can lead to infections, especially in floppy-eared breeds. For breeds with long ear feathering, see our guide on spaniel ear and feather care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

Kent has brilliant beaches for dogs, as long as you know where to go. The five beaches listed here welcome dogs all year, which makes planning trips much simpler.

Stick to the rules, clean up after your dog, and rinse them off properly afterwards. Do that, and both of you will have a great time.

Need help with a matted coat or tough beach cleanup? Check our directory of professional dog groomers who can sort out stubborn tangles and restore your dog's coat properly. For more winter coat care advice, see our guide on winter grooming tips for UK dogs.