Tankerton Beach
Kent
Tankerton Beach sits just east of Whitstable, a Blue Flag shingle beach backed by the wide, gentle grass slopes that give the area its distinctive character. The grassy Tankerton Slopes provide a natural amphitheatre above the shore, lined with colourful beach huts and offering views across the Thames Estuary. At low tide, a remarkable natural feature known as The Street, a narrow shingle causeway, extends hundreds of metres out to sea, allowing visitors to walk far from the shoreline with water on both sides. The promenade connects Tankerton to both Whitstable to the west and Herne Bay to the east, making it an excellent starting point for longer coastal walks.
Dogs are not permitted on the beach between 1 May and 30 September in the zone from Pier Avenue West to The Street. Outside this restricted period the beach provides good off-lead walking on firm shingle, with the wide Slopes above the beach also offering open space for exercise. The gentle terrain suits dogs of all ages and the grassy Slopes are particularly comfortable for dogs that find shingle difficult underfoot. Cafes and local shops are within easy reach along the promenade, and free on-street parking at the top of the Slopes keeps costs down.
At a Glance
Beach Must-Haves
Elite Paws Luxury Dog Drying Coat
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LumoLeaf Portable Dog Water Bottles
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Mud Daddy 8L Portable Pet Washing Device
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Dog Travel Bag
£33.99 View on Amazon
Dog Tie Out Stake and Run Cable
£17.54 View on Amazon
Dog Life Jacket
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Frequently Asked Questions
Tankerton Beach is a solid choice for a day out with your dog, earning a 7/10 on our dog-friendly rating. Outside the summer restriction period, dogs can enjoy off-lead walking on firm shingle, and the wide grassy Tankerton Slopes above the beach offer a comfortable alternative for dogs that struggle on shingle underfoot. The gentle terrain suits dogs of all ages, and the promenade connects to longer coastal walks towards both Whitstable and Herne Bay.
Dogs are welcome at Tankerton Beach for much of the year, but there is a seasonal restriction in place from 1 May to 30 September. During this period, dogs are not permitted on the beach in the zone between Pier Avenue West and The Street. Outside those months, the beach is open to dogs without restriction, making it a great destination for autumn, winter, and spring visits.
It's worth checking the tide times before you visit, as low tide reveals The Street, a natural shingle causeway that extends hundreds of metres out to sea and makes for a truly memorable walk. If your dog finds shingle hard going, the grassy Tankerton Slopes running above the beach offer a much more comfortable surface for exercise. Parking is free on-street at the top of the Slopes, and there are cafes nearby along the promenade if you fancy a break.
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