Sandwich Bay
Kent
Sandwich Bay is a long, quiet stretch of beach south of the Sandwich and Pegwell Bay Nature Reserve, accessed via the private Sandwich Bay Estate road (a small toll applies). The beach is predominantly shingle and pebble with sand exposed at low tide, and it has a remote, undeveloped feel quite different from the resort beaches further north along the Kent coast. The nature reserve behind the beach is of international importance for its birdlife, and the landscape of dunes, shingle ridges and coastal scrub creates a genuinely wild setting. The Royal St George's Golf Club and Prince's Golf Club border the bay.
Dogs are welcome on the beach year-round, though they are excluded from the mudflats and salt marshes of the nature reserve and must be kept on leads on the Princes Bay Golf Course Dunes Path. The beach itself provides open, uncrowded walking on shingle and sand, with a strong sense of remoteness and the rich, saline scent of the coastal margins. The lack of facilities means visitors need to be self-sufficient, but the peace and space compensate. Parking is available within the Sandwich Bay Estate after paying the toll.
At a Glance
- Dog Access
- Year Round
- Dogs excluded from adjacent nature reserve mudflats and salt marshes. Dogs must be on leads on the Princes Bay Golf Course Dunes Path.
- Beach Type
- Shingle, Sand
- Tide Notes
- Shingle beach with sand exposed at low tide. Beach is accessible at all tide states.
- Facilities
- None on the beach
- Parking
- Parking within Sandwich Bay Estate; toll charge applies on the estate road
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Sandwich Bay, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
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All dog friendly stays in KentFrequently Asked Questions
Is Sandwich Bay dog friendly?
Yes, dogs are welcome on the beach at Sandwich Bay, which earns a 7 out of 10 on our dog-friendly rating. The beach is open, uncrowded and has a pleasingly remote feel, giving dogs plenty of space to roam on shingle and sand. Just be aware that dogs are excluded from the mudflats and salt marshes of the adjoining Sandwich and Pegwell Bay Nature Reserve, and must be kept on leads on the Princes Bay Golf Course Dunes Path.
Are dogs allowed at Sandwich Bay year round?
Yes, dogs are welcome at Sandwich Bay throughout the year with no seasonal restrictions. This makes it a reliable option whatever time of year you're planning a visit, and the quieter months in particular offer a wonderfully peaceful stretch of coast.
What should I know before visiting Sandwich Bay with my dog?
Access to the beach is via the private Sandwich Bay Estate road, which charges a small toll, and parking is available within the estate. There are no facilities on the beach itself, so you'll need to bring everything you need including water for your dog. It's also worth noting that dogs must be kept on leads on the Princes Bay Golf Course Dunes Path and are not permitted on the nature reserve's mudflats and salt marshes.
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What’s Nearby?
Attraction2.9 mi awayRichborough Roman Fort and Amphitheatre
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Where the Roman invasion of Britain began in AD 43, with all outdoor areas open to your dog, though check the amphitheatre field for livestock first.
Walk3.9 mi awayPegwell Bay Nature Reserve Circular Walk
Kent
An easy short circular around a National Nature Reserve of saltmarsh and chalk cliffs, dog friendly with on lead rules and grazing cattle.
Beach4 mi awayPegwell Bay
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A nationally important coastal wetland between Ramsgate and Sandwich, with very restricted dog access to protect nesting and feeding birds.
Beach4.9 mi awayRamsgate Main Sands
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A sheltered, south-facing sandy beach beside Ramsgate's Royal Harbour, with good facilities but dogs banned from May to September.
Beach6.9 mi awayBroadstairs Viking Bay
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The quintessential English seaside bay at the heart of Broadstairs, with golden sand and a working harbour, but dogs banned from May to September.
Beach7.1 mi awayBroadstairs Stone Bay
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A sheltered sandy bay between chalk cliffs north of Broadstairs, quieter than Viking Bay with seasonal dog restrictions between 10am and 6pm in summer.