Beach

Tankerton Beach

Kent

Dog Friendly Rating:7/10A Blue Flag shingle beach below wide grassy slopes east of Whitstable, with the remarkable natural causeway of The Street revealed at low tide.

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

Dog Access: Seasonal Restrictions; Dogs not allowed from 1 May to 30 September between Pier Avenue West and The Street. Dogs must be kept on leads on the promenade year-round.
Beach Type: Shingle
Tide Notes: At low tide, The Street extends far out to sea, a remarkable natural feature. Shingle beach remains accessible at most tide states.
Facilities: Toilets, Cafes nearby, Beach huts
Parking: Free on-street parking at the top of Tankerton Slopes; pay-and-display parking off Tower Parade

Elite Paws Luxury Dog Drying Coat

£28.99

View on Amazon

LumoLeaf Portable Dog Water Bottles

£24.29

View on Amazon

Mud Daddy 8L Portable Pet Washing Device

£49.99

View on Amazon

Dog Travel Bag

£33.99

View on Amazon

Dog Tie Out Stake and Run Cable

£17.54

View on Amazon

Dog Life Jacket

£29.68

View on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Tankerton Beach dog friendly?
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.
Are dogs allowed at Tankerton Beach year round?
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.
What should I know before visiting Tankerton Beach with my dog?
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.