Kent’s coastline is often overlooked, but it offers a surprisingly varied mix of chalk cliffs, wide shingle beaches, quiet marshland shores and traditional seaside stretches. From dramatic headlands in the east to open, windswept beaches on Romney Marsh, there are plenty of places where dogs are welcome and walks feel refreshingly open.
This guide focuses on dog friendly beaches in Kent that work well for proper coastal walks rather than short paddles by a promenade. Each beach below includes clear guidance on restrictions, beach type and what it is best suited for, so you can pick the right spot for you and your dog.
Botany Bay
Botany Bay is one of the most striking beaches in Kent, known for its white chalk stacks and sheltered feel. At low tide, the beach opens up into a wide stretch of sand and rock pools, making it ideal for exploratory walks with curious dogs.
Outside of peak summer restrictions, this beach is a great option for quieter visits, especially early in the morning or later in the day. The surrounding clifftop paths also allow you to extend your walk beyond the beach itself.
- Restrictions: Seasonal
- Off lead potential: Some
- Beach type: Sand and chalk
- Best for: Scenic walks and rock pooling
St Margaret’s Bay
Nestled between the White Cliffs of Dover, St Margaret’s Bay feels peaceful and sheltered compared to busier nearby beaches. The mix of shingle and sand at low tide makes it a solid choice for steady coastal walking rather than lounging.
Dogs are welcome for much of the year, and the surrounding coastal paths make it easy to combine a beach visit with a longer clifftop walk. It is especially good outside the main holiday season.
- Restrictions: Seasonal
- Off lead potential: Some
- Beach type: Shingle and sand
- Best for: Quiet coastal walks
Dungeness Beach
Dungeness is unlike anywhere else in Kent. Vast shingle expanses, open skies and a raw, exposed feel give this beach a wild character that suits adventurous dogs and owners.
There are no promenades or busy seafronts here, just long, flat walking with plenty of space. It is an excellent choice for dogs that enjoy trotting rather than swimming, though the wind can be strong.
- Restrictions: None
- Off lead potential: Lots
- Beach type: Shingle
- Best for: Long, uninterrupted walks
Greatstone Beach
Greatstone offers one of the widest beaches in Kent, with firm sand at low tide and plenty of room even during busier periods. The openness makes it ideal for dogs that enjoy space and longer off lead stretches where permitted.
Facilities nearby make it practical for longer visits, while the sheer scale of the beach means it never feels cramped. It works particularly well for early morning or evening walks.
- Restrictions: Seasonal
- Off lead potential: Some
- Beach type: Sand and shingle
- Best for: Open space and long walks
Shellness Beach
Shellness Beach sits on the eastern edge of the Isle of Sheppey and feels remote and undeveloped. The beach is mostly shingle, backed by marshland, with a strong sense of space and isolation.
It is best suited to dogs that enjoy quieter environments and owners who are happy without facilities. Wildlife is common here, so good recall is important.
- Restrictions: None
- Off lead potential: Some
- Beach type: Shingle
- Best for: Quiet, remote walks
Herne Bay East Beach
Away from the main promenade, the eastern end of Herne Bay offers a more relaxed beach experience. The long, linear nature of the coast here makes it good for steady walking rather than short visits.
Seasonal restrictions apply closer to the town centre, but quieter stretches further east are more flexible. It is a useful option if you want a straightforward coastal walk without travelling far.
- Restrictions: Seasonal
- Off lead potential: Some
- Beach type: Shingle
- Best for: Simple, accessible walks
Visiting Kent’s Beaches with Your Dog
- Check seasonal restrictions, particularly on busier beaches during summer
- Shingle beaches can be tiring underfoot for some dogs
- Coastal paths often link beaches, allowing you to extend shorter visits
- Bring water, as facilities can be limited on quieter stretches
What’s Nearby
- East Sussex coast, offering clifftop walks and quieter beaches beyond Kent
- South Downs National Park, ideal for combining coastal and inland walking
- Dog friendly walks in Kent, including downs, woodland and marsh routes
- Dog friendly campsites, perfect for turning a beach visit into a longer stay
Map of Dog Friendly Beaches in Kent
Explore these beaches using our handy map below. Simply click the pins to get all of the crucial information and directions to the nearest car park.
The eastern end of Herne Bay offers a quieter alternative to the main promenade, with a long, linear stretch of shingle that works well for steady coastal walking.
Seasonal restrictions apply closer to the town centre, but the further east you go, the more relaxed it becomes. It is a practical option for accessible walks without travelling far.
Restrictions: Seasonal
Off lead potential: Some
Beach type: Shingle
Best for: Simple, accessible walks
Shellness Beach sits on the eastern edge of the Isle of Sheppey and feels remote and undeveloped. The beach is mainly shingle, backed by marshland, with a strong sense of space and isolation.
It is best suited to dogs that enjoy quieter environments and owners who are happy without facilities. Wildlife is common in the area, so good recall is important.
Restrictions: None
Off lead potential: Some
Beach type: Shingle
Best for: Remote, peaceful walks
Greatstone is one of the widest beaches in Kent, offering expansive sands at low tide and plenty of room even during busier periods. The open layout makes it a strong option for dogs that enjoy space and longer walks.
Nearby facilities make it practical for extended visits, while the scale of the beach means it rarely feels crowded. Early mornings and evenings are particularly good here.
Restrictions: Seasonal
Off lead potential: Some
Beach type: Sand and shingle
Best for: Space and long walks
Dungeness Beach is vast, exposed and completely unlike any other stretch of coastline in Kent. The endless shingle, open skies and remote feel make it ideal for long, uninterrupted walks.
There are no promenades or busy facilities here, just space and atmosphere. It suits dogs that enjoy steady trotting and owners looking for a more rugged coastal experience.
Restrictions: None
Off lead potential: Lots
Beach type: Shingle
Best for: Long, open walks
St Margaret’s Bay sits between the White Cliffs of Dover and offers a quieter, more sheltered coastal experience. The beach is mainly shingle with sand exposed at low tide, making it well suited to steady walking rather than busy seaside visits.
Dogs are welcome for much of the year, and the surrounding clifftop paths link easily into longer coastal routes. It is especially enjoyable outside peak holiday periods.
Restrictions: Seasonal
Off lead potential: Some
Beach type: Shingle and sand
Best for: Quiet coastal walks
Botany Bay is one of Kent’s most visually striking beaches, with chalk stacks, white cliffs and a sheltered feel at the base of the bay. At low tide the beach opens out into sand and rock pools, making it ideal for exploratory walks with dogs.
Outside of summer restrictions, this is a great beach for quieter visits, especially early mornings and evenings. Clifftop paths above the bay allow you to extend your walk beyond the beach itself.
Restrictions: Seasonal
Off lead potential: Some
Beach type: Sand and chalk
Best for: Scenic walks and rock pooling
Explore even more dog friendly locations across the UK with our Wildpack Map. A specially curated map of dog friendly locations and points of interest across the UK.
Final Thoughts
Kent’s coastline rewards those willing to explore beyond the busiest seaside towns. With a mix of dramatic scenery, wide open beaches and quieter stretches where dogs are welcome, it is a strong choice for coastal walks throughout the year. Choosing the right beach for the season and your dog’s energy level will help you get the most from Kent’s underrated shore.