Kent, the Garden of England, home to many wonderful attractions to entertain the whole family. And good news! There’s no need to leave your dog at home when you’re visiting Kent, as there are plenty of places that will welcome your four legged friend! If you don't want to take the car on your next jaunt, Southeastern allows well-behaved pets on board their trains, just be sure to check their pet policy before your travel. Most buses in Kent will also allow well-behaved dogs on board at the discretion of the driver. So, let's run through some of our favourite dog friendly attractions in our home county of Kent!
Image via RHDR
Romney Hythe & Dymchurch Railway
There’s nothing quite like a ride on The Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway, in fact, it is one of Kent's most popular attractions! A journey on one of the miniature trains of this heritage railway is a unique experience that even your canine companion can join in with. The railway has been operating since 1927 and now operates the most complete collection of one-third full-sized steam trains in the world. These small trains take just over an hour to complete the full journey from Hythe to Dungeness but there are opportunities to get off and explore along the way too. Dogs travel for free with their owners on the railway, so there's no need to leave them at home. On those hot summer days, dogs will have the chance to cool off with water bowls provided too.
Image via English Heritage Trust
Known as the Key to England, Dover Castle has been in our nation's first line of defence for centuries, guarding our shores from invasion for 20 centuries. Step inside the Great Tower and discover the grandeur of Henry II’s medieval palace. Explore vividly-recreated rooms filled with colourful furnishings and imagine the world of courtly intrigue and royal ambition. Climb to the rooftop for unmissable views across the English Channel. Then descend underground and navigate your way through the winding Medieval Tunnels built to protect the castle from attack. There are over 80 acres of castle grounds to explore too! And the best part - dogs on leads are welcome in the castle grounds.
Image via Visit Kent
Fancy paddling with your pooch? Canoe Wild in Canterbury allows you to do just that! Small to medium dogs are welcome aboard Canoe Wild boats, with fresh water and treats available after a paddle. Take your canine companion on an epic adventure along the river Stour, with different boats and routes available to suit everyone. Why not opt for a longer paddle and stop off for a picnic amongst the beautiful Kent countryside along the way.
Image via Visit Kent
Richborough Roman Fort & Amphitheatre
Located amid the East Kent marshes, Richborough is the most important of all Roman sites in Britain, witnessing both the beginning and almost the end of Roman rule here. Explore the huge stone walls which mark the site of this Saxon Shore fortress and take a look at the fascinating museum. Catch a boat from Sandwich and reach the fort as the Romans would have done. And you can bring your dog along on a lead and they'll have free rein of the extensive grounds!
Image via Visit Heritage
The beautiful Georgian house of Belmont and its gardens have stunning views of the rolling Kent countryside. It is a completely untouched and distinctive example of the work of the famous architect Samuel Wyatt and home to one of the largest personal collections of clocks in the country! Pups are welcome on leads in the gardens of this beautiful estate near Faversham. You and your four-legged friend can wander the walled garden, explore the woods and the pinetum for an action-packed day out.
We hope you found the idea for an exciting day out in Kent with the whole family! We love taking our dogs along with us when we go out exploring and we love how dog-friendly most of Kent's great attractions are. Where is your favourite dog-friendly place to visit? Let us know in the comments below!