Kent, also known as “The Garden of England”, is a stunning county to explore. In fact, 28% of the county is designated as an area of breathtaking natural beauty. Stretching from Greater London to the coast, Kent offers a unique variety of attractions to welcome you and your four-legged friend. So, if you're a dog owner living in or visiting this beautiful county, you're in for a treat. Kent offers a plethora of scenic and dog-friendly locations where you and your furry friend can enjoy a fantastic day out together. From historic castles to beautiful gardens, there's something for every pup to wag their tail about...
The Historic Dockyard Chatham
A visit to The Historic Dockyard Chatham – one of Britain’s leading maritime heritage destinations – is a guaranteed adventure. For generations, the dockyard was a secret and secure site and now it is open and just waiting for you to explore. Discover the UK’s largest collection of RNLI Historic Lifeboats, peer through the periscope of a Cold War Submarine and ring the ship’s bell on the deck of a Victorian Sloop. You are sure to enjoy a walk around this amazing 80 acre estate.
Dogs are welcome to join you but must be kept on a lead at all times and are not permitted in any of the galleries or onboard the Historic Ships.
Canterbury Cathedral
Founded by St Augustine in 597 AD, Canterbury Cathedral is a unique place of worship, a major pilgrimage destination, a masterpiece of art and architecture, and one of the UK's most-visited historic sites. Enjoy exploring and take in the English history, beautiful architecture, music, stained glass windows, royalty, gardens, and peek into monastic life.
Visitors can bring their well-behaved four-legged friends into the Cathedral building and grounds. Dogs must be on a short lead at all times and are not permitted at services.
Rochester Castle
One of the best preserved and finest examples of Norman architecture in England, with dramatic views across the river Medway. Be sure to visit its great keep, one of the tallest in the country! Your dog is sure to love exploring the grassy banks.
Dogs on leads are welcome in the castle grounds.
Hever Castle and Gardens
With 150 acres of grounds to explore, Hever Castle is a great day out for you and your canine companion. Explore the splendid Castle rooms containing fine furniture, tapestries, antiques, an important collection of Tudor paintings and two prayer books inscribed and signed by Anne Boleyn herself.
Dogs on leads are welcome in the grounds at Hever Castle & Gardens. They are not allowed inside the Castle, however there is a designated area in the courtyard where they can have a rest whilst you take a look around.
Kent Life
Get your boots muddy with a true taste of rural Kent! Explore rural historic buildings and homes, and meet the farm animals at this vibrant destination providing you with a taste of Kent life both past and present. It is one of the few remaining places in Britain where hops are grown, harvested, dried and packed in its magnificent Oast house, by hand, using only time honored, traditional techniques.
Well-behaved dogs are welcome on short leads. Dogs are not allowed inside the cafes, Farmyard Friends or the Kent Owl Academy.
Castle Farm
Castle Farm is a family farm based near the pretty village of Shoreham in West Kent. They are the largest Lavender farm in the UK growing over 130 acres of the fragrant purple flower! Be sure to visit their shop full of lovely local produce as well as their coffee cart serving up a selection of barrista made drinks and tasty snacks.
Dogs on leads are welcomed year-round. During the popular Lavender season, they are also invited to join their owners at the Lavender Field Walks events
Belmont House and Gardens
The beautiful Georgian house of Belmont, amid its parkland, commands stunning views of the rolling Kent countryside and is a completely unspoiled and distinctive example of the work of the architect Samuel Wyatt. There is a walled garden, kitchen garden and pinetum for you to explore.
Dogs are allowed in the gardens and grounds as long as they are kept on the lead at all times. Tickets for just the gardens are available.
Goodnestone Park Gardens
Discover a haven of beautiful tranquillity, hidden in southeast Kent. The Goodnestone Park estate comprises approximately 2,000 acres of land in the heart of rural Kent. Goodnestone Park Gardens covers roughly 15 acres of the estate and includes a large variety of trees, plants and shrubs. There are various public footpaths that lead into the wider estate including the famous Serpentine Walk.
Well-behaved dogs are welcome in the gardens and cafe. Dogs must be kept on short leads and only one dog is admitted per visitor.
Fort Amherst
Britain’s biggest and best-preserved Napoleonic Fort. Over 300 years of history waiting for you to discover, with over 22 acres of outside space to explore. Learn about local history, explore a maze of underground tunnels, enjoy spectacular views and more.
Dogs are welcome throughout the grounds.
Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway
These world famous one-third full size steam and diesel locomotives power their way along the 13.5 miles of track, from the Cinque port town of Hythe, terminating in Dungeness – a National Nature Reserve and one of the largest shingle landscapes in the world.
Dogs are welcome on the trains, just be sure to ride in a carriage with doors and keep them closed throughout your journey.