Bundle up, grab your hands free lead, and explore dog-friendly spots that blend seaside charm with seasonal warmth.
Coffee + Breakfast at Forts
If you and your dog are looking for the trendiest coffee spot in town, look no further than Forts. Dubbed by many as "the best coffee Margate has to offer", this spot is popular with locals but doesn't get as busy as some of the other cafe spots around town. This dog-friendly coffee haven specialises in expertly brewed seasonal coffees, from robust espressos to smooth lattes, paired with an array of vegan pastries, hearty porridge bowls and fresh breakfast options that hit the spot on cold mornings. The indoor seating offers a cosy refuge with plenty of space for your dog to settle by your feet, while the welcoming staff often dish out treats and scratches. With a seasonal, rotating menu, it's always worth paying this uber-cool spot a visit to try their latest offerings. Dogs will always be welcoming here and are more than likely to meet another four-legged friend during your visit.
Mid-Morning Beach Walk
Kick off your outdoor time at Margate Main Sands, a wide Blue Flag stretch where dogs enjoy running free during the winter months. The stretching sands provide endless space for your pup to sprint, sniff and splash in the sea. Transition seamlessly to Palm Bay, just a short drive or coastal path away, known for its dramatic chalk cliffs and pebbled shores that offer a more rugged terrain for adventurous duos. Here, dogs may also explore off-lead in winter. Discover the hidden coves perfect for a game of fetch and elevated paths rewarding you with sweeping Thanet views. Round out the morning at Botany Bay, famed for its towering chalk stacks and secluded bays, with winter's quieter conditions, making it a peaceful haven for extended wanders, where your dog can explore dunes and dip into calm waters. These beaches chain together beautifully for a 2-3 hour circuit, combining flat expanses with hilly accents to tire out even the bounciest breeds while you soak in Margate's seaside beauty.
Pet-Friendly Shopping
No Margate outing skips Hiro + Wolf's flagship store, a colourful haven stocked with premium collars, harnesses, bandanas and beds in vibrant prints that match any dog's personality. Browse thoughtfully designed accessories like recycled cotton dog jumpers, hand-felted toys and colourful bandanas for dogs and cats alike, all handmade with sustainability at heart, reflecting the brand's ethos for ethical pet style. Head out into the Old Town, and you'll find lots of beautiful, dog-friendly boutiques.
Situated in the heart of Margate's Old Town, The Margate Bookshop is a beautiful independent bookshop selling both new and second-hand books, including rare and collector's editions. They promote underrepresented authors and translated fiction, focusing on diversity in their shop, as well as encouraging a wider involvement in literature. Dogs are always welcome inside the shop and the friendly staff give some of the best tummy rubs in town!
Don't miss this little Japanese-inspired concept store tucked away in Margate Old Town is a delight for all ages. Asobi may not be big in size, but it is huge in personality! Offering a curated edit of well-designed products that you will want to treasure for a lifetime. From books and stationery to socks and homeware, every little detail has been carefully considered, making it one of the best shopping experiences in Margate! Dogs are most welcome to accompany you whilst you shop.
Explore the Local Art Scene
Quench is a project space and gallery run by artists Lindsey Mendick and Guy Oliver and is totally dog friendly. The exhibitions put on at Quench are always well worth a visit, and help to support the work of local artists and curators. Quench is completely not-for-profit, ensuring artists receive 100% of proceeds from their work and creating a gallery space that is accessible for all. Quench is the perfect place to get your art fix whilst visiting with your canine companion.
If you're in need of some more culture, or you're looking for a truly unique day out, look no further than Europe's #1 crab museum! Discover everything you never knew about crabs in the incredible, family-friendly Crab Museum. Located in the heart of Old Town, the museum is easily accessible and only a stone's throw from the beach. Equal parts funny, informative and thought-provoking, you and your dog are sure to enjoy all that this museum has to offer. All well-behaved dogs are very welcome within the museum, just be sure to keep them on leads.
Lunchtime Dining
Now you've worked up an appetite, it's time to enjoy some of the award-winning cuisine Margate has to offer. The Greedy Cow is a firm family-friendly favourite serving up delicious comfort food in a relaxed atmosphere. With a great selection of simple, well-cooked meals, including a great range of vegan-friendly options. The perfect central spot for a pit-stop on your Margate adventures! This is a popular spot so you may have to wait a few minutes for a table, but there are plenty of dog-friendly shops in the local area to explore whilst you wait. Dogs are welcome both indoors and outside, so you can take your pick of seating.
Alternatively, Dory's and Angela's are small seafood restaurants serving up the best local seafood, alongside simple, seasonal vegetable dishes. Both restaurants focus on sustainability, putting people and the planet first. Dory's is the more relaxed, little sister of Angela's, making it perfect for dining with your pooch! Small, well-behaved dogs are welcome in both restaurants, however they do ask that you email to ensure there is enough space between doggie guests. Dory's also offers some outdoor seating that overlooks Margate Main Sands. Dory's doesn't take bookings and is very popular so can become very busy but trust us, it is well worth the wait.
The Must-Have Lead for the Job
Equip your pup for Margate's active itinerary with Hiro + Wolf's hands-free leads, designed to seamlessly adapt from beachside wanders to Old Town cafe hopping and beyond. The adjustable lead keeps your hands free for coffee or phone snaps, while the adaptable short lead setting offers quick control in crowds. Crafted from durable, ethically sourced materials, these leads make walkies a breeze for both you and your dog. Shop Now.
Margate is packed with incredible independent businesses that are thrilled to welcome you and your canine companion. If you were thinking about a trip to Margate, now is definitely the time to visit! With frequent, high speed trains from London only taking under 1 hour and 30 minutes, it's the perfect place for a day trip (or make the most of it and stay over for a long weekend!) What are your favourite dog-friendly businesses in Margate? Let us know in the comments!
