Dog Friendly Kent
Days out with the Dog: Planning Your Pet-Friendly Holiday in Kent
With a fantastic selection of dog-friendly cottages across the Kent coast and countryside, bringing your pup along to the Garden of England has never been easier. But even though our pet-friendly cottages provide space and comfort in abundance, it can be hard to find places to take your four-legged friends on your trips outside the holiday home. That’s why we turned to our local team in Kent to ask for some suggestions of dog-friendly days out and eateries, which we’ve collected into this trusty guide.
Things to Do
Romney Hythe and Dymchurch Railway
This miniature steam railway line has been in operation since 1927 and is an iconic landmark of Kent’s southwesterly coastline for decades. Attracting visitors from all over the world every year, the Romney Hythe and Dymchurch Railway is a delight. The train travels across Romeny Marsh, agreed by many as one of the UK’s most beautiful stretches of landscape, making it an exciting and unusual way to see the Kentish countryside. Whilst all this is obviously appealing for humans, what’s in it for dogs? Well, dogs can ride the train for free! Any dog owner who’s let their furry friend stick their head out of the window of the car knows how much dogs love a scenic journey and with such a pet-friendly policy, the Romney Hythe and Dymchurch Railway is an excellent choice.
Dover Castle
One of Kent’s most famous historic landmarks is Dover Castle, an English Heritage site that is open to the public. The Castle celebrates the entirety of Dover’s history, with displays and exhibitions ranging from the Saxons and Romans, to Dover’s key role in World War Two. Dover Castle also boasts gorgeous green grounds that look over the white cliffs and across the channel, which you are welcome to explore with your dog, as long as you keep them on lead! Ideal for a family day out, why not look at our dog-friendly cottages in Dover so you can be extra close to this amazing attraction and everything else this town has to offer.
Richborough Roman Fort
Sticking with the historical theme, Richborough Roman Fort is another English Heritage site that will allow you to bring your (leaded) furry friend to explore their incredible grounds. Situated between Sandwich and Ramsgate in East Kent, Richborough Roman Fort is regarded as one of the most important Roman sites in the UK, as it bore witness to both the beginning and the end of Roman Rule in Britain. With remains of the fort walls and ground-level defences to explore, the grounds of Richborough are a visual marvel that is bound to delight you and your dog.
Dog-Friendly Food and Drink
The Bowl Inn, Ashford
This beautiful period country pub is a foodie's dream. With an ever-changing menu based on seasonal, local produce, The Bowl Inn has something for all seasons. With a sunny garden area for the warmer months and a cosy interior for those festive getaways, The Bowl Inn is perfect for a hearty meal and a few cheeky holiday drinks. It’s a favourite of our local team and is very pet-friendly, so we’re sure you and your dog will love it too.
The Spotted Dog, Sevenoaks
As the name suggests, this pub is not just dog friendly, but dog crazy! Dating back to the 15th century, this quintessentially country pub is in the little village of Penthurst, just a few miles down the road from our cottages in Tunbridge Wells. With a fully stocked bar, varied menu and Sunday Lunch specials, live music and staff who welcome you with open arms, The Spotted Dog is the ideal place to take your pooch.
The Dirty Habit, Maidstone
Named after the monks who drank here in the eleventh century, The Dirty Habit is a lovely pub located in an area of outstanding beauty and is, of course, dog friendly. It’s interiors are eclectic with a nod to the traditional: exposed brick, mismatched chairs flanking dark wooden tables and large colourful rugs on exposed wooden floors - definitely one for those who enjoy different.
