It may well be winter, but Kent’s beaches are still some of the most visited places in the county and are perfect for either that bracing winter walk, or wander in the sunshine while pretending it's July. It may be chilly, but there’s a big difference between now and the summer in that dogs are now allowed on most Kent beaches (wahoo!). It’s unlikely your pooch will appreciate a beautiful sunset, or whip out their phone to grab a shot of the stones up close, but they’ll definitely like the wide variety of beaches they can now run, walk and potentially swim at. To help filter out some of the best, we’ve pulled together this list…
Hythe Beach
One of the flattest and most wide-reaching beaches, Hythe is a serene place that is perfect any time of the year. With flat paths along the promenade, you can cycle with your pup by your side, or simply take a wander on the pebbles and let them swim out a little. There’s a good amount of parking, plus with Hythe nearby you’re sure to find somewhere to warm up after your winter wander! If you’re tempted, the beach allows dogs from the 1st October to the 30th April inclusive. Walk the tides in Hythe
Image: Josh Carter
Walpole Bay
With a striking low tide rock display, the beach at Walpole Bay is the ideal place to discover some of the seas’ little secrets. Quite often one of the quieter beaches in the area, Walpole is open to dogs all year, however they must be kept on a lead between 10am and 6pm from 1st May to 30th September. There’s also the tidal pool if your pooch, or you, wishes to have a chilly dip (although it may be slightly warmer than the sea that feeds it!). Dip the paws in the pools
Joss Bay
A beautiful sandy paradise reminiscent of Portugal’s Lagos coast, Joss Bay is one of Kent’s most popular sunshine and surf beach spots. Through the summer, it is a firm favourite whenever the sun comes out, but from 1st October to 30th April, the beach is open for dogs wishing to run in the sand, explore some cliffs at low tide and, if you’ve got a skilled pooch, take to some winter waves. Picturesque bays in the Isle of Thanet
Image: (c) Dover District Council
Deal
Quaint streets await visitors in Deal, with nook-like streets that lead to the stretching promenade that reaches for as far as the eye can see towards Dover in the south and Sandwich to the north. Pebbles form this beach, which is perfect for sunrise walks as it faces due east and from 1st October to 30th April, you’re able to bring your dog along! If you stick near the town, you’ll even be able to take your four-legged pal into a bit of warmth as the pier now has a newly opened dog friendly café on the end too. Charming town and vast coast
Image: @sussex_safari on Instagram
Tankerton
One of Kent’s most picturesque beaches, with its string of colourful beach huts adorning the sea wall, Tankerton Beach is near Whitstable but receives fewer visitors so is often a popular choice for local dog walkers wishing to stretch their legs. Open to dogs from 1st October to 30th April, Tankerton has a unique spit of land, known as ‘The Street’, that appears at low tide, meaning you walk on shingle right out to sea like you are walking on a pier! Take a trip to Tankerton