With summer days in full swing, tails are wagging across the county as Kent comes alive with activities tailored for you and your four-legged companion, and this month it’s never been easier. With dog-friendly culture becoming central to our days out, experiences across Kent are designed not just for owners to enjoy but for their dogs too. Whether you embark on a kayaking trip on the River Medway or discover the county’s rich historical past, there are countless ways to make memories with your furry friend by your side.

This July, the Garden of England is jam-packed with dog-friendly adventures suited to every breed. So, if you have a water-mad labrador ready for an impulsive dip or a sleep-loving greyhound who prefers the slower pace of life, this guide will help you discover the best days out across the county with expert advice, tailored for both you and your four-legged friend.

In early July, discovering creative dog-friendly days out can lead you to The Spirit of Tenterden Festival, taking place from Friday 3 to Sunday 5 July. This much-loved annual event is free to attend and celebrates the very best of Kent’s local food, drink and music, along with the added benefit of being dog-friendly. 

Over the weekend, the festival will be held on Tenterden Recreation Ground, where there will be open spaces to relax and enjoy the atmosphere with your four-legged friend. A highlight of the weekend is the annual dog show, taking place on Sunday 5 July. You can register to compete on the day from 11am, with judging beginning at 12pm. Classes include everything from Best Puppy and Best Rescue to Waggiest Tail and Child Handler, before concluding with the coveted Best in Show award. Entry costs £2 per class, with registration available on the day.

After enjoying a jam-packed day of festivities, take a short stroll along Tenterden’s historic high street to The Vine Inn, which has designated dog-friendly areas and a charming walled garden with outdoor heaters and a spacious layout. Guests can indulge in a selection of locally sourced wines and signature cocktails, while dogs are often provided with water bowls and a complimentary doggy treat from the welcoming staff.

For those seeking a coastal escape, avid dog walkers can embark on the popular Broadstairs to Margate Coastal Walk. The six-mile stretch allows you to take in the breathtaking views of Thanet’s eastern tip, taking roughly two to three hours to complete. At low tide, walkers can explore the beaches along the way, while at high tide, clifftop paths provide equally spectacular views of the coastline. Beginning in the attractive seaside town of Broadstairs, the walk is easily accessible, with a number of accessible parking spots available in the town centre. 

Begin your coastal walk with a coffee in hand from Giant Coffee, a welcoming, dog-friendly café in Broadstairs that serves a range of barista coffees, cakes and speciality drinks. From there, head down to Viking Bay, Broadstairs’s main beach, with its iconic colourful beach huts, where you can begin your coastal journey to Margate. Witness the chalk-stacked cliffs of Stone Bay and, at the halfway point, experience the pristine waters of Dumpton Gap, a year-round dog-friendly beach, perfect for you and your four-legged friend to have a well-deserved dip.

Once you have arrived in the cultural hub of Margate, stop for food and drinks at The George and Heart House, a lovingly restored 18th-century pub with a private dog-friendly garden. The menu celebrates locally sourced produce, with carefully crafted dishes and traditional Sunday roasts that pair perfectly with a selection of local craft beers and signature cocktails. Dogs are equally well catered for before finishing off the day by retracing the coastal walk or taking a direct train from Margate to Broadstairs.

For history-lovers in search of a dog-friendly day out, make your way to Scotney Castle. One of the National Trust’s historic estates, it features a ruined medieval castle, Victorian mansion house and acres of untouched parkland. With their dog on a lead, owners are allowed to explore the romantic landscaped gardens, where you’ll discover a sunken quarry garden, cultivated borders and an ancient moat that wraps around the ruined castle with a Victorian boathouse.

Explore one of the many scenic walks across the estate’s 780-acre parkland and ancient Wealden woodland; with a diverse environment, there is an abundance of wildlife including the rare Downy Emerald and Brilliant Emerald dragonflies among the estate’s lakes and woodlands. After exploring the grounds, head to the tea room, where dogs are welcome both indoors during quieter periods and in the outside seating areas. Here, you can indulge in a range of delicious cakes and refreshments, all while taking in the picturesque rolling parkland of Scotney’s centuries-old estate.

For a unique way to explore Kent’s countryside with your furry companion, climb aboard the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway. This historic heritage steam locomotive embarks on a 13.5-mile journey, running from the Cinque Port town of Hythe to the Dungeness peninsula. Start off your day at Root Hythe, a newly opened café on the high street that’s dog-friendly and serves a wide range of delicious food and drink. 

Once you start your journey across Kent’s south-eastern coast, you can explore stops along the way including a requested stop-off at St Mary’s Bay where you can enjoy stretching your dog’s legs along the wide seafront promenade. Alternatively, stop off at Romney Warren Halt where a nearby nature reserve provides the perfect spot for peaceful walking trails surrounded by the reserve’s diverse wildlife; an ideal location for a tranquil rest in the Kentish countryside. 

At your final stop, you will arrive at Dungeness Beach; although the expanse is not classified as a true desert, the title of ‘Britain’s only desert’ continues to persist due to its vast stretches of shingles enclosed within its own microclimate. Despite appearing desolate, the expanse has an incredibly diverse landscape and better still, dogs are welcome all year round making it the ideal location for them to roam freely and burn off some energy. After exploring this unique coastal landscape, make your way back aboard the steam train and enjoy the scenic journey back to Hythe.

For those looking for a more adventurous day out with their dog, a day spent with Elveys Canoe will exceed your expectations. Set on the bank of the River Medway in Yalding, this small family-run business offers canoe and kayak hire, with two charming paddling routes through the heart of the Kentish countryside. Dogs are welcome to join you in the canoe and along the routes you’ll find spots for a picnic or let your dog cool off with a swim making it a memorable day out for both you and your four-legged friend.

Top Safety Tips from Dogs Trust Canterbury

1. Avoid walking or doing activities with your dog during the hottest times of the day; early morning or late evening are often the best times.
2. Keep to shaded areas when out on walks and make sure your dog has access to shade in the garden, too.
3. Always take plenty of water with you when out with your dog, and make sure they always have access to fresh water at home.
4. Tarmac can get very hot in the sun, so check it with your hand before letting your dog walk on it so they don’t burn their paws.
5. Never leave your dog alone in a hot car – not even for a few minutes, or even with the windows open.
6. Use a cooling mat or wrap an ice pack or frozen water bottle in a tea towel for your pet to lie on and supervise them to ensure they don’t chew it.