Dogs
Two beaches open to dogs all year, slopes, woods and a long sea wall to walk, and plenty of pubs that welcome dogs inside. The rules below show which beach restrictions apply today.
Checked and updated on 10 October 2026
Neither is covered by the council's seasonal beach bans, which apply only at Tankerton and central Herne Bay, so dogs are welcome all year. Keep them supervised and close to you near the water, and bag and bin any mess straight away.
From 1 May to 30 September inclusive, dogs are not allowed on the beach from level with Pier Avenue west to The Street, and must be on a lead on the promenade alongside. From October to April the beach is open to dogs again.
CAMRA's listings or the pubs' own sites mark these as dog friendly: The Old Neptune, Pearson's Arms (bar and snug, out by 9pm), The Twelve Taps, the Smack Inn, the New Inn, The Fountain, the Coach and Horses, the Handsome Sam (water and treats), the Tankerton Arms, Ales & Blooms, the Royal Naval Reserve, the Lazy Lobster, the Ship Centurion, The Monument, The Royal, the Marine Hotel bar, the Rose in Bloom and the Oyster Pearl.
No.1 Whitstable on Harbour Street is dog friendly. Keller welcomes dogs at its outside tables and JoJo's on its terrace, but not inside. Samphire takes assistance dogs only, and The Sportsman does not allow dogs in the restaurant.
The promenade below the slopes, past the beach huts, is popular with dog walkers and cyclists. Out of season it pairs well with a low-tide walk out along The Street, but check the tide times first.
About two miles east along the shore, Long Rock is known for dog walking and quiet exploring, with mudflats to cross at low tide. Long Rock Nature Reserve is protected, so dogs must be on a lead no longer than two metres there.
Fifty-two acres of grassland, scrub and woodland on the south-west edge of town, with the Gorrell Stream running through. Dogs can be off the lead in many areas if kept under close control, as it is popular with families; the paths can be muddy after rain and there is no car park.
The old railway route to Canterbury runs 7.6 miles, about three quarters of it traffic-free, through Blean Woods. It is a shared cycle route, so it suits dogs that are happy around bikes.
The Saxon Shore Way follows the sea wall west from Seasalter towards Graveney, with open marsh on one side and mudflats on the other. Sheep graze the marshes and the path is very exposed in winter.
The castle gardens are free to visit and dogs are allowed on a lead, under the council's dog control order. The gardens are open daily from 8am.
English Heritage welcomes dogs on leads at the Roman fort and towers, which are free to visit in daylight hours. A charged public car park sits next to the site.
Dogs must be supervised on the beach, and mess bagged and binned straight away. Where a lead is required it must be no longer than two metres. Canterbury City Council consulted on a replacement dog control order in 2026; the draft keeps the same seasonal beach bans at Tankerton and central Herne Bay.
42 places in the guide say dogs are welcome, inside or at the outside tables. Some ask that dogs leave by a set time in the evening, so check if it matters.
Common questions
Yes. The town beach and West Beach are open to dogs all year. The only seasonal ban is on Tankerton beach, from Pier Avenue to The Street, from 1 May to 30 September, when dogs must also be on a lead on the promenade alongside.
More of the guide
High and low water for the next three days, The Street and sea temperature.
Open the guideOyster bars, harbour huts, fish and chips, cafes and restaurants.
Open the guideWhere to eat them, what half a dozen costs and the oyster festival.
Open the guideThe pub on the beach, micropubs, cocktail bars and late openers.
Open the guideDated events, regular markets and the big annual dates.
Open the guideSights, free things and four ready-made day plans.
Open the guideEvery car park, its charges and how to pay.
Open the guideWeekday timetables, journey times, last trains and season tickets.
Open the guideUrgent care, the GP, pharmacies, dentists, the council and taxis.
Open the guideBaby and toddler groups, classes, swimming, playgrounds and days out.
Open the guideGrammar, secondary, primary and nurseries, with inspections and key dates.
Open the guideCommuting costs, council tax and what locals rate.
Open the guideAll 138 pubs, cafes and restaurants in the guide.
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