8 best dog walks in Kent

Ever explored the east coast of England? Well it turns out that the county of Kent has rather a lot to say for itself when it comes to rich history and epic walkies spots - it isn’t nicknamed the Garden of England for nothing! 

If you’re looking for house sits in Kent or you live in the area with your four-legged best buddy, we’re on hand with the pet-friendly strolls. Dog walks in Kent are pretty varied - whether you’re walking down memory lane through Pilgrim’s Way or soaking up the county’s coastalscapes, there’s something for every human and their pooch. So, find the best dog walks in Kent and get planning a dog walk or three!

Circular dog walks in Kent

Sometimes a circular walk is the most practical approach to planning a dog walk - it’s one way to make sure the scenery is varied throughout and makes it easier if you’ve driven or arrived by train. So, if you’re dog walking in Kent, check out the circular walk around Dunorlan Park.

Dunorlan Park

Dunorlan Park is 78 acres of open green space and a 6-acre lake, although we aren’t suggesting you walk the whole thing! In fact, Dunorlan Park is ideal if you’re looking for places to walk your dog in Kent that are accessible for pushchairs and wheelchairs - this route around the lake is covered with tarmac. Plus find a cafe, toilets, and even boat hire over summer. Unfortunately you can no longer see the grand house that once overlooked this land - it was demolished, but once was part of the area landscaped by Robert Marnock for Henry Reed, the merchant and philanthropist who owned the estate and house). And if you're after more scenic, historical and varied places to explore with a pooch pal, check out our list of the best dog walks Cheshire.

• Estimated time to walk: 30 minutes
• Distance: 1.6 miles (2.6km)
• Nearby parking: Dunorlan Park car park

Woodland dog walks in Kent

If you’re pet sitting and need places to walk dogs in Kent, how about a woodland ramble? While rolling open hills can bring an unrivalled sense of freedom, sometimes there’s nothing better than walking amongst the trees to stimulate your clever pooch and get that snout twitching. If you’re heading to west Kent at some point, go for walkies around Hucking Estate. 

Hucking Estate

Hucking Estate sits on the north-western area of Kent and was apparently voted as one of the top 10 best woodland areas for bluebells by the Woodland Trust. So, if you’re dog sitting in Kent during spring, be sure to check out the impressive lilac views that’ll make ample Insta opportunities. And we can see why - this spot is set in the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with its mix of ancient woodland, planted secondary woodland and open grassland - all ideal for you to explore Kent with your four-legged pal.

• Estimated time to walk: 90 minutes
• Distance: 4 miles (6.4km)
• Nearby parking: Church Road car park

Riverside dog walks in Kent

Or is your new pooch pal into river views? We can’t blame them - nothing quite beats a gentle wander with tranquil water views to one side and countryside to the other. Not to mention all the wildlife that a riverwalk welcomes - your pooch certainly won’t be bored, especially if you’re looking after a water-loving Lab.

Teston river walk

Love a bit of history and a nice dog walk in Kent? Well this wander passes the ragstone bridge which has stood since the end of the Medieval period. And it’s not just cool bridges that this walk has to offer - just check out those views of Medway Valley and keep your eyes peeled for Kingfishers. And if you’re after a bit of variety, this walk also incorporates some of the park as well as the river, so ideal if you’re sitting an energetic pooch who needs a good run around as well as an idyllic view of the countryside.

• Estimated time to walk: 60 minutes
• Distance: 3 miles (4.8km)
• Nearby parking: Teston Bridge Country Park

Off-leash dog walks in Kent

Great views and wildlife can only go so far if you’ve got a seriously energetic pooch under your wing. Whether you’re taking care of a pup who simply can’t get enough of fetch or you’re after a route to run with your pooch alongside, we’d advise finding an area where it’s safe to let your dog run free. 

King’s Wood Canterbury

If you’re dog sitting in Canterbury, we’d advise heading to King’s Wood - a highly recommended area by dog walkers for off-leash walking with a four-legged friend. Again, a cool one if you consider yourself a bit of a history buff, this area is historically a royal hunting ground - a large herd of fallow deer still live there today. Or if art is more your thing, Stour Valley Creative Partnership has commissioned artists to create sculptures in the woods using natural materials, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled. Simply follow the marked trail to take yourself back in time or to marvel at the local artwork.

• Estimated time to walk: 2 hours
• Distance: 4.5 miles (7.2 km)
• Nearby parking: Kings Wood car park

Dog walks in Kent with pubs 

On a chilly day, sometimes there’s nothing better than topping off a ramble with your pooch with a cosy pub stop. Tuck into hearty classics, relax by the crackle of an open fire and reap the rewards of your walkies efforts! The trail (and pub) we’ll take a look at is a lovely stroll just off the North Downs Way…

Birling Community Heritage Trail

This is turning into a bit of a theme, but this trail is another one for you history lovers! Wander under the North Downs escarpment and share a thought for the pilgrims who once journeyed from Winchester to Canterbury (aptly named Pilgrims’ Way, of course). Then pass All Saints church which dates back to the 13th century, along with a 3000-year old coldrum long barrow. And don’t forget to look up - you might be lucky enough to spot a buzzard. With all that said though, wandering these tracks and ending up at the pub certainly doesn’t require any historical knowledge or interest - simply stop off at The Nevill Bull pub for a fireside Sunday roast, light lunch and your favourite tipple.

• Estimated time to walk: 2 hours
• Distance: 4.5 miles (7.2 km)
• Nearby parking: The Nevill Bull car park

Coastal dog walks in Kent

If you’re more of a coastal walker, we’ve got you covered. Kent seems to have something for everyone when it comes to dog walks - head east and let the wind of the channel blow the cobwebs away!

White Cliffs of Dover

If you’re after dog walks in east Kent, it’s got to be the White Cliffs of Dover! Start at the National Trust visitor centre and follow the coastal path towards the South Foreland Lighthouse. Just make sure you keep your pooch pal on the lead as the cliffs aren’t fenced. While you won’t be able to take your pup inside the tea rooms, you can soak up the views from the outside while your pooch has a lap from the water bowls. Or if you’re after a sandy beach to hop, skip and jump with your canine companion, head to Kingsgate Bay for dog-friendly fun, white chalk cliffs and an 18th century castle.

• Estimated time to walk: 40 minutes
• Distance: 2 miles (3.2 km)
• Nearby parking: National Trust main car park

Countryside dog walks in Kent

The North Downs Way along with Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty are in this neck of the woods, so you’re certainly not stuck for choice when it comes to finding some of the best dog walks in Kent.

Elham Valley Way

If you’re after an easy breezy stroll with your pup pal, this walk isn’t for you - skip ahead or scroll back to some of our easier dog walks in Kent! If you’ve got a pooch bred for walkies (like an Alaskan Malamute), then this 22.5 mile walk through Elham Valley will be right up your street. Start at Canterbury town (and maybe squeeze in a bit of Charles Dickens history) and follow the walking trail that leads through the coastal town of Hythe and head towards the Kent Downs. It’s a feast for the eyes all year round - find a carpet of lilac bluebells over spring and a skyline of red and gold throughout autumn. 

• Estimated time to walk: 4.5 hours
• Distance: 22.5 miles (36 km)
• Nearby parking: Canterbury city centre

H2 Country park dog walks in Kent

When looking for the best dog walks in Kent, you’re guaranteed a fab time if you find a country park - they’re designed for visitors so should have everything you need for the perfect day out with your four-legged buddies.

Reculver Country Park

Something we love about this country park is its variety - whether you’re looking for a countryside dog walk or something by the coast, Reculver has it all. And you’re probably wondering where this spot got its name - well it’s named after the 12th century Reculver Towers that can be seen across the coastline from Herne Bay to Birchington. This area was also a Roman settlement and fort, so be sure to put your history caps on before heading out.

• Estimated time to walk: 60 minutes
• Distance: 3.5 miles (5.6 km)
• Nearby parking: Canterbury city centre

Fancy pet sitting in the UK?

We can see why - there are heaps of the best dog walks in Kent, not to mention the county’s rather cool history. So, check out these house sits in Kent to get your adventure started and these dog-friendly things to do in Mablethorpe if your adventure takes you further north!