With the coast a stone’s throw away, plenty of parks and rolling countryside, Kent is a puppy’s paradise. If you’ve got a four-legged friend you’ll want to head for a destination that’s dog-friendly, and the county has plenty that’ll get tails wagging.

Country parks

There are a host of country parks across the county which are perfect for the family and for pets.

They include Samphire Hoe Country Park, near Dover, which ticks more than one box, offering countryside, clifftop views and the chance to breathe in the sea air.

Nine parks are managed by Kent County Council. They include White Horse Country Park at Detling, near Maidstone, which has panoramic views across the Downs and has a viewing point and Ordnance Survey point.

It sits on what was once home to part of Detling Air Field, which was active during the First World War and Second World War and even has the ruins of 12th century Thurnham Castle on its outskirts.

Woodland and countryside

Kent’s not called the Garden of England for nothing – there’s greenery everywhere, with more than 300,000 hectares of the county classed as rural.

From woodlands to rolling fields, embrace your rural roots and step out with your dog across these lush, beautiful surroundings.

Why not head to Holly Hill, near Meopham, which boasts fantastic views over the Medway Valley, has a network of public footpaths through the woods to local villages and is part of the Valley of Visions, the Kent Downs AONB’s Heritage Lottery-funded Landscape Partnership Scheme.

Beaches

Why not treat your dog to a refreshing walk by the sea? Kent has 14 dog-friendly coastal spots that your pet will want to make friends with – and you can take them there all year round.

They include Dungeness – Britain’s only desert – which has a shingle beach, a wealth of wildlife, and plenty of space for your dog to roam free and let off steam without being disturbed.

Head for Thanet for some coastal therapy, where there are beaches galore – Kingsgate Bay has a sandy beach and is close to popular Joss Bay and Botany Bay but is perfect for pets – and a short walk to the Captain Digby pub nearby. Tankerton Beach is an old-fashioned shingle beach with breathtaking views, and is backed by the promenade and at low tide rockpools reveal themselves.

Pubs

There are lots of watering holes at the end of some brisk county walks which welcome dogs.

They include the Botany Bay Hotel overlooking the sandy 200 metres of beach at Broadstairs and the Hogarth Inn on the peaceful Isle of Grain, which attracts dog walkers and birdwatchers alike with its beach-side spot, home-cooked food and traditional ales. The pub is a great little find.