Here boy! Dog-friendly places to stay in Kent

The Ferry House

There’s a remote feel to this tranquil spot on the edge of the river Swale surrounded by marshland and wetlands with superb walks shooting off in all directions. With five dog-friendly rooms, kitted out with comfy beds, bowls and homemade treats, this foodie inn will make the whole family happy – four-legged friends are welcome in the restaurant too. They grow most of the produce used in the restaurant in their one-acre garden which you’re welcome to wander around. Breakfast is served in the bar/restaurant and includes a full Kentish spread with home-smoked bacon, homemade sausages, Eggs Royale with home-smoked fish, or a lighter Grazing Bowl with oats, seeds, quinoa and garden fruits. It’s worth staying in for lunch and dinner too. Views soar from the dining terrace over the river as marsh harriers whirl overhead. Sleep well in comfortable rooms, wake refreshed and ready for long walks.

“The Ferry House is a delightful spot for a relaxed stay, far away from all the bustle of everyday life.” – Inspector Ursula

The Dog at Wingham

Wingham is a pretty village near Canterbury known for its thatched cottages, medieval houses, and a much-loved pub called The Dog set in a 15th-century building. Six out of the eight super-smart bedrooms are dog-friendly and they’re welcome to join you in the restaurant where you can enjoy modern British food served at a table set with fresh flowers. Cosy up in front of a blazing fire in the ancient inglenook, perch on stylish stools at the bar, the whole place buzzes with fresh-faced staff. After a very good breakfast (brought to your room if you like), hop in the car to Sandwich. You can walk from the estuary quay to the wild shingle shore: a happy half hour for your dog.

“The food is sublime, the accommodation great and the staff all friendly and efficient. We have been back for more delicious meals on various occasions. Can’t fault The Dog!” – Guest Diana

The Cook’s Cottage

Come for sea air, independent shops, great places to eat and this quirky cottage with plenty of room and a sunny, dog-proofed garden. You’re just off the high street for a farm shop, good butcher and The Whitstable Fish Market on the harbour for fresh, sustainable fish and oysters. Bring everything back to the kitchen and whip up a seafood feast – there’s even a lobster pot. Rover will be delighted with the special shelf of goodies too. Bedrooms are spread over the two floors: the downstairs bathroom has a vintage roll top and the upstairs a shower. In summer you’ll be in the walled garden which is just made for entertaining and has a summerhouse (with a cinema projector and WiFi), a chiminea, hammock, and an outdoor kitchen with a Big Green Egg – perfect for smoking, roasting and pizza making. 

“We had such an amazing time at the cottage near all the shops and the beach. It’s pet friendly and has loads of dog snacks. Amazing garden. A great record collection.” – Guest Tali

Heron House

Heron House – spruce and perfectly placed, between the high street and the sea – welcomes humans and dogs. This neat-as-a-pin house is the perfect launchpad for trendy Whitstable: nearby are good restaurants, shops, galleries, beach walks with your dog, pubs, oysters, chips, beach huts by the sea, and a proper coffee shop in Tankerton called JoJo’s. Return and relax in two sitting rooms, one smaller (with a wood-burner), one large, and a kitchen-diner in the extension, in beautiful, bright, Victorian-modern style. Find a table topped with candles and a basket of nice things, and doors to a pretty courtyard with a garden room for dreaming on a day bed. Sweet, simple bedrooms on the upper floors are a mix of vintage pine pieces and Farrow & Ball colours. 

“We had a lovely three nights at comfortable and relaxing Heron House. We could walk to the beach in five minutes and there was plenty to do and see.” – Guest Tina

Stable West

This immaculate stable retreat (the friendly owners live at one end, you at the other, and all you hear are the birds) is surrounded by pretty dog-secure gardens and the established Heppington vineyard. You get logs for the wood-burner, wine from the estate and fresh flowers for the table, and heaps of country-house space. Relax in the lofty sitting room, chop and stir in a big fresh kitchen then snooze in the airy sun room. The en suite bedroom is downstairs and the rest are up: a twin/double; a single; a bathroom under the eaves. Colours are muted, carpets soft, beds comfortable and everything shines. Dogs will love the biscuit treats and miles of Kentish countryside to scamper. Humans will love splashing in the rose-scented pool and knocking balls around the court. Historic Canterbury is up the road and you can stroll across fields to local pubs.

“Beautiful, extremely comfortable and very spacious cottage – much bigger than we had envisaged. Surrounded by fields; all you can hear is birdsong – very peaceful.” – Guest Natalie

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Written by
Carmen McCormack

Carmen is a freelance writer specialising in travel. She once lived in a bus in north Wales, skipped off to study in Barcelona, and now calls Bristol home. When she’s not tapping away on her laptop, she can be found reading (a lot), lake swimming (a little), and pottering on the allotment with husband and two kiddos. She’s currently dreaming about cold cerveza and torta in Mexico.