~Pet Friendly Beaches In Thanet~
Who doesn’t love the ocean? Well, we and our pets do! Most doggies love swimming, and if they don’t then they just love walking on the sand, digging and sometimes even eating sand.
Our guide is here to ensure that you know all the places in Thanet to hang out with you best furry friend. The first part of our guide is (as you probably have figured it out) about the dog friendly beaches in Thanet!
If you are visiting Ramsgate, Margate, Birchington, Cliftoville or Broadstairs and wondering what places to see with your furry friend, then browse our list and start exploring Thanet with your pet!
Our first list includes all the beaches in Thanet where dogs are welcome on and off their lead at any time of the year.
Grenham Bay, Birchington
A nice and quiet place to walk and enjoy the day with your best friend! There is a promenade that you can walk which leads to Minnis Bay (Please beware that dogs have restricted access, but we will talk about it later). If you are lucky and the tide is out, a small beach area will emerge next to the promenade. To access the beach there is a steep hill down from clifftop, so be careful – we do not want you and your precious pet to get hurt! The beach is located just 10-minute walk from Birchington Station.
Epple Bay, Birchington
It is a hidden tiny sand bay behind chalk cliffs. A large area of grass at the top of the cliff is perfect for exercise with your fur baby and when you are both very tired, you can walk by a small promenade and enjoy the ocean! The coastal scenery is superb all the way. With the Wantsum channel on your right and the sea on the left, the broad tarmac path continues for approximately 3 ½ miles. The sea breezes can be strong here so we would advise to check the weather and wind direction before setting out. From Birchington station, it will take you 13 minutes to walk to the beach!
Fulsam Rock, Margate
At high tide there is practically no beach, only the promenade and slipway so it is better to access the beach at low tide. It is a calm and peaceful area and it is a popular area for dog walkers, so we are certain that you will make some new friends. It located next to the Winter Gardens, which is another beautiful place you need to explore.
Palm Bay, Cliftonville
Stunning sandy beach, really quiet and great for pawrents and their four-legged friends. This is a lovely clean stretch of beach with free parking above a short walk away. There is a blue flag for swimming and especially dogs capitalize on that by dancing around the sands and into the water. Do not hesitate to grab some lunch for both of you and do a picnic by the sea.
Foreness Point, Cliftonville
Foreness Point is a low headland on the coast of Kent. Off the point there is a reef, exposed at low tide, known as Long Nose Spit. The nearest station is the Margate station and you can follow the promenade by the coast which is very quiet and has great view of the coast and the sea.
Kingsgate Bay, Broadstairs
The beach is probably best known for its sea caves which are reputedly some of the best in the country. Overlooking the southern end of the beach is Kingsgate Castle, built in the 1760s for Lord Holland. It is an amazing place to visit and we would totally recommend visiting Kingsgate Bay with your dog. We are certain that you will spend an amazing time together. It is only 20 from Broadstairs station but you can walk to the beach and will take you 40 minutes – It is not for the weak hearted.
Western Undercliff, Ramsgate
Western Undercliff located next to Ramsgate port and town. It is a sandy beach with small tidal paddling pool, backed by high chalk cliffs. The lower half of the beach is rocky with a chalk reef that extends towards Pegwell Bay. There are many facilities available nearby such as toilets, parking, café that will make sure you and your mate have everything you need!
Dumpton Gap, Broadstairs
Dumpton Gap is actually a very nice small sandy beach! The beach is backed by a wide promenade which winds around the coast. Beware that at high tides, the beach disappears so we would recommend visiting Dumpton Gap at low tides. It is a great getaway and the nearby cafes and beach huts are great places to relax and enjoy the tranquil scenery.
Eastcliff, Ramsgate
It is great to walk along and enjoy the views over the harbour and out to sea. There are plenty to do in the area, especially with your little friends…It is the perfect getaway from the town, and it is very quiet place.
Next, you can see all the beaches where dogs are not allowed certain periods of time.
Margate Main Sands Walpole Bay, Cliftonville (Dogs are not allowed on the beach between 1 May and 30 September)
A nice and clean sandy beach perfect for a nice walk with your friend on a sunshine! There are many bars and eateries close to the beach, so you and your beloved pet will have everything you need after a nice swim in the sea. The closest train station is the Margate station only 12 minutes from the beach.
Viking Bay, Broadstairs (Dogs are not allowed on the beach between 1 May and 30 September)
This magnificent horseshoe shaped bay located only 8 minutes from Broadstairs rail station is the main attraction in Broadstairs. It was a holiday destination for Charles Dickens, and now it can be yours and your lovely pet’s. He even wrote an affectionate piece on the town, Our English Watering Place. The long sandy bay, cliff top promenade and boardwalk make this bay a timeless thing of beauty.
Westbrook Bay, Westbrook (Dogs are not allowed on the beach between 10am and 6pm from 1 May to 30 September but they are banned on the central section)
This pleasant, sandy beach sits on the north-eastern Kent coast, and is one of the quieter beaches to be found close to the town of Margate. For shops, cafes and entertainment head to Margate itself which can be found less than a mile away.
Stone Bay, Broadstairs (Dogs are not allowed on the beach between 10am and 6pm from 1 May to 30 September)
This pleasant sandy beach is backed by a promenade lined with beach huts which leads into Broadstairs town. Behind the beach are high chalk cliffs which provide shelter from the breeze and a feeling of seclusion. The cliffs to cast a shadow over parts of the beach as the sun dips in the late afternoon. It is also worth noting that the beach at Stone Bay almost disappears on the high tide, so be sure to check the tide times.
Ramsgate Main Sands (Dogs are not allowed on the beach between 1 May and 30 September)
Ramsgate Main Sands is a popular sandy beach surrounded by high chalk cliffs and adjacent to the picturesque Royal Harbour and marina, with plenty of options for ice cream and fish and chips. The beach is perfect for furry families, with clean, safe bathing water.
Botany Bay, Broadstairs (Dogs are not allowed on the beach between 10am and 6pm from 1 May to 30 September)
This hidden gem offers stunning views of white cliffs and beautiful chalk stacks. When the tide is out it is great for fossils and exploring rock pools. Plenty of exposed sand to enjoy when the tide is in but due to its shape at high tide the ends of the beach are cut off.
Joss Bay, Broadstairs (Dogs are not allowed between 10am and 6pm from 1 May to 30 September)
Joss Bay is a popular sandy beach sheltered by steep chalk cliffs and backing on to the North Foreland golf course. Stretching for around 200 metres this is a great family beach with all the facilities close at hand. There is a beach cafe, toilets, plenty of car parking and deck-chair hire if you really want to go for the full English seaside experience! Located approximately halfway between Broadstairs and Margate, Joss Bay is a good starting-point for coastal walks and cycle rides with your best friends.
Louisa Bay, Broadstairs (Dogs are not allowed on the beach between 10am and 6pm from 1 May to 30 September)
A small popular tucked away bay that is great for rock pooling with a promenade café. Reasonably quiet, sandy beach located close enough to the town, but just off the beaten track. Good facilities and plenty of rock pools to enjoy with your pet.
Minnis Bay, Birchington (Dogs are not allowed on the beach between 1 May and 30 September)
Minnis Bay is a safe and secluded sandy bay with separate areas for swimming and watersports. Plenty of facilities, including a well-equipped children’s area. Coastal cycle and walking routes are clearly marked at the entrance to the beach.
West Bay, Wesgate on Sea (Dogs are not allowed on the beach between 10am and 6pm from 1 May to 30 September)
It’s a hidden gem between Birchington and Margate. The sandy beaches stretch from west bay to Margate. There is a selection of shops in the high street, and you can park easily close to the beach. Even on a bank holiday in Summer, you will have more than enough room on the beach. Look up for the tide times, otherwise you and your lovely pet will find no beach at all.
St Mildred’s Bay, Wesgate on Sea (Dogs are not allowed on the beach between 10am and 6pm from 1 May to 30 September)
St Mildred’s Bay is a small sandy beach adjacent to the seaside town of Westgate, within easy walking distance of Margate. The beach is backed by cliffs and a promenade and has a cafe/restaurant, beach chalets, deck chairs for hire and a tidal pool at the far end.