A Dog Friendly Guide to Whitstable

Distance: 9.5 miles (one way – but you can get the train back)
Duration: 4 hours approx
Pub: A choice of The Shipwright’s Arms or the Three Mariners

Following the coast before meandering alongside an ancient creek with a smuggling past, this segment of the Saxon Shore Way and England Coast Path is a haven for birdlife, with plenty of fields, mudflats and a nature reserve along the way. Simply set out from the beach at Whitstable, turn left with the sea in front of you to follow the coast path. Keep following it all the way past Seasalter Sailing Club & The Sportsman until the land naturally curves inland alongside the creek. From there, you’ll continue into Faversham – be aware that you pass through several fields where there may be cows, so please keep your dog under close control. 

Once you’re in Faversham, wander through the streets a while (there are lots of pubs. Cafes and shops to explore) before heading back out of the village along Oare Road to the Three Mariners or The Shipwright’s Arms. Both pubs are incredibly dog friendly and date back centuries, brimming with character and history. Both also serve food.    

If you’re feeling up to it, you can also walk back, or choose to get the train from Faversham Station back to Whitstable. Southeastern trains run regularly along this route (it’s the Ramsgate train you’ll need to catch,) with the fare starting at £4.20. As of October 2026, Southeastern’s dog policy allows a maximum of two small dogs to travel for free. Any additional pets pay half adult fare.

Distance: 4.7 mile circuit
Duration: 1.5 – 2 hours
Pub: ‘The Neppy’ – The Old Neptune 

If you want to keep things local, the Whitstable Shore Circular is perfect. The route is convenient for discovering Whitstable Harbour and Castle (both of which are dog-friendly across all outside areas) as well as all of the iconic, brightly coloured beach huts. 

The walk is traditionally started from the beachfront at Tankerton, following the beachfront and around the harbour, all the way to the far end of West Beach. When you reach the end of the beach huts, you’ll notice some steps on your left. Take the steps to the other side of the sea wall, and continue over the railway bridge, turning left to cut through Prospect Fields and again crossing a railway bridge before walking alongside the golf course. You’ll then rejoin the road at W Cliff – from here, you can either turn directly left onto Nelson Street to head straight for The Old Neptune Pub, or dog-leg left onto the High Street for a browse of the shops before arriving at the beachfront. 

Lovingly known as The Neppy by locals, The Old Neptune is another centuries-old Kent icon, and has been occupying its beautiful beachfront spot since sometime before 1830. It is compact and cosy inside, but you and your furry friends are guaranteed a warm welcome and a cold drink – there is also plenty of space outside if the weather is good, and the sunsets are particularly spectacular.

Distance: 8 miles (one way – but you can get the Southeastern train service back!)
Duration: Approx 3.5 hours each way
Pub: The Hare at Blean or Thomas Becket

Following the historic route of the 1830 Crab and Winkle railway line, this walk passes through Tyler Hill, near the University of Kent and into Canterbury. Expect a mix of traffic-free shared-use paths, former railway lines, gravel tracks and quiet country lanes. The route can get muddy after wet weather and is shared with cyclists, so keep your dog under close control, and pack your boots if you’re walking during the winter!

Once in Canterbury, enjoy the city’s ancient architecture with your dog. There are lots of things you can do with your dog in Canterbury, well-behaved dogs are even welcome inside the Cathedral when kept on a short lead (take a look at Ruby the Cockapoo enjoying this) and aboard some of the boats for punting on the River Stour. 

For a dog-friendly stop just outside the city centre, detour to The Hare at Blean when you reach Tyler Hill along the Crab & Winkle Way, or head to Thomas Becket at the heart of Canterbury for a traditional pub, a warm welcome and free dog treats. You can walk back to Whitstable or take the train from Canterbury East, changing at Faversham.