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No-one gets left behind with our guide to exploring the Garden of England with your dog. There are a host of places ready and waiting to welcome your pet. We've teamed up with Visit Kent to show you where to head.
DOG-FRIENDLY DAYS OUT
Whether you fancy sniffing out gardens at Hever Castle, steaming through the countryside on the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway, or taking to the river with your canine companion, Kent has plenty of dog-friendly attractions to get tails wagging. Just check the attraction's website before you visit to make sure.
DOG-FRIENDLY WALKS
Explore Kent has plenty of dog-friendly circular walks to try, taking in glorious Kent countryside. Thanet also has a whole host of coastal trails to follow with your pooch, including the sweeping Viking Coastal Trail, which is 32 miles of walking and cycling fodder. Check it out at explorekent.org/activities/viking-coastal-trail/
BEACH READY?
The county has 350 miles of coastline, and much of it is on offer for your dog to enjoy the surf and splash, though some beaches have restrictions on dogs during peak season. To find out more, check out our story online at kentonline.co.uk/whats-on/news
A DOG'S DINNER
You and your best friend will need refreshment, be it biscuit or burger, once you've been roaming across the county. Many of Kent’s pubs will open their doors to a peckish pup, with favourites including the Fitzwalter Arms in Canterbury, the George and Dragon in Speldhurst and Penshurst’s The Leicester Arms, which is ever-ready with water bowls and treats for dogs.
THE CORNER HOUSE, MINSTER
Never mind ladies who lunch - do you have a lab who loves to lunch? The Corner House restaurant in Minster welcomes well-behaved dogs to the top tier of its restaurant during lunch. Diners can relax knowing their furry companions are safe and happy as they enjoy seasonal local food cooked by the team. Just mention you're bringing your dog when you book. If you want to stay longer, there is accommodation at the nearby Durlock Lodge, which is owned by owner Matt Sworder’s parents David and Nicky. To book call 01843 823000 or email minster@cornerhouserestaurants.co.uk.
THE BULL, BARMING
The historic Bull pub is the perfect pitstop for dog walkers, with six cask ales flowing, infused gins, and the scent of the new menu. The Grade II listed building in Tonbridge Road overlooks the Medway valley and is a haven for cyclists, ramblers and dog-walkers. Find out more at classicinns.co.uk/thebullmaidstone
BLACK HORSE INN, THURNHAM
The inn in Pilgrims Way, Thurnham, has been offering refreshment to travellers for generations and is on the thoroughfare mentioned in the Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer. The dog-friendly pub offers a range of food options, washed down with a glass of wine from a local vineyard or local real ale. With its dog-friendly environment, guests can also bring their dogs with them to stay (cleaning costs will be incurred), and eat with them in the bar area. Details at blackhorsekent.co.uk
REST YOUR PAWS
Kent has many options for dog-friendly accommodation, with Mulberry Cottages' 100 plus cottages which are pet friendly, and some of which have pet walking and sitting available. Find out more at visitkent.co.uk
POP-UP POOCH SHOP
London-based Fetch & Follow is opening a summer pop-up dog shop in Whitstable on Saturday, June 2, running in the Show Off Gallery Space in Harbour Street until Sunday, June 10. The shop will have the brand’s range of doggy clothes, coats and collars to bowls and beds, plus there will be the chance to see local artists' work and try some tasty goodies. The team has also scouted out some top Whitstable spots to drink, dine, walk and hangout with your hound. Check it out on their blog at Fetchandfollow.com #Fetch&Followontour.
BEST PAW FORWARD
While plenty of places welcome dogs, there are some where they are positively encouraged.
Hever Castle hosts its Castle Canines on Saturday, August 4 and Sunday, August 5, with a weekend full of demonstrations, displays and entertainment. There are also prizes on offer for pooches who enter the fun dog show. Dogs on leads are welcome. Visit hevercastle.co.uk for more information.
Paws in the Park at the Kent Showground at Detling near Maidstone offers dog games and activities from flyball to dog agility. The packed weekend between Saturday, September 15 and Sunday, September 16 has a packed programme of arena displays and entertainment. Details at pawsinthepark.net
GETTING THERE
Southeastern Railway welcomes dogs on many of its services. Click here for details. If you're heading off further afield, Eurotunnel Le Shuttle now has a pet travel service, where animals can travel with their owners.
For more ideas on dog-friendly days out in Kent, go to visitkent.co.uk