Kent’s Most Beautiful Dog-Friendly Walks
Known as the ‘Garden of England’, Kent is filled with beautiful locations perfect for an afternoon stroll or a full day’s hike with your four-legged friend. From picture-postcard villages to rolling hills and coastal landscapes, we’ve selected ten of the best walks in Kent for you and your dog to enjoy together.
Ham Street Woods
This ancient woodland on the outskirts of Hamstreet provides an idyllic setting for an afternoon dog walk.
Ham Street Woods National Nature Reserve trail offers a circular 3km route that takes you and your pet on winding tree-lined paths. As you walk, you’ll spot magnificent oak and silver birch trees and beautiful bluebells if you visit in the spring.
Your dog will love exploring the 97 hectares of land here, but just be warned, if you go in winter, you might need to prepare for muddy paws.
Charles Dickens and Higham Walk
For something a little different, take your pup on an adventure and spend the day retracing the footsteps of one of England’s most famous novelists on the Charles Dickens Walk in Higham.
It is well known that the beautiful Kent landscape and its marshlands inspired much of Dickens’ work, including the opening of Great Expectations.
This 6.6-mile circular walk takes you through many of the routes and landmarks Dickens will have walked along and visited himself. You and your dog will ramble through marshlands, open fields, and country lanes as you pass by historic churches, beautiful allotments, and of course, the famous Gad’s Hill Place, the country home of Charles Dickens in later life.
Cranbrook Walk
This scenic circular trail is popular with local dog owners and is conveniently located just a five-minute walk from Farmstead at Tannersbrook.
You’ll begin your stroll at Cranbrook, the capital of the Kentish Weald. Spot its famous Union Mill and traditional weatherboard-style houses as you make your way to the footpath that connects you to the 3-mile route.
Along Cranbrook Walk, you’ll pass fields, hop gardens and hedgerows before arriving at the historic village of Sissinghurst. Here, you can stop at Sissinghurst Castle to admire its beautiful surroundings. Dogs are welcome to roam the wider estate, just not in the formal garden.
Sheldwich Village
If you’re looking for a long walk to stretch your legs, the ‘Land for all Seasons’ hike in Faversham is ideal. This circular walk starts from the picturesque Sheldwich village and stretches more than nine miles, past cornfields and the open countryside, before arriving at Perry Wood.
Here, your dog will have 150 acres of land to roam and run around. If you and your pooch need a break along the way, the route offers you the opportunity to stop off for a well-deserved refreshment in the quaint village of Selling.
Dunorlan Park
Just a thirty-minute walk from Hollyfields is Dunorlan Park, a breath-taking Victorian garden and boating lake in Royal Tunbridge Wells.
There is an accessible 1.5-mile circular trail here that takes you around the lake and offers 78 acres of open space for your dog to explore.
When you need a break, take a seat on one of the many benches around the park and take some time to enjoy the beautiful views. The park also has excellent facilities, including a café, toilet, and even boat hire in the summer.
King’s Wood
Previously a royal hunting ground, King’s Wood in the Kent Downs is now a firm favourite amongst local dog owners. Take the 7.2km circular trail around the 1500-acre woods and allow your dog to roam free while you try to spot the many sculptures adorning the route.
There are some hills and more rugged terrain on this walk, so come prepared with hiking boots and get ready for muddy paws afterwards.
Teston Bridge Country Park & River Walk
The beautiful Teston Bridge Country Park is located just fifteen minutes from Foal Hurst Green.
The 32 acres of parkland here offer your pup the perfect opportunity to explore and burn off energy. You can also take the 3-mile trail along the banks of the River Medway, taking in the stunning views as you and your pooch roam through grassland and wetland before crossing over the iconic 15th-century ragstone Teston Bridge.
Horton Kirby
The tranquil village of Horton Kirby in the Sevenoaks District in Kent offers the perfect setting for a leisurely stroll with your dog.
This circular trail is just over 3 miles, taking you along the sloping tree-lined paths on the banks of the River Darent. As you wander along the route, try and spot the horses and sheep grazing on the hillside, or catch a glimpse of a water vole along the river.
You’ll eventually arrive at the postcard village of Farningham. Here, you can admire the flint-faced cottages, explore the winding streets, or sit down to a well-deserved refreshment at the Lion Hotel, with magnificent views of The Mill that sits opposite.
Scotney Castle
The 780-acre estate at Scotney Castle in Tunbridge Wells is perfect for a day of walkies.
The estate is very dog-friendly, offering plenty of routes along the vast parkland and woodland for your pet to explore. Dogs are also welcome to run off-lead at Nap Wood and Sprivers woodland but will not be allowed into the house or Walled Garden.
After you’ve both finished exploring, take your pup for a refreshment at the dog-friendly café.
Reculver Country Park
If you fancy a drive out to the coast, Reculver Country Park at Herne Bay is one of the most scenic coastal walks you can take with your canine companion. Walk along the promenade and let your dog enjoy in the sea while you marvel at the view of the Reculver Towers – the remains of a former Saxon monastery.
Your dog will love exploring the 26 hectares of open grassland here, or, if you’re up for more of a challenge, head up to the clifftop grassland and walk part of the Saxon Shore Trail.
Many of these scenic dog-friendly walks are within easy reach of several of Berkeley Group’s developments. If you’re looking to make this idyllic county your home, we have a collection of beautiful houses and apartments in Kent ready to move into now.
Find out more about our current and upcoming properties available in Kent here.