With walking trails, beaches and plenty of countryside to sniff out, Kent is the perfect spot for a getaway with your dog. Whether you and your pooch are looking for rural bliss or a village retreat (with plenty of dog-friendly pubs on the doorstep), Kent and Sussex Cottages knows a thing or two about how to offer you and your four-legged friend the pawfect escape from city living. So here they are, eight dog-friendly cottages for you and your best friend (and anyone else you may wish to invite).
In the pretty village of Nonington, the two bedroomed Old Coach house is an absolute must for an early spring escape. Surrounded by fields, meadows and walking trails (one of which leads to a cosy local pub), this cottage is fantastic for four-legged and two-legged friends hoping to enjoy a slice of country living. Up for seeing the city sights? Historic Canterbury is just 15 minutes away by car and comes complete with plenty of shops, restaurants, pubs and cafes offering a warm welcome to dogs and their well-behaved owners. Town and country
You guessed it, this charming Victorian gem was once the village school, but what you might not know is that high up in the North Downs, this cute dog-friendly cottage is surrounded by miles of unspoilt countryside and woodland to be explored on four paws. With four bedrooms, original oak floors, wood burning stove and award-winning gastro pub on the doorstep, you’d be forgiven for not wanting to leave this cosy corner, but trust us, there’s plenty more to be discovered. Canterbury lies just a few minutes away and the coastal towns of Sandgate and Hythe come highly recommended, so be sure to pay them a visit for some sea air. School’s out
Whitstable has long been many people's favourite seaside retreat, so isn’t it about time you ventured down here? Gather together a group of friends (this place can sleep up to six), and head to the coast for a sensational coastal escape. Trust us, when the owners say “Beachside” they mean it as this gorgeous cottage is literally a pebble’s throw from dog-friendly Whitstable beach. Explore the lively town with its quirky cafes, shops and restaurants and finish up on the beach for sensational sunsets. Plus, if you’re lucky enough to check in at the end of July, be sure to stick around for the famous Oyster Festival for live music, food, local beer and of course, those oysters.
I do like to be beside the seaside
If you’re a dog owner, you don’t need us to tell you a sniff of sea air is a sure-fire way to set tails wagging, so this spacious house just outside of Sandwich is the perfect spot for a family break. With a huge back garden to explore and the nearby Sandwich Bay within walking distance, you’d be excused for not wanting to leave this pretty little village, but with the likes of English Heritage’s Walmer Castle just a short drive away, there’s plenty more to explore on these shores.
Sand and sea
Wealden views, woodland and country pubs - make no bones about it, Howes Cottage is the perfect pitstop for you and Rover. If you’re in search of traditional Kentish country charm, this weather-boarded wee cottage in peaceful Hawkhurst is it, with two en-suite bedrooms and room for two dogs, so even your pup can bring a friend. Nearby Bedgebury Pinetum and Bewl Water are well-known hotspots around here for leaf-crunching woodland wanders, while the town of Tenterden’s Kent and East Sussex Railway offers a slice of heritage for you and the dog.
Wander in the Weald
Vaulted ceilings, wood burning stove, gorgeous views across vineyards and Romney Marsh, dog friendly…have we just described your dream getaway? While Glebe Cottage is great for a family of four, take one look at the games room and hot tub and you might just want to book The Old Cowshed and Churchland’s Barn to create the ultimate mates’ getaway for up to 16 people. With plenty of walks along the Saxon Shore Way, a pub just a mile away and the renowned Chapel Down vineyard to be explored by you and your pup, trust us, you’ll want to book this one up fast!
Cheers to that
Round up the whole family, including the grandparents, for a stay at the luxurious four-bedroom Little Barn in Hawkenbury this spring. The local dog-friendly pub is just up the road, so you’ll have the choice of fresh, locally-sourced food or cooking up a storm in your new home from home. Bluebell seekers, nearby Sissinghurst Castle is a riot of blues come April, so a walk around the estate and woodland circling Vita Sackville West’s masterpiece is a must, dog and all.
A family escape
The name’s Bond, James Bond…yes, you know where we’re going with this. Not far away from this pretty little cottage rests the Duck Inn, regular haunt of Ian Fleming himself and a great spot to go for a bite to eat or a full-on Sunday lunch. Rural bliss can be found in the bluebell woods and along country walks, while vibrant Canterbury’s independent shops, museums and of course, that cathedral, are only a few minutes away by bus.
Take a break
