Kent is a beautiful county in South East England, known for its picturesque countryside, historic landmarks, and stunning coastal towns. If you’re planning a holiday in Kent and want to bring your pet along, you’ll be pleased to know that there are plenty of pet friendly cottages available to rent. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best pet friendly cottages in Kent, with details on their features, location, and capacity.
Seabreeze Cottage, Broadstairs
Located in the coastal town of Broadstairs, Seabreeze Cottage is a charming two-bedroom pet-friendly cottage that can sleep up to four people. The cottage is just a short walk from the beach and features a fully equipped kitchen, a comfortable living room, and a private garden for your four-legged friend to enjoy.
Woodlands Cottage, Canterbury
Set in the heart of the Kent countryside, Woodlands Cottage is a beautifully restored pet-friendly cottage that can accommodate up to six people. The cottage features a spacious living room with a wood-burning stove, a modern kitchen, and three comfortable bedrooms. Outside, there is a large enclosed garden for your pet to play in.
The Old School House, Folkestone
The Old School House is a stunning pet-friendly cottage that has been lovingly restored to its former glory. This four-bedroom cottage can sleep up to eight people and features a spacious living room, a fully equipped kitchen, and a large garden with stunning views of the Kent countryside.
The Stables, Ashford
Located in the village of Egerton, The Stables is a beautifully converted pet-friendly cottage that can accommodate up to four people. The cottage features a spacious open-plan living area, a fully equipped kitchen, and two comfortable bedrooms. Outside, there is a private courtyard for your pet to enjoy.
The Pheasant’s Nest, Cranbrook
Set in the picturesque village of Sissinghurst, The Pheasant’s Nest is a charming pet-friendly cottage that can sleep up to four people. The cottage features a cosy living room with a wood-burning stove, a modern kitchen, and two comfortable bedrooms. Outside, there is a private garden for your four-legged friend to explore.
Stable Cottage, Maidstone
Located in the heart of the Kent Downs, Stable Cottage is a beautifully restored pet-friendly cottage that can sleep up to six people. The cottage features a spacious living room with a wood-burning stove, a modern kitchen, and three comfortable bedrooms. Outside, there is a private garden with stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
The Granary, Tenterden
Set on a working farm in the village of High Halden, The Granary is a charming pet-friendly cottage that can sleep up to four people. The cottage features a cosy living room with a wood-burning stove, a fully equipped kitchen, and two comfortable bedrooms. Outside, there is a private garden for your companion to explore.
Appletree Cottage, Tonbridge
Located in the historic town of Tonbridge, Appletree Cottage is a beautifully restored pet-friendly cottage that can accommodate up to four people. The cottage features a spacious living room with a wood-burning stove, a modern kitchen, and two comfortable bedrooms. Outside, there is a private garden with a BBQ and outdoor seating.
Bramley Cottage, Whitstable
Set in the seaside town of Whitstable, Bramley Cottage is a charming pet-friendly cottage that can sleep up to four people. The cottage features a cosy living room with a wood-burning stove, a well-equipped kitchen, and two comfortable bedrooms. Outside, there is a private garden with outdoor seating, perfect for enjoying the summer sun with your four-legged friend.
The Byre, Sevenoaks
Located in the village of Ide Hill, The Byre is a beautifully converted pet-friendly cottage that can accommodate up to four people. The cottage features a spacious living room with a wood-burning stove, a fully equipped kitchen, and two comfortable bedrooms. Outside, there is a private courtyard with outdoor seating and a BBQ.
Dog Friendly Kent Holidays
Kent is a great destination for pet owners, with plenty of opportunities for walking and exploring with your four-legged friend. The Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is a must-visit for dog owners, with over 880 square kilometres of rolling hills, forests, and valleys to explore. The area is home to a number of walking trails, including the North Downs Way and the Pilgrims’ Way, which offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
If you’re looking for a coastal adventure with your pet, Kent has a number of beautiful beaches where dogs are welcome. Viking Bay in Broadstairs is a popular destination for dog owners, with a wide sandy beach and plenty of cafes and restaurants nearby. Other dog-friendly beaches in Kent include Botany Bay, St Mildred’s Bay, and Dymchurch Beach.
Kent is also home to a number of dog-friendly attractions, including historic castles, gardens, and parks. Leeds Castle, located in Maidstone, is a must-visit for pet owners, with over 500 acres of parkland and gardens to explore. The castle also hosts a number of dog-friendly events throughout the year, including the Leeds Castle Dog Fun Day.
The National Trust also has a number of properties in Kent that welcome dogs, including Chartwell, the former home of Winston Churchill, and Sissinghurst Castle Garden, a stunning garden created by writer Vita Sackville-West.
When travelling with your pet, it’s important to be prepared and to follow some basic guidelines. Before you travel, make sure your pet is up-to-date with their vaccinations and has been treated for fleas and ticks. It’s also a good idea to pack some familiar items, such as your pet’s bed and favourite toys, to help them feel at home in their new surroundings.
When staying in a pet-friendly cottage, it’s important to respect the property and to clean up after your pet. Most pet-friendly cottages will provide cleaning equipment and waste bags, but it’s always a good idea to bring your own just in case.
In conclusion, Kent is a fantastic destination for pet owners, with a wide range of pet-friendly cottages, beaches, and attractions to explore. Whether you’re looking for a cosy cottage in the countryside or a coastal retreat by the sea, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful county. So why not pack up your pet and head to Kent for your next holiday?
Features of Pet Friendly Cottages in Kent
When it comes to finding a pet-friendly cottage in Kent, there are several features that you should look out for to ensure that your furry friend feels right at home. Here are some of the key features of pet-friendly cottages in Kent:
Enclosed Gardens
One of the most important features of a pet-friendly cottage is an enclosed garden. This provides a safe and secure space for your dog to play and roam around without the risk of them running off or getting lost.
Dog-Friendly Walks
Another important feature to consider is the availability of dog-friendly walks in the area. Kent is known for its beautiful countryside and coastal walks, so it’s important to choose a cottage that is close to dog-friendly walking routes.
Pet-Friendly Attractions
If you’re planning on exploring the local area, it’s important to choose a cottage that is close to pet-friendly attractions. Kent is home to many pet-friendly attractions, including country parks, beaches, and historical sites.
Dog Friendly Pubs and Restaurants
If you’re planning on eating out during your stay in Kent, it’s important to choose a cottage that is close to dog-friendly pubs and restaurants. Many pubs and restaurants in Kent welcome dogs, so you can enjoy a meal out with your furry friend by your side.
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Dog Friendly days out in Kent
Looking for some new and exciting days out for the whole family, dogs included? Look no further than the southeastern county of Kent. This vast and varied county is located close to London but characterised by its treasure trove of beautiful forests, beaches and parks for everyone to enjoy. The ‘Garden of England’ has it all and doesn’t disappoint. What better way to encourage the kids to have fun outside than on a fun day out with the dog!
Bedgebury National Pinetum is a vast beautiful forest perfect to spend a day walking, cycling or exploring the many different activities on offer. Open morning to evening every day, Bedgebury is a popular location for dog walkers thanks to the hundreds of acres of peaceful woodlands, six lakes and various paths which lead you through the picturesque landscapes. Going for a beautiful walk here is not only a great opportunity for your dog to stretch their legs off the lead, but also for the kids to engage in some fun and educational activities since there are various trails tailored for children; one path leads through the different play areas across the forest, another is interactive and follows the popular character Zog on an adventure. Bedgebury incorporates information and activities for children which aim to educate about the natural surroundings, helping to spark an interest in nature and conservation. The forest is also a great setting for a family bike ride and there is a bike hire to make this easy for you. As well as being a fantastic chance for the kids to get active in a healthy and thrilling way, your dog will love the freedom to run along with you and properly exercise. For the more daring in the family, there’s a Go Ape adventure course, but unfortunately the dogs will have to sit this activity out! Complete with a cafe, Bedgebury is the full package when it comes to a fun day outdoors.
Coastal areas are another fantastic day trip, especially in spring and summer, and Kent has no shortage of seaside towns. Head to Broadstairs in northeastern Kent to find some stunning sandy beaches which welcome humans and dogs alike. Be aware that between May to September some specific beaches ask for dogs to be on leads. However, Dumpton Gap is a gorgeous bay with no restrictions on dog walking. This secluded beach offers a sweeping expanse of sand and sea, perfect for your dog to run, swim and exercise and for fun family games on the sand. I’d suggest bringing buckets, spades, bats and balls or a rounders set to make the most of the day. Another great option is Kingsgate Bay, where you’ll always find fellow dog walkers and families, since dogs are welcomed year-round. Both these beaches are surrounded by white chalk cliffs which make for great walks with vibrant coastal vistas and a breath of refreshing sea air. No beach day is complete without an ice cream, so after enjoying the sun, stroll into Broadstairs where you’ll find Morelli’s Ice Cream Parlour. This beloved gelateria, established in 1932, provides a selection of high quality ice creams for everyone – including the canine members of the family. After a delicious dog-friendly ice cream, your pup will be sure to leave Broadstairs tail wagging.
If you’re searching for a more cosmopolitan adventure, don’t be afraid to bring your four-legged friend with you into the city. Canterbury is a friendly city where dogs can be included in the action. There are many walking routes around which will allow you and the family to take in the historical sites of Canterbury whilst your dog can blow off some steam; a classic route is the Great Stour Way. This traffic-free path running alongside the river from Chartham to Canterbury passes through tranquil meadows and marshes and by heritage sites such as Milton Church before ending at Canterbury Cathedral. Even though dogs aren’t allowed inside, you can feel at ease wandering around the impressive grounds with them, taking in the atmosphere and 1,400 year old architecture. A great way to engage with Canterbury’s rich past is by taking a river tour. Cruise along the rivers, seeing the city from the water whilst an experienced guide explains Canterbury’s history and tells obscure stories. Not only is this a fun and novel experience for children in your family, but dogs are invited aboard to join in on the voyage, making this a unique memory for the whole family. Canterbury is abundant in dog-friendly pubs where you can finish your day with a well-deserved pub lunch. The Dolphin, The White Hart Inn and The Millers Arms are amongst many to be visited.
My recommendations wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the spectacular bluebells, which typically blossom in spring all over Kent. One of the easiest ways to involve your dog in your holidays is to make the most of the nature around you on some stunning woodland walks and you don’t want to miss these phenomenal flowers. The best sights can be found at Ashenbank Wood, a highlight in the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, where you can explore the unique flora and fauna. Walks through diverse wooded areas are a perfect sensory experience for dogs, the natural smells and fresh air energising them, and the endless sweep of bluebells are a delight to see and photograph. Ashenbank Wood is particularly special for its ancient trees and archaeological finds from the Bronze Age, which provide an excellent opportunity to captivate the children in imaginative and inquisitive conversations about nature and the past. All in all, a refreshing walk in this woodland will satisfy every member of the family.
Family days out are always more fun when the dog comes along too and it’s a great way to get children excited and active. Make the most of the stunning natural beauty Kent has to offer, making it a perfect location for both you and your dogs to relax and enjoy your holiday!