We’re all hoping that the weather will soon brighten up and be good enough for some days at the beach.
However between May and September restrictions for our four-legged family members change at many Kent coastal spots that bring in different rules for the summer months.
This will vary depending on what part of the county you’re in and the time of day.
But if you're dreaming of a summer on the sand – here’s our guide to Kent’s dog-friendly beaches and the coastal spots where pets can’t go during the summer months:
CANTERBURY
On its website Canterbury City Council says most of its coastline is dog friendly where pets are welcome all year round.
However it is important to note that there are two particular beaches in the district where dogs are not allowed between May 1 and September 30 and these are:
Herne Bay central
From Herne Bay pier heading west to Lane End, dogs are not allowed on the beach between May and September. They must also, says the council, be kept on a lead on the promenade.
Tankerton
Dogs are not allowed on the beach at Tankerton on the area which is level with Pier Avenue West to The Street. Pets must again also be kept on a lead on the promenade.
THANET
Two areas in the Thanet District – both at Pegwell Bay – can’t have dogs on the beach at any time of the year. This rule applies to the mudflats and the saltmarsh.
Dogs, however, are welcome all year round on the following Thanet beaches:
Minnis Bay Northern Seawall
Grenham Bay, Birchington
Epple Bay, Birchington
Fulsom Rock, Margate
Sacketts Gap, Cliftonville
Foreness Point, Cliftonville
Palm Bay, Cliftonville
Kingsgate Bay, Broadstairs
Dumpton Gap, Broadstairs
Eastcliff, Ramsgate
Western Undercliff, Ramsgate
Dogs must be kept on a lead between 10am and 6pm from May to September in the following places:
Westbrook Bay, Westbrook
Walpole Bay, Cliftonville
Louisa Bay, Broadstairs
But between 10am and 6pm dogs are banned on the following Thanet beaches between May 1 and September 30:
West Bay, Westgate on Sea
St Mildred’s Bay, Westgate on Sea
Botany Bay, Broadstairs
Joss Bay, Broadstairs
Stone Bay, Broadstairs
Between May 1 and September 30 dogs are not allowed on the following beaches:
Ramsgate Main Sands
Viking Bay, Broadstairs
Margate Main Sands
Minnis Bay (main area), Birchington
DOVER
Over in Dover, as in other areas, there are some changes from May 1 dog owners may need to be aware of.
Here is the council’s guide to the latest restrictions in the district’s most popular coastal spots:
Deal beach
From May 1 to September 30 – between 9am and 6pm – dogs are excluded from the stretch of beach from Deal Castle to Sandown Castle.
Dogs on leads however are welcome on the pier and on the promenade between the same two points all year round.
Dover beach
Dogs must be on leads all year round on both the promenade and the grassed areas at Dover Seafront. This is from the junction of Union Street roundabout to the roundabout at Jubilee Way and also includes Marine Parade and Granville Gardens.
Between May 1 and September 30, from 9am to 6pm, dogs must stay off the beach at Dover Seafront, Waterloo Crescent and Marine Parade.
Sandwich Bay
Dogs are excluded from the Sandwich Bay mud flats and salt marshes and must be kept on a lead on the Princes Bay Golf Course Dunes Path.
Shakespeare Cliff beach
There are no restrictions at Shakespeare Cliff Beach.
St Margaret's Bay
From May 1 to September 30 no dogs are allowed on the beach from the south west end of the slipway to Ness Point between 9am and 6pm.
Dogs must also be on a lead all year round on the promenade, in the car park and in any other amenity areas.
Walmer beach
There are no restrictions at Walmer Beach.
SWALE
There are three areas, says Swale District Council, on the Isle of Sheppey were dogs are not allowed between May 1 and September 30 while dogs must also be kept on leads on the promenades.
The three areas are as follows:
Sheerness
The beach, from the headland at Jacob’s Bank eastwards to an imaginary line from the west side of the steps, leading over the sea wall immediately to the east of Sheerness Swimming Pool.
Minster Leas
The beach from the east side of the Playa Public House to the west side of the vehicle ramp leading to the beach opposite the cafe at Sea Side Avenue. However the PSPO, says the council, does not include the ‘area of grass expanse between the concrete promenade up to the main road on The Leas’.
Leysdown
The area from Stokes Amusements to the west of the beach steps opposite the small roundabout at the seaward end of The Promenade Road, Leysdown.
