Dog Friendly Canterbury: Things To Do in Canterbury With a Dog

Sniffing out the best dog-friendly Canterbury spots? We’ve done the legwork – literally. From dog-friendly restaurants Canterbury locals love, to leisurely walks that pups wag for, this guide rounds up the top dog-friendly places in Canterbury for you and your four-legged shadow.

Oh, and if you’re sniffing around for house sitting opportunities in Canterbury or need a trusty Canterbury pet sitter, we’ve covered that too.

Best dog parks in Canterbury

Canterbury isn’t one of those towns where “dog park” means a sad triangle of grass by a roundabout. Nope. This place knows what dogs want: space to sprint, trees to sniff, and enough squirrels to keep your pup entertained. If your dog needs to burn off the chaos, start here.

Fido's Secure Dog Field

This private, fully enclosed field spans 1–2 acres and is surrounded by a sturdy 6-foot fence, ensuring your furry friend can run, chase, and play to their heart's content without a worry in the world. The field is thoughtfully equipped with agility gear, ball flingers, frisbees, and even a doggy water station to keep your pup hydrated.

Location: Butlers court wood, Honey Hill, Canterbury CT2 9JR, United Kingdom

The Barn Dog Field

If your dog needs a change of scenery (and you need five minutes without yelling, “Leave it!”), this 2.5-acre field just outside Canterbury is the answer. It’s part of a working farm, so you get all the fresh air, wild hedgerows, and big sky energy your dog dreams of while they’re asleep and twitching. The fencing’s high, the space is private (you book it just for your household), and there’s even a compost loo if nature calls.

Location: The Barn Dog Field, Neal's Pl Rd, Canterbury CT2 8HX, United Kingdom

Dog-friendly restaurants in Canterbury

Whether you're chasing a roast, a risotto, or just a reason to say "he's friendly, I promise" for the 47th time, these dog-friendly restaurants in Canterbury will feed you both well.

The Dog at Wingham

It’s not just a clever name. Dogs are welcome throughout, staff are borderline obsessed with them, and the menu has that "I came for lunch, stayed ‘til dinner" vibe. Inside, you'll find a cozy ambiance with exposed beams, plush furnishings, and a welcoming fireplace. The gastropub offers a menu of contemporary British cuisine crafted from locally sourced ingredients, earning it accolades, including Two AA Rosettes and a spot in the Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropubs. Fancy but not fussy – you’ll feel just as comfortable in muddy boots as you would in dinner shoes.

Location: Canterbury Rd, Wingham, Canterbury CT3 1BB, United Kingdom

The Bridge Arms

This one wears a Michelin star like it’s no big deal. It’s refined, yes, but not the type of dining experience where dogs get side-eyed – quite the opposite. Expect crisp napkins, wild garlic somewhere on the menu, and staff who ask your dog’s name before yours. Bring your appetite. And a well-behaved floof.

Location: 53 High St, Bridge, Canterbury CT4 5LA, United Kingdom

Fun dog-friendly activities in Canterbury

Not every dog outing has to end with muddy paws and your shoe in a stream. Sometimes, you and your four-legged friend want culture. Scenery. Maybe even a snack that isn’t shaped like a bone. These activities tick the “good dog” box and the “good day out” one.

Wander the Canterbury Cathedral precincts

Canterbury’s biggest landmark isn’t just for tourists with maps and selfie sticks. Dogs aren’t allowed inside the cathedral itself, but they’re welcome to stroll the surrounding precincts on a leash – and honestly, that’s where most of the charm is. Wander past ancient archways, the Norman Staircase, and quiet garden corners with your four-legged sidekick in tow.

Cost: Free
Date and time: Daily, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Location: Cathedral House, 11 The Precincts, Canterbury CT1 2EH, United Kingdom

Wednesday pack walk at Blean Woods

Every Wednesday at 10:00 AM, dog lovers gather at Arby's Café on Denstroude Lane for a sociable stroll through the ancient Blean Woods. This free, friendly walk offers a chance to meet fellow dog enthusiasts and enjoy the natural beauty of the woods. After the walk, participants often return to Arby's Café for refreshments, including coffee, cakes, and pup-friendly treats.

Cost: Free
Date and time: Wednesdays, 10:00 AM
Location: 163 Margate Rd, Herne Bay CT6 7AB, United Kingdom

Stroll through ruins at St Augustine’s Abbey

If you’re after a walk that feels a little more cultured than your usual lap around the block, this is the go-to. The abbey grounds are wide open, grassy, and surprisingly quiet – perfect for a slow wander with your dog on a leash. You’ll pass crumbling archways, ancient stone walls, and a solid dose of history, all without having to elbow your way through crowds.

Cost: £10

Date and time: Open daily

Location: Longport, Canterbury CT1 1PF, United Kingdom

Best dog-friendly walking trails in Canterbury

Not every walk has to be a muddy scramble. These dog-friendly walks in Canterbury include quiet riverside paths and the longest dog-friendly trail nearby, so you can set the pace without sacrificing the views.

Great Stour Way

This 6 km riverside trail is Canterbury’s answer to a countryside escape without the car keys. Starting from the city’s Westgate Gardens, it meanders alongside the River Stour, offering a flat, well-maintained path that’s perfect for both two-legged and four-legged walkers. Expect ducks, shade, and enough open space for an excellent game of fetch. It’s also one of the most popular dog-friendly trails in the area for a reason.

Location: Great Stour Way, Canterbury CT1 2AA
Length: 6 km

Herne Bay to Reculver Coastal Trail

If you’ve got time for a day trip, this seaside trail from Herne Bay to Reculver is a stunner. The path meanders along the shoreline, providing panoramic views of the sea and the iconic Reculver Towers in the distance. The nearby Reculver Country Park offers additional walking paths and a chance to explore the ruins of the Roman fort and the twin towers of St. Mary's Church.

Location: Herne Bay, Kent CT6 5JQ

Length: ~7 km

The best dog-friendly cafes in Canterbury

Coffee is non-negotiable. So is bringing the dog. Whether you're fuelling up after a walk or just pretending to work on your laptop, these are the dog-friendly cafes in Canterbury that won’t make you tie your dog to a lamppost.

Lost Sheep Coffee

This micro-café keeps it quick: strong coffee, outdoor benches, and dogs welcome without fuss. They’ll happily offer a water bowl, and your dog will probably score at least one compliment.

Location: Bus, Station, St George's Ln, Canterbury CT1 2SY, United Kingdom

The Goods Shed

This café-meets-market feels like the weekend, even on a Tuesday. You can shop for local produce, grab a pastry, and sit down for a proper coffee without leaving your dog outside. Dogs need to be kept on a leash, but they’re welcome throughout. Just be warned, the smell of fresh meat and cheese might make your pup suddenly forget every bit of training they ever had.

Location: Station Rd W, Canterbury CT2 8AN, United Kingdom

Annual dog events in Canterbury

Some dogs train for these. Others just show up and steal the show. Whether your pup’s into costumes, competitions, or just sniffing 200 butts in one day, these events are the highlight reel of Canterbury’s dog calendar. From city center chaos to seaside struts, these are the gatherings worth putting in your diary – and your dog’s.

Canterbury Bark in the park

Think live music, market stalls, games, and more dogs than you can politely greet. Held right in Dane John Gardens, this festival celebrates all the dog-friendly places Canterbury has to offer with snacks and squeaky toys to match. It’s a full day out where everyone’s allowed to get a bit overexcited.

Cost: £5 entry
Date and time: August 10th, 10 AM–4 PM
Location: Dane John Gardens

Christmas Pup Parade

It’s tinsel. It’s terriers. It’s a bunch of dogs in festive jumpers parading along the seafront like they own it. The Christmas Pup Parade in Herne Bay is as wholesome as it sounds. Bonus points if your dog tolerates wearing reindeer antlers for more than five minutes.

Cost: Free
Date and time: December 15th, 1 PM
Location: Herne Bay Seafront

The best dog-friendly pubs in Canterbury

Some dogs hear “pub” and make themselves at home by the fire. Others tuck themselves under the table, waiting for someone to drop a fry – and pretending not to care when it happens. The dog-friendly pubs Canterbury locals keep coming back to understand both types. They’ve got water bowls at the ready, biscuits behind the bar, and staff who greet your dog like they’ve just walked in for their usual.

The Old Gate Inn

This pub leans into the comfort side of things, with its roaring fireplace, sturdy old tables, and a bar stocked with treats for both people and dogs. Staff are happy to see your dog walk in, and regulars know it as a reliable stop after a countryside stroll. It’s warm, welcoming, and genuinely set up for people who don’t leave the dog at home.

Location: Kent, 162-164 New Dover Rd, Canterbury CT1 3EL, United Kingdom

The White Hart Inn

The White Hart delivers that classic pub Canterbury feel – low ceilings, friendly regulars, and a big beer garden out back where dogs can stretch out while you enjoy your pint. Water bowls are always available, and the laid-back atmosphere means you never have to apologise for a bark or a curious nose at the next table.

Location: Worthgate Place, Dane John Mews, Canterbury CT1 2QX, United Kingdom

Dog-friendly wineries in Canterbury

Turns out, dogs pair surprisingly well with wine. Canterbury has a few vineyards where you don’t need to choose between a tasting flight and bringing your dog along. These wineries offer beautiful surroundings, open space, and staff who won’t blink when your dog settles under the tasting bench.

Chartham Vineyard

This peaceful vineyard on the edge of town is relaxed, rural, and open to dogs on a leash throughout the vineyard area. You can sample their estate-grown wines while your dog lounges under the table, and there’s enough open space for a short stroll afterward. The setup is casual, the welcome is warm, and the wine is award-winning – for you, not your pup.

Location: Burnt House Farm, Station Rd, Chartham CT4 7HU, United Kingdom

Barnsole Vineyard

If you're after wine tasting without the side of stress, Barnsole is a solid choice. This small, friendly vineyard near Canterbury welcomes well-behaved dogs in the tasting garden and on guided walks through the vines. It’s one of those dog-friendly places in Canterbury, Kent where the pace is slow, the views are good, and no one minds a few extra pawprints on the path.

Location: Fleming Road, Staple, Canterbury CT3 1LG, United Kingdom

Dog-friendly beaches in Canterbury

Your dog doesn’t care about tide charts. They just want to run flat out across the sand, chase foam, and eat something weird before you notice. Luckily, you don’t have to drive far to find it. These dog-friendly beaches in Canterbury are close, easy to get to, and ideal for saltwater-fuelled chaos.

Whitstable Beach

If your dog enjoys weaving between beach huts, barking at seagulls, and ignoring every recall command you’ve ever taught, this is the place. Whitstable is laid-back and scruffy in all the right ways. The beach is mostly shingle, but there’s enough room at low tide for a sprint, a splash, and probably a shake all over someone’s picnic. Most areas are open to dogs year-round.

Location: 14-2 Marine Terrace, Whitstable CT5 1EJ, United Kingdom

Herne Bay Central

In summer, it’s a bit postcard-pretty and busier with tourists. But come autumn or spring, the beach clears out and becomes a dog’s paradise. You’ll find long stretches to wander, shallow pools for splashing, and maybe a few dropped chips to hoover up along the way. If your dog loves the smell of salt and fried food, they’ll feel right at home here.

Location: Herne Bay, Kent CT6 5JQ

Tips for pet parents

Whether you live in Canterbury or you’re here for a weekend of muddy paws and pastry crumbs, there are a few things worth knowing before you clip on the leash.

Not everywhere’s a free-for-all

Canterbury’s green spaces are lovely, but not lawless. Some parks and riverside paths require a leash at all times, and others have full dog-free zones. Save yourself a fine – check Canterbury City Council dog rules before heading out.

Don’t underestimate the mud

All that greenery? It turns swampy fast. One lap through Westgate Parks and your dog’s dripping half the River Stour. Keep a towel and backup leash in the boot. You’ll need both.

Sort your sitter before the guilt kicks in

Sometimes, you’ve got to go somewhere your dog can’t. Maybe it’s a flight. Maybe it’s a wedding with a no-pet clause. When that happens, having a reliable in-home sitter means your dog can stay in their own space, snooze in their own bed, and pretend you never left. To find out more, click below.

Finding a pet sitter

How it works

Tips for pet sitters

Landing a sit in Canterbury? Good choice. You’ve basically got a house, a dog, and a ready-made excuse to explore like a local.

Turn “just grabbing a coffee” into a local ritual

Canterbury takes coffee seriously – and lets dogs in on it. Wilding Eatery offers oat milk and open doors for pups, while Lost Sheep Coffee delivers strong espresso alongside prime people-watching. Grab a table, leash in one hand, flat white in the other, and blend in like you belong.

Keep the updates coming (and lean into the photo ops)

Look, pet parents miss their dogs. Photos matter. Especially the kind where their dog looks windswept and philosophical by the River Stour. Send a few updates, toss in a “tail wags achieved,” and you’re golden.

Get to know Canterbury like someone who actually lives here

This is travel at its best: no rushing, no panic-booked hotels – and a furry housemate who thinks walkies are the peak of daily joy. House sitting means that when people ask what you did in Canterbury, you get to say, “Walked an adorable dog, drank great coffee, avoided crowds. Lived the dream.”

Finding a house sit