PETS
insideKENT ’ S GUIDE TO PET FRIENDLY KENT CONT .
Where to Visit
Now you are all cosy in your preferred dog friendly haven it ' s time to plan some places to visit while on your one-of-a-kind petcation . First on your list should definitely be a visit to the historic Dover Castle ( www . english-heritage . org . uk / visit / places / dover-castle ) grounds , where you and your best friend can wander until your heart ' s content . And with Spring officially in full swing this April , now is the perfect time to see the 2,000 year old gardens with your dog and marvel at the wonder that is British Spring time . With a staggering 80 acres of grounds to cover while at the castle this is sure to be a day that will leave you inspired , and your pooch with a very waggly tail !
If you and your pup air on the adventurous side of life then make the drive over to the outskirts of Canterbury and get ready for some water sports with the dog-loving folks over at Canoe Wild ( www . canoewild . co . uk ). With everything on offer from canoeing to kayaking to paddle boarding , you and your pooch are welcome to come and enjoy a gentle jaunt down the River Stour , enjoying all the rural sights and smells that come with it . The perfect activity for pet parents who love the water as much as their four-legged friends , Canoe Wild offers you and your dogs a great excuse to experience something new and make some extraordinary memories together – just be sure to bring a towel !
Now , as you are in the Canterbury area you might want to pop into the city and make a trip to The Dog Store ( www . thedogsstore . co . uk ) on Sun Street . Quite literally a dog ' s paradise , the small business is always buzzing with friendly pooches as well as owners and staff just dying to give your doggie some kisses and belly scratches . If the temptation of a horde of dog lovers isn ’ t enough for you , the shop also specialises in luxury treats , toys , leads and harnesses for dogs of every size , making it the perfect place to engage in a dog-themed shopping spree . There is even a dog spa on the premises , so if your pup is looking a tad bedraggled simply book them in for a treatment or two , then when you pick them up they ’ ll be looking fresh and pampered and not to mention extremely content .
Where to Walk
So you ’ ve been having an action packed day with your dog but now it ' s time to stretch those legs and go on a little excursion to get their blood pumping . Head to Kingsgate Bay beach in Broadstairs to take
advantage of their year-round dog-friendly policy , and feel the sea on your toes as your pup enjoys the sea air in their fur as they explore the hidden gem buried in the sand or hidden in the caves !
If you ' re feeling that it ' s a little to early ( or chilly ) for a beach day then why not take a walk in the historic and beautiful Knole Park ? ( www . nationaltrust . org . uk / knole / features / dog-walking-atknole ) Famous for its population of around 350 wild deer , Knole is the perfect backdrop for a relaxing walk in the Kentish wilderness . Common sense dictates to keep away from the deer pack , but considering the parkland is over 1,000 acres , you shouldn ’ t have any trouble avoiding them !
Looking for something a little more challenging than just a walk in a park ? Why not take on the challenge of the scenic Crab and Winkle Way – a cycling path that takes you from the centre of Canterbury to the beaches of Whitstable in an undulating and challenging 7.6 miles ! Hire a bike , or bring your own and give your dog a walk to remember . And if you need a little more incentive just think , there will be fish and chips on the beach waiting for you , and your pup , on the other side , could there be anything more British , or more perfect ?
DOVER CASTLE
THE DOG STORE
CANOE WILD
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