DAYSOUT
A coastal county , Kent is full of chalky hills and pretty valleys with rivers running through them . One of Kent ’ s most well known valleys is the Stour Valley , which is home to one of the county ’ s most significant rivers : the River Stour . A great way to explore this area of Kent with your dog is by walking all ( or parts of ) the 58-mile Stour Valley Walk . This beautiful , and typically Kentish walk , ends ( or begins ) at Pegwell Bay , which is said to have seen the arrival of Julius Caesar himself . During winter , dogs are welcome at this nature reserve beach - and all dogs love the beach whether they choose to keep their fur dry or have a full frolic in the water .
Pegwell Bay extends into Sandwich Bay and the delightful medieval cinque port town of Sandwich . A quiet town great for strolls with the pooch , Sandwich is home to plenty of dog-friendly cafés , pubs and restaurants . This includes Goats That Dance , a sweet corner café in town serving lots of treats including hot chocs with whipped cream and homemade cakes . For more of a substantial meal , visit The George and Dragon , a dog friendly inn originally built during the first reign of Henry VI in 1446 ! Sitting on the picturesque Sandwich Quay , this is the perfect establishment with plenty of charm for a pub lunch or dinner after a walk at the beach or through Sandwich ’ s picturesque streets . With ingredients sourced from local suppliers , expect fresh seasonal produce making up wholesome and traditional English pub grub .
Why not give yourself more time to explore Sandwich and the surrounding areas by booking a dog-friendly holiday home with Keepers Cottages ? Keepers Cottages are such a dog-loving bunch , just last month they were nominated for Best Dog Friendly Business in The Beautiful South Awards . Just one example of their abodes in Sandwich is Poplar Farmhouse , a beautiful Victorian detached house that has been lovingly renovated by the owners . Many period features have been retained along with high ceilings , stunning picture windows , decorative fireplaces and wooden floors - perfect for tired pooches to spread out upon .
POPLAR FARMHOUSE
When staying at a Keepers Cottages ’ property , you will be in prime position for exploring the iconic White Cliffs of Dover and Samphire Hoe . Both glorious coastal spots with panoramic sea views , dogs will love these blustery open spans of nature . Created by Eurotunnel and managed with The White Cliffs County Partnership in 1997 , the time of the construction of the Channel Tunnel , Samphire Hoe is now a vast and extraordinary nature reserve - and for this reason dogs must be kept on a lead . Home to a plethora of flora and fauna , it is one of the few places for short , easy-going routes which allow walkers the opportunity to appreciate the dramatic scenes of the White Cliffs . Samphire Hoe is wheelchair and pushchair friendly with a recommended ‘ access for all ’ way around the Hoe . The route follows the front path , signposted ‘ West shore via the Hoe ’ passing through the chicane . The full circuit is two kilometres long and the section through the Hoe is tarmac . The sea wall is smooth concrete with two ramps giving access to and from the middle terrace providing good sea views . Refresh yourself with a hot drink from the tea kiosk , which is open every weekend .
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