One of the much lauded attributes that Kent has to offer its visitors is its natural beauty. From coast to country, cliff walks to Canterbury, strolls along the beach to wanderings through pretty towns, villages and heritage sites, Kent is a beautiful place to explore on foot. With that in mind, it's little surprise that many who visit choose to do so with their four-legged friends in tow, seeking out places to rest and refuel in style together as well. Ensuring canine companions and their owners are looked after with equally attentive hospitality, here the Good Hotel Guide shares its top dog friendly hotels in Kent.
goodhotelguide.com/best-dog-friendly-hotels/kent
The Dog at Wingham, Canterbury
A historic inn turned stylish gastropub, The Dog at Wingham is a community hub that’s best known for its food. Delivering a feast of local produce sourced from Kent farmers, growers, butchers and bakers, it’s made its name as a cosy and stylish retreat with culinary flair.
Tuck into your wild mushroom and feta wellington or rose veal sirloin, bone marrow butter, smoked mash and black garlic mayo, then spend evenings putting the world to rights in the lounge bar by the log-burner. Suitably sated, retire to one of eight cosy but contemporary bedrooms, choosing from a suite with a barley-sugar-twist four-poster to more modest options, all of which promise a good night’s rest.
While owners delight in the details of this pretty pub/restaurant-with-rooms, dogs are welcomed with glee - biscuits and water bowls await in the bar, and they can stay the night for £25.
thedog.co.uk
Alkham Court, Dover
A five-star farmhouse B&B in Kent's Alkham Valley, Alkham Court is a warm and welcoming retreat that fuses country style with contemporary architecture and hospitality. Just ten minutes from the port of Dover and Eurotunnel, it can be used as one stop on a longer trip or as a destination in its own right. Guests love the exposed beams and impressive views of rolling countryside, all of which have contributed to its award-winning reputation.
It's the attention to detail that really sets this place apart however. Each bedroom has a private entrance and greets you with flowers, robes and slippers, a coffee machine, biscuits and sherry at the ready. There's a spa barn with a hot tub and sauna for you to use, and the hosts readily offer advice on where to go and what to do in the Kent Downs and along the coast. They will happily provide packed lunches for your daily adventures as well as soup with warm, crusty rolls in the evening.
Amidst all this homely hospitality, dogs are invited to join their human companions, just as long as they stay on their leads. There is no charge for their stay, but a suggested donation of £2 is much appreciated.
alkhamcourt.co.uk
Albion House, Ramsgate
This bijoux hotel in the heart of the seaside town of Ramsgate, Albion House is a charming combination of seaside views and immaculate style. You couldn't ask for a better location, waking to views over the beach and the Royal Harbour - also making it an ideal base for exploring the surrounding area.
Inside, the Regency property has been lovingly styled in keeping with its heritage (and its history welcoming politicians, actors, and even Princess Victoria) but providing a modern twist on seaside chic. There are 14 rooms to choose from, ranging from a soothing suite with sea view and balcony to the elegantly appointed queen room.
The dining rooms at Albion House are composed of elegant Georgian rooms (also with harbour views), and fusing rustic details with plush finishes. Here, they serve breakfasts, lunches and dinners that all have a reputation for excellence thanks to local produce such as fish from nearby Broadstairs and bread from Ramsgate's own Viking Bakehouse. They also have a beautiful bar, where cocktails are very much the order of the day.
In this setting, smaller dogs (15kg or less) are welcome for a small surcharge to cover extra cleaning. To make pets feel at home, they can provide a dog bed, bowl and other goodies as well.
albionhouseramsgate.co.uk
Plus two more paw-fect for pooches...
loved by our editor, Katy Pearson
The Ferry House
With five dog friendly B&B rooms, beautiful walks for four legs as well as two, and a dog-friendly country restaurant serving kitchen garden and family farmed produce, The Ferry House is the ideal place for a Kent countryside escape with your dog.
Rooms seven to ten in the B&B offer dogs their own cosy bed, bowl and homemade treats.
Plus there's a new dog exercise paddock at Mocketts Farm Cottages which is well worth a visit during your stay, where your pups can run free in the Harty countryside (booking is essential!)
The Ferry House is an opportune stop off on the Isle of Harty Trail - a wonderful circular walking route of about 9km that takes you through the wild wetland coastline via the 11th century church of St Thomas the Apostle. You could make for the Blue Flag beach at Leysdown, or perhaps divert into the Swale Nature Reserve with its abundant bird life and estuary's edge views.
theferryhouse.co.uk
Mount Ephraim Country House and Gardens
New this year are two luxury glamping pods hidden away in the glorious grounds at Mount Ephraim.
The pods are dog friendly and perfect for two, or a family of four, featuring a comfy double bed and sofa bed, with modern conveniences including a fully equipped kitchen and modern bathroom (don’t worry, there’s a flushing loo and hot shower!)
READ MORE: Hotel review: Glamping Pods at Mount Ephraim in Kent
The pods are situated on the edge of the fruit farm adjacent to the gardens. There are two country pubs a mere ten minute walk away The Red Lion or Three Horseshoes in Hernhill and each of the pods have a private decking area with seating overlooking the farm and outdoor firepit and hammock for alfresco living.
mountephraimgardens.co.uk
