Strolls with a View

Lower Leas Coastal Park
This beautifully landscaped park offers winding paths, secret gardens, and spectacular sea views. Your pup will love sniffing out the hidden corners—just be ready for a few zoomies along the way!

The Warren
For a taste of the wild, head to The Warren, a stunning stretch of clifftops, woodlands, and secluded paths. It’s a bit more rugged, so pop on your comfy walking shoes and let your dog’s nose guide you through the undergrowth and along the beach at low tide.

Castle Hill
Keen to combine a bit of history with your walk? Castle Hill offers gentle slopes, panoramic sights of Folkestone Harbour, and a peaceful atmosphere perfect for an afternoon wander with your companion.

The Leas
If you prefer a more classic promenade, The Leas has it all—manicured flowerbeds, grand seaside architecture, and an open stretch where dogs love to trot by your side. The sweeping channel views are a treat for both you and your furry friend.

Sandy Paws and Salty Whiskers

Sunny Sands Beach
A sandy gem close to the heart of Folkestone, Sunny Sands welcomes dogs outside of peak summer season.  Sunrise on the beach is highly recommended – there is a good chance you’ll see the Folkestone Insider team down there!  The pictures on this post are from that very thing.

During warmer months, restrictions apply in certain areas, so do check the local guidelines before you let your pup off lead. (More on that below!)

Folkestone Harbour Arm
Enjoy a brisk walk along the Harbour Arm, where you’ll find sea breezes, craft stalls, and plenty of selfie opportunities against the backdrop of bobbing boats. Dogs are generally welcome, but always keep them leashed to ensure everyone’s safety.

Where to Refuel with Fido

After all that exploring, you and your dog deserve a cosy spot to relax. Fortunately, Folkestone boasts plenty of dog-friendly cafés, pubs, and restaurants:

• Steep Street Coffee House: A quirky little café known for its literary theme. Sip on a latte, while your dog basks in the attention from friendly staff.
• The Pullman: This classic pub offers a roaring fire in cooler months and a suntrap garden in the summer. Dogs on leads are welcome to lounge at your feet while you tuck into hearty British fare.
• Harbour Inn: A picturesque pub overlooking the harbour, perfect for a post-walk pint. With plenty of outdoor seating, your dog can soak up the sea air right beside you.
• Rocksalt Bar (attached to the acclaimed Rocksalt Restaurant): While the main restaurant may have stricter rules, the bar area is often dog-friendly, letting you enjoy top-notch views and a cheeky tipple.

Important Note: Dogs on Beaches in Summer

Folkestone loves canine visitors, but there are a few rules to follow, especially on the beaches between 1 May and 30 September. Some spots have partial or full dog bans during these months. Always check the latest guidelines from the council—Folkestone & Hythe District Council—to make sure you and your pooch stay on the right side of the law. Look out for signposts near the beach entrances indicating which areas allow dogs and which are off-limits.

Ready to Explore?

Folkestone is a treasure trove of dog-friendly adventures. With coastal paths to bound along, panoramic views to sniff out, and countless cafés happy to serve you both, it’s no wonder pups and their humans keep coming back for more. So, pack a lead, some treats, and a sense of adventure—Folkestone is ready to welcome you (and your wagging tail) with open arms.

Go on, see it all—because the only thing better than discovering new places is doing it with your best furry friend by your side!