The Dog Friendly Map
®
Days Out Are For Dogs Too
Dog-Friendly Broadstairs
Last Updated:
18 Jun 2026
Broadstairs offers sandy bays, clifftop paths and a compact centre filled with cafés, pubs and independent shops close to the seafront. Beach rules vary considerably during summer: Viking Bay has a seasonal dog ban, several other bays restrict dogs during daytime hours, while Dumpton Gap and Kingsgate Bay remain dog-friendly throughout the year. With the correct beach chosen, the town makes it easy to combine coastal walking with useful indoor stops.
Broadstairs at a glance...
Outdoor Access
Broadstairs has clifftop walks and bays with varied dog access. Viking Bay restricts dogs in summer, while Dumpton Gap and Kingsgate Bay remain dog-friendly year-round.
Best Parking
Joss Bay car park provides easy access to the sandy beach and nearby clifftop paths.
Rainy Day Potential
Cafés, pubs and independent shops sit close to the seafront, making it easy to dodge showers without abandoning the coast.
Best For...
Sandy bays, clifftop walks, seaside cafés and dogs who enjoy hopping between shorter coastal routes and beach stops.
Explore dog-friendly Broadstairs
Seen this on the Map?
It marks our Recommended Partners - places that go that bit further, so dogs feel properly welcome
Top Dog-Friendly Picks
The Tartar Frigate
Kebbells
Young’s Nurseries
Short on time? Start with these three Broadstairs favourites: a historic seaside pub, a seafood restaurant by the bay and a local garden centre.
The Tartar Frigate is an 18th-century pub just above Viking Bay where dogs are welcome in the bar area, with water and treats available. Food is served in the bar Monday to Saturday from 12pm to 6pm.
Kebbells is a seafood restaurant where dogs are welcome inside at selected tables, so nobody waits on the pavement. Mention your dog when booking and the team will seat you in a dog-friendly spot for fresh, seasonal plates.
Young's Nurseries welcomes dogs inside on lead, meaning they can join you while you browse plants, garden essentials and seasonal displays. There's a café on-site for a pause mid-browse.
Nearby Dog-Friendly Towns
Exploring further? These nearby dog-friendly towns are a short drive away and just as useful when dogs need to be welcome inside.
Explore dog-friendly Ramsgate
Explore dog-friendly Margate
Explore dog-friendly Canterbury
Easy dog-friendly plans
Quick visit
Viking Bay to Harbour Street
1–3 hours · Best for a first visit and classic seaside mood
Start at Viking Bay, walk the boardwalk and harbour area, then climb through Harbour Street to The New Old Bakehouse for fresh bakes and tea. Wander into the town's independent shops like KIT Lifestyle before settling at The Tartar Frigate for seafood and views above the bay. The route stays compact, walkable and properly coastal.
Half-day plan
Broadstairs Ale and Retail
2–4 hours · Best for micropub fans and independent shops
Begin at The Royston Micropub on the High Street for award-winning ales and a proper welcome, then browse gifts and homewares at Memento and Present Company nearby. Walk down to the seafront for lunch at Kebbells, where Mediterranean seafood and a terrace seat make the afternoon linger. Book ahead and mention the dog.
Longer wander
Garden Centre to Town
3–5 hours · Best for plant lovers and quieter mornings
Drive to Young's Nurseries at Sacketts Hill to browse plants, outdoor essentials and the on-site café, then return to Broadstairs town centre for a slower afternoon. Stop at Bessie's Tea Parlour for cream tea and vintage charm, then end with real ales and live music at Mind the Gap near the station.
Is Broadstairs a good place to visit with a dog?
Yes. Broadstairs is a lovely dog-friendly seaside town, especially if you want a slower coastal day with beach walks, clifftop views, cafés and pubs where dogs are welcome inside. It works well for dog owners because you can keep the day flexible, mixing fresh air with easy indoor stops when everyone needs a sit-down.
Broadstairs is especially good for holiday days where you do not want to overplan. A beach wander, a little mooch through town, then somewhere warm for food or coffee is very much the rhythm here.
Are dogs allowed on Broadstairs beach?
Dogs are allowed on some Broadstairs beaches, but seasonal restrictions apply on the main beaches during busier months. Viking Bay, the main beach in Broadstairs, usually has restrictions during the summer season, so it is worth checking local signs before you settle in.
Outside peak restriction periods, the beaches are much easier to enjoy with a dog. If you are visiting in summer, look for quieter nearby stretches or plan your day around clifftop walks, the promenade and dog-friendly indoor stops instead.
What can I do with my dog in Broadstairs on a rainy day?
A rainy day in Broadstairs can still work well with a dog if you keep the plan simple: short coastal walks, quick fresh-air breaks, and cosy indoor stops where dogs are welcome inside. You do not need a full beach day for Broadstairs to be worth visiting.
Start with a shorter wander near the seafront or clifftop paths, then head into town for tea, lunch or a relaxed pub stop. The day becomes less about battling the weather and more about warm corners, steamed-up windows and one damp dog acting like they have survived an expedition.
Where is the best place to park for a dog-friendly day in Broadstairs?
For a dog-friendly day in Broadstairs, it usually makes sense to park close enough to the town centre or seafront so you can walk rather than keep moving the car. This gives you easy access to beach views, cafés, pubs and nearby streets without turning the day into a parking puzzle.
During busy holiday periods, parking slightly further out and walking in can make the start of the day calmer, especially if your dog needs a little space before heading into the busier seafront areas.
Can I combine Broadstairs with nearby Margate or Ramsgate?
Yes. Broadstairs works really well as part of a Thanet dog-friendly day with Margate or Ramsgate, especially if you want more choice without travelling far. You could start in Broadstairs for a gentler seaside wander, then head to Ramsgate for harbour views or Margate for a livelier coastal stop.
For dog owners, this makes the day easy to adjust around weather, energy levels and how much your dog is enjoying the seaside chaos. Broadstairs can be the cosy coastal base, with Margate or Ramsgate as the bonus adventure.