In this week’s blog post, we’re sharing the very best dog walks in Folkestone. We’ve included information on parking, accessibility and facilities for each walk. However, we advise checking before you travel as things may change depending on the season, weather, livestock and military training activity. 

The Warren 

Folkestone CT19 6NQ

The Warren is a gorgeous ‘secret beach’ hidden away behind a number of walking trails sloping down 350 metre high cliffs to the sea front. Dogs are welcome off-lead here all year round, unlike many of the beaches in Folkestone. You can park at the Cliff Top Café in Capel Le Ferne or at the Little Switzerland Café by the East Cliff campsite. These are also the nearest facilities for toilets and refreshments. It’s one of the best dog walks in Folkestone because you can give your dog a sniffy adventure by walking the trails. Or you can head down to the beach so you can both have a paddle. It’s the best of both worlds! There is one route for wheelchairs and pushchairs but it’s not particularly accessible and you may have difficulty exploring all parts of the beach unfortunately.  

Kent Downs Area of Natural Beauty

Sugarloaf Hill, Folkestone CT19 5FJ

Visiting sugarloaf hill is definitely one of the best dog walks in Folkestone! The easiest option is to park up at the small car park on Holywell Avenue and go through the gates there. Going left will take you through the fields. Going right leads you through the woods and you can also head straight up the hills from here too. You’ll want to wear your wellies when it’s wet as the fields at the bottom of the hills get very muddy. Keep your eyes open for the herd of cows that graze the hills through the spring and ensure your dog doesn’t approach or pester them. There are no toilet or cafe facilities here and it’s not accessible for wheelchairs or pushchairs due to the hills, steps and stiles dotted around. The views from the top of the hills are incredible though and on a clear day you can see France clearly. Dogs can be off lead here, just be vigilant of the cows! 

Sunny Sands Beach

Folkestone, CT19 6RB

Who doesn’t love a good beach walk? And this beach really is glorious, especially at dawn or dusk. Dogs aren’t allowed on this gorgeous, sandy beach during the summer months but they are allowed from the 1st October until the end of March. There are public toilets just behind the entrance to the beach. You can then cross the bridge and grab a coffee and a bite from one of the many great eateries along the harbour arm. There is a ramp down to the beach but it is sandy, so it may not be accessible for all. Check out the tide times online before you head down to sunny sands. It really is best enjoyed when the tide is fully out and you can walk the whole way round to the harbour. One of Duke Silver’s all time favourite spots for a walk! 

Lower Leas Coastal Park

Lower Sandgate Road, Folkestone, CT20 2JP

The Lower Leas Coastal Park is a beautiful spot for a walk and parts of it feel like something from a fairy tale. It’s broken into three main sections. The formal zone is a well maintained area of gorgeous gardens and flowerbeds. The fun zone holds the largest free adventure play park in the South East. The wild zone is a quieter area bursting with wildlife. Dogs have to be on lead through the fun zone but can be off lead in the formal and wild zones. There are a number of toilet blocks dotted through the park, as well as a coffee shop and Mermaid’s Cafe. The coastal park is mostly flat with ramps and bridges dotted about, making it accessible for all. You can park at either end of the coastal park. It’s a family favourite for us here at DDS and we visit at least once a week. 

Reinden Woods 

Hawkinge, Folkestone CT18 7BB

The walking route through these woods takes you around Ministry of Defence training land and the walk takes around 50 mins. You can find the entrance to Reinden woods on Canterbury Road in Hawkinge, just after Hawkinge Football Club but before you get to Densole, there is parking but no toilets or other facilities. It’s a fairly flat walk but gets very muddy through the winer, so may not be accessible for everyone. I love walking around Reinden as it’s a set route so it’s difficult to get lost! It’s just off the main road but as soon as you start walking you feel like you’re in the middle of the countryside, it’s so peaceful and quiet. It is occasionally closed to the public for army training. Plus, keep your eyes and ears open for hunts happening if your dog is sensitive to loud noises. ⠀⠀

Brockhill Park 

Sandling Rd, Hythe, Saltwood CT21 4HL

This is such a lovely walk! You’ll find Brockhill park just off Sandling road in Hythe and there’s easy parking. The park has accessible routes for wheelchairs and buggies and the vegetarian cafe is accessible too. There are toilets there too, plus ample parking in the onsite car park. Dogs can be off lead throughout most of the park (it’s signposted where they have to be on lead) but you’ll want to keep your dog on lead if they’re inclined to chase as there are lots of ducks around. There’s a beautiful lake in the middle of the park. It does get busy with people and other dogs at times so if you’re not sure how reliable your dog’s recall is, keep them on a lead. 

What next?

• Looking for help with your dog? Contact us to arrange in person or online training.
• Read more blog posts here.
• Perfect Recall: Teaching your dog to come back when called every time. Our guide is free to download when you join our email list- sign up here.