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. I first wrote this post back in 2023. It’s now been updated with some new spots and updated information for 2026.

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 easily accessible. 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. 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.

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. However, 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.

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. Lead restrictions here changed in 2025 so dogs must be kept on lead in nearly all areas through the coastal park now.

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 50-55 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 winter, 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. There are often horse riders around these woods too. Like anywhere, stay vigilant of what your dog is doing and they’re only off lead if they’ve got a solid recall. ⠀⠀

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).

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. 

Royal Military Canal, Hythe

The royal military canal is a beautiful path that starts in Seabrook and stretches for 28 miles to East Sussex. The start of the route, pictured below, is a popular route for cyclists, dog walkers and horse riders. It is accessible for wheelchair users and buggies but this varies along the length of the path. There are a number of spots to stop with a picnic on a bench and watch the wildlife. There’s also quite a few toilet blocks and various food and drink outlets just off the canal path for refreshments as you go along.

Lead restrictions vary throughout so keep your eyes peeled for signs. If your dog can’t resist water then it’s worth keeping them on a lead as there is a lot of wildlife in the canal. Plus, they’ll come out stinking! One of our favourite family walks is going along one side of the canal then crossing the bridge and coming back the other way with a list of animals to spot for the kids to cross off.

What next?

• Need one-to-one help with your puppy? Book in a call with Laura here to discuss training.
• Read more blog posts here.
• Grab our Ultimate Guide to Puppy Socialisation here when you join our email list.