Dogs on the beach
Can I take my dog on Whitstable beach today?
The ban on part of Tankerton beach runs 1 May to 30 September, so today, Tuesday 13 October, it is not in force. It starts again on 1 May 2027. Dogs must be on a lead all year on Tankerton promenade.
From Canterbury City Council's Public Spaces Protection Order (Control of Dogs) 2024, which we read on 1 October 2026. Signs on the beach say where each stretch starts and ends.
Where the rules apply
- Tankerton beachNo dogs, 1 May to 30 September, all day. From level with Pier Avenue west to The Street.The council's map of the order: “Beach level with Pier Ave west to The Street”
No dogs in the seasonDogs on a leadContains OS data © Crown copyright and database rights 2026. - Tankerton promenadeDogs on a lead, all year. The promenade, from level with Pier Avenue west to The Street.The council's map of the order: “Beach level with Pier Ave west to The Street Tankerton”
The shaded areas on the maps are the council’s own lines.
The year at Whitstable
From 1 May to 30 September (153 days) dogs are banned from Tankerton beach, all day.
For the other 212 days of the year no ban holds on that stretch.
Dogs must be on a lead all year on Tankerton promenade.
- Along the coast, Herne Bay: No ban today; the summer ban starts again on 1 May 2027.
The order
Public Spaces Protection Order (Control of Dogs) 2024, made by Canterbury City Council. In force from 10 May 2024 until 9 May 2027. We read it on 1 October 2026.
- The order in force, on Canterbury City Council's page
- We quote it from the order, linked from the council's page, with each place as the council's own map of it names it.
Other beaches along this coast are on the Kent beaches page.
Walks near Whitstable, for your dog
If you live in Kent, it is your home county, and every walk in it is free, for good. Tell the app what your dog finds hard and it shows you walks that suit, with anything that might stop you shown first.
Walks beyond your home county come with Further, the Trekosa subscription. What Further adds