🐾 Dog-Friendly Westbrook Bay at a Glance
📍 Location: Margate, Thanet, Kent
🦮 Dog-Friendly: Yes, dog-friendly all year round; seasonal lead requirement, 1 May to 30 September, 10am–6pm.
🚶 Walk Length: At low tide, you have a large beach but also miles of promenade
🌿 Terrain: Sandy beach with a large promenade
🅿️ Parking: On-street parking and a small seafront car park.
🚻 Facilities: Seasonal toilets, cafe, beach huts and accessible beach access
📅 Best Time to Visit: Mid to low tide, as you have lots of sand and great walks
About
If you’re visiting Margate with your dog during the summer, finding somewhere to enjoy the sand and sea can take a little planning. Margate’s Main Sands has a seasonal dog ban, but Westbrook Bay is a handy alternative nearby.
Westbrook Bay is a great option for a dog-friendly beach visit, with dogs welcome year-round. There is a seasonal lead requirement during the busier summer months, but unlike Margate Main Sands, dogs aren’t excluded altogether.
It’s a lovely sandy bay with a traditional seaside feel, a promenade, beach huts and plenty of space to enjoy a coastal walk. So, if you’re exploring the Isle of Thanet with your four-legged companion, Westbrook Bay is well worth adding to your list.
Dog Access and Rules
Westbrook Bay Beach allows dogs year-round, although dogs must be kept on a lead between 10 am and 6 pm from 1 May to 30 September. This differs from Margate Main Sands, where dogs are banned completely between 1 May and 30 September.
Thanet District Council’s seasonal rules are:
- 1 October to 30 April: Dogs can enjoy the beach without the seasonal lead restriction.
- 1 May to 30 September: Dogs must be kept on a lead between 10 am and 6 pm.
- Outside those summer hours: The seasonal lead requirement does not apply.
Remember that dogs should also be kept on a lead along the adjoining promenade.
Looking for nearby alternatives? Check out neighbouring dog-friendly beaches near Isle of Thanet or our map of ALL UK dog-friendly beaches, including seasonal rules and year-round spots.
Things To See & Do
The beach has a broad sandy shoreline, backed by a promenade and seafront facilities. At low tide, you can also discover rockier areas, while the changing tides give the bay a different feel throughout the day.
Westbrook Bay has a lovely traditional seaside atmosphere. It’s a sandy beach with colourful seasonal beach huts, and a promenade running along the seafront.
It’s generally a little less hectic than Margate Main Sands, which can make it a nice choice if you’d prefer a more relaxed beach outing with your dog.
One of the best things about Westbrook Bay is that you don’t have to limit your visit to the beach itself.
The promenade is ideal for a gentle coastal stroll, with lovely views across the bay. You can walk towards Margate town centre, making this a good starting point for a longer seaside wander.
The promenade also connects with the wider coastal walking routes around Thanet. Just remember to keep dogs on a lead along the promenades.
Access and Facilities
Westbrook Bay sits just to the west of Margate town centre, along the Royal Esplanade. You can follow the seafront towards the town, enjoying coastal views along the way. Once you reach Margate, you’ll find the Harbour Arm, Old Town, independent shops and plenty of places to stop for refreshments.
Westbrook Bay facilities are seasonal and include a cafe, toilets, lifeguards, adventure golf, chalets and deckchair hire.
Our Tips for Visiting with a Dog
If you’re visiting Margate in summer and want to enjoy some sand between your dog’s paws, head to Westbrook Bay instead of Main Sands. It’s a great alternative, so your dog doesn’t have to miss out on the seaside fun.
