Golden sandy beaches, dramatic chalk cliffs and miles of coastal paths make Broadstairs one of Kent’s best destinations for a day out with your dog. Better still, you don’t have to choose just one beach. The famous Seven Bays are all connected by the Viking Coastal Trail, so you can spend the day exploring one beautiful cove after another.
Whether your dog loves chasing waves, sniffing around rock pools or simply strolling along the clifftops, Broadstairs has a beach to suit every taste.
In this guide, we’ll take you through each of the Seven Bays, share helpful advice for visiting with your dog and help you plan the perfect coastal walk.
Where Are the Seven Bays?
Broadstairs sits on the Isle of Thanet in east Kent, between Ramsgate and Margate. The Seven Bays stretch for around four miles along the coastline, and each has its own character.
From south to north, they are:
- Dumpton Gap
- Louisa Bay
- Viking Bay
- Stone Bay
- Joss Bay
- Kingsgate Bay
- Botany Bay
Together, they form one of the most scenic stretches of coastline in south-east England.
Map of the Seven Bays
Exploring the Seven Bays
Dumpton Gap
The southernmost bay is one of the quietest. Surrounded by chalk cliffs, Dumpton Gap is perfect if you want to escape the crowds.
Expect rock pools, wide sands at low tide and peaceful coastal views.
Read our full guide → Dumpton Gap Dog-Friendly Guide.
Louisa Bay
Just north of Dumpton Gap, Louisa Bay offers a quieter alternative to Viking Bay.
Its sheltered position and golden sand make it ideal for a relaxed walk with your dog.
Read our full guide → Louisa Bay Dog-Friendly Guide.
Viking Bay
The heart of Broadstairs.
Colourful beach huts, cafes, the harbour and plenty of seaside atmosphere make Viking Bay Broadstairs’ best-known beach.
It’s also the perfect place to stop for lunch before continuing your coastal adventure.
Read our full guide → Viking Bay Dog-Friendly Guide.
Stone Bay
Many locals see Stone Bay as Broadstairs’ hidden treasure.
Quieter than Viking Bay, it offers chalk cliffs, fascinating rock pools and long sandy walks when the tide is out.
Read our full guide → Stone Bay Dog-Friendly Guide.
Joss Bay
Kent’s surfing beach.
Watch surfers ride the waves while your dog enjoys the fresh sea air. The surrounding clifftop paths also give some of the finest coastal views in Thanet.
Read our full guide → Joss Bay Dog-Friendly Guide.
Kingsgate Bay
One of the most dramatic beaches in Kent.
Towering white cliffs, sea caves, a natural stone arch and Kingsgate Castle make this a photographer’s dream.
Low tide reveals a wonderful sandy beach that’s perfect for curious dogs.
Read our full guide → Kingsgate Bay Dog-Friendly Guide.
Botany Bay
Perhaps the most famous beach in Broadstairs.
Its iconic chalk stacks have become one of Kent’s most photographed coastal landmarks. Visit at low tide to explore rock pools and enjoy one of the county’s most spectacular sunsets.
Read our full guide → Botany Bay Dog-Friendly Guide.
Walking the Seven Bays
One of the best ways to experience Broadstairs is on foot.
Following the Viking Coastal Trail, you’ll enjoy uninterrupted sea views as you discover each bay in turn. The route is mostly level, with occasional steps down to the beaches.
Distance: Around 4 miles (6.5 km) one way
Time: 2–4 hours depending on stops
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
If your dog enjoys longer walks, you can extend the route south towards Ramsgate or north to Margate.
Are the Seven Bays Dog Friendly?
In short, yes, but Dumpton Gap and Kingsgate beaches allow dogs without restrictions, whilst the others have seasonal dog restrictions during the summer months.
Restrictions apply between 1st May and 30th September; Viking Bay, as the main town beach, has a total seasonal ban, whilst the others have daytime restrictions between 10 am and 6 pm. Each of our individual beach guides gives you the current dog access rules, facilities and local advice.
Facilities
Throughout Broadstairs you’ll find:
- Pay-and-display car parks
- Train stations at Broadstairs and Dumpton Park
- Public toilets
- Beach cafes
- Fish and chip shops
- Ice cream kiosks
- Water refill points
- Dog-friendly pubs
- Coastal walking routes
Most facilities are centred around Viking Bay, while the quieter bays remain unspoilt.
Accommodation Options
Tips for Visiting with Your Dog
- Check tide times before heading onto the beaches.
- Bring fresh drinking water.
- Some bays are reached via steep steps.
- Keep dogs on leads near cliff edges.
- Be aware of the seasonal restrictions on some beaches.
- Visit early in summer for quieter walks, and to avoid 10 am-6 pm daytime restrictions.
- Outside peak season, you’ll have long stretches of beach almost to yourselves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Broadstairs beach is best for dogs?
Kingsgate Bay and Dumpton Gap are popular choices thanks to their beautiful scenery, quieter atmosphere, and no seasonal restrictions.
Can you walk between all seven bays?
Yes. The Viking Coastal Trail links every bay and makes for one of Kent’s finest coastal walks.
How long does the Seven Bays walk take?
Most visitors spend between two and four hours completing the route, depending on how often they stop and spend time on the beaches.
Which bay is the quietest?
Dumpton Gap is often the least busy, especially outside school holidays.
Which bay has the best scenery?
Botany Bay and Kingsgate Bay are famous for their spectacular chalk cliffs and sea stacks.
Why We Love Broadstairs
The Seven Bays offer something few places can match. You can start your morning on a peaceful beach beneath white cliffs, have lunch overlooking the harbour, explore rock pools in the afternoon and finish with a sunset beside one of Kent’s most iconic sea stacks.
Whether you’re visiting for a weekend, a day trip from London, or simply looking for your next dog-friendly adventure, Broadstairs is a destination you’ll find yourself returning to again and again.
At MyPAWfectPlace, we think it’s one of the finest coastal walks in the South East—and one every dog should experience.
