2
Good dog access
2
Dogs on leads
2
Limited access
Best for Dogs: White Cliffs of Dover & Knole
If you only visit two NT properties in Kent with your dog, make them the White Cliffs of Dover (open cliff-top walking, no seasonal restrictions, dogs off-lead on paths) and Knole (1,000-acre deer park, free entry, long circular routes). Both are significantly better for dogs than the formal garden properties.
All Kent National Trust Properties for Dogs
Knole
One of the best NT properties in Kent for dogs. The park is vast and well-maintained. The deer are fallow and can be close to paths — keep leads short.
Extensive deer park — 1,000 acres, multiple circular routes
Park free; House/Garden: NT members free, adults from £20
Dog restrictions: Dogs must be on leads at all times (live deer). Not allowed inside house or formal gardens.
Scotney Castle
Best visited in spring (bluebell season) or autumn. The moat-side views make it worthwhile even if the garden access is limited. Great for calm, lead-walking dogs.
Gardens and estate walks — approx. 3 miles of paths
NT members free; Adults approx. £16
Dog restrictions: Dogs allowed on estate walks but NOT in the formal walled garden or inside castle ruins. Some areas seasonal.
Sissinghurst Castle Garden
The garden itself is tight and crowded in peak season — less suitable for larger or reactive dogs. The farm walk is a better use of time with a dog.
Farm walk and woodland; garden itself is dogs-on-leads in certain areas
NT members free; Adults approx. £20
Dog restrictions: Dogs not allowed in the formal garden rooms. Farm walk is dog-friendly on leads. Always check NT website before visiting.
Chartwell
A must-visit for history lovers. Gardens are accessible with a dog on a lead. The surroundings offer good Weald views. Less of a walking destination, more of a heritage visit.
Garden walks and estate paths; approx. 2 miles
NT members free; Adults approx. £20
Dog restrictions: Dogs on leads in all areas. Not allowed inside the house.
White Cliffs of Dover
Arguably the best NT dog walk in Kent. The cliff-top path is open and breezy — brilliant for high-energy dogs. Note: can be very windy; smaller dogs may struggle in gusts. Car park fills quickly on bank holidays.
Cliff-top coastal path — up to 8 miles return to South Foreland
Free (NT managed access point; parking charges apply)
Dog restrictions: Dogs must be under close control near cliff edges. On leads in car park and visitor centre area.
Emmetts Garden
Best visited in May (bluebell/rhododendron season) or October. A gentle outing for well-behaved dogs. Combine with nearby Chartwell for a full day in the western Weald.
Informal paths through hillside gardens — approx. 1.5 miles
NT members free; Adults approx. £11
Dog restrictions: Dogs on leads throughout. Not suitable for large reactive dogs in busy periods — narrow paths.
Gear up for NT walks
NT walks often cover rough terrain — the White Cliffs can be chalky, Knole's park is muddy in winter. A long training lead and paw cleaner are worth having in the bag.
View Dog Walking GearFrequently Asked Questions
Are dogs allowed at National Trust properties in Kent?
Yes — most National Trust properties in Kent welcome dogs, though policies vary by property. As a general rule, dogs are welcome on estate walks and open parkland on leads, but are restricted or excluded from formal gardens and all indoor areas. The White Cliffs of Dover and Knole's deer park offer the most generous dog access.
Can dogs go to Knole in Sevenoaks?
Yes. Knole's 1,000-acre deer park is free to access and welcomes dogs on leads at all times. Dogs must be kept on leads due to the presence of live deer. The formal gardens and house are not accessible to dogs.
Are dogs allowed at the White Cliffs of Dover?
Yes. The White Cliffs of Dover is one of the best National Trust dog-walking destinations in Kent. Dogs are welcome on the cliff-top paths and can be off-lead in open areas away from the cliff edge. The return walk to South Foreland Lighthouse is around 8 miles.
Can I take my dog to Sissinghurst Castle Garden?
Partially. The famous formal garden rooms at Sissinghurst are not accessible to dogs. However, the estate farm walk and surrounding farmland allows dogs on leads. If your primary goal is the gardens, Sissinghurst is less suitable for a dog day out.
Do I need a National Trust membership to walk with my dog at NT properties in Kent?
Not for all properties. The White Cliffs of Dover and Knole deer park are free to access without NT membership (though parking charges apply). Other properties like Scotney Castle, Sissinghurst, and Chartwell charge admission to enter.