Want to take your dog out of the city for a day but don’t know where to go? You’re not alone. Millions of Londoners have dogs, and most of them are tired of the same muddy park loops. The good news? You don’t need to drive hours to find a place where your pup can run free, splash in the sea, or sniff every bush without being shushed. Just 60 to 90 minutes from central London, there are beaches and countryside spots that welcome dogs with open arms-and even offer dog treats at the café.
Southend-on-Sea Beach: Sand, Surf, and Slobber
Southend-on-Sea is the closest beach to London that lets dogs run wild year-round. Take the c2c train from London Fenchurch Street-it’s just 55 minutes to Southend Central. From there, it’s a five-minute walk to the pier and the long stretch of sandy beach. Dogs aren’t just allowed here; they’re practically part of the scenery. In winter, you’ll see locals walking their Labradors along the shore with thermoses of tea. In summer, the beach is packed with dogs chasing seagulls and diving into the waves.
There’s no time limit on dog access, no leash rule on the main beach, and plenty of dog-friendly cafés like The Beach House that serve puppuccinos and peanut butter biscuits. Bring a towel. The sand gets hot in July, and your dog’s paws will thank you for the wipe-down after.
Pro tip: Park at the Southend Pier car park (pay-and-display). It’s the closest to the beach and has a dog waste station right by the entrance. Avoid weekends in August if you hate crowds-but even then, your dog won’t mind.
Chiddingstone: A Postcard Village That Loves Dogs
If you’re looking for quiet lanes, stone cottages, and zero traffic, Chiddingstone in Kent is your spot. It’s a 70-minute drive from central London, or you can take a train to Tonbridge and then a 15-minute taxi ride. This village looks like it was pulled from a 19th-century painting-and yes, dogs are welcome everywhere.
Walk the Chiddingstone Causeway, a wooded path that leads to the River Eden. It’s flat, shaded, and perfect for older dogs or pups who need a slow day. The village green has benches where you can sit while your dog snoozes in the grass. The Chiddingstone Castle Tearoom lets dogs inside (yes, really) and even gives them a bowl of water and a dog biscuit if you ask nicely.
Don’t miss the 15-minute walk to the Old Mill, where the waterwheel still turns. Dogs love the sound of running water, and the mossy stones make a great resting spot. Bring a picnic. There are no bins on the path, so pack out what you pack in-this place stays pristine because visitors respect it.
Beachy Head and East Dean: Cliffs, Cows, and Coastal Air
Yes, you can take your dog to the South Downs. Beachy Head, near Eastbourne, is one of the most dramatic coastal walks in England-and dogs are allowed on the main trails. Take the train from London Victoria to Eastbourne (about 1 hour 15 minutes), then a 10-minute bus ride to the visitor center. From there, the cliff-top path to East Dean is flat, wide, and dog-friendly.
Keep your dog on a lead near the cliff edges. It’s not a rule, but it’s common sense. The views are jaw-dropping: white chalk cliffs, the sea stretching to France, and sheep grazing on the slopes. Dogs love the smell of salt and the feel of long grass under their paws. You’ll see Border Collies chasing butterflies and Corgis napping on sun-warmed rocks.
Stop at The White Horse Pub in East Dean. They have a dog menu (liver treats, chicken broth), outdoor seating, and a garden where dogs can stretch their legs. The staff know regulars by name-and by breed.
Box Hill: Woodland Trails and Dog-Friendly Picnics
For a quick countryside fix without leaving Surrey, Box Hill is a winner. It’s just 35 minutes by train from London Waterloo to Dorking, then a 10-minute walk to the top. The National Trust manages the area, and they’ve made it one of the most dog-friendly spots in the South East.
There are three main trails: the steep climb to the viewpoint (great for fit dogs), the gentle loop around the bottom (ideal for seniors), and the zigzag path down to the River Mole. Dogs can roam off-leash in most areas, except near livestock. You’ll often see golden retrievers leaping over logs and terriers digging in the leaf litter.
The Box Hill Café has a dog bowl by the door and a fenced outdoor terrace. They sell dog-friendly sausage rolls (made with chicken, no seasoning) and even have a loyalty card for dogs-get a stamp every visit, free treat after five.
St Leonards-on-Sea: Quiet Beach, Big Dog Energy
Just 10 minutes from Hastings, St Leonards is the underrated sibling of the more famous seaside towns. It’s a 75-minute train ride from London Charing Cross. The beach here is wide, pebbly, and rarely crowded. Dogs are allowed everywhere, even in the promenade shops.
Walk along the seafront to the old pier. The wind off the Channel is strong-perfect for dogs who love to run with their ears flapping. There’s a dedicated dog washing station near the main car park (free, with hot water). Bring a brush. The salt and pebbles stick to fur, and a quick rinse makes bedtime easier.
Try The Dog & Duck for lunch. It’s a classic British pub with a dog-friendly beer garden, a water bowl on the table, and a resident terrier named Bert who greets every visitor. They even have a ‘Bark of the Month’ menu-special treats made with salmon and sweet potato.
What to Pack for a Dog Day Trip
Don’t assume the café or beach will have what you need. Here’s your checklist:
- Collapsible water bowl and at least 1 liter of water per dog
- Leash (even if off-leash is allowed-some areas have livestock or sudden drop-offs)
- Wipes or a towel for paws after sand, pebbles, or mud
- Poop bags (yes, even if bins are far away-pack them out)
- Small treats for training or rewards
- A blanket or mat for resting
- Dog ID tag and recent photo (in case they wander off)
And if your dog hates car rides? Try a calming vest or a 10-minute walk before you leave. A tired dog is a happy dog.
Why These Places Work for Dogs (and You)
These spots aren’t just ‘dog-friendly’-they’re designed for dogs. The trails are wide enough for two dogs to walk side by side. The cafés have water bowls on the floor, not the table. The beaches have no seasonal bans. The staff remember your dog’s name. That’s not luck. It’s intentional.
Places like Southend and Box Hill have invested in dog infrastructure because they know dog owners spend money. We buy coffee, we buy snacks, we come back. And when we bring our dogs, we stay longer. That’s why these places keep improving-for dogs and their humans.
When to Avoid These Trips
Don’t go to Beachy Head in high winds. The cliff paths get slippery. Skip Chiddingstone during lambing season (March-April)-sheep are nervous, and dogs can stress them out. Avoid Southend on bank holidays if your dog hates crowds. And never, ever leave your dog in the car, even for five minutes. In November 2025, the UK had 17 reported cases of dogs dying in parked cars-most were in the 10-15°C range. That’s not hot. It’s deadly.
Final Tip: Make It a Habit
Don’t wait for the perfect day. Take your dog out once a month. One of these spots. One new trail. One new café. You’ll start to notice how your dog’s energy changes-less pacing at home, more relaxed naps, more tail wags when you say ‘car.’ That’s not just exercise. That’s joy.
Your dog doesn’t need a vacation. They need you to take them somewhere new. And these five places? They’re waiting.
Can I take my dog to any beach near London?
No, not all beaches allow dogs. Some have seasonal restrictions, especially in summer. Southend-on-Sea, St Leonards-on-Sea, and parts of the South Downs are dog-friendly year-round. Always check local council signs before letting your dog off-leash. Avoid beaches with red flags or ‘No Dogs’ signs-those are enforced.
Are there dog-friendly train options from London?
Yes. Most UK trains allow dogs for free, as long as they’re on a leash and not on seats. c2c (to Southend), Southeastern (to Hastings and Eastbourne), and Southern (to Dorking) all welcome dogs. Some services have dog-friendly carriages, especially on weekends. Always check the operator’s website before you travel.
What if my dog doesn’t like the car?
Start small. Drive to a nearby park for 15 minutes, then give a treat. Gradually increase the time. Use a crate or harness for safety. Bring a familiar blanket. Some dogs respond well to calming sprays or vests. If your dog gets sick, talk to your vet about motion sickness meds-it’s common and treatable.
Do I need to clean up after my dog everywhere?
Yes. In every single place listed, you’re legally required to pick up after your dog. Even in open countryside or on beaches. Fines for not doing so can be up to £1,000. Carry bags, use bins, and if there are none, take it home. It’s not just the law-it’s respect for the place and other visitors.
Can I bring a puppy on these trips?
Yes, but be careful. Puppies under six months shouldn’t be on long walks or rough terrain. Stick to flat paths like Chiddingstone Causeway or Box Hill’s lower loop. Avoid beaches with strong currents or pebbles that can hurt their paws. Keep them on a leash until they’re fully vaccinated and trained. Bring extra water and a small bed to rest.
What if my dog is reactive around other dogs?
Choose quieter times: weekdays, early morning, or late afternoon. Stick to less crowded spots like East Dean or Box Hill’s woodland trails. Keep your dog on a short leash and carry high-value treats to redirect attention. Avoid dog parks or busy beach zones. Most people are understanding-if you’re polite and proactive, you’ll have a peaceful day.
Next Steps for Your Dog-Friendly Adventures
Start small. Pick one spot this month. Southend if you want sand and sea. Box Hill if you want trees and quiet. Make it a ritual-same day, same route, same treats. Your dog will start to recognize the car keys. That’s the moment you know you’ve done something right.
And when you come back, post a photo. Not for likes. For the next person wondering where to go. Dog-friendly spots thrive because people share them.