Discover The Best Trails, Parks, and Woods with Your Pup!
With its stunning parks, woodlands, countryside trails, and rolling hills, Tunbridge Wells is one of the nicest locations for dog owners to explore with their four-legged companions. Whether you’re planning a family day out or you’re looking for new running routes, this guide highlights the best dog-friendly walks in this beautiful corner of Kent.
7 Best Dog Walks in Tunbridge Wells
1. Bedgebury Forest and National Pinetum
Bedgebury Forest and National Pinetum is a fantastic destination if you’re seeking a peaceful and scenic dog-friendly walk in Tunbridge Wells. The Pinetum is home to the largest complete collection of conifers in the world. The forest itself offers various walking trails, ranging from easy strolls to more challenging hikes.
2. Bewl Water
With stunning views of the serene reservoir and the surrounding countryside and over 12 miles of footpaths to explore, Bewl Water is an ideal place to exercise your pup! The path around the reservoir is relatively flat, and you can decide how much of the route to walk, making Bewl Water a great location for dogs of all ages and abilities.
3. Tunbridge Wells Circular
This picturesque 27.5-mile loop passes through the High Weald area of outstanding natural beauty, offering visitors views of undulating countryside, fields, woodland, and parkland. The walk provides several opportunities for stopping, be it for a picnic or a pint at a dog-friendly pub. If you’re not up for completing the entire loop, there are four shorter loops starting from Tunbridge Wells Commons.
4. Tunbridge Wells and Rusthall Commons
With wide open spaces, lush greenery, and beautiful views, Tunbridge Wells Common and Rusthall common are great natural spaces in the heart of town. Beautiful throughout the year, the Commons are home to various animals, including roe deer and grass snakes. The cricket ground in the Tunbridge Wells Common is a fantastic meeting point for dogs to socialise. Both Tunbridge Wells and Rusthall Commons have remarkable sandstone rock formations you can go and see.
Wellington Rock and Toad Rock are the most popular – the latter named so because it looks like a giant toad!
5. Dunorlan Park
With a beautiful lake, manicured gardens, grassy slopes, meadows, and wildlife, it’s easy to see why Dunorlan Park is a favourite among dog owners in Tunbridge Wells. The stunning park is the perfect setting for a leisurely stroll, and there is lots of open space where your dog can exercise and play off the leash.
 6. Penshurst Place
Penshurst Place is the beautiful ancestral home of the Sidney family and the birthplace of the celebrated Elizabethan poet Sir Philip Sidney. Although the mediaeval house and its stunning Elizabethan gardens are not open to dogs, The estate is surrounded by a peaceful circular route that’s just perfect for walking your pooch. Starting at Penshurst Place, the 3-mile loop takes you through serene fields with grazing animals, passing quiet roads and villages. We recommend stopping at The Leicester Arms for refreshments — this gorgeous rustic country inn is known for its warm hospitality towards humans and canines alike!
7. Walking from Royal Tunbridge Wells to High Rocks
Whether you’ve been to Tunbridge Wells before or you’re visiting for the first time, one of the region’s must-see attractions is High Rocks — awe-inspiring sandstone outcrops that form a dramatic and picturesque landscape interlinked by bridges and surrounded by lush greenery. Our final route travels from Royal Tunbridge Wells to High Rocks, along High Rocks Lane and into the River Grom, where dogs love to play. This walk is especially beautiful in spring when bluebells and wildflowers carpet the banks. The High Rocks Inn at the end of the walk has a nice outdoor seating area that’s perfect for watching the Spa Valley trains go by.
More Dog-Friendly Walks in Kent
Kent is overflowing with lush green spaces, parks, and scenic trails, perfect for taking your furry friend for a walk. Whether you’re looking for a full-day hike and exercise or a gentle stroll, this corner of the map has some of the best woodland trails, romantic gardens, and countryside walks you could ask for. For more inspiration, see our guide on Walking in Tunbridge Wells.
Discover Kent’s Top Dog Friendly Destinations for Accommodation, Food, and Adventure
Dog Friendly Accommodation
When it comes to finding dog-friendly accommodation in Kent, there are plenty of options to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a traditional hotel, a cosy country cottage, or a spacious apartment, our guide lists some fantastic places where you and your four-legged friend can rest your heads (and paws!) after a busy day.
Dog Friendly Places to Eat
Trekking through Kent’s enchanting forests and adventurous trails is hungry work! Whether you’re looking for a cosy spot to grab a drink or two with your favourite four-legged pal or you’re craving a hearty meal at a country pub, we’ve rounded up some of the best dog-friendly places to eat in Kent.
