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Dogs Stay FREE 
FREE 24/7 Vet Line 
2 Two dogs per room Overview
Built in 1830, the Abbots Barton Hotel is a dog-friendly Gothic-style manor house featuring towers, turrets, and plenty of period architecture, all set within two acres of grassland. This provides a stunning setting for a dog-friendly getaway, just a short stroll from the centre of Canterbury. Once owned by the Mayor of Canterbury, it was a private residence until WWI, after which it served as a hospital for wounded troops before being converted into a hotel. Having recently been refurbished, with some ongoing work, the hotel is being updated with modern design touches while retaining its beauty and character. With Canterbury Cathedral and the famous Westgate Gardens just minutes away, you and your furry friend can explore the rich history and culture of this iconic Kent city, as well as the stunning Kent Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the North Downs Way beyond ' making it a great base for scenic dog walks.
What your dog can expect at this dog-friendly hotel
From the moment you arrive, your dog will be warmly welcomed and treated like one of the family, with thoughtful touches such as dog biscuits at reception and dog bowls and beds in the rooms. The team can even prepare a dog-friendly meal made to order, and a local supplier offers a grooming service. The friendly staff are always on hand to recommend the best dog-friendly spots around Canterbury. With its relaxed, pet-friendly atmosphere, the Abbots Barton is a great find for a stress-free weekend with your hound in tow.
Highlights
- Close to Canterbury city centre
- Close to Canterbury Cathedral & other activities
- Multiple golf courses within easy reach
Pooch perks
- 2 acres of landscapes gardens to explore
- Dog bed and bowl provided in room
- Genuine dog friendly welcome
Bow wow factor
It has to be its beautiful gardens and nearby countryside walks. Your dog will love exploring the extensive hotel grounds, and with nearby walks along the River Stour and the fabulous Blean Woods, there's plenty of adventure to be had.
The hotel offers a selection of dog-friendly rooms, including Classic Doubles, Cosy Doubles, Standard Twin Rooms, Standard Doubles, an Executive King Room, and one suite. Designed with comfort in mind, each room blends classic charm with modern amenities, ensuring a restful stay for you and your furry friend. Dog-friendly rooms come equipped with cosy dog beds and bowls, and there's plenty of space for your pup to unwind after a busy day of exploring Canterbury's dog-friendly attractions. Room amenities include complimentary toiletries, a radio alarm clock, kettle, TV, hairdryer, and a complimentary tea and coffee station.
Exclusive Offers
Price varies with room & dates. Weekend supplements may apply
Package includes:
- A welcome drink in the bar on arrival (house wine, beer, soft drink)
- Full English breakfast daily
- Late check out at noon
PetsPyjamas customers save up to £70 extra on every stay!
- YOUR DOG STAYS FREE when you book with PetsPyjamas saving you up to £50
- Access to our 24/7 emergency vet line during your trip worth £20
- A complimentary travel pack of Caboodle dog food*
Select your room type:
Price varies with room & dates. Weekend supplements may apply
Package includes:
- A welcome drink in the bar on arrival (house wine, beer, soft drink)
- Dinner on the first evening (£50 per room allowance)
- Full English breakfast daily
- Late check out at noon
PetsPyjamas customers save up to £70 extra on every stay!
- YOUR DOG STAYS FREE when you book with PetsPyjamas saving you up to £50
- Access to our 24/7 emergency vet line during your trip worth £20
- A complimentary travel pack of Caboodle dog food*
Select your room type:
Dine with Your Dog
No need to leave your dog behind when dining, as the refurbished Westfield Bar and Garden Terrace are both dog-friendly. Here, you can enjoy breakfast as well as the bar menu alongside your canine companion. The bar menu includes dishes such as the Westfield Beef Burger, award-winning Kentish Mayde Pie, and Sri Lankan Cod & King Prawn Curry, as well as delicious pizzas. There are also plenty of dog-friendly dining options nearby, including The Old Gate Inn, a charming country pub with a great atmosphere for dog owners, and The Foundry Brew Pub, which welcomes dogs in its spacious beer garden.
Need to know
Abbots Barton Reviews
- 6 reviews
- Member since June 2024
Canterbury, Kent, CT1 3DU
- 1
- 2
Short and sweet
Stayed one night at the hotel. Staff were welcoming and friendly. Restaurant under repair, but smaller offering in hotel bar was excellent. Room was clean, comfortable, spacious and modern.
Fawlty Towers in Canterbury
The Hotel felt akin to Fawlty Towers. On Saturday upon our arrival the entire hotel was been manned by two people. The Food was awful we asked for two steak medium rare and we managed to get both ends of the spectrum. I did not realise when I booked the hotel that it was a Best Western, which was my mistake as I would never ever have booked it but I can safely say I will never be back. If this hotel represents your company I would suggest a serious review.
Abbots Barton says...
Thank you sir for your review of our hotel. I am extremely disappointed to read your experience about our hotel. It seems that we were unable to exceed your expectations like we aim to with every guest which has resulted in your title opinion of our hotel.
I understand that you had some mishap with dinner and for this I wish my deepest apologies and I hope you were supported in getting this rectified.
Unfortunately without understanding further information about your experience I am unable to comment any more but am saddened that you were unable to contact us directly to support in your disappointment.
I do hope your return journey was safe & quick.
Warmest Regards,
Aiden Strong - Hotel Manager
Short break
The staff were excellent and our room was lovely, possibly the nicest we have stayed in. There was no info in the room about meal times, menus or anything else and we are old and do not use QR codes. We have a family printing business and print info and many other things for large hotels so didn t think you are doing well in that area.
Your website says the hotel has extensive grounds but that doesn t seem to be correct.
We had lunch on one day we were there but ate out after that as there was little choice as the main restaurant is being renovated. The bar area lacks atmosphere.
I think that when all the renovations are done it will be a good place to stay but would give it a miss at the moment.
Abbots Barton says...
Thank you for your review of our wonderful hotel. I am disappointed to read that we did not match your expectations. We advise prior that our restaurant is not currently open so we can set guest expectations. Meanwhile our bar menu caters with a range of 9 main meals, 6 types of pizza in addition to lunch offering and desserts.
We hope you will consider staying again once more of our refurbishment has taken place.
Warmest Regards,
Aiden Strong - Hotel Manager
- 1
- 2
Map & Directions
Address
36 New Dover Road
Canterbury
Kent
CT1 3DU
How to get here
Enter your postcode to view approximate driving directions to Abbots Barton.
Location & Local Attractions
Canterbury is packed with dog-friendly places to explore. Just a stone's throw from the hotel, the beautiful dog-friendly Westgate Gardens offer a peaceful riverside setting for a leisurely walk. Slightly further afield, Blean Woods Nature Reserve provides endless trails through ancient woodlands, perfect for adventurous dogs. Coastal canines will love the beaches of Whitstable and Herne Bay, both just a short drive away, offering miles of sand and sea for your dog to enjoy.
Book with Confidence
We price match
We won't be beaten on price. Found it cheaper? We'll match it.
Concierge
When you make a reservation with us, our Canine Concierge are on hand pre and post trip.
Dogs Stay Free
You will never pay a dog charge when you book through PetsPyjamas.
PetsPyjamas in the Press
6 reviews, sorted by Date Rating