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
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
A lovely stay
Lovely friendly staff and very helpful.
Nice 10 minute walk to the centre of Canterbury.
Nicely decorated rooms and clean.
Looking forward to going back next year.
Abbots Barton
Comfortable except for a slippery bath. I had difficulty in getting out of it!
Good parking and location for visiting.
A night stay
We stayed using a voucher and I am pleased we didn t pay otherwise I would ve been disappointed with a few things. The breakfast was awful, and the restaurant hadn t been done up yet and it just was very dark and gloomy. The breakfast staff were also quite useless.
Our room was recently refurbished which we were pleased about and we were very pleased. Unfortunately at 12 midnight the bedroom alarm went off and I couldn t switch it off for a good couple of minutes, when I finally did, I was finally dozing off and it went off again and I was then awake for hours. When I mentioned it to reception staff they said oh that s weird and it was unhelpful service.
We did get a free drink on arrival which was part of our package and it was nice but the bar had no music / ambience which was a shame. Easy fix here though.
Overall the hotel was fine for what we needed and room was clean and nicely refurbished but a shame about the problems
- 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.
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6 reviews, sorted by Date Rating