Our Top 10 UK Beaches to enjoy with your pooch

Looking for ideas and inspiration on some of the UK’s top dog friendly beaches?
 
The UK is home to plenty of dog-friendly beaches that the whole family (including your dog) will be sure to enjoy whether it’s a breezy British winter or a sunny summer’s day.  Some of the best doggy-friendly beaches are found in Dorset, Cornwall, Devon, in Scotland or along the Welsh coast, where the perfect beach for your dog to run circles around is just around the corner! Read our top 10 ideas on some of Britain’s best doggy-friendly beaches.
 

England’s Top Dog-Friendly Beaches

Some of England’s top beaches are found in the North of England, although East Anglia is also home to some fabulous beaches, as is the South West of England.

 

1.  Bamburgh Castle Beach near Alnwick in Northumberland 

With both a stunning 12th century castle overlooking the beach, and a beautiful long stretch of sandy beach, there’s really nothing more you could want after a visit to Bamburgh Castle Beach! There are plenty of dog-walkers and other dogs for your pet to play with, while you take in the idyllic views of Bamburgh Castle and the glittering ocean waters. 

The village of Bamburgh is close at hand too, with charming shops and a tearoom for a tea and cake break. The panoramic view of the castle is unbeatable; you might even be able to recreate it in sandcastle form! If you’re feeling adventurous, book a lesson and try a spot of surfing.

Bamburgh Beach is dog-friendly all year and there are no restrictions.
 

 

2.  Horsey Gap, Great Yarmouth in Norfolk 

Norfolk is renowned for its amazing dog-friendly beaches, and Horsey Gap is one of the best! It’s a unique spot that is especially worth a visit in the winter months. Horsey Gap offers the chance to see some of its Grey Seal colonies in the winter – so don’t forget to see if you can spot any floating through the water while you walk your dog on the sandy shores! (do remember to keep your dog on a lead at all times, and away from seals).

If you visit in the summer, while you might not catch sight of the seals, Horsey Gap is a stunning beach with long stretches of sand for you and your dog to run up and down. There is also a village near by, as well as plenty of walking routes to enjoy across the outstanding beauty of Norfolk.
 
Dogs are welcome in summer and spring – it’s recommended you don’t visit from November to January with dogs as this is seal pup season.

 

3.  Whitstable West Beach in Whitstable, Kent 

With unrestricted access, dogs are welcome on Whitstable beach all year round to run up and down the stretches of sand. Whitstable beach is a stunning area, full of traditional, charming beach huts, as well as a pretty harbour.
 
There are plenty of unique cafes and shops to enjoy in Whitstable, and even water activities to watch such as windsurfing, offering some entertainment to enjoy while on your walk!
 
An evening walk at Whitstable West Beach is certainly tempting – as a west facing beach, you can watch the sunset and experience gorgeous views across the water and sands. It’s unmissable, and we’re sure your pup would appreciate some photos against the sunset!
 
Whitstable West Beach is dogs welcome all year round.

 

 

4.  Sandymouth Beach near Bude, Cornwall 

Protected by the National Trust, Sandymouth beach is a beautiful pebble and sandy beach. There are plenty of areas and footpaths perfect for dog walks for a bit of exercise across the gorgeous and expansive scenes. It’s an unspoilt, idyllic area with plenty to see and do – enjoy the Duckpool coastal walk or the Stowe Wood circular walk for a trail around the photogenic landscape, and then relax with a hot drink at the café.

For a family holiday, why not try out some rock pooling, a popular activity at Sandymouth? Maybe your dog would even like to have a go getting his paws wet in the pools! Or they can canter through the coastal grasslands with wildflowers.
 
If you’re lucky, you might even catch sight of a dolphin or a basking shark out at sea, or some of our coastal birds flying through the sky. 

Dogs are allowed all year round at Sandymouth Beach.

 

 

5.  Lannacombe Beach by Salcombe, Devon 

Lannacombe Beach offers sparkling waters and sandy shores, perfect for the whole family to enjoy on a sunny day out. It’s a secluded and sheltered stretch nearby Dartmouth and Salcombe, both lovely places to extend your day out with a look around sweet cafes and shops.
 
At the beach, you can enjoy sailing and rock pooling if you’re looking for some more exciting opportunities, or you can’t go wrong with a quiet stroll down the sands with your dog.
 
Dogs-welcome year round at Lannacombe beach.

 

 

6.  Durdle Door Beach in Lulworth, Dorset 

Home to the famous Durdle Door landmark, Durdle Door Beach is renowned for its iconic limestone arch, set against the gorgeous clear waters and the golden sandy stretch of beach that make it the ideal spot for a visit for a truly memorable day out. Dogs are welcome all year round and will love a run up and down the sands (and maybe a smidge of your ice cream too).

Dorset is famous for the Jurassic coast, and you really can’t beat the sublime views of the cliffs while you stay near Durdle Door – you might even spot a fossil as you venture through the ancient rocks!
 
There are plenty of beautiful places to stay in and around Lulworth, and with the lovely café and restaurant nearby, you can grab some food to enjoy on the beach. It’s the perfect space for a day out for the whole family, including your furry friends!
 
Durdle door beach is dogs welcome all year round.

Want more ideas and inspiration on Britain's best beaches?

 

Discover our Top 10 Dog-Friendly Beaches in England

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Wales’s Top Dog-Friendly Beaches

 

7.  Barafundle Bay, Pembrokeshire

Barafundle Bay in Pembrokeshire, Wales is a gorgeous place to take your dog on a walk, with golden sands and scenes of pine trees to enjoy. It’s often compared to the Caribbean thanks to the glowing, crystal clear waters, offering a sublime experience for the whole family.
 
It’s a glorious area of natural beauty, secluded and isolated so, while there aren’t many facilities, it’s the perfect place to reconnect with nature. It’s even received a Blue Flag award and is often ranked as one of the best dog-friendly beaches in the UK – you can’t miss it on a Welsh break away.
 
Barafundle bay is dog-friendly all year round so whether you want to explore in the frosty Welsh winter or the bright summer, it’s the perfect place for a dog-friendly retreat!
 

 

8.  Rhossili in Gower, South Wales

Rhossili is a stunning dog-friendly National Trust beach, offering spaces for your pooches to run through the sands all year round. The scenic views are iconic, with picturesque views across cliffs and endless stretches of water, offering a tranquil experience of the beauty of Wales. Don’t miss the glorious sunset on an evening dog walk!

Rhossili is deeply engrained in its cultural history as well, with Iron Age forts and a historic church, as well as the charming parish itself. 

From the Isle of Anglesey to perfect Pembrokeshire, discover which golden sandy shores in Wales are the best for pets and pet owners.

And enjoy some superb dogs allowed coastal holiday inspiration!

 

Scotland’s Top Dog-Friendly Beaches

 

9.  Balnakeil Beach near Durness, Sutherland

If you’re looking for a holiday in Scotland, then Balnakeil Beach is well worth a visit with your dog. The sand dunes are stunning, and the gorgeous white sands will delight any dog who likes to run circles around you in the unspoilt beauty of the beach. Let your dog run free against the backdrop of the bright blue water!

Durness is a thriving village nearby, with plenty to do and explore once you’ve thoroughly explored the sandy shores. It’s a remote retreat that the whole family will love. 
 

 

10.  Morar Beach, Fort Willian in the Scottish Highlands

For another stunning look into the Scottish beaches, Morar Beach in the highlands is an ideal place to visit. It’s a hidden gem, with sandy white beaches for your dog to roll about in all year round! The waters could easily belong in the Caribbean or the sunny Mediterranean, clear enough that you can see the rippling sands beneath (if a little cooler!).

If you’re up for a walk, then the trail between Findhorn and Cullen is worth a look, including some of the most stunning examples of Scotland’s landscapes in a 50-mile trail covering Moray’s coast. 

Keep a look out for any dolphins frolicking amongst the waves! 
 

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