While we may be a small island, the UK coastline spans more than 7,700 miles, providing dog owners and our pets with plenty of beautiful coastal gems to visit.
From the sandy stretches of Rhossili Bay and Perranporth Beach to the wild lure of Holkham Beach, we will review the best dog-friendly beaches in the UK for you and your four-legged friend to explore.
Rhossili Bay, Swansea, Wales
It seems only fitting to start with a beach dubbed ‘the supermodel of British beaches’ and crucially nominated ‘The UK’s No.1 Dog-Friendly Beach’ by The Times.
Located on the breathtaking Gower Peninsula, Rhossili Bay offers 3 miles of sandy shoreline for you and your furry friend to explore, with dogs allowed on the beach all year round.
Bonus tip, at low tide, explorers to Rhossili Bay may even stumble upon the shipwreck of Helvetia from 1887!
Please note that Rhossili Bay does not currently have wheelchair access.
Rhossili is accessible via car and public transport.
Postcode: SA3 1PP
Holkham Beach, Norfolk, England
Nestled within a nature reserve, Holkham Beach is a dog-friendly haven boasting beautiful golden sands coupled with an enchanting pine forest (which provides welcome shelter for the hotter summer days).
With its seemingly endless miles of unspoilt golden sands and vast open space, your dog has abundant freedom to explore and play.
While dogs are welcome all year round at Holkham Beach, from April to the end of August, the Holkham National Nature Reserve is a breeding ground for shorebirds. Therefore, from 1st April to 31st August annually, there is a dogs-on-lead policy in place in certain areas.
For more information, please visit the Holkham official website.
Postcode: NR23 1RG
Bamburgh Beach, Northumberland, England
Bamburgh Beach, also fondly known as Bamburgh Castle Beach, is an expansive, beautiful sandy beach where you can enjoy expansive wind-swept walks with your dog all year round.
As you have probably already guessed, Bamburgh Castle Beach gets its name due to the breathtaking 6th-century castle which dominates the skyline alongside the beach.
For history buffs among us, parts of the structure of Bambrugh Castle can be dated back to the 12th century.
If you and your furry friend have worked up an appetite on your walkies, you’ll be pleased to know there are many dog-friendly pubs nearby, including The Castle Inn.
A recent study by Millets found that Northumberland was the top UK coastal destination for pet-friendly beaches, with 33 beaches in the area, 31 of which are pet-friendly, meaning that 93.94% are great options for pet owners.
Postcode: NE69 7DF
Fenella Beach, Isle of Man, England
With regular dog-friendly ferries from the UK and Ireland taking as little as three hours, the Isle of Man is a place to head to the beach with your pet, with plenty of beautiful walks and nature, from its dog-friendly beaches to open countryside, as well as dog-friendly attractions and transport system.
Fenella Beach, dog-friendly all year round and overlooked by the ancient fortress of Peel Castle, is an idyllic must-see location when visiting the Isle of Man.
Fenella Beach is also currently wheelchair accessible.
Staithes Beach, North Yorkshire, England
Staithes Beach is among the country’s finest. It’s small but perfectly formed and is really easy to access from the chocolate box fishing village. Walkers are also spoilt for choice, with many routes of various difficulties branching out from the village centre, including along scenic clifftop coastal paths that make up part of the Cleveland Way.
The Cod & Lobster pub is ideally situated overlooking the beach, providing an idyllic backdrop where you can sit out with your dog and enjoy the sea air.
Unlike many of the larger beaches nearby, including Scarborough and Whitby, dogs are free to visit the beach all year round, making it the perfect stop-off on a trip with your pet.
Leisure Resorts’ Angrove Country Park – the perfect North Yorkshire base to explore the county’s fantastic coastline – has lots of dog-friendly accommodation situated just a short distance away and can give you the perfect platform to appreciate what the area offers.
Postcode: TS13 5DH
Dog-Friendly Beaches Cornwall
Cornwall is renowned for its numerous dog-friendly beaches, and there are several reasons behind this dog-friendly culture in the region.
With Cornwall being blessed with stunning coastlines and numerous dog-friendly beaches, we thought summarising our top 3 would be worthwhile!
Sandymouth Beach, Cornwall, England
If you are seeking dog-friendly beaches in Cornwall, then look no further than Sandymouth Beach, which is a haven for dog owners! Situated on the North Cornwall coast, this beautiful stretch of golden sands welcomes dogs all year round.
The beach boasts breathtaking natural beauty that you would expect, with towering cliffs providing a picturesque backdrop for unforgettable walks.
Postcode: EX23 9HW
Porthcurno Beach, Cornwall, England
Located near the charming village of Porthcurno, this beach truly is a hidden gem on Cornwall’s south coast.
Surrounded by cliffs and crystal-clear waters, the beach is a tranquil and idyllic setting for a day out with your canine companion.
While the beach is dog-friendly, please be aware that restrictions do apply between 1 July – 31 August, where dogs are not permitted between 10 am – 6 pm.
Crantock Beach, Cornwall, England
Nestled near Newquay, Crantock Beach offers a peaceful and unspoiled coastal experience with vast sandy beaches, dunes, and rolling waves.
At Crantock Beach, there are also many coastal paths to explore, offering stunning views of the Cornish coastline.
If you are venturing along the coastal paths, just remember to be mindful of grazing livestock and look out for cliff edges.
Postcode: TR19 6JX
When are dogs allowed on the beach?
Before heading to any beach in Cornwall, please check for any restrictions via Cornwall Council, as they can be subject to change.
Often, Cornish beaches, like many others, may have seasonal restrictions in place for busy peak times.
Summary
Before grabbing the sun cream and your furry friend for your next seaside adventure, there are some safety and etiquette tips to be aware of.
- Always be able to recall your dogs in any situation on the first call.
- Ensure you always have a clear line of sight to your dog, rather than only knowing that they have disappeared into thick vegetation or gone over a hill. By doing so, you can maintain visual contact and ensure their safety throughout.
- Check the beach for any dog restrictions before travelling, as seasonal restrictions can apply to dog-friendly beaches.
- Always clean up after your dog, take lots of poo bags, and be considerate of the environment.
- Don’t let them run up to others. While your dog may be friendly, remember that others may be fearful of dogs. Please ensure your dog does not run up to others, especially children.
Finally, it’s always a good idea to also be aware of other summer dangers to dogs.
Now all that’s left to do is to embark on a memorable seaside adventure with your pooch!
