There’s nothing like taking your furry friend to the beach. It gives them the ideal chance to run around and enjoy the sea and the sand, while you soak up the rays. Unfortunately, not all beaches in the UK are as accommodating of our furry friends as you might like and looking for a dog friendly beach can sometimes be a struggle. Which is where we come in. Below we have put together a list of some top dog friendly beach destinations in the UK. Whether you want to visit a beach during a trip to some of the UK’s best dog friendly holiday parks or as a standalone trip, you’re spoilt for choice. And while you’re here, why not check out our roundup of top dog friendly hotels in Devon? Or London’s best dog cafes?
The best dog friendly beach options in the UK
There are so many dog friendly beach options in the UK, you’re spoilt for choice. Whether you’re heading to sandy Cornwall, the stunning scenes or Durdle Door or up to Scotland, there is a beach for you and your pup. Plus, we’ve rounded up some great dog friendly hotels for each location so you have somewhere to stay.
Durdle Door
Durdle Door is the most famous landmark in Dorset, known for the spectacular arch that sits just off the shore of the beach. And the best part? It’s canine-friendly. A beautiful space to spend the day with your pup, it has plenty of space for them to run around and play and is also recommended by the Marine Conservation Society for its excellent water quality.
Dog friendly hotel recommendation:
Man O’War Beach
Man O’War Beach also known as Durdle Door East is a beautiful cove surrounded by cliffs and beautiful greenery. A great spot for fishing and snorkelling, it’s also ideal for your dog to swim and play. A partially submerged offshore reef means the water is protected from swells and it starts off nice and shallow too. A great spot to make your base for the day when on your holiday or just for a day trip, you won’t be disappointed at this picturesque dog friendly beach in the UK.
Dog friendly hotel recommendation: The Bear Hotel
Three Cliffs Bay
Three Cliffs Bay is another dog friendly beach and allows your pooch to play 365 days a year. A sandy beach complete with sand dunes and rock pools, it provides an oasis for them to run around and have fun. Let them splash in the water or play a game of fetch on the shore. While here, why not take the mile long walk through rivers and sandbanks that takes you from the beach to the Gower Peninsula? The Goweridge Heritage Centre is a great place to park as not only does it offer a secure place to leave your car but also tea rooms, local produce markets and is dog friendly.
Dog friendly hotel recommendation: Pass the Keys
Marloes Sands
Marloes Sands on the western edge of Pembrokeshire is a stunning sandy beach that welcomes dogs all year round. Part of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, there is plenty of wildlife to see such as seals and puffins (just ensure your dog leaves them alone!) When the tide is out, not only is there an expanse of sand, but plenty of rock pools for you (and your dog) to explore.
Dog friendly hotel recommendation: Gwelfor Marloes
Cuckmere Haven Beach
Cuckmere Haven is part of the South Downs and provides a beautiful walking route that leads to a dog friendly beach. The walk itself borders the famous Cuckmere River, with plenty of spots for your pooch to splash about, as well as an abundance of green space and wildlife. The beach at the end is shouldered by the seven sisters cliffs and is a large stony seaside ideal for playing games of fetch. Visit nearby dog-friendly eateries such as Saltmarsh Cafe or the Cuckmere Inn for a spot to eat.
Dog friendly hotel recommendation: The Grand Hotel Eastbourne
Freshwater West
Freshwater West Beach is nestled in Pembrokeshire, West Wales just near Castlemartin. Part of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park it’s one of the top surfing locations and has a promenade and sand dunes. Being a wide and sandy beach, it’s ideal for taking your dog, just be careful of them going in the sea as the tide can become quite rough.
Dog friendly hotel recommendation: The County Hotel
Seacliff
Seacliff Beach in Lothian is just at the mouth of the Firth of Forth and is a real hidden gem. Privately owned, you do need to pay a small fee to park, but it’s well worth it when you and your dog reach the sea. Featuring the spectacular Bass Rock and what’s said to be the smallest harbour in the UK, there’s plenty to see and take in. The beach is sandy with rockpools just begging to be explored.
Dog friendly hotel recommendation: Bayswell Hotel
Polly Joke
Porth Joke (also known as Polly Joke) is a beautiful and unspoilt sandy beach in Cornwall. A vast sandy beach, it offers plenty of space for your dog to run and play, as well as turquoise blue waters to splash in. Tucked into a deep cove, there are a myriad of rock pools and caves at low tide. Still a bit of a hidden gem, you won’t experience the same crowds as you might in Newquay which is a mere five miles away.
Dog friendly hotel recommendation: Esplanade Hotel
Gwynver Beach
Gwynver Beach is another dog friendly beach that allows them free reign 365 days a year. Offering a beautiful stretch of golden sand near Penzance in West Cornwall, it’s a relatively quiet spot compared to others in the vicinity, but this doesn’t mean it’s any less spectacular. Take your time to explore the hidden lagoons and rock pools or just enjoy a picnic on the sand. Both you and your dog are guaranteed a lovely day here.
Dog friendly hotel recommendation: Artist Residence Cornwall
Long Sands North Tynemouth
Long Sands North Tynemouth beach offers a stunning stretch of sand complete with sand dunes and bordered by luscious greenery. Gently sloping with a gentle low-tide that’s ideal for both bathing and kayaking, you and your pooch can make the most of the beautiful spot all year round. When you’re done, be sure to head to Tynemouth for some fish and chips!
Dog friendly hotel recommendation: The View
Tips for choosing a dog friendly beach to visit
- Consider how near the parking is and whether there’s a cost involved
- Research if there are other dog-friendly activities in the area
- Look up local dog-friendly eateries or bring a picnic
- Pick a dog-friendly hotel to stay in
- Be sure to pack a towel and brush to clean your pup before they get back in your car
These are ten of the top dog-friendly beaches in the UK for you to discover.They are the best ranked, according to bath retailer Showers to You. This is based on Google ratings and reviews for 148 beaches with no dog restrictions. Have you been to any? Let us know in the comments below.
