Yorkshire is a fantastic destination for a holiday with your pet. Not only do the moors and dales provide a playground for adventurous dogs and their owners, but there is a wonderful selection of dog-friendly beaches in Yorkshire for the perfect day out at the seaside.
From the sandy bays of traditional coastal villages such as Staithes and Robin Hood’s Bay, to the vast empty swathes of Marske Sands and Fraisthorpe Beach, there’s a beach to suit even the most discerning four-legged friend.
We’ve rounded up our 10 best dog-friendly beaches in Yorkshire with no restrictions, where sandcastle building with the family, splashing in the waves and endless games of fetch await. And if you’re looking for somewhere to stay nearby, take a look at our dog-friendly cottages on the Yorkshire coast.
Dog-friendly cottages
Cayton Bay
A sweeping arc of golden sand makes Cayton Bay one of the top dog-friendly beaches in North Yorkshire. The beach is also a favourite for surfers and a great place for beginners due to its mellow waves from mid to high tide. While you’re walking along the beach, keep an eye out for fossils under foot – you may be lucky enough to find ammonites and other molluscs from the upper Jurassic period which are around 150 million years old!
Local info: Free roadside parking on the clifftop along the old road, or a barriered pay and display car park near the surf shop. Main access to beach is via two paths – one from the roundabout which leads down to the pumping station where there are steps down to the beach, the other is a narrow, steep path which leads past the car park. Public toilets near Lucy’s Beach Shack which sells hot and cold food and drink.
Dog restrictions: None - dogs welcome all year round.
Stay nearby: Victoria Garden Flat, Scarborough | Sleeps 5 + 2 dogs
Flamborough – North Landing
One of the most picturesque beaches in Yorkshire that allows dogs, Flamborough North Landing captivates visitors with its white cliffs and azure waters. A beach visit makes a refreshing stop on a walk around Flamborough Head and the surrounding countryside. Pitch up with a picnic and let your dog have a splash in the sea before summoning the energy for the climb back up. Beware of the incoming tide as it cuts off neighbouring bays which can be walked to at low tide.
Local info: Steps and steep walk down to the beach from the car park. Public toilets in car park; café
Dog restrictions: None - dogs welcome all year round.
Stay nearby: Rock Lobster, Flamborough | Sleeps 4 + 1 dog
Fraisthorpe Beach
If your dog loves a run, you’ll love this one of our favourite dog-friendly beaches on the East Yorkshire coast. The vast, sandy beach is a section of Bridlington Bay which extends as far as the eye can see, all the way to the Humber Estuary. Your energetic dog can bound around to his heart’s content.
You may be joined by others making the most of the huge expanse of beach, from horse riders to kite surfers. It’s not hard to see why we’ve included Fraisthorpe among our favourite dog-friendly beaches in East Yorkshire!
Local info: Pay car park at Auburn Farm, a few steps down low clay cliffs to the beach. Toilets and café at Auburn Farm; town amenities, eateries and shops available in Bridlington (2.5 miles walk along beach from Auburn Farm).
Dog restrictions: None - dogs allowed all year round.
Stay nearby: Lavender Cottage, Hornsea | Sleeps 4 + 2 dogs
Kettleness Beach
A secluded cove close to Runswick Bay, Kettleness is a gem of a beach which requires an intrepid scramble down a steep path with the aid of a rope, so one for agile dogs and owners only. Your efforts will be rewarded once you get to the bottom though; it has a real Jurassic feel and is a top fossil hunting spot. As you would expect from a remote beach, there are no amenities but that is part of its attraction. When you’ve climbed back up the cliffs, rest at the top and gaze out towards Runswick Bay and Whitby where the Abbey is visible on a clear day.
Local info: Parking on the cliff top. Steep scramble down to beach, holding on to a rope – not recommended in bad weather. None. Nearest pub in Goldsborough (1 mile).
Dog restrictions: None - dogs welcome all year round.
Stay nearby: Egton Cottage, Whitby | Sleeps 4 + 2 dogs
Marske Sands
A long sand and shingle beach which is popular for water sports, Marske Sands is one of the best dog-friendly beaches in Yorkshire to visit at any time of year. It’s a good one for a blustery winter stroll, or a long beach ramble on a sunny summer morning. Take a snack or a flask with you and you can settle down for a while by the dunes as your dog investigates the smells of a new beach.
Local info: Ramp to beach at the end of the High Street in Marske-by-the-Sea Village, or free car park off the Coast Road with a short access path through the grassy dunes onto the beach. Public toilets in free car park off Coast Road; eateries and village amenities in Marske-by-the-Sea.
Dog restrictions: None - dogs welcome all year round.
Stay nearby: 1 The Mews, Marske-by-the-Sea | Sleeps 2 + 1 dog
Reighton Beach
As North Yorkshire dog-friendly beaches go, Reighton ticks all the boxes in terms of length, views and facilities. The huge beach stretches north-west, blending into Hunmanby Gap and beyond to Filey. As you wander along, breathing in the fresh sea air with your dog by your side, admire the spectacular cliffs - the origin of the fossils which are often found on the beach. Combine your visit with a walk through Bempton Cliffs Nature Reserve which lies to the east for a chance to spot all sorts of sea birds.
Local info: Car park at the end of Sands Road with a fairly steep path down to the beach. Café at caravan park up ramp from the beach; public toilets; town amenities, shops and eateries in Filey; beach café at Hunmanby.
Dog restrictions: None - dogs welcome all year round.
Stay nearby: South Crescent, Filey (2mls S) | Sleeps 4 + 1 dogs
Robin Hood’s Bay
Part of the joy of visiting Robin Hood's Bay Beach is wandering down through the narrow streets from the top car park, and picking which tearoom or dog-friendly pub you’ll stop in on the climb back up! The beach itself is best visited at low tide, because the small sandy bay is all but covered at high tide. The dramatic sea wall, rugged cliffs and red-roofed buildings make it a picturesque location for a stroll with your pooch.
Local info: Two public car parks in the village, one at the top and one halfway down, fairly steep walk down through village with ramp onto beach. Public toilets; eateries; shops and village amenities.
Dog restrictions: None - dogs welcome all year round.
Stay nearby: Lilly’s Cottage, Robin Hood’s Bay | Sleeps 6 + 2 dogs
Runswick Bay
If you’re looking for Yorkshire beaches for dogs where there’s plenty to keep the rest of the family amused too, Runswick Bay is a good option. It has all the benefits of the village amenities while keeping a distinctly natural feel, with rock pools and coastal walks right from the beach.
Look out for ‘hob holes’ on the beach which legend has it were the homes of hobgoblins. The beachside café is on hand for refreshment and the pretty little village is a delight to walk around with your pet in tow.
Local info: Pay and display car park with paved ramp 150m down to the beach. Public toilets; beachside café; hotel/restaurant.
Dog restrictions: None - dogs welcome all year round.
Stay nearby: Puffin Lodge, Runswick Bay | Sleeps 6 + 1 dog
Staithes
Staithes Beach is one of the most photogenic beaches in Yorkshire that allows dogs. Considered by many to be the prettiest of Yorkshire’s coastal villages, the houses jostle for space around the harbour and river mouth, framed by grass-topped cliffs. The North York Moors meet the sea here and Staithes provides a lovely backdrop for a short dog walk on its small beach. Ideal for a bracing winter stroll followed by a warming drink in one of the village cafes.
Local info: Pay car park at the top of the village with approx. 600m walk down through the village to the beach, steps and boat ramp onto beach. Public toilets; eateries; shops and galleries.
Dog restrictions: None - dogs welcome all year round.
Stay nearby: Waverley House, Staithes | Sleeps 6 + 2 dogs
Whitby - Tate Hill Beach
The enduringly popular town of Whitby on the North Yorkshire coast exudes character from each historic alleyway. From its alluring abbey which inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula, to the aroma of fish and chips (and kippers!) and the clink of boats in the harbour, it’s sure to steal a piece of your heart.
While it is the town itself which usually attracts visitors, Whitby also has a dog-friendly beach – Tate Hill Beach – which is small, sandy and part of the Esk River Harbour. Close to the beach is the beginning of the 199 steps up to Whitby Abbey. The town’s larger beach, West Cliff, has dog restrictions from May to September, but is a lovely large beach for your dog to run on out of season.
Local info: Choice of pay car parks in the town; steps or a ramp down to the beach from the town. Public toilets, eateries, shops, town amenities.
Dog restrictions: None - dogs welcome all year round.
Stay nearby: Marina View – Whitby | Sleeps 10 + 2 dogs
Yorkshire’s best beaches on a map
Further inspiration
Explore Yorkshire with your four-legged best friend by your side. This wonderful country has plenty to see and do for dogs; find more inspiration with our guides.
Dog-friendly cottages in Yorkshire
Our dog-friendly cottages on the Yorkshire Coast provide the perfect base for you and your pup to relax and unwind between days exploring the dog-friendly Yorkshire beaches nearby. In winter, snuggle into a sinkable sofa in front of a roaring wood burner; in summer, take dinner outside with an al fresco BBQ beneath the setting sun.
With plenty of cosy nooks for your pet to make their own, cottages with enclosed gardens and a pet treat or two thrown in, your dog is sure to enjoy their holiday as much as you.
Dog-friendly cottages
