Guide to the UK’s best dog-friendly beaches

Coastal, Pet friendly, The Great British Outdoors

Posted by Kate A on 16th October 2020

Dog-friendly beaches

Chasing after balls, splashing in the sea, and bounding across soft, golden sand; dogs love to be beside the seaside. So, if you’ve got your heart set on a trip to the Great British coast this year, you’ll want to know some of the best dog-friendly beaches in the UK which the whole family can enjoy together.

Here in the UK, we’re lucky to be surrounded by an incredible coastline. From the powder-soft sands of Devon and Cornwall, where you can enjoy action-packed water sports and epic coastal paths, to the wild and remote beaches of Scotland, home to a rich variety of rare and beautiful wildlife, our wonderful island is awash with dog-friendly destinations and beaches that you can share with your favourite pet.

Whether your canine pal prefers digging in the sand or leaping through waves, take a look at our dog-friendly beach guides. And if you are looking for an equally lovely seaside retreat in which you can relax and unwind after your adventures, click the button below to browse our full collection of dog-friendly coastal cottages in the UK.

Dog-friendly coastal cottages


The South West

Whether your pup is a sandcastle-bomber, a wave-chaser, or a pebble-stroller, you’ll find some of the best beaches for dogs in the South West. In Dorset, look out for fossils in the cliffs and impressive natural rock formations rising from the sea, such as the iconic Durdle Door.

Dog-friendly beaches in Dorset

From doggy digging to doggy paddling, Somerset is another great place to escape the city and enjoy the fresh sea air. A mix of sand and shingle, often backed by grassland and dotted with interesting shipwrecks, the beaches in Somerset are perfect to explore on two legs or four.


Dog-friendly beaches in Devon

Dog-friendly beaches in Devon

From the surfing beaches of North Devon to the palm-tree lined coast of the English Riviera in South Devon, there are endless swathes of fine, glistening sand in this beautiful county for pups to play fetch on, and the sea is ideal for a little doggy paddle.

Dog-friendly Devon beaches

Dog-friendly beaches in Cornwall

Dog-friendly beaches in Cornwall

There aren't many dogs that don't love the sand between their paws, so why not treat your beloved canine to one of Cornwall’s top dog-friendly beaches where they can race along the sand and jump through the waves to their heart’s content?

Dog-friendly Cornwall beaches


The Welsh Coast

From the rugged tip of Anglesey to the sandy toes of Pembrokeshire, there are some fantastic dog-friendly beaches in Wales. Seek out hidden coves, follow windswept coastal paths, and watch your four-legged friend bounding excitedly across the shoreline.

Dog-friendly beaches in Wales

The best dog-friendly beaches in Wales


The coast of Scotland

Spend your days getting salty paws and toes on long beach walks along the awe-inspiring coastline of Scotland. You’ll find rolling sand dunes, ideal for a spot of hide and seek, and crystal-clear shallows to perfect that doggy paddle.

Dog-friendly beaches in Scotland

The best dog-friendly beaches in Scotland


The North of England

There is no better way to experience the beauty of the North of England’s coastline than with your dog by your side. In Northumberland, as they roam the powder-soft sands guarded by mighty fortresses like Bamburgh Castle, you can look out for a host of wildlife such as puffins, dolphins and seals.

Dog-friendly beaches in Northumberland


Dog-friendly beaches in Yorkshire

Dog-friendly beaches in Yorkshire

Secluded coves, vast sandy bays and old smugglers’ haunts line the 90 miles of Heritage Coast in Yorkshire, making this the perfect playground for four-legged holidaymakers. Why not combine a dip in the sea with an exhilarating coastal walk along the Cleveland Way?

The best dog-friendly Yorkshire beaches

Dog-friendly beaches in Cumbria

Dog-friendly beaches in Cumbria

Pups can put their best paw forward on the myriad of dog-friendly beaches in Cumbria. Remote, peaceful and idyllic, the Cumbrian coastline offers a seaside holiday away from the crowds. Spot some of the country’s rarest wildlife and look forward to epic sunsets.

The best dog-friendly Cumbria beaches


The East of England

Norfolk’s untouched sands which stretch for miles are perfect for walking your four-legged friends. You’ll find broad expanses of shoreline where you’ll likely be the only souls around, as well as popular family beaches bursting with fun attractions along the coast.

Dog-friendly beaches in Norfolk

The best dog-friendly beaches in Norfolk


The South Coast

With miles of golden beaches and foaming waves for leaping through, it's no wonder furry family members love a day out at the dog-friendly beaches along the South Coast. Tail-wagging cliff-top scampers, salty swims in the sea, and lazy days on the sand are all on offer on the pet-friendly beaches of the Isle of Wight. As the UK’s largest island, there are over 70 miles of pristine coastline to explore on a dog-friendly holiday here.

Dog-friendly beaches on the Isle of Wight

The best dog-friendly beaches on the Isle of Wight


Sussex dog-friendly beaches

Dog-friendly beaches in Sussex

There are lots of dog-friendly beaches in Sussex where Fido can run free, from hidden shingle beaches to expansive sun-kissed sands. Let your pup explore the dunes, crash through the surf, and zoom after seagulls with the family.

The best dog-friendly Sussex beaches

Kent dog-friendly beaches

Dog-friendly beaches in Kent

Known as the 'Garden of England', Kent is also a haven for coastal canine explorers. Discover the infamous white chalk cliffs at Dover, the briny shingle at Whitstable and the unique, desert-like beaches of Dungeness.

The best dog-friendly Kent beaches


If you'd like to browse more inspirational coastal content then take the time to dive into the pages of our Great British Coast Guide and discover the most stunning coastal walks, our advice on some of the best surfing in the UK as well which water sports to try this year.



Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing, please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.