The Best Dog Friendly Beaches in England, Scotland & Wales

If you’re a dog owner looking for the perfect place to let your four-legged friend run free, then this blog post is for you. We’ve searched far and wide to bring you the best dog-friendly beaches in England, Scotland, and Wales. From the golden sands of Cornwall to the stunning cliffs of Scotland, these beaches offer the perfect blend of picturesque views and wide-open spaces for your dog to explore.

So whether you’re planning a day trip or a week-long holiday, read on to discover the top dog-friendly beaches in England, Scotland & Wales.

Key Takeaways

• Dog-Friendly Beaches Across the UK: This blog post covers the best dog-friendly beaches in England, Scotland, and Wales, ensuring your four-legged friend can enjoy a day out at the seaside.
• Regional Highlights: From the golden sands of Cornwall to the stunning cliffs of Scotland, the post details top dog-friendly beaches in various regions, including North East England, North West England, Yorkshire and the Humber, East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England, South East England, South West England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
• Year-Round Options: The guide includes beaches that are accessible year-round, ensuring you and your pet can enjoy a beach day out no matter the season.

Dog-Friendly Beaches in England, Scotland & Wales

England is a paradise for dog owners, with many beaches that are perfect for dogs.

Here are some of the top spots in various regions:

Dog-Friendly Beaches in North East England

North East England, known for its stunning cliffs and golden sands, is a haven for dog walkers. The region boasts several dog-friendly beaches where your four-legged friends can enjoy a fun day out.

Here are our top picks:

Beach Name	Location	Postcode	Description
Bamburgh Beach	Bamburgh, Northumberland	NE69 7DF	Bamburgh Beach is a popular spot for dog walking. With its wide sandy beach and stunning views, it’s the perfect place for a leisurely stroll with your four-legged friend.
Druridge Bay	Morpeth, Northumberland	NE61 5EG	Druridge Bay is a huge beach with golden sand. It’s a great place for dogs to run and play. Please note the seasonal dog ban during the summer months.
Seaham Beach	Seaham, County Durham	SR7 7AG	Seaham Beach, with its picturesque beach and rock pools, is a fantastic place for a walk with your dog. The beach is accessible at both high tide and low tide, making it a year-round destination for dog owners.

Dog-Friendly Beaches in North West England

North West England is a treasure trove of scenic coastlines and welcoming beaches. Whether you prefer vast sandy expanses or quaint coves, there’s a beach to suit every taste.

Here are our top picks:

Beach Name	Location	Postcode	Description
Formby Beach	Formby, Merseyside	L37 1LJ	Formby Beach is a favourite among dog owners. Its expansive sandy beach and breathtaking views make it an ideal spot for a relaxing walk with your canine companion.
St Bees Beach	St Bees, Cumbria	CA27 0ES	St Bees Beach is a large beach with golden sand, providing ample space for dogs to run and play. Please be aware of the seasonal dog ban during the summer months.
Morecambe Beach	Morecambe, Lancashire	LA4 4DB	Morecambe Beach offers a picturesque setting and intriguing rock pools, making it a fantastic destination for a walk with your dog. The beach is accessible throughout the year, making it a go-to destination for dog owners.

Dog-Friendly Beaches in Yorkshire and the Humber

Yorkshire and the Humber, a region steeped in natural beauty, offers a variety of dog-friendly beaches. These beaches are perfect for a leisurely walk with your four-legged friend.

Here are our top picks:

Beach Name	Location	Postcode	Description
Fraisthorpe Beach	Bridlington, East Riding of Yorkshire	YO15 3QL	Fraisthorpe Beach is a hidden gem in Yorkshire. This beach is known for its wide sandy expanses, making it an ideal spot for dogs to run freely and enjoy themselves.
Filey Beach	Filey, North Yorkshire	YO14 9LA	Filey Beach is a popular choice among dog owners. With its long stretch of sand and calm waters, it’s a great place for dogs to play and swim.
Sandsend Beach	Whitby, North Yorkshire	YO21 3SZ	Sandsend Beach is located in Whitby, North Yorkshire. Further details about this beach are not provided in your message.

Dog-Friendly Beaches in the East Midlands

The East Midlands, renowned for its rich history and stunning landscapes, is a wonderful region to explore with your four-legged friend.

Here are our top picks:

Beach Name	Location	Postcode	Description
Skegness Beach	Skegness, Lincolnshire	PE25 2UE	Skegness Beach is a popular destination for families and dog owners alike. With its wide sandy beach and nearby amenities, it’s a great place for a day out with your pet.
Mablethorpe Beach	Mablethorpe, Lincolnshire	LN12 1NQ	Mablethorpe Beach offers a vast sandy expanse for your dog to run and play. It’s a beautiful spot to enjoy a leisurely walk along the coast.
Cleethorpes Beach	Cleethorpes, North East Lincolnshire	DN35 8LG	Cleethorpes Beach is known for its lovely promenade and sandy beach. It’s a fantastic place for a walk with your dog, offering stunning views of the Humber estuary.

Dog-Friendly Beaches in the West Midlands

While the West Midlands may be landlocked, it doesn’t mean there aren’t fantastic places for dog walking.

Here are our top picks:

Beach Name	Location	Postcode	Description
Cotswold Water Park	Cirencester, Gloucestershire	GL7 5FP	Cotswold Water Park is not your typical beach, but it’s a great place for a walk with your dog. With over 150 lakes set across the Cotswold countryside, it’s a beautiful spot to explore.
Bosworth Water Park	Nuneaton, Warwickshire	CV13 6PD	Bosworth Water Park offers a variety of activities for the whole family, including your four-legged friend. It’s a great place to enjoy a day out.
Kingsbury Water Park	Sutton Coldfield, Warwickshire	B76 0DY	Kingsbury Water Park is another fantastic place for dog walking. With plenty of open space and water bodies, it’s a haven for dogs and their owners.

Dog-Friendly Beaches in the East of England

The East of England, with its stunning coastlines and beautiful beaches, is a fantastic place to explore with your dog.

Here are our top picks:

Beach Name	Location	Postcode	Description
Wells-next-the-Sea Beach	Wells-next-the-Sea, Norfolk	NR23 1DR	Wells-next-the-Sea Beach is a favourite among dog owners. With its vast sandy expanses and picturesque views, it’s an ideal spot for a day out with your pet.
Holkham Beach	Wells-next-the-Sea, Norfolk	NR23 1RG	Holkham Beach offers a unique blend of forest and beach, making it a great place for a walk with your dog. The beach is particularly beautiful at low tide when the sea recedes to reveal a vast expanse of sand.
Southwold Beach	Southwold, Suffolk	IP18 6TB	Southwold Beach is a charming spot with its colourful beach huts and lighthouse. It’s a great place for a leisurely walk with your dog along the promenade.

Dog-Friendly Beaches in South East England

South East England, renowned for its stunning coastlines and beautiful beaches, is a fantastic place for dog owners to let their pets have some fun.

Here are our top picks:

Beach Name	Location	Postcode	Description
Camber Sands	Camber, East Sussex	TN31 7RT	Camber Sands is a favourite among dog owners. With its wide sandy beach and stunning views, it’s an ideal spot for a day out with your pet.
West Wittering Beach	West Wittering, West Sussex	PO20 8AJ	West Wittering Beach offers a unique blend of sandy beach and grassy areas, making it a great place for a walk with your dog. The beach is particularly beautiful at low tide when the sea recedes to reveal a vast expanse of sand.
Whitstable Beach	Whitstable, Kent	CT5 1BX	Whitstable Beach is known for its pebble beach and charming beach huts. It’s a great place for a leisurely walk with your dog along the coast.

Dog-Friendly Beaches in South West England

South West England, with its breath-taking views and golden sands, is truly a paradise for dogs and their owners.

Here are our top picks:

Beach Name	Location	Postcode	Description
Watergate Bay	Newquay, Cornwall	TR8 4AA	Watergate Bay is a stunning beach known for its golden sands and breath-taking views. It’s a great place for dogs to run and play, making it a favourite among dog owners.
Constantine Bay	Padstow, Cornwall	PL28 8JH	Constantine Bay is a beautiful sandy beach that offers a tranquil setting for a walk with your four-legged friend. The beach is particularly beautiful at low tide when the sea recedes to reveal a vast expanse of sand.
Mexico Towans	Hayle, Cornwall	TR27 5AF	Mexico Towans is a large sandy beach that’s perfect for a long walk with your dog. With its wide sandy expanses and beautiful views, it’s an ideal spot for a day out with your pet.

Dog-Friendly Beaches in Wales

Wales, with its rugged coastlines and sandy beaches, is a fantastic place for a walk with your dog.

Here are our top picks:

Beach Name	Location	Postcode	Description
Rhossili Bay	Swansea	SA3 1PR	Rhossili Bay is a stunning beach known for its breath-taking views and wide sandy expanses. It’s an ideal spot for a day out with your pet.
Tenby North Beach	Tenby, Pembrokeshire	SA70 8AG	Tenby North Beach offers a unique blend of sandy beach and picturesque views, making it a great place for a walk with your dog. The beach is particularly beautiful at low tide when the sea recedes to reveal a vast expanse of sand.
Aberdaron Beach	Aberdaron, Gwynedd	LL53 8BE	Aberdaron Beach is a charming spot with its sandy beach and beautiful views. It’s a great place for a leisurely walk with your dog along the coast.

Dog-Friendly Beaches in Scotland

Scotland, renowned for its stunning landscapes and beautiful beaches, is a haven for dog walkers.

Here are our top picks:

Beach Name	Location	Postcode	Description
St Andrews West Sands	St Andrews, Fife	KY16 9XL	St Andrews West Sands is a stunning beach known for its wide sandy expanses and breath-taking views. It’s an ideal spot for a day out with your pet.
Dornoch Beach	Dornoch, Sutherland	IV25 3LS	Dornoch Beach offers a unique blend of sandy beach and picturesque views, making it a great place for a walk with your dog. The beach is particularly beautiful at low tide when the sea recedes to reveal a vast expanse of sand.
Luskentyre Sands	Isle of Harris	HS3 3HL	Luskentyre Sands is known for its white sandy beach and turquoise waters. It’s a great place for a leisurely walk with your dog along the coast.

Dog-Friendly Beaches in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland, with its stunning coastlines and beautiful beaches, is a fantastic place for a walk with your dog.

Here are our top picks:

Beach Name	Location	Postcode	Description
Ballycastle Beach	Ballycastle, Northern Ireland	BT54 6QS	Ballycastle Beach is a popular spot for dog walkers. With its wide sandy beach and stunning views, it’s the perfect place for a leisurely stroll with your four-legged friend.
White Park Bay	Ballintoy, Northern Ireland	BT54 6NH	White Park Bay is a beautiful sandy beach backed by grassy dunes. It’s a great place for dogs to run and play.

In addition to these, there are several dog-friendly beaches in County Down and County Antrim.

In County Down, dogs are welcome on the following beaches:

• Ballyhalbert
• Ballywalter
• Millisle Lagoon
• Murlough
• Nicholsons Strand Cranfield
• Rossglass

In County Antrim, dogs are allowed on these beaches:

• Ballycastle
• Carnlough
• Glenarm
• Mill Strand Portrush
• Waterfoot

Please note that some beaches listed as dog friendly may still have certain restricted areas.

Final Thoughts

We hope this guide has been helpful in your search for the best dog-friendly beaches across the UK. With so many beautiful locations to choose from, you and your four-legged friend are sure to find a beach that’s just right for you.

Whether you’re looking for golden sands, picturesque coves, or vast sandy expanses, there’s a beach for every preference.

Frequently Asked Questions

In this section we answer frequently asked questions about dog friendly beaches in England, Scotland & Wales.

Can I take my dog to the beach in the UK?

Yes, you can take your dog to the beach in the UK. The vast majority of beaches welcome responsible dog owners outside of the summer months (1 October to 30 April). However, it’s essential to check if the beach you’re planning to visit is dog-friendly.

What is the rule about dogs on the beach?

The rules about dogs on the beach can vary. Some beaches may require dogs to be on a lead at all times, while others may have areas where dogs are not allowed or may have seasonal restrictions. Always check the local guidelines before visiting.

Do dogs have to be on a lead on a beach?

In some public areas, including beaches, dogs may have to be kept on a lead. This can depend on local council regulations, so it’s always best to check the specific rules for the beach you’re planning to visit.

What months can dogs go on beaches?

Dogs are generally allowed on beaches from 1st October to 30th April every year. However, many local councils have introduced restrictions which will remain in place from May through to September.

Is it bad for dogs to walk on the beach?

Walking on the beach can be a great experience for dogs. However, there are some potential hazards to be aware of. These include the risk of heatstroke from hot sand, the possibility of ingesting harmful substances, and the potential for injury from items like discarded fish hooks. Always monitor your dog closely to ensure their safety.

Is it OK for my dog to swim in the sea?

Yes, it can be safe for dogs to swim in the sea, with the right precautions. Be aware of hazards such as ocean waves, salt, and wildlife. Also, not all dogs are natural swimmers, so it’s important to ensure your dog is comfortable and safe in the water. Always keep a close eye on your dog when they’re in the water.

Are there any dog-friendly beaches in the UK?

Yes, there are many dog-friendly beaches in the UK. However, the rules and restrictions can vary from beach to beach, so it’s always best to check the specific rules for the beach you’re planning to visit.

What should I bring for my dog to the beach?

When taking your dog to the beach, it’s important to bring fresh water and a bowl, a leash, poop bags, a towel, and possibly a beach umbrella or tent for shade. You might also want to bring toys or treats to keep your dog entertained.

Can my dog drink sea water?

It’s not recommended for dogs to drink sea water. The salt in the water can make them sick and can lead to dehydration. Always provide fresh water for your dog to drink when at the beach.

What should I do if my dog eats sand at the beach?

If your dog eats sand at the beach, it can cause a blockage in their intestines, which is a serious condition that requires immediate veterinary attention. If you notice your dog eating sand, it’s important to stop them and provide them with fresh water to drink. If they show signs of discomfort or illness after eating sand, seek veterinary care immediately.