The 10 Best (and Safest) Dog-friendly Beaches in the UK

As the weather gets warmer, it’s only natural to think of your next sunny getaway with your best furry friend. With more people holidaying in the UK than ever before, chances are we’ll all be heading to the beach at some point. So, if you’re planning a dog-friendly holiday this spring or summertime, wouldn’t you like to know the best dog-friendly beaches in the UK to take your canine companion for a fun and safe day out? 

We’ve teamed up with our friends at Vets Now, the UK’s leading provider of emergency pet care, to compile a comprehensive guide to 10 of the best dog-friendly beaches in the country.

What makes a beach safe for dogs?

“Unfortunately, pet emergencies don’t take summer holidays. Each summer we witness a significant rise in emergency cases that are related to beaches and the sea,” explains Laura Playforth, professional standards director at Vets Now and one of the authors of the Best Beach Guide.

“We’ve only chosen beaches where water quality is deemed high, dogs are welcome all year round, parking and access are good and a daytime vet is based nearby. All those featured are within an hour’s drive of a Vets Now pet emergency clinic or hospital. So, if you’re at the beach in the evening or weekend and suffer a pet emergency, you know you’re never far from expert help.”

And if you do find yourself worried whilst at the beach, or afterwards, Vets Now have launched Video Vets. This means you can arrange a video call with one of their highly experienced emergency vets from the Vets Now team within minutes, no matter where you are in the UK. A ten-minute video consult costs £24 and is refundable if Vets Now recommend an in-person follow-up within 24 hours.

10 of the Best Dog-friendly Beaches in the UK

 

1. Hengistbury West Beach, Dorset 

Most of the golden beaches dotted along the coast of Dorset have restrictions on dogs, especially during the summer months. But at Hengistbury West, just a short drive from the better-known beaches of Bournemouth, your four-legged friend is welcome to play all year round.

This shingle and pebble beach is unspoilt, south-facing and enclosed by the cliffs of Hengistbury Head. A scenic headland which attracts walkers and nature lovers from around the world, and which separates Poole Bay and Christchurch Bay. 

There’s a nature reserve here as well as a popular beach-front café. If you’re coming from Bournemouth, why not jump on the train which runs along the coast – dogs are welcome for a small charge. There are also public toilets and dog bins. 

Where to stay nearby?:

Hotel Collingwood in Bournemouth offers a perfect location to explore the coastal beauty of Dorset. Enjoy long walkies along Bournemouth Pier and seafront, before relaxing in the on-site leisure centre.

2. Milford-on-Sea Beach, Hampshire

Tucked away at the southern tip of the beautiful New Forest National Park is this smashing little pebble beach. Highly popular with dog lovers, your beloved canine companion is welcome all year round with no summer restrictions. Experience brilliant views across to the Isle of Wight and fabulous walks with the whole family from Hurst Spit to Hurst Castle. 

Next to the beach, you’ll discover a couple of cafés, an ice cream kiosk and a kids’ play area. Plus, it’s only a quarter of a mile from the beach to the quaint village shops. Locals pride themselves on living in a thriving coastal village that very much has its own distinct identity. While there are more famous beaches in Hampshire – few are as chilled-out as Milford-on-Sea.

Where to stay nearby?:

Where else but The Mayflower Hotel in Lymington, a charming coastal pub and AA Four-Star Gold Inn. With a nautical theme throughout, the spacious rooms boast stunning views over the historic Lymington harbour. With the New Forest right on the doorstep too, it’s the perfect dog-friendly hotel for an adventure.

3. West Wittering, West Sussex

At the southernmost tip of Sussex, just below the ancient cathedral city of Chichester, you’ll find the charming village of West Wittering and its lovely sandy beach. This is something of a rarity in an area mainly known for its pebbly beaches — so enjoy.

From May to September, there’s a small area in front of a row of beach huts where dogs aren’t allowed — but don’t let that put you off. There’s still plenty of beach for your dog to play on. In fact, your only problem might be getting them back on the lead at the end of the day.

You’ll love the excellent views of Chichester Harbour and the South Downs during your beach trip. And if you’re a more adventurous human, why not take up kite-surfing and create unforgettable memories?

Where to stay nearby?:

Check out the Goodwood Hotel, a gorgeous country house hotel located in the lovely city of Chichester. Surrounded by 12,000 acres of parks and woodland, it’s the ideal spot for a dog-friendly UK holiday in the Sussex countryside. With comfortable rooms, award-winning dining and an array of fabulous facilities (e.g. gym, pool, jacuzzi, sauna and spa treatment rooms), you needn’t look any further! 

4. Whitstable West Beach, Whitstable, Kent

Whitstable’s mile-long west beach is a stretch of shingle divided up by wooden groynes and offers dogs unrestricted access to the coast in an area where bylaws restricting dogs are common. It runs from just south of the town’s harbour to the neighbouring village of Seasalter.

You’ll love its traditional charms, such as its beach huts, weatherboard cottages and fishing boats pulled up on the beach. While on your walk, you can enjoy watching people windsurf as your furry friends splash amongst the waves.

As Whitstable is a west-facing beach, at the end of the day you can look forward to watching the sunset. The ideal way to finish an amazing day at this fantastic dog-friendly beach with your furry best friend in tow.

Where to stay nearby?:

No.42 by GuestHouse Margate is a beachfront hotel that is hard to beat! A stunning pet-friendly hotel in the artful, fun-filled British seaside town, No.42 is the ideal spot for an adventure. From this characterful property, you can experience dreamy views across the bay throughout your stay. Plus, you’ll be just moments away from the sandy shores!

5. Southwold Pier, Suffolk

Southwold is one of Suffolk’s best-known resorts — not least because of its 800-foot long pier and distinctive beach huts. The quality of the beach has been recognised over the years by regular Blue Flag awards. This demonstrates that it is not only clean, but provides an excellent array of amenities for you and your canine companion to enjoy. 

The shingle and pebble beach at Southwold is backed by a promenade which runs along the front of the town. You’ll find plenty to do here, including amusement arcades, fishing and swimming. It has all the facilities you would expect of such a popular and stylish resort! So, make sure to take your pick of the cafés and shops nearby during your getaway.

6. Bamburgh Beach, Northumberland

The village of Bamburgh may be small but it has one very big claim to fame – it was voted the UK’s best seaside destinations in 2021. Bamburgh beat off competition from 100 other hopefuls and when you get onto the beach, you’ll soon see why. Kite flyers and strolling couples, children building sandcastles, plus dog walkers aplenty. Your four-legged friends will love meeting many new friends while tearing along the fine sands. 

During your travels, enjoy lovely views out to sea to the Farne Islands. Perhaps even more stunning though is Bamburgh Castle, which totally dominates the dunes behind. After visiting the castle, take a stroll into the village. Here, you’ll discover little shops and a tearoom so traditional and quaint, you’d expect to see Miss Marple doing some sleuthing!

Where to stay nearby?:

The White Swan Hotel is just a stone’s throw away from the famous Alnwick Castle. This makes the lovely dog-friendly accommodation the perfect choice for exploring the Northumberland coast and its attractions. Guests can relax in comfortable rooms, dine in the renowned restaurant, and savour a delicious afternoon tea in the lounge.

7. Cayton Bay, Yorkshire

A quiet and unspoilt bay just three miles south of Scarborough. Many people regard Cayton Bay as one of Yorkshire’s best surfing locations. The sandy beach is formed by a large sweep of golden sands backed by cliffs.

The area is popular with both bird watchers and fossil hunters as the cliffs were formed in the Jurassic period around 150 million years ago and yield many interesting finds! We’re sure your curious canine will love sprinting across the sand and putting their nose to the test at Cayton.

Where to stay nearby?:

Escape to a hidden hideaway between the wild moors and the glistening sea. Saltmoore is a luxurious dog-friendly sanctuary where you will immediately feel right at home. With a tranquil spa, beautiful interiors, and a fantastic brasserie, you’ll have everything you need for a relaxing stay.

8. Sand Bay Beach, Somerset

Just a little more than half an hour in the car from the hubbub of Bristol is this glorious and windswept expanse of sand. It’s two miles north of Weston-super-Mare, but much quieter and more dog-friendly. Your dog is welcome here all year round and chances are that, except on really hot days, fellow dog walkers are the only other people you’ll come across. 

There are brilliant views across the Bristol Channel towards South Wales, which can be seen clearly when the weather is good. It’s also got toilets and a free car park but aside from that, it’s relatively remote. So it’s just perfect to exercise those doggy legs and get a great run-around in a safe location.

Where to stay nearby?:

Sitting on the edge of the Mendip Hills, The Swan Inn Rowberrow is brimming with history and a cosy, welcoming vibe. This dog-friendly hotel has everything you need for a blissful retreat with your canine companion. You’ll be spoilt for choice with dog-friendly walks just a pawprint away, something we are sure will set tails wagging. And afterwards, you can look forward to Al Fresco dining in the beer garden and unwinding within your beautiful boutique bedroom.

9. Conwy Morfa Beach, Flintshire, Wales

The North Wales coastline isn’t short of breathtaking beaches where you’ll just love to see your dog sprinting in and out of the water. But the rolling sands at Conwy Morfa really are something special. It’s a giant stretch of sand which at low tide forms part of the beaches and mussel banks of Conwy Bay. 

It is great for fishing, has a marina and is next to a golf course. But most importantly, dogs are welcome all year round with no restrictions.

In the historic walled town of Conwy, there are many shops, cafés, and restaurants. The town is even overlooked by a very impressive castle! But it’s the beach, a popular haunt since the Victorian era, that really steals the show.

Where to stay nearby?:

One of our top dog-friendly properties for a glamping experience unlike no other. Llechwedd Glamping is an amazing collection of gold award-winning glamping tents in Plas Newydd. Nestled in a UNESCO World Heritage site in the heart of Snowdonia National Park, Llechwedd Glamping provides an unforgettable experience with your canine companion.

From here, you can expect some of the best walks and hikes in the area! It’s also close by to an array of beautiful beaches and woodlands for exhilarating adventures together.

10. Three Cliffs Bay, Gower Peninsula 

Utterly stunning, this is one of the most photographed beaches in Britain – and understandably so. It also just happens to be Welsh opera singer Katherine Jenkins’ favourite beach – and a place she always takes guests to when she’s back home. She describes this magical expanse of sand with a freshwater stream running through it as “spectacularly beautiful” … and who could disagree?

There are sand dunes to the rear, with the bay’s three iconic cliffs towering over the beach below. The cliffs are popular with climbers, so if you’re energetic, Three Cliffs Bay is ideal for you!

Unusually for the best beaches in this area, there are no dog restrictions. Perhaps because it takes a 400-metre walk to get there, the beach is never very busy even on hot days and it’s often empty in the winter.

To find out the nearest dog-friendly beach to you, click here for the full Vets Now downloadable guide for the UK’s best dog-friendly beaches.

✨ After a little more inspo? ✨

Take a sniff around our full collection of dog-friendly beach holidays, hound picked by our team of travel experts. If you’re in a hurry to get away, check out our last-minute breaks collection!