The 10 Best Year-Round Dog-Friendly Beaches in the UK

Do you want to know the best dog-friendly beaches? Whether it’s for playing fetch, a stroll across sandy shores or a dip in the sea, dogs and the coast go hand in hand. 

However, not all UK beaches are pet-friendly, particularly during the summer months. This can make it tricky to choose where to take your hound on holiday. So we’ve done the hard work for you and sniffed out ten of the best dog-friendly beaches in the UK.

Some beaches boast rock pools and secret coves, others miles-long expanses of sand backed by rugged cliffs and nature reserves. But they all have one thing in common – they are dog-friendly year round. That’s right, at these beaches you don’t have to worry about dog restrictions at any time of the year!

What’s more, to help you find the ideal dog-friendly holiday, we have also hound-picked the perfect places to stay on the beach or close by. Whether it be a pet-friendly hotel or a dog-friendly holiday cottage, we’re sure you’ll find the perfect option for you and your furry friend.

Some of our properties even come with exclusive PetsPyjamas offers you won’t find anywhere else. And the best bit? When you book with PetsPyjamas, your dog always stays free! So, let’s get to it.

1. Babbacombe Beach, Devon

Located in Torquay, Devon, Babbacombe Beach is a hidden gem that’s perfect for a quiet dog-friendly beach break. Its turquoise waters and shingle shores offer a peaceful escape for you and your four-legged friend. One of the prettiest coves in Torbay, at Babbacombe Beach you can both frolic on the beach or swim in the sea all year round. It’s also a popular dive spot – especially for beginners!

Where to stay:

Where better to stay than Cary Arms & Spa, nestled right on Babbacombe Bay. This award-winning dog-friendly hotel by the coast exudes all the charm and fun of an ‘Inn on the Beach’. Plus, our four-legged friends are warmly welcomed with open arms, dog beds, and treats on arrival.

2. Soar Mill Cove, Devon

Soar Mill Cove is one of our favourite, picturesque dog-friendly beaches also nestled in the heart of Devon in a breathtaking rural setting. A small and secluded sandy haven, it’s surrounded by dramatic cliffs and boasts shallow waters that provide the perfect setting for off-leash paddling. Plus, there are also some rock pools that emerge at low tide, so get ready to hunt for crabs! Speaking of wildlife, you may spot intriguing wild flowers and birds like kestrels and peregrine falcons.

Where to stay:

Soar Mill Cove Hotel and Spa is equally as picturesque and captivating as the dog-friendly beach. Overlooking the sea, Soar Mill Cove is brimming with charm and history. In fact, it was once the haunt of Aubrey Hepburn! Well, if it’s good enough for Aubrey, it certainly is for us too!

With beautiful bedrooms, snuggle-in pillows, and wonderful ocean views, Soar Mill has all the comfort and luxury you and your beloved canine companion could ever wish for on a dog-friendly UK holiday in Salcombe.

3. Climping Beach, West Sussex

Climping Beach is a long stretch of beach in a tranquil setting. A lovely choice for a relaxed stroll with your furry friend, even in peak summer. Located between Littlehampton and Bognor, Climping Beach is made up of shingle and pebbles, and when the tide goes out, a vast of sand is exposed. This dog-friendly beach is backed by sand dunes and fields, creating a stunning backdrop.

You’ll also appreciate that there is a dog-welcoming cafe ideally placed just by the sea shore providing snacks and drinks. This means you never need to roam far from your tanning towel when looking for a refreshment.

Where to stay:

With direct access to the stunning seaside, the dog-friendly Beach Huts at The Beachcroft Hotel are an ideal base for exploring the dog-friendly UK beaches of West Sussex. Each hut is cosy and comfortable, featuring a colourful and quirky design, artisan furnishings, and high levels of comfort. Best of all, the scenic Felpham Beach is right on your doorstep. This means you can enjoy endless seaside strolls and wake up to stunning views each morning.

4. Durdle Door Beach, Dorset

The most famous landmark in Dorset and one of the best dog-friendly coves in the country, Durdle Door Beach is a must-visit. This is where you’ll discover the iconic Durdle Door Arch that has visitors coming back to take more photos year after year. Widely recognised as a World Heritage Site, this fabulous Jurassic Coast shingle beach allows dogs to roam free at all times.

Where to stay:

Nestled just a pawprint away from the enchanting main streets of Sherborne, The Eastbury Hotel is a distinctive boutique with Georgian style architecture. Each bedroom beckons an enchanting haven for you and your furry friends, where you can unwind easily after long days of exploring the coast.

5. Holkham Beach, Norfolk

An expanse of golden sands and luscious pinewoods that create an idyllic environment, Holkham Beach provides miles and miles of sand. Your four-legged friends will love long strolls across the golden sand and splashing in the sea with you by their side. Just be aware that while this stunning beach is dog-friendly all year round, dogs must remain on the lead from 1st April to 31st August on vulnerable areas of the beach. This is to protect ground nesting Terns, Oystercatchers, and Ringed Plovers during breeding season.

6. Dunwich Beach, Suffolk

Dunwich Beach is a popular beach in Suffolk for dog walkers who are looking to avoid the crowds. The beautiful Dunwich offers miles of shingle beach backed by gorgeous countryside. The ideal beach if you’re looking for a quiet stroll or to take part in some beachcombing with your curious canine.

Renowned for its tranquillity, roam the beach together and enjoy a paddle in the sea before stopping by Flora’s Tea Rooms for some classic fish and chips. 

Where to stay:

If you’re looking for a great night’s sleep after a day on the beach, just a short walk away you’ll find The Ship Inn. Set overlooking the white sands of Mundesley Beach, The Ship Inn dates back 300 years! Your beloved canine companion is welcome to join you for a culinary experience, especially since sausages are on hand to ensure tails stay wagging! Afterwards, retreat to your nautical themed room, the ideal sanctuary to truly relax.

7. Newport Sands, Pembrokeshire

A broad, long beach at the mouth of the River Navern, Newport Sands in Pembrokeshire is a doggie haven. The dunes-backed sandy beach is ideal for all beach activities with the whole family and furry friends. And at low-tide, you can cross the river to Newport Parrog for more dog-friendly adventures!

Where to stay:

Find dog-friendly accommodation nearby at Llys Meddyg, a fabulous restaurant with rooms, set within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. This wonderful Georgian coaching inn is bursting with character and comfort. You’ll love sinking into the comfy pillows in the chic bedrooms after long days of exploring the coast together.

8. Mudeford Beach, Christchurch

Mudeford Beach is another dog-friendly gem that truly earns a spot on this list. With colourful beach huts lining the shores and shallow waters perfect for paddling, it’s a hit with dogs and their owners alike. 

Take in wonderful views of the Isle of Wight from the beach, which extends all the way to Hengistbury Head. Here, you’ll discover a year-round land train, and you can also stop for a snack at the Beach House Cafe. 

Where to stay:

Book nearby, dog-friendly accommodation at the luxury hotel and spa, Chewton Glen, where you can stay with your dog in a stunning tree house suite. This show-stopping selection of treehouses are the ulti-mutt luxury experience with spacious and elegant interiors. Featuring a fully-equipped kitchenette, wood-burning stoves, and a large living area with all the amenities, you’re sure to have a relaxing stay.

9. Porthcurnick Beach, Cornwall

Porthcurnick Beach in Cornwall is a hidden dog-friendly beach, and home to the famous Hidden Hut Café. With its sandy shores and rockpools, this beautiful beach provides hours of fun for you and your canine companion. Plus, with the South West Coast Path running along the top, there are plenty of dog walks to enjoy. 

Where to stay:

Hidden within 13 acres of gardens and woodland, the wonderful The Valley is just a few miles from the city of Truro and the bustling port town of Falmouth. These luxury dog-friendly cottages are ideal for the whole family. That’s because this holiday park is home to both indoor & outdoor pools, and an on-site restaurant and bar. So, you never have to venture too far to find everything you need.

Plus, each furry member will also receive a welcome goodie box on arrival – everyone is kept happy at The Valley.

10. Cadgwith Cove East, Cornwall

You won’t want to miss Cadgwith Cove in Cornwall. This charming fishing village offers two beaches and the East beach allows dogs year-round. With a background of rugged cliffs, the beach’s unique character provides an excellent location for a day out with your dog. 

Remember to adhere to any local guidelines and respect wildlife, ensuring these beautiful beaches remain accessible to dogs all year round.

Dog-Friendly Beaches with PetsPyjamas

We hope this article has inspired you to explore the 10 best dog-friendly beaches in the UK this summer. All of these beautiful beach locations are dog-friendly all year round, so no matter when you fancy a beach adventure, you can always take your canine companion along for the fun.

If you’re looking for a coastal retreat that welcomes four-legged friends, visit our website today to book your dream getaway by the sea.