Dogs are at their happiest on beaches – whether it’s chasing after balls, splashing in the sea or racing across the sand. We’ve sniffed out ten of the very best dog-friendly beaches across the UK – some are even dog-friendly year round! You and your furry plus one will love these gorgeous beaches and what’s more, we at PetsPyjamas have wonderful dog-friendly places on the beach or close by – some with exclusive PetsPyjamas offers you won’t find anywhere else.
1. Soar Mill Beach, Devon
(source: Wandermust Family)
This small, remote dog-friendly beach is a genuine rural idyll and one of the prettiest in Devon. Soar Mill Cove is surrounded by dramatic rocks and cliffs and the craggy heath of Bolt Head. To the back of the cove are the gentle, rolling green hills of the South Hams. When the tide recedes a small area of pristine, golden sand is exposed. It’s totally dog-friendly, all year round.
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Stay at: The Soar Mill Cove Hotel
Just a ten-minute walk through the fields will lead you to the beach. Since the hotel provides such easy access you will feel like it is your own private beach and your dog will love it. The hotel itself is super dog-friendly with excellent food, your dog can expect a sausage at breakfast, fabulous coastal walks from the doorstep and Salcombe a short drive away.
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2. Camber Sands, East Sussex
With miles and miles of sandy beach and dunes – it’s no wonder Camber Sands was voted one of the top six beaches in the UK and is a favourite with PetsPyjamas Pet Inspector, Kikii. Some parts of the beach are closed in the summer but there is still plenty of beach left for your furry friend to run about on.
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Stay at: The Gallivant Hotel
Directly opposite the beach, this Hamptons style hideaway has amazing food in the bistro plus biscuits for Fido. The ‘Biggest Rooms’ are reserved for dog owners and resident Norfolk Terrier Brock makes the perfect canine companion.
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3. Alnmouth Beach, Northumberland
Sitting at the mouth of the River Aln (hence the name), Alnmouth Beach is wide, sandy and dog-friendly all year round – perfect for lots of off-lead fun! Sitting just behind the picturesque village of Alnmouth, the beach is rarely overcrowded and has an abundance of wildlife and birds for you to see.
Explore Dog-friendly Northumberland |
Stay at: The Battlesteads Hotel
Located on the edge of the Northumberland National Park, this charming country inn is the perfect spot for a pet-away with your canine companion. Enjoy cosy rooms, a large walled garden for your dog to roam, wonderful home-cooked food and a range of local ales. The Northumberland Coast, with spectacular beaches such as Alnmouth Beach, is only an hour east.
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4. Cruden Bay, Aberdeenshire
Cruden Bay beach sits at the northern end of the two mile long sweeping Bay of Crudenon on Aberdeenshire’s east coast. It is a beautiful expanse of pink sands and dunes and is perfect for family days out and long walks with your best furry friend as it is dog-friendly year round. There are watersports with parking close by and the dramatic Slains Castle in the background.
Explore Dog-friendly Scotland |
Stay at: The Kilmarnock Arms
Less than five minutes from Cruden Bay beach is the charming dog-friendly Kilmarnock Arms, providing endless opportunities for wonderful seaside walks for you and your pet, all year round. Visit the gothic ruins of Slains Castle close by and after a busy day on the beach or sightseeing, enjoy the traditional Scottish fare and extensive whisky menu with your best furry friend by your side.
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5. Dunwich Beach, Suffolk
A year-round dog-friendly shingle beach with fabulous views, fresh air and unique wildlife – the perfect ingredients for a tail-waggingly good getaway! Enjoy a fabulous walk along the coastal path that runs for 3 miles from the village car park to Walberswick. Stop by the beach café and refuel with a delicious portion of fish and chips.
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Stay at: The Westleton Crown
Just a few minutes down the road, this traditional coaching inn has a warm and welcoming pub with a crackling log fire as well sun-soaked terraced gardens for the summer. You’ll also enjoy the delicious food produced from its 2 AA Rosette-awarded restaurant, too.
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Stay at: The Ship at Dunwich
Only a few minutes’ walk from the beach, this cosy dog-adoring hotel is the perfect base for exploring the Suffolk coast. A bowl of water and dog biscuits will be provided for your canine, plus an enormous garden is available for walking and playing at any time.
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6. Climping Beach, West Sussex
Offering miles of unspoilt shingle beach between Littlehampton and Bognor against a pretty countryside backdrop – this beach is just under two hours from London. Enjoy a walk along the beach with Fido to Littlehampton for an array of cafés including the famed East Beach Cafe.
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Stay at: Bailliffscourt Hotel & Spa
Only a 2 minute walk from the beach, this medieval style manor is a doggy dream with 32 acres of private parkland and a fabulous spa. Four-legged guests are offered biscuits, a beach towel and ball thrower.
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7. Porthcurnick Beach, Cornwall
Owned by the National Trust, this east-facing sandy cove on the Roseland Peninsula is dog-friendly all year round and considered one of Cornwall’s hidden gems. There is a car park, plus enjoy a delicious lunchtime snack at the Hidden Hut.
Explore Dog-friendly Cornwall
Stay at: Hotel Tresanton
A luxury seaside hotel owned by Olga Polizzi – all rooms have a stylish nautical theme, plus pet bowls and beds are provided for your pooch. Set in the pretty village of St Mawes, walk along the coastal path to Porthcurnick Beach or drive by car for 15 minutes.
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8. The Polurrian Cove, Cornwall
Sheltered by high cliffs, this delightful sandy west-facing cove on the Lizard Peninsula is just outside the village of Mullion. Set on the South West Coast Path, the cove is linked to nearby beaches at Gunwalloe Church Cove, Poldhu Cove and Mullion Cove – ideal for adventure seeking canines.
Stay at: Polurrian on the Lizard
A relaxed coastal hotel perched on the cliffs of the Lizard Peninsula with gorgeous villas and rooms. Perfect for a family holidays and Fido, this luxury hotel offers gorgeous views across the Atlantic, fabulous spa treatments, plus bowls, food and doggy blankets will be provided in your room.
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9. Babbacombe Beach, Devon
Set beneath the cliffs of Babbacombe Downs, this small shingle beach and unspoilt cove is perfect for water-loving canines who can swim in the sea all year round depending on the tide. Plus, enjoy great coastal walks along the promenade.
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Stay at: The Cary Arms
Only a 30 second walk to the beach, this de Savary owned boutique style hotel has a wonderful selection of seaside chic rooms, suites and cottages – dog-friendly of course – and offers four-legged guests beds and bowls.
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10. Llandudno Beach, Wales
A favourite of travel author Bill Bryson, this Victorian-style beach resort has an old-school pier (the longest in Wales), two glorious beaches and a quaint San Franciscan style tramway that climbs to the summit of the Great Orme Country Park – also a must-visit for furry friends. On a fine day, stroll the Alice in Wonderland trail with your pet!
Explore Dog-friendly Wales |
Stay at: The Groes Inn
Only a 20-minute drive away, this luxury country inn overlooks the Conwy Estuary. You and your pet will undoubtedly find yourself spoilt for choice for walking trails, with endless hikes and walks for dog-lovers nearby.
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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…