Dog-friendly beaches to visit in winter
Date published: 30 Oct 2025
When the crowds pack away their buckets and spades, that’s when the winter beach magic begins. The air’s cooler, the sand’s emptier and every wave seems louder. For dogs, it’s basically paradise – endless space to sprint, splash and dig without anyone tutting about sand in their sandwiches.
Winter is prime time for dog-friendly beach holidays. With most seasonal restrictions lifted, your four-legged friend can finally roam freely on stretches of coast that were off-limits all summer. Whether you fancy windswept clifftops, vast golden sands or a quick seaside coffee stop, there’s a beach for every kind of pup (and human).
If you’ve ever wondered, when are dogs allowed on the beach, the answer is now – and we’ve rounded up some of the best places to make the most of it. Grab a lead, wrap up warm and head for the coast; winter walkies don’t get better than this.
Kynance Cove, Cornwall
Kynance Cove is one of those places that barely looks real – turquoise sea, sculpted rocks and dramatic cliffs straight out of a fantasy film. In winter, the crowds vanish and it’s all yours (well, yours and the dog’s).
The cove is a joy to explore when the tide’s out – all caves, pools and wide sand for zoomies. Grab a windswept photo at the viewpoint before heading back for a Cornish pasty and a well-earned nap.
Holkham Beach, Norfolk
Holkham Beach doesn’t do things by halves – it’s massive, wild and utterly glorious. The huge sweep of sand seems to go on forever, framed by pinewoods and dunes that dogs will love darting through.
It’s made for long walks and longer sniffs, with space to chase, roll and run until you’re both tired out. If Norfolk had a walk-of-fame for beaches, this would be top billing. Bring a flask, a ball and a decent pair of boots to wear out.
Woolacombe Beach, Devon
When the summer crowds clear, Woolacombe becomes one of the best beaches in Britain for a proper winter stretch. The summer restrictions are lifted at the end of September. So you can expect a big, clean and spectacular swathe of golden sand and plenty of fresh sea air to blow away the cobwebs.
The dunes behind are great for exploring, while the waves crash loud enough to drown out any barking. Afterwards, grab a hot drink and dry off somewhere cosy – preferably with a view of that glorious North Devon surf.
Brighton Beach, East Sussex
Brighton Beach in winter has a totally different vibe – moodier skies, fewer people and far more room for playful paws. Wander the pebbly promenade beneath the pier, watch the surf pound the shore and reward yourselves with a pit stop at one of the many dog-friendly cafés nearby.
The city buzz is still there, just with a fresher, saltier edge. And honestly? A windswept walk along Brighton seafront beats a packed summer afternoon any day.
West Cliff Beach, Whitby
If your dog enjoys a bit of gothic atmosphere with their sand, West Cliff Beach is ideal. Overlooked by Whitby Abbey, it’s a spectacular mix of cliffs, sea and storybook scenery. Dogs are banned in summer. But, in winter, the sands stretch wide and open, perfect for letting your pup run wild while you soak in the coastal drama.
There’s something satisfyingly windswept about a winter walk here – all flapping coats and crashing waves. Finish up with fish and chips and a well-earned sit-down.
Achmelvich Bay, Scotland
Achmelvich Bay is Scotland showing off – white sand, turquoise water and rugged headlands that look straight out of a travel ad. It’s more remote than most, which means peace, space and endless fun for energetic dogs.
The beach feels wild and untouched in winter, with only the gulls and the odd hardy walker for company. Bring layers, snacks and your camera – this one’s beauty with bite, the kind of place that makes you forget what month it is.
Skegness Beach, Lincolnshire
There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about Skegness Beach in winter. The arcades quieten, the donkeys rest, and the vast sands are finally restriction-free for dogs and their owners. It’s simple, cheerful and endlessly walkable – the kind of beach that’s perfect for big, blustery strolls and dogs who like a splash in the shallows.
End the outing with proper seaside fish and chips, ideally eaten out of paper while your four-legged friend eyes the last few bites.
St Andrews West Sands, Fife
Few beaches can match the cinematic drama of West Sands in St Andrews – all sweeping dunes, endless shoreline and bracing sea air. It’s impossible to resist a run here, whether you’re a dog or a human humming Chariots of Fire under your breath.
The views back towards town are stunning, and the space feels almost limitless. On crisp winter days, it’s the perfect mix of exercise and escapism – a real breath of fresh Scottish air.
West Wittering Beach, West Sussex
Winter at West Wittering is a dog-walker’s dream – open sands, clear skies and far fewer flip-flops. The beach is huge, with dunes and salt marshes framing the view out to Chichester Harbour.
There’s loads of room to throw a ball or just wander and watch the tide. And when you’re done, there’s a beach café for warming up with a coffee (or a biscuit if you’re the furry one). Easy, breezy, perfectly British beach bliss.
Bantham Beach, Devon
Bantham Beach nails that rare mix of wild beauty and postcard charm. With its rolling dunes, dramatic estuary and views to Burgh Island, it’s made for long winter walks.
The main beach opens back up to canine companions in winter. The sand’s firm and flat, ideal for games of fetch or full-throttle zoomies, and the scenery doesn’t hurt either. Once you’ve worn out the dog (and possibly yourself), the local pub beckons with roaring fires and hearty fare.
Benone Strand, Northern Ireland
Benone Strand is big, bold and utterly breathtaking – seven miles of golden sand framed by mountain views and wild Atlantic waves. It’s one of Northern Ireland’s most spectacular beaches, and in winter, dog restrictions have been lifted and it feels like your own private paradise.
Dogs can run free for miles, tails flying as the surf crashes beside them. It’s invigorating, peaceful and gloriously rugged – just the sort of walk that makes both humans and hounds grin.
Tenby North Beach, Pembrokeshire
Tenby North Beach is the kind of seaside spot that looks good in any weather. In winter, dogs are allowed back on the sands. It’s quieter but no less beautiful – golden sand, pastel houses and that postcard-perfect view of Goskar Rock.
Your dog will love the space to roam, and you’ll love the excuse to grab a hot chocolate afterwards. It’s Welsh coastal charm at its best: colourful, breezy and joyfully dog-friendly.
We have lots more dog-friendly cottages by the sea if you’re looking for a beach break during the winter months. There are tonnes of fabulous options near the coast – just make sure you’ve got that padded coat and woolly hat packed to brace you against that crisp winter sea air!
Meet the author
Ian LewisIan's worked in travel for over 15 years and has written about destinations across the whole of the UK (and beyond). He loves all kinds of getaways with every member of the family on two legs or four, seeking out the more unique and interesting properties wherever he can.
