The best dog-friendly beaches in the UK
Date published: 28 Aug 2025
The UK is home to some of the best beaches in the world, and a trip to one of our sandy shores can be unforgettable. The only problem is, while we all love going on holiday, we hate leaving our pets behind.
With 60% of dog owners admitting to missing their four-legged friends more than their partners or children while on holiday, knowing the beaches where dogs are welcome is essential. You don't want to be strolling along the sands with thoughts of a forlorn Fido back at your holiday home.
We’ve scoured the UK shores to find the best dog-friendly beach in every single county with a coastline. Bear in mind that selection is limited in some counties, but we've still found the best option!
If you see somewhere you like, why not check out one of our dog-friendly cottages nearby.
Contents
- Dog-friendly beaches interactive map
- Dog-friendly beaches in England
- Dog-friendly beaches in Wales
- Dog-friendly beaches in Scotland
- Dog-friendly beaches in Northern Ireland
- Frequently asked questions about dog-friendly beaches
Best dog-friendly beaches in England
The English coastline offers some incredible variety with its beaches, including plenty that are fantastic for dogs.
Cornwall - Prussia Cove
- Postcode: TR20 9BA
- Best for: Exploring the rocks
- Dogs allowed: Year-round
- Parking: Paid, short walk away
Secluded and romantic, this intimate cove has a poetic, old-worldly feel to it. One of the most picturesque beaches in Britain, it’s perfect for a quiet game of fetch or a photo op in front of the stunning Cornish rocks.
Cumbria – St Bees Beach
- Postcode: CA27 0ET
- Best for: Coastal path adventures
- Dogs allowed: Year-round
- Parking: Paid parking nearby
St Bees is a mix of sand and pebbles with dramatic red cliffs towering above. As the start of the Coast to Coast walk from Cumbria, it’s ideal for dogs who love a scenic seaside ramble.
Devon - Woolacombe Beach
- Postcode: EX34 7DL
- Best for: Playing fetch
- Dogs allowed: Year-round on most of beached, excluding the rocks at the north end
- Parking: Paid parking nearby
This stunning Devon beach is widely considered as one of the best in Britain, having won both the Blue Flag and Premier Seaside Beach awards. Three miles of clean, clear, golden sand provide the perfect place to have a high-energy game of fetch or just let your four-legged friend roam free.
Dorset - Lulworth Cove
- Postcode: BH20 5RQ
- Best for: Postcard-worthy pictures
- Dogs allowed: Year-round, on the left side of the slipway
- Parking: Paid parking adjacent
Nestled near the picturesque village of West Lulworth, this beautiful, white pebble beach is the perfect Dorset postcard picture. At low tide, the water retreats to unveil a variety of beautiful rock pools, while the nearby village offers a range of restaurants, shopping spots and dog-friendly cafes.
Durham – Crimdon Beach
- Postcode: TS27 4BW
- Best for: Wide sandy stretches
- Dogs allowed: Year-round
- Parking: Paid parking nearby
This large sandy beach in County Durham offers plenty of room for dogs to race around. With dunes and open views, it’s perfect for families wanting a proper day out by the sea with their pets.
East Riding of Yorkshire – Wilsthorpe Beach
- Postcode: YO15 3QL
- Best for: Quiet seaside escapes
- Dogs allowed: Year-round
- Parking: Limited free parking nearby, paid parking within walking distance
A peaceful alternative to busier Bridlington, Wilsthorpe Beach is backed by cliffs and offers a long sandy shoreline. Dogs can enjoy off-lead runs while owners soak in the wide-open views of the Yorkshire coastline.
East Sussex - Camber Sands
- Postcode: TN31 7RH
- Best for: Exploring sand dunes
- Dogs allowed: Year-round on most of the beach, barred from small section 1st May-30th September
- Parking: Multiple paid car parks nearby
Two miles of golden shore backed by dozens of exciting sand dunes make this East Sussex coastal resort a dog-friendly adventure playground. Picnic amongst the sand dunes, comb the beach for washed up treasures or tour the many dog-friendly cafes in the nearby village of Camber.
Essex – West Mersea
- Postcode: CO5 8DE
- Best for: Oyster-lovers’ paradise
- Dogs allowed: Year-round
- Parking: Free parking nearby
Set on Mersea Island, this shingly beach is full of character. Dogs can enjoy snuffling along the shore while owners admire the colourful beach huts and grab a plate of the island’s famed oysters.
Hampshire – Milford on Sea Beach
- Postcode: SO41 0PT
- Best for: Sea views to the Isle of Wight
- Dogs allowed: Year-round
- Parking: Paid parking nearby
This pebble beach offers cracking Solent views and is backed by a lively village. Dogs will love clambering along the shore, while owners can stop for treats at dog-friendly pubs nearby.
Isle of Wight – Yaverland Beach
- Postcode: PO36 8QB
- Best for: Fossil hunting fun
- Dogs allowed: Year-round
- Parking: Paid parking nearby
One of the Isle of Wight's longest beaches, Yaverland has tonnes of room for walks and even the chance to spot fossils. Its mix of sand and shingle makes it perfect for curious pups.
Palm Bay Beach, Kent
- Postcode: CT9 3GH
- Best for: Finding four-legged friends
- Dogs allowed: Year-round
- Parking: Free parking, short walk away
Sat a short walk from Margate town centre, this flat, open beach is particularly popular among dog walkers. If your pup craves company, this is the place to find it, but that doesn’t mean this sandy stretch gets too crowded. Despite its popularity, this spot rarely gets as busy as the nearby beaches.
Lancashire - Bispham Beach
- Postcode: FY2 9JJ
- Best For: Discovering shipwrecks
- Dogs allowed: Year-round
- Parking: Paid parking nearby
Sat across from the Lancashire Coastal way, a vast stretch of golden sand slopes gently down into the water, providing the perfect place to let your dog run free. Best of all, the remains of an abandoned shipwreck appear, partly buried in the sand.
Lincolnshire – Chapel St Leonards Beach
- Postcode: PE24 5BQ
- Best for: Traditional seaside charm
- Dogs allowed: Banned from central area in summer, rest open
- Parking: Pay & Display nearby
This classic Lincolnshire family resort has a wide sandy beach with space for dogs to enjoy off-lead fun outside restricted zones. It’s an ideal mix of seaside tradition and open dog-friendly stretches.
Merseyside – New Brighton Beach
- Postcode: CH45 3PZ
- Best for: Promenade strolls
- Dogs allowed: Year-round
- Parking: Paid parking nearby
With views across to Liverpool’s skyline, New Brighton offers sand, sea and a lively promenade. Dogs can dash about on the sand before joining their owners for a wander along the waterfront.
North Yorkshire - Clayton Bay
- Postcode: YO11 3NJ
- Best for: Surfing and fossil hunting
- Dogs allowed: Year-round
- Parking: Paid parking, adjacent
Sat three miles south of Scarborough, this peaceful, unspoilt beach is a bit of a hidden gem, as its grand sweep of fine sand stays quiet year-round. There’s something of a wild feel to the bay, whose thrilling waves make it perfect for surfers and windsurfers.
Norfolk - Hunstanton Beach
- Postcode: PE36 5BA
- Best for: Searching rock pools and fossils
- Dogs allowed: Year-round
- Parking: Multiple paid car parks nearby
One of the only west-facing beaches in East Anglia, this sandy stretch is sheltered from sea breezes, while being one of the best spots to take in a spectacular Norfolk sunset. The immaculate shoreline is cleaned daily, making it a safe and pleasant place to let your dog exercise.
Northumberland - Bamburgh Beach
- Postcode: NE69 7DF
- Best for: Historic monuments
- Dogs allowed: Year-round
- Parking: Paid parking nearby, limited on-street parking available
A walk down this beautiful beach is a walk through English history – behind the beach sits the majestic Bamburgh Castle, a Norman stronghold, which has stood since the 6th century. Even your pup will appreciate these amazing Northumberland views!
Somerset – Blue Anchor Beach
- Postcode: TA24 6LD
- Best for: Long shoreline walks
- Dogs allowed: Year-round
- Parking: Paid parking nearby
This pebble and sand beach stretches for miles along the Somerset coast, making it brilliant for long dog walks. Backed by the West Somerset Railway, there’s plenty to keep both humans and hounds entertained.
Suffolk – Kessingland
- Postcode: NR33 7NU
- Best for: Wild coastal feel
- Dogs allowed: Year-round
- Parking: Paid parking nearby
With its unspoilt shingle beach and dramatic skies, Kessingland feels wonderfully wild. Dogs love exploring the wide-open space, while owners enjoy the natural beauty of this quiet corner of Suffolk.
Tyne and Wear – Tynemouth Longsands (northern side)
- Postcode: NE30 4NT
- Best for: Classic seaside fun
- Dogs allowed: Restricted in summer (northern end dog-friendly year-round)
- Parking: Pay & Display nearby
A much-loved North East beach, Longsands offers soft golden sand and surf, just half an hour's drive from the centre of Newcastle. The northern end stays open for dogs all year, so there’s always room for seaside walks with wagging tails.
West Sussex – Climping Beach
- Postcode: BN17 5RN
- Best for: Windswept walks
- Dogs allowed: Year-round
- Parking: Paid parking nearby
Quiet and natural, Climping Beach is a mix of pebbles and sand. Popular with dog walkers, it’s a brilliant place for a bracing stroll and to enjoy West Sussex’s wild coastal scenery.
Best dog-friendly beaches in Wales
From sweeping bays to tucked-away coves, Wales has some of the UK’s most spectacular coastline, with plenty of dog-friendly beaches where four-legged friends can run wild.
Anglesey (Ynys Môn) – Port Swtan (Church Bay)
- Postcode: LL65 4EU
- Best for: Rocky coves and rockpools
- Dogs allowed: Some restrictions in summer
- Parking: Free parking nearby
A charming sandy cove backed by cliffs, Church Bay, in Anglesey, is perfect for dogs who love to explore rockpools. Even in summer when restrictions apply, there’s plenty of shoreline to enjoy together.
Bridgend – Kenfig Sands (Sker Beach)
- Postcode: CF33 4PS
- Best for: Nature reserve walks
- Dogs allowed: Year-round (on lead in nature reserve)
- Parking: Free parking nearby
Backed by the Kenfig National Nature Reserve in South Wales, this wild and windswept beach is ideal for adventurous pups. Dogs can roam the sand and dunes, with the added bonus of wildlife spotting for their humans.
Carmarthenshire – Cefn Sidan (Pembrey Beach)
- Postcode: SA16 0EJ
- Best for: Miles of golden sand
- Dogs allowed: Year-round (restrictions in some areas)
- Parking: Paid parking nearby
Stretching for over eight miles, Cefn Sidan is one of Wales’ longest beaches. Dogs will adore endless games of fetch, while owners can take in views across Carmarthen Bay and the Gower Peninsula.
Conwy - Conwy Morfa
- Postcode: LL32 8GA
- Best for: Fishing and birdwatching
- Dogs allowed: Year-round
- Parking: Paid parking adjacent
Tucked out of the way, this rural beach is less busy than others in the area. Home to a huge expanse of golden sand, it provides a secluded spot where dogs are free to run, jump, or go paddling in the shallow waters. The town of Conwy sits nearby, with a variety of dog-friendly cafes and shopping spots to explore.
Ceredigion - Little Quay
- Postcode: SA45 9SL
- Best for: Sunsets and spotting the sea-life
- Dogs allowed: Year-round
- Parking: Paid parking nearby
Located to the west of New Quay, this sheltered beach is generally quiet and provides a peaceful place to take in the sea air. While gazing out across the Welsh sea, there’s a chance you or your pup could spot a pod of dolphins or some seals swimming by.
Denbighshire – Prestatyn Central
- Postcode: LL19 7EY
- Best for: Family-friendly seaside fun
- Dogs allowed: Restrictions in summer zones
- Parking: Paid parking nearby
This popular sandy beach in Denbighshire has a classic seaside vibe, but dogs aren’t left out – there are dog-friendly stretches all year round where pups can paddle and play to their hearts’ content.
Flintshire – Talacre Beach
- Postcode: CH8 9RS
- Best for: Iconic lighthouse views
- Dogs allowed: Year-round
- Parking: Paid parking nearby
Known for its striking Point of Ayr lighthouse, Talacre offers wide sands and plenty of space for energetic runs. It’s a dog-walking favourite with dramatic skies and fresh Welsh coastal air.
Gwynedd – Harlech
- Postcode: LL46 2UG
- Best for: Scenic mountain backdrops
- Dogs allowed: Year-round (some summer restrictions)
- Parking: Paid parking nearby
Harlech Beach boasts vast golden sands framed by dunes and overlooked by Snowdonia’s peaks. Dogs can charge across the sand while their humans enjoy the dramatic views and fresh sea breeze.
Neath Port Talbot – Aberavon Beach
- Postcode: SA12 6QP
- Best for: Promenade and sandy fun
- Dogs allowed: No dogs during summer
- Parking: Free parking nearby
A three-mile sweep of sand with a lively promenade, Aberavon is great for energetic pups outside the summer ban. The wide open space is perfect for a bracing seaside stroll. There may be better beaches in South Wales that don’t have the same restrictions but if you’re nearby in winter months, it’s a good one to check out.
Pembrokeshire – Marloes Sands
- Postcode: SA62 3BH
- Best for: Wild coastal beauty
- Dogs allowed: Year-round
- Parking: Paid parking nearby
Tucked away in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Marloes Sands is a gem of dramatic cliffs and golden sands. Dogs love the freedom here, while owners will be wowed by the scenery.
Swansea - Rhossili Bay
- Postcode: SA3 1PP
- Best for: Long walks
- Dogs allowed: Year-round
- Parking: Paid parking nearby
Perfect for walkers, watersports and wonderful views, this three-mile stretch of white sand was voted Wales’ Best Beach in 2018. Its long and scenic walking routes are the perfect place to let your dog exercise while taking in some of the area’s best views.
Vale of Glamorgan – Penarth Beach
- Postcode: CF64 3BA
- Best for: Seaside strolls by the pier
- Dogs allowed: Restrictions in summer
- Parking: Limited parking in summer; roadside only in winter
A mix of pebbles and sand, Penarth is great for a gentle seaside wander with your dog, especially if you’re staying around the Cardiff area. The Victorian pier adds charm, and there’s a lively esplanade for post-walk refreshments.
Best dog-friendly beaches in Scotland
Scotland’s coastline is wonderfully diverse, from wild island shores to golden sandy bays. Dogs are spoiled for choice with wide-open spaces, dramatic scenery, and plenty of room to run free.
Aberdeenshire - St. Combs Beach
- Postcode: AB43 8ZY
- Best for: A private getaway
- Dogs allowed: Year-round
- Parking: Parking available in a nearby village
Tucked, unnoticed, down the coast from Fraserburgh, this beautiful beach is one of Scotland’s hidden gems. Perfect for a private getaway, chances are you’ll have this sandy spot all to yourself. It offers incredible views out over the North Sea, and at the right time of day, you can spot seals sleeping in the sand.
Angus – Lunan Bay
- Postcode: DD11 5ST
- Best for: Wide open sands
- Dogs allowed: Year-round
- Parking: Free parking at the beach (no disabled spaces)
This sweeping sandy bay is one of Scotland’s most beautiful beaches. Dogs can run wild across the wide expanse, while owners enjoy views of red sandstone Angus cliffs and a wonderfully unspoilt setting.
Argyll and Bute – Westport Beach
- Postcode: PA28 6QD
- Best for: Surf and sand
- Dogs allowed: Year-round
- Parking: Free parking nearby
Stretching for miles along the Kintyre Peninsula, Westport is a favourite with surfers and dog walkers alike. The long sandy shoreline is perfect for fetch, and the views are unforgettable.
Dumfries and Galloway – Southerness
- Postcode: DG2 8AZ
- Best for: Rockpool exploring
- Dogs allowed: Year-round
- Parking: Free parking nearby
Backed by a small holiday village in the Dumfries and Galloway region, Southerness Beach mixes sand, mudflats and rockpools. Dogs will love sniffing around the varied shoreline, while humans can enjoy the striking views across the Solway Firth.
Dundee City – Broughty Ferry Beach
- Postcode: DD5 2EA
- Best for: Family day out
- Dogs allowed: Year-round
- Parking: Free parking nearby
Close to the city yet spacious and sandy, Broughty Ferry is ideal for dog-friendly days by the sea. It’s clean, accessible, and has a lively promenade with plenty of facilities and easy access to Dundee centre.
East Lothian – Gullane Beach
- Postcode: EH31 2BE
- Best for: Long walks with views
- Dogs allowed: Year-round
- Parking: Pay & Display parking nearby
Golden sands stretch for miles at Gullane, making it a hotspot for dog walkers. With dunes to explore and wide horizons, it’s a fantastic East Lothian beach for energetic pups and peaceful strolls alike.
Edinburgh (City of Edinburgh) – Portobello Beach
- Postcode: EH15 1DT
- Best for: City-meets-seaside fun
- Dogs allowed: Year-round
- Parking: Paid parking nearby
Just a short hop from Edinburgh’s centre, Portobello combines sandy beach with a bustling promenade. Dogs can dash along the shore before owners relax with coffee or ice cream at the beachfront cafés.
Fife – Tentsmuir Sands
- Postcode: KY16 0DR
- Best for: Wild dune walks
- Dogs allowed: Year-round
- Parking: Paid parking nearby
Bordered by forest and dunes, Tentsmuir Sands feels wonderfully wild. Dogs love the mix of beach and woodland trails, while humans enjoy the sense of escape in this unspoilt corner of Fife.
Highlands - Mellon Udrigle Beach
- Postcode: IV22 2NT
- Best for: Mountain views
- Dogs allowed: Year-round
- Parking: Paid parking nearby
Backed by sand dunes and distant mountainscapes, the views from this secluded Highlands beach are unrivalled by any low-level viewpoint in Scotland. The clean white sand provides the perfect place to let your dog run free, while the shallow waters are ideal for paddling.
Inverclyde – Inverkip Bay
- Postcode: PA18 6DS
- Best for: Coastal strolls
- Dogs allowed: Year-round
- Parking: Free parking nearby
This small bay near the village of Inverkip offers calm waters and a pleasant shoreline. It’s a great spot for a short seaside wander with dogs and beautiful Clyde Estuary views.
Moray – Nairn Beach
- Postcode: IV12 4EN
- Best for: Dolphin spotting
- Dogs allowed: Year-round
- Parking: Free parking nearby
Nairn is a wide, sandy beach popular with families and dog walkers. There’s plenty of space for pups to run, and you might even glimpse dolphins leaping offshore in the Moray Firth.
North Ayrshire - Saltcoats Beach
- Postcode: KA22 8DU
- Best for: Family picnics
- Dogs allowed: Year-round
- Parking: Paid parking nearby
Set between the towns of Saltcoats and Ardrossan, this wide expanse of sand offers incredible views over the Firth of Clyde and across the mountainous Isle of Arran. The flat, open space is perfect for games of fetch, long and leisurely walks, or family picnics.
Orkney Islands – Bay of Skaill
- Postcode: PH33 7NW
- Best for: History and scenery
- Dogs allowed: Year-round
- Parking: Free parking nearby
Next to the famous Skara Brae, Bay of Skaill combines archaeology with natural beauty. Dogs can play on the sand while owners take in dramatic sea views and explore Orkney’s rich history.
Shetland Islands – St Ninian’s
- Postcode: ZE2 9JA
- Best for: Unique sand tombolo
- Dogs allowed: Year-round
- Parking: Free parking nearby
St Ninian’s is famous for its stunning sand tombolo – a natural causeway linking the mainland to St Ninian’s Isle. Dogs will love exploring the long sandy stretch with spectacular Shetland views on both sides.
South Ayrshire – Ayr Beach
- Postcode: KA7 1DU
- Best for: Traditional seaside charm
- Dogs allowed: Year-round (restrictions in some areas in summer)
- Parking: Paid parking nearby
A classic Scottish seaside resort, Ayr has a long sandy beach, a lively promenade, and views to Arran. Dogs can run free outside restricted zones, making it fun for the whole family.
Western Isles (Eilean Siar) – Dalmore
- Postcode: HS2 9AD
- Best for: Wild Atlantic beauty
- Dogs allowed: Year-round
- Parking: Free parking nearby
Remote and breathtaking, Dalmore Beach, in the Western Isles, offers dramatic waves and rugged scenery. It’s a paradise for adventurous dogs who love space to roam, with sunsets that are nothing short of spectacular.
Best dog-friendly beaches in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland’s coastline is full of drama, history and beauty. Its sandy stretches and scenic bays give dogs the perfect playground while their owners enjoy some of the UK’s most striking coastal views.
Antrim – Cushendun
- Postcode: BT44 0PJ
- Best for: Pretty village setting
- Dogs allowed: Year-round
- Parking: National Trust car parks
A peaceful sandy bay with a charming village backdrop, Cushendun is ideal for a relaxed day by the sea. Dogs can splash about while owners explore the nearby caves and historic architecture of surrounding Antrim.
Down – Murlough Beach
- Postcode: BT33 0LW
- Best for: Dune adventures
- Dogs allowed: Year-round (on lead in nature reserve areas)
- Parking: Parking available a short distance away
Part of a National Nature Reserve, Murlough is a stunning sandy beach backed by ancient dunes. Dogs can enjoy long seaside walks with the dramatic Mourne Mountains providing an unforgettable backdrop.
Londonderry (Derry) – Portstewart Strand
- Postcode: BT55 7PG
- Best for: Vast golden sands
- Dogs allowed: Year-round (restrictions in some zones)
- Parking: National Trust car parks
Two miles of golden sand make Portstewart Strand perfect for a dog-friendly day out. It’s a popular spot with space for energetic runs, coastal views, and a relaxed atmosphere for humans and hounds alike.
Dog-friendly beaches FAQs
Is the beach a good place for dogs?
The beach is an excellent place for dogs, provided you stick to ones where your pup is permitted. Sea, sand and rolling dunes make the beach a paradise for our four-legged friends, with loads to see and do. From digging to paddling to chasing seagulls down the shore, your dog is sure to want to be beside the seaside. Looking for some more dog walking inspiration? Check out our dog-friendly forest walks.
Why aren’t dogs allowed on some beaches?
While we love our furry friends, we do have to admit, dogs can be mucky pups. Some beaches don’t allow dogs because of the extra waste this can mean is left on the shores. But don’t let this make you think that dog-friendly beaches are dirty. Most ‘dogs allowed’ beaches put in extra effort to stay clean, making many of them more hygienic than their dog-free neighbours.
Some other beaches will have restrictions due to local wildlife – even if your pooch is just being friendly and curious, having them scamper into the nest of a protected species isn't ideal.
What is the difference between ‘dogs allowed’ and ‘dogs restricted’ beaches?
In the UK and Ireland, if a beach is ‘dogs allowed’ or ‘dog-friendly’ it generally means there are no, or minimal, limits on where dogs are allowed to go, and the times of the year they are allowed to go there. While we suggest you check before packing up and leaving the house, ‘dogs allowed’ and ‘dog-friendly beaches’ usually welcome four-legged friends throughout the year – even in the height of summer. In contrast to this, beaches listed as ‘dogs restricted’ will have a limit on the accessibility for dogs. This restriction is often a seasonal ban, meaning dogs will not be allowed on the beach from May to September, or only in certain areas.
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.
