Date published: 3 Jun 2025
There’s something about the seaside that sends dogs into a tail-wagging frenzy. The smell of salt in the air, the squish of sand underfoot, and an entire ocean to bark at – it’s basically the dream. Add a cosy cottage to retreat to after a beach day and you’ve got the recipe for pure joy.
Dog-friendly cottages by the sea aren’t just a niche treat anymore – they’re the gold standard for anyone planning a proper dog-friendly beach holiday. Think lazy mornings on the sand, muddy paw rinses at the door, and sunset snoozes curled up by the fire.
So whether your pup’s a wave chaser or more of a rock pool potterer, these cottages put you right by the action, without ever compromising on comfort.
The Beach Snug is exactly what it sounds like – a smart, stylish apartment made for sandy feet and salty hair. With two cosy bedrooms, sea views from the open-plan living space and space for surfboards and bikes, it’s a perfect beachy bolthole for families or surfers.
You’re just 150 metres from Woolacombe’s award-winning beach, so you can roll out of bed and into the waves. The village has a great buzz in summer too, with everything from surf shops to seaside cafés just a short stroll away.
Shore View is a spacious seaside stay with room for the whole gang – dogs included. Set over three floors with five bedrooms and multiple living spaces (including a second-floor lounge with sea views), it’s ideal for group getaways. There’s a wood-burner for cosy nights in, a sleek kitchen for group meals and plenty of bathrooms, so no morning queues.
Right on Weymouth Beach’s doorstep, it’s spot-on for classic British seaside fun – think sandcastles, amusement arcades and ice creams galore. From SEA LIFE and Nothe Fort to lazy walks around the harbour, there’s enough to keep everyone – two-legged and four – entertained.
Tathra Beach Cottage is the St Ives stay of dreams – a charming Grade II listed cottage that’s big on Cornish character and style. Spread across four levels, expect chic interiors with heritage charm, three cosy bedrooms, two modern bathrooms and a spacious kitchen/diner perfect for laid-back feasts. You’re even next-door neighbours with the Barbara Hepworth Sculpture Garden, which is just about the most St Ives thing ever.
And location? You’re steps from Fore Street and a minute from the harbour, so sandy beach days and seafood dinners are pretty much guaranteed. Just brace yourself for a few steep stairs – inside and out – it’s all part of the cottage charm.
Ocean Breeze is a bright and breezy ground-floor flat in the heart of Brean – just the spot for a chilled-out beach escape. With space for couples or small families, it’s got everything you need, including a light-filled lounge/diner that’s ideal for lazy breakfasts or post-beach pizza nights. There’s even a sofa bed if someone brings a plus-one.
And when it comes to location, you’re in a total seaside sweet spot. The beach is just a short stroll away, there’s a fairground for old-school fun, and day trips to Weston-super-Mare or Burnham-on-Sea are a breeze.
With unbeatable views over Rhossili Bay, Caemor is the kind of place you book for a special trip – and then spend the whole time wondering why you don’t live there. It’s big enough for the whole gang, beautifully styled throughout, and totally dog friendly. There’s a spacious garden for morning coffees with a sea breeze, and French doors that frame those dreamy coastal views like a painting.
Rhossili Beach is right on your doorstep – a golden sweep of sand that’s earned all the glowing reviews. Whether you're surfing, seal-spotting, or just taking in the views from Worm's Head, it’s a Welsh wonder through and through.
Right in the heart of Saundersfoot with cracking views over the harbour, this seaside escape is a proper gem for families or groups of friends. Inside, it's homely and welcoming – think comfy lounge, a sociable dining space and a smart kitchen for all your self-catering needs. It’s the kind of place you’ll settle into instantly.
Step outside and you’re spoilt for choice. Saundersfoot Beach is practically at your feet, and dog-friendly Glen Beach is just a short stroll away. With Tenby nearby and the coast path calling, your beach days and scenic walks are well and truly sorted.
Taigh Rona is a real showstopper of a holiday home, set above the breathtaking sweep of Luskentyre Bay. Inside, it’s all huge windows, high ceilings and design that makes the most of those coastal views. There’s space galore too – think a double-height kitchen for cooking feasts, a snug for film nights, and even a first-floor chill-out lounge for watching the light dance across the water.
When you're ready to explore, you’ve got Luskentyre’s powdery beach just below, the art galleries and tweed shops of Tarbert a short drive away, and endless scenic wanders at your doorstep. This is Scotland at its soul-stirring, windswept best. Even your pup will want to leave a 5* review.
Just a hop from the golden sands of Camber, this sunny coach house is a brilliant base for families, friends and your four-legged explorer. With two comfy bedrooms, a sociable open-plan living space and board games for post-beach downtime, it’s got everything you need – plus a garage for storing bikes, surfboards or soggy tennis balls. There’s even a courtyard for that all-important sundowner… or a snooze in the sun for the dog.
Camber Sands is one of the best dog-friendly beaches in the UK, especially outside peak summer restrictions. Let your pup race the waves, dig to their heart’s content, or just enjoy a lazy trot along the dunes – and when you fancy a change of scene, dog-friendly Rye is just up the road.
Tucked away in the heart of Wells-next-the-Sea, Bay Cottage is a snug 19th-century retreat that’s been given a fresh new glow. Perfect for a couple or small family (plus one well-behaved pup), this two-bedroom cottage blends original character with all the comforts you need.
The location’s spot on too – you’re just a short stroll from the quayside, independent shops and dog-friendly pubs. When it’s time to stretch those paws, Wells’ vast sandy beach is less than a mile away, with pinewoods and dunes for miles of tail-wagging walks.
Brimming with character and overlooking the River Esk, this four-storey cottage in the heart of Whitby is a dream base for coastal getaways with your four-legged pal. Expect exposed beams, window seats with harbour views, and quirky touches like a hidden paddle staircase down to a snug twin bedroom.
You’re perfectly placed for dog-friendly adventures too – wander along the harbour, head to West Cliff’s Blue Flag beach for a sandy scamper, or strike out on the coastal path. Whitby Abbey is a short climb away (199 steps, but who’s counting?), and Saltwick Bay is ideal for fossil hunting and off-lead zoomies with a sea view.
Tucked away in the heart of Alnmouth, Longshore is the kind of big, beautiful holiday home that makes you wish you’d booked just one more night. It’s a classic Victorian townhouse with a modern glow-up – think original floors, swoon-worthy fireplaces and a kitchen-diner so slick you’ll be claiming sous-chef just to hang out in it.
Step outside and you’re moments from Alnmouth’s endless stretch of sandy beach – ideal for off-lead dashes and salty snoozes in the dunes. The village itself is a gem, with independent shops, dog-friendly pubs and a laid-back charm that makes even the shortest stroll feel like a proper outing.
Bella Vita is a breezy little bolthole tucked into a quiet spot just a short walk from Southport’s handsome Lord Street – think leafy boulevards, Victorian charm and plenty of spots for a good browse or a better coffee. With your own private courtyard for lazy breakfasts or post-beach sundowners, it’s a top choice for small families or friends on a seaside break.
Southport Beach and the vintage thrills of the Pleasureland amusement park are right on your doorstep, while grown-ups can stretch their legs (or their swing) at one of the town’s many golf courses. Fancy venturing further? Formby’s not much further – doggy heaven with the pinewoods leading right onto the stretching sands.
We’re only scratching the surface of the best dog-friendly holidays by the sea here – there are so many beach-facing cottages you could choose from all over the UK. Whether you’re looking for something close by for an off-the-cuff short break, or a longer trip for sunny sands, check out more of our dog-friendly beach accommodation to seek some inspiration.
Ian'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.