Dog-friendly seaside summer towns
Date published: 3 Apr 2026
When the sun’s out and the days stretch a little longer, there’s nothing better than heading to one of the UK’s seaside towns with your dog in tow. Think salty air, laid-back afternoons and plenty of dog-friendly beaches where no one minds a sandy, slightly soggy companion tagging along.
We’ve kept things firmly on the side of smaller seaside towns rather than big cities, so you can swap crowds and traffic for proper coastal walks. These are the kinds of places where the pace drops, the views open up, and your dog gets just as much out of the trip as you do.
From rugged northern coastlines to colourful harbour towns in the south, there’s a huge mix to choose from. Some are all about big, empty beaches, others lean into food, scenery or a bit of everything – but all of them make travelling with a dog feel easy.
St Ives, Cornwall
St Ives is the kind of place where dogs end up having the best holiday. There’s sand, sea, and plenty of freedom once you know where to go around the seasonal rules. The coastal path delivers big views and even bigger walk potential, while the town itself is refreshingly unfussy. Sandy paws in cafés? Completely normal. It’s got that laid-back, slightly bohemian feel that makes it very easy to switch off.
Whitby, North Yorkshire
Whitby has a bit of drama about it – in a good way. You’ve got the abbey watching over everything, waves crashing in, and a coastline that feels built for long, slightly blustery walks. Tate Hill Beach is dog-friendly year-round, which is always a win. Afterwards, duck into a pub where no one minds a wet dog shaking off nearby. It’s characterful, a little gothic, and never boring.
Tenby, Pembrokeshire
Tenby looks like it’s showing off – all pastel houses and perfect harbour views – but it’s actually great fun with a dog. There are beach restrictions in the summer, but you won’t have to go far to find somewhere they can run free. The coastal path is right there when you want to stretch your legs properly, and everything else revolves around ice cream, sea air and taking your time.
Bamburgh, Northumberland
If your dog likes space, Bamburgh is basically their dream destination. The beach just goes on and on, with barely anything to interrupt the view apart from a huge castle in the background. It’s dog-friendly all year, so no need to overthink it – just turn up and walk. There’s not loads going on in town, but that’s part of the charm. It’s all about the outdoors here.
Salcombe, Devon
Salcombe feels a bit fancy at first glance, but it quickly relaxes once you’ve got a dog in tow. You’ll find plenty of walks along the estuary, quieter coves nearby, and even the occasional boat trip where dogs are welcome. Yes, some beaches have rules in summer, but nothing that gets in the way of a good day out. Add in waterside pubs and you’re sorted.
Porthmadog, Gwynedd
Porthmadog is a bit of a double act – beach on one side, mountains on the other. Black Rock Sands is huge and dog-friendly, which means proper space to run, not just a quick loop. Then you’ve got Eryri just up the road when you fancy something more adventurous. It’s not overly polished, but that’s the appeal. You come here to get outside and properly make the most of it.
Aldeburgh, Suffolk
Aldeburgh doesn’t try too hard, which is exactly why people love it. The beach is mostly shingle, but it’s great for a wander with a dog, and you won’t feel rushed off anywhere. Grab some fish and chips, find a spot by the sea and just hang out for a while. It’s calm, a bit understated, and ideal when you want a seaside break without the chaos.
Portree, Isle of Skye
Portree is less about bucket-and-spade beaches and more about wild, slightly jaw-dropping scenery. It’s your base for exploring Skye, which means your dog can join you on cliff walks, quiet bays and all sorts of rugged adventures. The town itself is small but colourful, and there’s a nice buzz around the harbour. Come here if your idea of a seaside trip involves a bit more exploring.
Lyme Regis, Dorset
Lyme Regis has a bit of everything going on. There are dog-friendly beach spots, loads of coastal walking along the Jurassic Coast, and the added bonus of fossil hunting if you fancy it. The Cobb gives it that classic seaside look, but it never feels stuck in the past. It’s lively enough to keep things interesting, without tipping into full-on busy. Easy choice for a mixed bag of days.
Portrush, County Antrim
Portrush has more of a buzz than your average seaside town, but you’re never far from a wide, dog-friendly beach when you need space. Whiterocks is the standout – big, open and backed by cliffs. Beyond that, the Causeway Coast is packed with walks that are well worth the effort. Back in town, it’s friendly, a bit lively, and very used to welcoming dogs along for the ride.
Southwold, Suffolk
Southwold is all about taking things slow. You’ve got the beach huts, the pier, and plenty of spots to wander with a dog once you’re outside the busiest stretches. It’s not flashy, but it’s got loads of charm. Expect long walks, good food and the kind of place where you end up staying out longer than planned just because it’s easy to do so.
Llandudno, Conwy
Llandudno leans into its traditional seaside roots, but the real highlight is the Great Orme. That’s where you’ll find proper walking routes, big views and lots of space for dogs to explore. The promenade is there for an easier pace, and there are dog-friendly beach areas nearby too. It’s a good all-rounder – a bit lively, plenty to do, and easy to settle into.
Feeling inspired? These seaside towns are just the start. We’ve got plenty more dog-friendly cottages by the sea across the UK, so you can find the perfect base for beach walks, coastal adventures and well-earned downtime. Start planning your next escape and make it one your dog will love just as much.
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.
