11 dog-friendly beaches near the Lake District
Whether you’re looking for walks, activities or a tranquil spot for your dog-friendly cottage break, the Lake District is everyone’s favourite. But if you’d like to do all of the above by the sea then here’s our guide on 11 best dog-friendly beaches in Cumbria.
1. Arnside Beach
Address: The Promenade, Arnside, Carnforth, LA5 0HD
Dogs allowed? Yes
Car park: There are some free car parking spaces in the village
Facilities: Fish & chip shop, independent boutiques and Victorian promenade
Arnside Beach is small, sandy and teeming with a large mix of wildlife. The Victorian promenade leads to a coastal path popular with dog walkers. Sunsets can be spectacular with panoramic views over Morecambe Bay and the Lakeland Fells.
2. Walney Island Beach
Address: Walney, Barrow-in-Furness LA14 3BP
Dogs allowed? Yes but dog restrictions may apply over summer months
Car park: Located at the old Coastguard Cottages
Facilities: Nature reserve and visitor centre
Walney Island Beach in Barrow is a great place to spot birds and wildlife. In the north, this lush green island has over ten miles of sand dunes for excellent dog walks. In the south, you’ll find the nature reserve where you can watch gulls, seals, eider ducks and more.
3. RoanHead Beach
Address: Hawthwaite Ln, Barrow-in-Furness LA14 4QT
Dogs allowed? Dogs are allowed on the beach but not in the dunes behind
Car park: The beach has a pay and display car park
Facilities: The Red Hut serves drinks and snacks during the peak season
Roanhead Beach (also known as Sandscale Haws) offers a picturesque sandy expanse with great views of the Duddon Estuary and beyond. It’s around three miles north of Barrow-in-Furness and the National Nature Reserve is home to a wide range of rare plants and incredible wildlife, including wading birds and natterjack toads.
4. Ravenglass Beach
Address: Ravenglass Beach, Egremont
Dogs allowed? Yes, no restrictions
Car park: Pay & Display in the centre of the village next to the mainline railway station
Facilities: Cafes, a pub and toilets
Ravenglass Beach is the only part of the Lake District that is on the coast. It’s composed of a mixture of sand, mud and shingle, backed by a small grassy area at one end. It’s right by the Ravenglass and Eskdale railway, a dog-friendly attraction with a seven-mile route on a small-scale train. Muncaster Castle is not too far away as well as Eskdale and Duddon Valley, which is looked after by the National Trust.
5. Seascale Beach
Address: Seascale CA20 1QS
Dogs allowed? Yes, no dog restrictions
Car park: Free parking available at the beachfront car park
Facilities: Good children’s playground and a picnic area nearby
Seascale Beach’s long, flat and clean beach has plenty of space for your dog to let off some much needed steam. Miles of shingle and rock pools by the shore line are perfect for beachcombing, but a vast expanse of clean sand becomes exposed when the tide is out. A restored wooden jetty is popular with sea-anglers and water sports are available. Egremont is the nearest town.
6. West Silloth Beach
Address: Silloth, Wigton CA7 4JH
Dogs allowed? Yes, no dog restrictions
Car park: There are three public car parks in Silloth, all of which are free
Facilities: Water sports and sea fishing available
West Silloth Beach near Cockermouth has a lovely expanse of clean sand and shingle with dunes behind. The Yellow Flag beach is a great spot to collect sea shells, and is teeming with wildlife. Children, adults and dogs will love this vast open space.
7. Silecroft Beach
Address: Silecroft, Millom LA18 4NY
Dogs allowed? Yes, all year round
Car park: Yes, free parking
Facilities: Clean toilets, nearby pub and cafe selling ice cream and coffee
At low tide this pet-friendly beach in Millom reveals miles of lovely sandy beach for long dog walks. You can also enjoy kiting, horse-riding and other activities available at Silecroft Beach.
8. St. Bees Beach
Address: 23 Scalebarrow, Saint Bees CA27 0ES
Dogs allowed? No restrictions on sand but dogs must be kept on leads on grassy areas
Car park: The main beach at the north of the bay has two large car parks
Facilities: At the north end is a concrete promenade, play area, café, beach shop and toilets
Four miles south of Whitehaven, is St. Bees Beach. At low tide there is an accessible expanse of red sand but only shingle is clear of the water at high tide. If your dog would appreciate a long walk, St Bees Head, the westernmost point of Cumbria, is the start of the 'Coast to Coast walk' with four miles of sandstone cliffs.
9. Haverigg Beach
Address: Sea View, Haverigg, Millom LA18 4ER
Dogs allowed? Yes, no restrictions on the beach but must be kept on a lead around the nature reserve
Car park: Plenty of free parking spaces
Facilities: Children’s play area and a reasonably-priced café
Haverigg Beach near Barrow is a great place to take your dog - but is best visited at low tide. The shingle beach gives way to a vast expanse of sand that’s perfect for kite flying, and behind are large grassy sand dunes. The RSBP Hodbarrow nature reserve is also nearby.
10. White Rock Beach
Address: Mainsgate Rd, Millom LA18 4JY
Dogs allowed? Yes, no restrictions on the beach
Car park: Plenty of free parking spaces
Facilities: Water ski centre by the lagoon
You can plan a lovely circular walk from Millom town square through at White Rock Beach near Hodbarrow Point and the RSPB Hodbarrow Nature Reserve. A long dam with a footpath extends from the end of the beach almost all the way to Haverigg.
11. Maryport Beach
Address: Maryport CA15 8NT
Dogs allowed? Yes, dogs are welcome
Car park: Free day and overnight parking
Facilities: Toilet and pub a short walk away
High winds make Maryport Beach popular with kite-flyers and windsurfers. On a clear day you can make out the Scottish coast. The long sand and shingle beach runs from the harbour mouth and backs onto Maryport marina. Maryport is a popular seaside town and there are great views to be had across the Solway.
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