UK Pet Friendly Beaches

With over 775 miles of coastline around England, Wales and Northern Ireland, we really love and care for some of our most spectacular places, including many of the most breathtaking beaches. They are just perfect for a summer walk, children, grandparents and even pets included. But all pooch-loving Brits can probably relate to the struggle that occurs when finding somewhere that will welcome your four-legged friend. You plan the trip to the sunny seaside for months, only to arrive to a No Dogs Allowed sign. Sigh. But huff and puff no more; you’ll be pleased to know that there are 351 beaches that allow dogs and a further 450 beaches with some dog restrictions! You’ll be feeling the sand in your toes quicker than you can say Fetch!
You may not realise how close you are to some of the top dog friendly beaches in the UK. There are so many spread all over the coastline your pet could quite happily have a little adventure by visiting each one. Here is a list of some of the Nations favourites (and soon to be your dogs favourites, too!) :

1. National Trust Beaches
A bracing seaside walk with your dog can be a wonderful thing. With over 700 miles of National Trust coastline, there are plenty of great dog-friendly coastal walks for you to discover. At some of their beaches, there are seasonal dog restrictions at busy times of the year. These are in place to manage problems with dog fouling and protect the interests of other users, particularly families with children. Try the beaches around Coleton Fishacre in Devon, Studland in Dorset or Chapel Cliff walk in Polperro, Cornwall.

2. Canvey Island - Thorney Bay Beach
Canvey Island is situated in the Thames Estuary off the south east coast of Essex and separated from the mainland by a channel. The beach is made up of sand and mud and has a beautiful view of the Kent coastline. It is rare to find a popular, pretty beach with no pebbles or stones, so this is an perfect opportunity to enjoy the sun and sand. There are no dog restrictions on this beach, meaning it’s free for all to enjoy! There is a promenade, plenty of shops and food outlets. And to top it all off, the beach offers windsurfing alongside their amusement arcade! So bring the whole family for a day of fun, sea and happy pups!

3. Snettisham Beach – Norfolk
Set in the idyllic scenery that is Norfolk, the expansive sands of Snettisham have been dubbed "the sunset coastline". This is Norfolk's only west facing beach. Given that Norfolk is generally considered to be on the east coast this is worthy of mention. This, of course, means it gets some of the best sunsets in Norfolk. Take your dogs here for some beautiful views and peacefulness in such a natural haven. Because it is quiet here, there are no shops on the beach. But there is a lovely picnic area, and with these views, you would be silly not to sit, eat and enjoy the beauty.

4. Milford-On-Sea, Bournemouth
A little more familiar for being a beach destination, this beach in Bournemouth offers some spectacular views and facilities. Milford on Sea is a stony beach with good views of the Isle of Wight and the Needles, boasting some excellent walks alongside the views. Milford on Sea is one of the last remaining seaside villages in Hampshire. Perched on the cliff-tops with stunning sea views, Milford on Sea is a natural beauty spot enjoyed by many and at all times of year. Dogs are allowed, but the area is covered by the Land Fouling Act, meaning dog mess must be cleared up.

5. Skegness Beach, Lincolnshire
Set in the lovely location that is Skegness, their award-winning sandy (yay!) beach is long and wide with numerous activities including donkey rides and the Fairy Dell paddling pool. It is perfect for a family day out with kids. It is easy to reach, with plenty of car parks and a railway station within easy walking distance. Be warned; Dogs are banned from 1st May to 30th September and must be kept on leads in all adjacent areas. But don’t let that put you off. The extensive activities and facilities this beach boasts are too good to miss. Your dog will love the vast open area, too! 

6. Blundellsands Beach – Liverpool
There is no denying that this beach is a beautiful one. With its incredibly open, expansive sandy coast, it is a dog (and owners!) heaven. There’s an incredible amount of area for your dog to roam free, which is made better by the added bonus of no dog restrictions. Make sure you check out what Blundellsands is probably best known for. These are the life-size cast iron sculptures of several men set just beyond the tide line. These are a permanent art installation by Antony Gormley entitled Another Place. There is no denying the power of these figures as they become partly submerged with the tide, particularly with the setting sun behind.

7. Berrow – South Beach, Somerset
This beach is one of our favourites. Located in Burnham-On0Sea, not only does Berrow South beach contain some fantastic activities such as surfing and pony rides, it is dog friendly all year round! Take note, when the tide goes out it reveals the bones of a long dead ship, which looks pretty awesome. There is also a local marshland that attracts various seabirds, making for a perfect summer location. Like many others, it is a sandy beach, which is great for keeping your pet paws unharmed.

8. Whitby Beach – Yorkshire
Whitby Beach is probably one of the most perfect, idyllic beaches that the UK has on offer. The North Beach is where dogs are welcome; so do keep in mind that the South Beach will not let you take your dogs. Don't let this put you off! The stunning North Beachoffers a larger sandy beach with colourful beach huts, deckchair and windbreak hire, a children's paddling pool and donkey rides. The list of activities is endless, and Whitby town centre and the harbour are within walking distance of the beach.

9. Padstow Beach - Cornwall
This is one spectacular beach and it owes a lot to its amazing location. A little out the way from the hustle and bustle of the town, this beach is serene and tranquil. The best thing is that it is definitely long enough to give your dog a great run around. The sands as golden as they come; this is a great start by way of dog friendly beaches. This beach has no dog restrictions all year round!

10. Sandyhills Beach – Dumfries & Galloway
This final beach is just as pretty as the name. It is in a lovely, quiet location, with great access to the beach and surrounding cliffs. Sandyhills promises a vast area of open beaches, which is open to dogs and families all year round. The wide expanse of clean sand and shallow waters are ideal for doggy paddling and bathing, while low tide can sometimes reveal miles of sandy and secluded bays. There is a café and shop located on the beach, as well as car parking, which is perfect for family picnics on a fun, adventurous day out.