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The UK is very much a dog-loving country. However, it can be challenging to find a dog-friendly beach that is worth the trip. Our friends at Dog Friendly Cottages, have collated a list of 10 of the best dog-friendly beaches for a great day out.
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.
Slapton Sands (Torcross Beach)
Location: Torcross, Devon
Best for: Long walks
Dogs allowed: Year-round
Car park: Paid parking nearby
Slapton Sands is a very long stretch of beach that is perfect for long walks on Devon's coast or just a run around with your four-legged friend. Because of the size of the beach, there is a large amount of space, and you won’t feel cramped like some of the busier beaches. Torcross has several cafes and restaurants to choose from during your visit.
Saunton Sands
Location: Saunton, Devon
Best for: Dunes
Dogs allowed: Year-round
Car park: Paid parking nearby
Saunton Sands is just on the edge of the village of Saunton in North Devon. The beach is one of the most dog-friendly beaches in Devon and well known for its large size, so large in fact military aircraft have been known to land on it. The beach also has a restaurant called the Beachside Grill, which is dog-friendly.
Porthmeor Cove
Location: Penzance, Cornwall
Best for: A quiet relax
Dogs allowed: Year-round
Car park: Small car park on the roadside
Porthmeor Cove is a small secluded area away from the busier beaches in Cornwall. Not to be mistaken with Porthmeor Beach in St Ives. Located in the Penzance area, this beach is not the easiest to get to but definitely worth the walk, especially if you’re with your pup.
Watergate Bay
Location: Newquay, Cornwall
Best for: Walking
Dogs allowed: Year-round
Car park: Paid parking nearby
Watergate Bay is well known for its surfing and extreme sports but overlooked in terms of its natural beauty. With the best level of UK bathing water, this is a great place to go for a dip with your pup. There is also a 45-minute walk into Newquay, the nearest main town.
Barafundle Bay
Location: Pembrokeshire, South Wales
Best for: Fine sand and clear waters
Dogs allowed: Year-round
Car park: Half a mile away in Stackpole
Barafundle Bay has been awarded numerous titles for its fine sand, clean waters and seemingly perfect environment. Located in Pembrokeshire, it is often compared to a Caribbean beach. Thankfully, this beach is dog-friendly all year round, so your pup can enjoy the walk just as much as you.
Porthdinllaen Beach
Location: Llyn, West Wales
Best for: Quiet bay with a pub
Dogs allowed: Year-round
Car park: Small nearby car park or park at the golf club and walk down
Porthdinllaen Beach is a quiet bay near a small fishing village in West Wales. Besides the fantastic walking opportunities for you and your furry friend, the Ty Coch Inn is also right on the beach itself. This makes for a great pitstop if needed and gives you some time to relax with a drink.
Happisburgh Beach
Location: Happisburgh, Norfolk
Best for: Lighthouse views
Dogs allowed: Year-round
Car park: Paid parking nearby
With the UK’s oldest working lighthouse, a quaint coastal village and a relaxing beach, there is lots to see at Happisburgh. The beautifully kept lighthouse is accessible, and you can climb the 96 steps to see the surrounding landscape. The car park is near, so you and your pup can get to the beach quickly. There is a lot of coastal erosion, and falling debris can be a risk on the beach.
Druridge Bay
Location: Druridge Country Park, Northumberland
Best for: Long walks on the golden sand
Dogs allowed: Year-round
Car park: Paid parking nearby
Druridge Bay is part of Druridge Country Park in Northumberland. The beach itself is seven miles long with golden sand and a chilly sea. There is enough space not to feel crowded, and you can let your tennis ball loving friend off the dog lead and give them a good run around. There are remains of World War Two defences, such as pillboxes and tank traps, as the British believed this beach could be a possible landing site for the Germans.
Sinclairs Bay (Reiss Beach)
Location: Wick, North Scotland
Best for: Northern Lights and wildlife
Dogs allowed: Year-round
Car park: Paid parking nearby
Near the town of Wick in the very north of Scotland lies Sinclairs Bay. This long stretch of fine sand and clear water may not be the warmest of beaches for bathing but is excellent for surfing. The stunning beach is fortified at both ends by 16th-century castles, and is frequented by seals and Orcas (killer whales). With a clear sky at the right time, you can see the incredible Northern Lights.
Dunure Beach
Location: Ayrshire, South West Scotland
Best for: Quiet historical cove
Dogs allowed: Year-round
Car park: Near Dunure Castle
Dunure Beach is a cosy shingle beach backed by a working harbour and the picturesque village of Dunure. The remains of Dunure Castle overlook the beach and date back to the 13th century. This is a great place to take your furry friend for a quiet stroll, a picnic or simply enjoy the views and history.
We don’t think that time away should mean time away from your pets, so we’ve scoured the UK shores to come up with the best sandy spots without restrictions on dogs.
If you see somewhere you like, why not check out one of the dog-friendly cottages nearby. If you're in a rush and need set up your next staycation in an instant view our last-minute dog-friendly cottages. Every region in the UK is covered and you will have very happy pets!
