We think you’ll agree that rain or shine, there’s no better way to spend a day than at the beach with your furry best friend. Luckily, there are plenty of dog-friendly beaches scattered along coastlines all around the country.
Whether you’re looking for a sandy shore where your pup can splash in the waves or a rocky cove where they can explore to their heart’s content, there are options for every type of dog and their owner. Here are some dog-friendly beaches near you that are sure to make for a paw-some day out.
Scotland
Balnakeil Beach
Weave in and out of the white crescent landscape. Play hide and seek between the large grassy sand dunes and throw sticks far and wide across the expansive shoreline. Are your eyes hungry for beautiful views? Look towards the turquoise sea or look behind you and take in the vast, rugged highlands.
Venture up onto high ground and wave to the nearby sheep. Can you spot the old 18th century farmhouse? It’s now a holiday let and it’s dog friendly too. It’s called Balnakeil House and it’s right on the coastline!
Balnakeil Beach, Near Durness, Highlands, IV27 4PX
24 hours
Free
Car parking is also free if you park by the old church ruins, right before the path to the beach.
Northern Ireland
Whiterocks Portrush
The beach is dog-friendly all year round. However, in the Summer months between 1st of June to 15th September there are restrictions for dogs in place and dogs are only allowed in designated areas.
Gallop across the sandy shore, inspect rock pools and whip out the frisbee for the ultimate dog verses humans play off! Explore every crevice and cave of the limestone cliff edges – they stretch from Curran Strand to Dunluce Castle! Bird-spot hawks and other fellow seabirds as they swoop through the blue skies.
You’ll be happy to know this beach has toilets and accessible toilets too, alongside many shower cubicles.
Whiterocks Car Park, Dunluce Road A2, Portrush, County Antrim, BT56 8NA
24 hours
Free
Free car parking and overflow parking are available too.
North East
Whitley Bay
If you are visiting with your furry friend during the Winter, make sure to wrap them up in a warm coat and bring some ear muffs as the North sea gales can be quite powerful! During the Summer months families can try out surfing, canoeing and kayaking activities on the beach. It’s worth noting that dogs are restricted on the beach from 1st May to 30th September. Dogs are only allowed on the beach to the north of the Panama Gardens.
So, you’ve finished your leisurely stroll but what’s next? There are plenty of restaurants and shops to visit at the Spanish City. Guests can enjoy lots of heart-warming events throughout the year like the Spanish City Christmas market. If you’ve read our Best Christmas Markets In The UK article you’ll recognise Spanish city as one of our top picks in the UK. Not only is Whitley Bay an exceptional beach to take your dogs to but the location is even better!
Whitley Bay, NE26 4NF
24 hours
Free
Free 60 car parking area at The Playhouse in Park Road, Whitley Bay. Parking time limit is 2 hours.
North West
Morecambe Beach (North)
Your kids can leaf through the seaside shops and have a go on nostalgic amusements. Try your luck on the penny falls or test your patience with the claw. Snap pictures of the art installations on the promenade and in the sea! Dabble with the boardwalk games and watch the sunset on the wonderful beach.
Sadly, summer restrictions are in place with dogs are banned from the beach from the start of May to the end of September. They are however allowed on the promenade but must be kept on leads. There are no lifeguards at this beach so please be mindful if you go into the sea.
Central Promenade, Morecambe, Lancs, LA4 4DB
24 hours
Free
Nearby parking:
Morecambe Library £1.40 / hour
Pedder Street £1.40 / hour
Telephone Exchange £1.30 / hour
East Midlands
Sutton-On-Sea
Sutton-On-Sea is the perfect place for a tranquil UK staycation. There aren’t any funfairs or arcades here but there are multiple events held throughout the year. While dad walks the dog, mum can fetch her foam mat and head to a morning yoga class!
Dogs will love the feeling of their paws bouncing of the soft golden sand before they dive into the cool refreshing waters! Dog restrictions are in place from 1st May to 30th September. There are alternative routes for dogs to enjoy along the promenade which lead to grassy and sandy terrain further away from the beach. Dogs can still frolic and have just as much fun but always follow the signposts during this season.
Sutton on Sea. Lincolnshire. DN36, England
24 hours
Free
There is a charge for the car parks from Easter until September, and on Sundays and Bank Holidays. At other times parking is free. Check signs in the car park for full details.
You can pay for parking via RingGo using the phone number: 020 3046 0010
West Midlands
The nearest dog-friendly beaches are:
- Towyn Abergele – 126.9 miles away from Birmingham.
- Old Colwyn – 131.1 miles away from Birmingham.
- Colwyn Bay – 131.2 miles away from Birmingham.
- Deganwy – 137.2 miles away from Birmingham.
- Conwy Morfa – 137.8 miles from Birmingham.
Wales
Broad Haven (South), Pembrokeshire
This dog-friendly beach in Pembrokeshire is a golden ticket for dog owners. Not only does this beach allow dogs all year round, it’s flat golden sands are the perfect terrain to race, throw, leap around with your furry companion.
Explore the boulders and the ‘island’ on the west side of the beach to discover caves and springs gushing out of the cliffs. The low cliffs on the east side have a few small hidden coves at low tide.
It’s one of many beautiful beaches in Wales that dogs are allowed to visit and there are many other great contenders for our top picks. We also recommend visiting Little Quay (Cei Bach) in Ceredigion!
J35H+95 Broad Haven South Beach, Pembroke
24 hours
Free
There’s parking above the beach in the National Trust car park or in Bosherston village by the church. It’s a 1 mile walk to the beach from here but it does take you through the picturesque lily ponds.
For accessible routes to the beach park at Stackpole Court.
Jacksons Bay, Near Barry Island
A quieter beach than Barry Island during the busy Summer season. Jackson Bay is perfect place to enjoy quality time with your fur babies.
Jacksons Bay
Barry CF62 5QS
Parking is located a 5 minute walk away from the beach.
24 hours
South West
Harlyn Bay
If you’re a family of surfers you may already know Harlyn Bay as it’s a well-known hot-spot for epic waves and natural beauty. Many surfers flock here throughout the year. It has also been rated the best for its surf school!
From every sandy cove to each wild wave that crashes, Harlyn Bay Beach is great whatever the weather. This stunning beach is also one of the few quality beaches in Cornwall to be dog friendly all year round. There is a large car park right next to the beach as well – which is always super handy.
G2Q4+WG Harlyn, Padstow
24 hours
Free
The address on the listing will take you to the onsite car park. Here are the prices:
1 Hour£1.30.
2 Hours£3.30.
3 Hours£5.00.
4 Hours£5.50.
10 Hours£6.60.
11 Hours£8.00.
Max £8.00.
South East
Camber Sands
If you love a rugged natural coastline with wild waves and winding footpaths, Camber Sands is the dog-friendly beach for you. With endless grassy dunes and expansive views, it’s the perfect place to set up your family picnic – day or night.
Sadly, there are Summer restrictions in place but if Winter holidays are more your thing, Camber Sands is the best beach to take your pooch. Dogs are allowed to run free, jumping in and out of the waves when the tide rolls in. Chase away seagulls, play fetch with driftwood or climb the craggy rock pools.
Embrace great British walks along the stunning coastline in the bursting sunshine or the calming moonlight. Spot interesting wildlife as you breath in crisp sea-air and dance along the storm-tossed sand. Winter is the perfect time to cosy up with a blanket and watch the sea rage high and billow on the shoreline.
Rye, East Sussex, TN31 7RN, England
24 hours
Free
Found the perfect dog-friendly beach near you? Whether you are after stunning views, a sizzling summer hotspot or a windswept beach in the Winter, there’s lots of blue flag beaches to choose from where furry friends are welcome.
If you were looking for a dog-friendly beach to visit during your UK staycation, we have lots of great travel articles packed full of the best attractions, locations and tips & hacks. Feel free to check some of our other pet-friendly content, like Dog Friendly Campsites Cornwall and Pet Friendly Cottages!
If you are looking for more Summer content, we recommend Lakes Near Me, Best Waterparks in the UK, Beaches Near Me, and Ice Cream Farms Near You.