With more of us than ever before opting for UK holidays with our pooches as our summer getaway, pet owners are often on the lookout for places to stay near dog-friendly beaches so the whole family can enjoy a seaside staycation. With golden sands stretching as far as the eye can see and waves gently lapping the shore, the UK is home to some truly beautiful beaches that both humans and their pups can enjoy.
It's always fun to introduce your pooch to somewhere new for them to walk and play, and the UK’s dog-friendly beaches offer so many new sights, sounds and smells for them to explore. The British coastline offers them plenty of space to stretch their legs, burn off energy with zoomies on the sand or a doggy paddle in the sea, and indulge in their natural instincts, such as digging and sniffing. Spending time with your pooch at a dog-friendly beach will also strengthen the bond between the two of you as you play games of fetch, practice recall skills and lie next to each other on the sand.
As dogs are truly cherished members of our families, it gets harder to leave them behind in kennels or with a pet sitter every time we go away. That’s why there are many pooch-welcoming hotels and dog-friendly holiday parks near popular beaches so you can bring your beloved four-legged bestie along with you on a UK beach break. Not only are they in prime locations near the sands where you can wake up to the sound of seagulls and a salty sea breeze in the air, but many offer accommodating features for your pooch, like designated play areas and pet-friendly areas in restaurants.
Whether you want to explore the more rugged beaches of the Scottish Highlands or bask in the sun on the shores of Cornwall, choosing a beach where your canine companion is welcome to join you means you can head off on the adventure together and create lots of memories. Here’s Take a Break Pets' top 10 list of dog-friendly beaches in the UK that are well worth the visit for both you and your furry friend.
Top 10 UK dog-friendly beaches
Rhossili Bay, Swansea
Offering endless stretches of sandy beach where pups can romp and play freely, Rhossili Bay in Swansea is a dog's paradise. With its stunning natural beauty, including dramatic cliffs and panoramic views, every walk will become an adventure when exploring the area with your pooch.
Holkham Beach, Norfolk
Part of the Holkham National Nature Reserve, this beach features stretches of golden sand where dogs can roam freely. With year-round dog-friendly access, pups can enjoy splashing in the waves or bounding through the sand dunes in any season.
Studland Bay, Dorset
Whether your hound loves chasing waves, digging in the sand, or making new furry friends, Studland Bay in Dorset offers the paw-fect playground for adventurous pups. There are over four miles of walking routes you can take with your pooch along the water's edge. It's worth noting that between 1 May - 30 September, your pup needs to be kept on a lead while exploring the beach.
Porthcurno Beach, Cornwall
Surrounded by cliffs with crystal-clear turquoise water and soft, sandy shores, Porthcurno Beach really is a jewel of the Cornish coast. While there are restrictions on having dogs on the beach itself throughout July and August from 10am to 6pm, you and your pooch will still be able to enjoy a good walk up around the valley and coast path to take in those breathtaking views.
Camusdarach Beach, Highlands
With a backdrop of the untamed beauty of the Scottish Highlands, you and your pup will be taken back by the beautiful scenery that surrounds Camusdarach Beach. Think rugged coastline, pristine sands and panoramic views of Scottish landscapes. Dogs can roam freely across the expansive sands and splash in the refreshing sea waters at any time of the year.
Camber Sands, East Sussex
Dogs can splash, run and play to their heart's content on Camber Sands Beach in East Sussex. Offering miles of golden sand and rolling dunes as well as an expansive shoreline and shallow waters, it's an ideal destination for seaside adventures with your pooch. Off the sand, the beach is dotted with charming cafés and arcades so it offers something for all the family.
Filey Beach, Yorkshire
A large sandy beach with over five miles of pristine sands and sparkling waters for your furry friend to enjoy, Filey Beach provides a clean and safe environment for dogs to sniff and splash around in. The beauty of the area lies further than just the sand as you'll be able to see for miles across the sea and there are many dog-friendly restaurants, pubs and café beyond the shore.
Bamburgh Beach, Northumberland
A vast expanse of golden sands and dramatic coastal vistas beckon at Bamburgh Beach. Your pooch will love frolicking freely along the short and feeling the soft sand beneath their paws and the sea breeze in their fur. It's also got the majestic Bamburgh Castle on its doorstep for further exploration.
Talisker Bay, Isle of Skye
The more remote location of Talisker Bay means you can soak up the peaceful and serene atmosphere while you're out walking your pooch. It has ample space for your pup to run around and practice their doggy paddle. As you'd expect from a beach located in the Isle of Skye, it's surrounded by some pretty impressive cliffs so head on the coastal path around them for breathtaking views.
Dunster Beach, Somerset
Dunster Beach's relaxed atmosphere and breathtaking views of the surrounding coastline make it the perfect destination for leisurely strolls with your canine companion. It has dog-friendly amenities such as waste disposal bins and designated areas for off-lead play. The gentle waves are also great for dogs who are nervous in water to build up their confidence.
Rosie Floyd is a Pets, Homes and Garden Product Writer for Take A Break Pets, specialising in all things dogs. She grew up always having at least one dog as part of the family and has experience in owning a variety of breeds, including Labradors, Cockapoos and Yorkshire Terriers.