Paw-fect Dog-Friendly Beaches in the UK
From the golden sands of the Cornish coast to the windswept bays of the Highlands, the UK boasts some of the world’s best beaches. Despite this, few beaches allow dogs all year round. To help you find the best places to take your four-legged friend for a walk, we’ve compiled an expert guide to the best dog-friendly beaches in the UK. We’ve also included wonderful dog-friendly campsites near the beach so you and your canine companion have a place to rest after a long day of exploring.
Dog-friendly beaches in East Anglia
Covehithe Beach, Suffolk
Starting our list of dog-friendly beaches is Covehithe Beach, which sits on a thinly populated slice of the Suffolk coast. This beautiful beach has sandstone cliffs, golden sand and the glistening waves of the North Sea. Make your way down the marked footpath, through the fields and to the golden dunes of this peaceful beach, where dogs can run around all year round.
Nearest campsite: Kessingland Club Site (10 minutes*).
Click here for more campsites in Suffolk.
Mundesley Beach, Norfolk
Situated on the edge of the Norfolk Coast Area of Natural Beauty, a few miles southeast of Cromer, Mundesley Beach is backed by a raised promenade lined with colourful beach huts. Stretch your legs along the tranquil coastline before taking some time to rest in the pretty clifftop gardens. Dogs are banned from the promenade section of the beach between 1st May and 30th September. However, the rest of the beach is dog-friendly all year round.
Nearest campsite: West Runton Club Site (25 minutes*).
Click here for more campsites in Norfolk.
Old Hunstanton Beach, Norfolk
Another dog-friendly beach in Norfolk is Old Hunstanton Beach. This beach is arguably Norfolk’s most picturesque stretch of coastline, with golden sand, dunes and stunning cliffs. Old Hunstanton Beach is the only part of the East Anglian coastline that faces west.
Nearest campsite: Sandringham Club Site (20 minutes*).
Click here for more campsites in Norfolk.
Dog-friendly beaches in North East
Hunmanby Gap, Yorkshire
Sitting just 4 miles south of the seaside town of Filey, Hunmanby Gap is very popular among local dog walkers due to its open landscape, sandy beach and the fact that it invites dogs all year round. Situated within Yorkshire’s Flamborough Headland Heritage Coast, Hunmanby Gap boasts a charming café that invites dogs to rest inside and out.
Nearest campsite: Scarborough Club Site (25 minutes*).
Low Newton Beach, Northumberland
Located within walking distance of two of our dog-friendly Northumberland Club Sites, Low Newton Beach is a beautiful stretch of the north east coastline that welcomes dogs all year round. Known locally as “Low Newton”, the picturesque village of Low Newton-by-the-Sea is almost entirely owned by the National Trust. After your walk, stop for some locally sourced seafood at the cosy Ship Inn.
Nearest campsite: Beadnell Bay Club Site and Dunstan Hill Club Site (10 minutes*).
Click here for more campsites in Northumberland.
Saltfleetby Theddlethorpe Dunes, Lincolnshire
A stunning dog-friendly beach set on the Lincolnshire coastline, Saltfleetby Theddlethorpe Dunes is a designated National Nature Reserve boasting unspoilt beauty. Contrasting salt marshland and golden sand, Theddlethorpe Beach is a vast expanse perfect for taking your dog for a long walk. Even in the height of summer, you won’t encounter many people on this beautiful part of the coast.
Nearest campsite: Mablethorpe Club Site (10 minutes*).
Click here for more campsites in Lincolnshire.
Dog-friendly beaches in North West
Meols Beach, Merseyside
Lying on the Wirral Peninsula, a short distance from the historic city of Liverpool, Meols Beach invites dogs and owners all year round. At low tide, this shingle beach transforms into a vast expanse of sand and mudflats, providing ample space for dogs to run freely. During the winter, this part of the country is popular among birdwatchers, due to the abundance of seabirds.
Nearest campsite: Delamere Forest Club Site (45 minutes*).
Ravenglass Beach, Cumbria
A great dog-friendly beach you’ll find in Cumbria is Ravenglass Beach. Not only is this beach dog-friendly all year round, but it’s also near the Lake District National Park and has plenty of walks and open space for your furry friend to run around.
When you’re all tired out and ready for a nap, head back to our Ravenglass Club Site, which is within walking distance from the beach.
Nearest campsite: Ravenglass Club Site (2 minutes*).
Click here for more campsites in Cumbria.
Dog-friendly beaches in Scotland
Big Sand, Highlands
A dog-friendly beach perched beside the shimmering waters of Loch Gairloch, Big Sand is a remote crofting village in the Scottish Highlands. Looking across to the Isle of Skye, Big Sand Beach lies near the snow-capped Munros of Torridon and Skye. Despite its remote location, this beach offers great amenities, including toilets, showers, and shops.
Nearest campsite: Inverewe Club Site (20 minutes*).
Click here for more campsites in the Scottish Highlands.
Culzean Beach, Ayrshire
Nestled beside the spectacular architecture of Culzean Castle, this secluded beach is the perfect place for letting your dog run free. Sitting on the untamed Ayrshire coastline, Culzean Beach is mostly formed of rock and sand and backed by areas of dense woodland and sea cliffs. There’s plenty of open space and shade for you to enjoy the beach and woodland area in any weather. Best of all, our Culzean Castle Club Site is within walking distance of the beach, so you can get back and rest up at any time.
Nearest campsite: Culzean Castle Club Site (5 minutes*).
Longniddry Beach, East Lothian
Sat in an undisturbed setting on the East Scottish coast, Longniddry Beach is a mix of sand and rock. Despite being just 10 miles from the Scottish capital of Edinburgh, this beach is surprisingly peaceful. Not only does Longniddry Beach welcome dogs all year round, but it also has a dog exercise area to keep your little companion on their paws.
Nearest campsite: Dunbar Club Site (25 minutes*).
Click here for more campsites in East Lothian.
Dog-friendly beaches in South East
Abbots Cliff Beach, Kent
Kent is home to many beautiful dog-friendly beaches. Located a short distance west of the Samphire Hoe Country Park, Abbots Cliff is a secluded beach set below the iconic chalk cliffs of Kent. Take caution when making your way down to the beach before stretching your legs along this isolated part of the Folkestone-Dover coastline.
Nearest campsite: Canterbury Club Site (30 minutes*).
Click here for more campsites in Kent.
Norman’s Bay, East Sussex
Lying on the Sussex coast between Bexhill and Eastbourne, Normans Bay is a mixture of sand and shingle, sloping gently down to the English Channel. On a clear day, you can see the renowned white chalk cliffs at Beachy Head. This is a great dog-friendly beach where your little friend can walk alongside the shore, have a dip in the water or dig through the sand. Best of all, our Normans Bay Club Site sits directly beside the beach, so if the weather changes or you need to freshen up, you’re not too far from your unit.
Nearest campsite: Normans Bay Club Site (2 minutes*).
Click here for more campsites on the Sussex Coast.
Dog-Friendly beaches in South West
Beesands Beach, Devon
Backed by fields and a freshwater lake, Beesands Beach is an award-winning Blue Flag, mile-long shingle beach close to Kingsbridge in South Devon. Here, you’ll find a pristine beach and fishing boats offering up the catch of the day. Beesands Beach is perfect for dogs as there are plenty of walking routes, rolling countryside and woodlands where dogs can run around.
Nearest campsite: Slapton Sands Club Site (10 minutes*).
Click here for more campsites in Devon.
Kimmeridge Bay, Dorset
Lying within a Special Area of Conservation, Kimmeridge Bay is one of the most dramatic beaches located on Dorset’s Jurassic Coast. Famous for rock pooling and snorkelling, Kimmeridge Bay is also an excellent location for a dog walk. Clavell Tower sits proudly above the bay, boasting breathtaking views of the Dorset coast and countryside.
Nearest campsite: Moreton Club Site (32 minutes*).
Click here for more campsites in Dorset.
Trebarwith Strand, Cornwall
Situated two miles south of Tintagel, Trebarwith Strand is one of the few easily accessible beaches along the untamed Cornish coast. Today, the beach is owned and maintained by the National Trust.
The Strand is a long stretch of golden sand, backed by flat rocks and cliffs, perfect for a beach trip with your furry pets.
Nearest campsite: Bude Club Site (15 minutes*).
Click here for more campsites in Cornwall.
Dog-friendly beaches in Wales
Broad Haven Beach, Pembrokeshire
At high tide, Broad Haven Beach is a narrow strip of pebble beach. At low tide, the beach becomes a vast expanse of firm sand, with plenty of room for a dog to chase a stick or ball. Broad Haven Beach is a beautiful section of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Path, and it's great for dogs, as the cliffs provide sheltered bays, so they can cool down in the shade if it gets too hot.
Nearest campsite: St David's Club Site (30 minutes*).
Click here for more campsites in Pembrokeshire.
Cilborth Beach, Ceredigion
Lying in a picturesque cove, Cilborth Beach is a short walk north of the similarly beautiful Llangrannog Beach, and at low tide, you can walk between the two. Famed for its rock formation known as Carreg Bica, the beach is blanketed in soft sand. The area surrounding Carreg Bica is home to multiple rock pools teeming with marine life.
Nearest campsite: Cardigan Bay Club Site (15 minutes*).
Porthdinllaen Beach, Gwynedd
Sitting on the tip of the Llyn Peninsula in North Wales, Porthdinllaen Beach is a long sweeping bay in the village of the same name. Porthdinllaen is mainly owned by the National Trust and is completely car-free, making it a secluded and peaceful haven for dog walkers.
Nearest campsite: Llanystumdwy Club Site (25 minutes*).
Click here for more campsites in Gwynedd.
*Please note that the distance between the event and the nearest open Club Site may vary. Always check travel times to the event from the nearest Club Site before booking.
Dog-Friendly Tips for Visiting the Beach
Planning a beach day with your furry friend? With a little preparation, you can make it a safe and joyful experience for both of you. Here are some top tips to keep in mind before you hit the sand.
1. Check if the beach is dog-friendly
While this guide highlights beaches near you that welcome dogs, it’s always worth double-checking. Some beaches only allow dogs during certain seasons or have designated areas where dogs are permitted. Visit the beach’s website or contact local authorities to confirm the latest rules.
2. Pack with your pooch in mind
It’s great that you’ve packed sunscreen and snacks for yourself, but don’t forget your dog’s essentials! Bring fresh water, a collapsible bowl, a towel, toys, and poop bags. To make it easier, we’ve compiled a dog-friendly packing checklist, so you won’t miss a thing.
3. Be aware of the tide
No matter the season, always check tide times before heading out. Strong waves might be fun for surfers, but they can be dangerous for dogs, especially smaller breeds or those new to water. Stick to shallow areas and keep a close eye on your pup.
4. Clean up after your dog
This one’s a no-brainer. Always clean up after your dog and dispose of waste properly. If bins aren’t available, take your rubbish home. Leaving the beach clean ensures it stays enjoyable for everyone – dogs, people, and wildlife alike.
5. Keep your dog cool and hydrated
Dogs can overheat quickly, especially on hot sand. Provide shade with a beach umbrella or tent, and offer water regularly. Avoid walking during peak heat hours and watch for signs of heatstroke, like excessive panting or lethargy.
6. Respect other beach-goers
Not everyone is comfortable around dogs, so keep yours on a lead unless in a designated off-lead area. Make sure your dog is well-behaved and doesn’t disturb others enjoying the beach.
With these tips in mind, you and your dog are all set for a fun, safe, and memorable beach day. Remember to tag us in your fun adventure on Facebook or Instagram and send us any more dog-friendly beaches you enjoy.