Summer is the perfect time to do plenty of walks with your dog, perhaps going further afield or even for day trips. But many UK beaches don't allow dogs in the summer months, so, here are 10 dog-friendly beaches across the UK that dogs are welcome on all year round.
If they're further afield than your local coastline, you could always treat yourself to a pet friendly hotel for a dog staycation!
1. Cayton Bay, North Yorkshire
Just south of Scarborough, Cayton Bay is a quiet and peaceful cove hidden in the Yorkshire countryside, perfect for your pup to get that much-needed exercise. Known for staying quiet all year round, the beach boasts some of the best waves in the region for surfing and is a great spot for fossil hunting. So if you're ready to feel that sea breeze air, grab a jacket and get exploring next time you take your dog for a walk.
Best for: Surfing and fossil hunting
Car Park Costs: Free parking on road side, the surf shop nearby has parking available with - charges apply
Dogs allowed: All year-round, no restrictions
2. Oxwich Beach, near Swansea
Located just off the south coast of Wales, Oxwich beach’s sweeping golden sand dunes have been a popular destination for families and dog walkers for years. With a whole host of activities to choose from, including jet-skiing or paddling with your pooch in the shallow waters, there's something for everyone.
For those that prefer something a bit quieter and less crowded, head for the sand dunes towards the end of the beach.
Best for: Watersports including diving, sailing, and waterskiing.
Car Park Cost: £7.00 for 2 hours
Dogs Allowed: Dogs are allowed on the beach all year round
3. Ogmore beach, South Wales
As a sand and shingle beach, Ogmore-by-the-sea has a reputation for being one of the cleanest beaches in the region and has proven popular for many thanks to the wide range of activities available.
Spend the day fishing or surfing in the waves, or if you fancy a bit of history look out towards Tusker Rock and soak up the Danish Viking heritage. For those dogs that fancy a longer run around, we recommend the coastal walk that offers stunning views out to sea from the cliff-tops.
Best for: Fishing, walking, and dog-friendly pubs
Car Park Cost: Daily Cap, £6.00
Dogs Allowed: All year-round, no restrictions
4. West Angle beach, Pembrokeshire, Wales
West Angle Bay is a quiet and sheltered beach, located close to Milford Haven. Made up of golden sandy beaches and rock headlines that offer wind protection, the beach can be the perfect place to take your dog on a warm sunny afternoon.
Discover nature in the rockpools or explore the village as part of a wider walk for you and your pup - with so much history to soak up there is something for the whole family to enjoy.
Best for: Rockpooling and walking
Car Park Cost: Free beach parking
Dogs Allowed: All year round, no restrictions.
5. Saunton beach, North Devon
Saunton Sands is a key part of Devon's coastline and is backed by the stunning Braunton Burrows, a UNESCO reserve. The long stretch of sand is perfect for those that love to swim or want to catch some waves during the summer months.
Not only that, but the beach has some famous routes with Robbie Williams having filmed his iconic ‘Angels’ video on the sands. For those that are looking for a more refreshing walk, going up to crows point can be perfect to get some exercise in with your pooch while also basking in some stunning views across the coastline.
Best for: Surfing and Swimming
Car Park Cost: Daily Cap during high season £8
Dogs Allowed: All year round, dog on a lead in certain zones
6. Holywell Beach, East Sussex
Holywell beach is a peaceful and quaint cove located in the west end of Eastbourne and boasts a popular cafe, beach huts and chalets. If you are looking for a way to entertain the kids, then we recommend checking out the rock pools across the coastline.
The beach has charming Italian gardens that are full of life and it’s been the backdrop for many shows and films including Eastenders, Angus Thongs and Perfect Snogging and Miss Marple. Though the beach has complete freedom for pets, make sure to keep your dog under control around families and wildlife.
Best for: Rockpools
Car Park Costs: Daily Cap during high season £8
Dogs Allowed: All year round, but must be kept under control
7. Fraisthorpe beach near Bridlington, East Yorkshire
Fraisthorpe Beach is a golden sandy beach that is located in the East of Yorkshire and forms part of Bridlington Bay that stretches for miles. As a beach that has no restrictions on dogs, its long coastline makes it the perfect place to let your dog splash along the water's edge.
In summer, the beach is a popular spot for swimmers and is also great for kite-surfing thanks to its wide and relatively flat stretch of sand.
Best For: Kite Surfing
Car Park Costs: Daily Cap, £5.00
Dogs Allowed: All year round, no restrictions
8. Horsey Beach, Norfolk
Horsey is an often deserted and unspoilt sandy beach located in Norfolk, where nature thrives. With one of the biggest sand dunes on the east coast, you won’t find it a struggle to get a space on the beach, even during the summer months.
Stroll along the sand from November to January and watch as Grey Seals take to the beach to give birth to newborns. We recommend bringing your dog during the summer months for a play on the sand so they can freely run around without disturbing other nature that occupies the coast.
Further west along the Norfolk coast, your dog can also enjoy the impressive sands of Holkham beach all year round. This is better known than Horsey though, so it'll probably be busier.
Best for: Nature spotting
Car Park Costs: Daily Cap £4.00, free for National Trust Members
Dogs Allowed: Dogs are allowed but is best to avoid in winter due to the seals
9. Ganavan beach, Strathclyde
If you are looking for a beach in Scotland with beautiful scenery and enough space for your dog to run around, Ganavan Beach in Oban should be at the top of your list. Walking along the coastline you will get views across the Firth of Lorn and the isles of Lismore and Mull, with so much stunning scenery you won’t be disappointed.
Looking for a good walking route? There are plenty around the area, as well as partial ruins of 13th Century Dunstaffnage Castle to explore.
Best for: Walking and stunning scenery
Car Park Costs: £2.00 for 2 hours
Dogs Allowed: All year round, no restrictions
10. Formby beach, Liverpool
Formby is one of the Northwest’s most loved coastlines and is backed by extensive sand dunes, giving it that extra-rural feeling. Located between Liverpool and Southport, the beach has managed to retain its nature and is one of the few homes left for red squirrels.
While your dog is able to roam freely on the beach so long as it is well behaved, make sure to keep them on a lead when walking through the pinewood to spot squirrels.
Best for: Nature and Sand dunes
Car Park Costs: Daily cap of £7.50, free for National Trust members
Dogs Allowed: Well behaved dogs are allowed on the beach all year round but must be on a lead through the squirrel walk.
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