Dog-friendly beaches near Bournemouth

In order to prepare yourself and your furry friends for a day of sun in the sun, it’s important to familiarise yourself with Dorset’s Doggy Do Code. The Doggy Do Code is a list of a few simple rules to ensure everyone’s continued enjoyment of shared pet-friendly spaces. Many dog-friendly areas that you visit will abide by this code. This keeps it simple for good canines to behave in a manner befitting the gentle dogs they are!  

Once you and Fido have become acquainted with how a civilised beast behaves at the beach, you will want to know the best spots to swim, dig, and run together. We have put together a list of the best dog-friendly beaches in Bournemouth.

Dogs allowed: all-year round

This hidden gem doesn’t have much in the way of beachfront activity. However, what it lacks in excitement, it makes up for with its quiet, old-school charm and a stretch of beach for dogs to run wild all-year long. 

The reason that this beach remains a hidden gem is because of its small amount of parking. While it may be difficult to find, parking at Branksome Dene definitely exists. Use the sat nav postcode BH13 6JP to help you get there. Look for a small access road off Pinewood Road.

Dogs allowed: all-year round

Safe, family-friendly, and patrolled by lifeguards, Southbourne Beach is a Blue Flag award-winning beach and an excellent spot for the entire family, including your furry family members. Simply look for the demarcated area on the beach that is designated for dogs and watch your furry friend live their best beach life! 

While it goes without saying that they expect dog owners to clean up any messes, it’s also important to note that any canine should be on a lead while walking along the promenade or the zig-zags.

Dogs allowed: all-year round 

With its iconic beach huts, a splash pool, a children’s play area, a nearby cafe, and a swath of golden sandy beaches for your dog to run free, Hamworthy Beach is the perfect place for families with human and fur children alike. 

Neighbouring Hamworthy Park is an excellent place for doggies to take a break and hunker down for a midday nap under the shade of a tree while the kids play on the swings and monkey bars. 

Let Fido off the lead to run, splash and play with the family on the beach any time of year. However, they must be back on their lead during walks around the promenade while the splash pad and play zone are completely off-limits. 

For those of us who love our furry family members and hate to go on holiday without them, there are a variety of dog-friendly beaches in Bournemouth to check out. No matter what sort of holiday vibes you are going for, there is a dog-friendly beach or attraction nearby that will pique your and your dog’s interest. So review your Doggy Do’s, pack some extra drinking water and another towel, and bring your doggo for a day of fun in the sun you’ll remember forever.