Best Dog Friendly Beaches in UK

If you’re planning an English seaside staycation with your furry friend this summer, then there are plenty of gorgeous dog-friendly beaches waiting to welcome you. From some of the most rural parts of the country to vibrant seaside towns, we’ve found some beaches you’re sure to love that cater for humans and dogs alike. 

Holkham Beach, Norfolk 
 
The pooch is sure to love Holkham Beach in Norfolk. With no restrictions throughout the year, your hound is free to roam the wide expanse of golden sand or practice their doggy paddle in the sea. Holkham is great for a coastal walk too. It backs on to Holkham National Nature Reserve, one of the largest in the country. There are a selection of paths that run through this area of natural beauty, so it’s perfect for a bit of an adventure with your canine companion. 

Dungeness Beach, Dungeness, Kent 

Dungeness Beach in Kent is a rugged pebble beach with a somewhat eerie beauty to it. As you crunch along the shingle, you’ll be met by the sight of two stick-like lighthouses and the brutalist form of Dungeness nuclear power station. But it isn’t all haunting industrial structures. Trudge along the water and you’ll eventually reach the RSPB Dungeness Nature Reserve. Quite a contrast to the desolate Dungeness Beach, here you’ll find wet grassland, meadows of wildflowers, interspaced with freshwater pits. The circular route around the reserve is about 1.8 miles long and takes around 40 mins to complete, perfect for a walk with the dog. 

Fistral Beach, Cornwall 

Backed by cliffs and sloping sand dunes, Fistral Beach is a favourite with surfers, who flock to ride the waves every summer. But this beach isn’t just board-friendly, it’s dog-friendly too. Dogs are allowed to visit the beach without restrictions throughout the year. What could be better than walking the dog while watching the surfers ride the waves? Oh, and it’s less than a 20-minute drive from our Perran Sands Holiday Park. 

Scotland is full of beautiful, rugged beaches that are perfect for a seaside walk with your canine companion. Dramatic landscapes line the coast, and there’s plenty of history to explore too. Here are some of the best dog-friendly beaches in Scotland that your pooch is surely to love as much as you. 

Seton Sands, Longniddry 

Just a stone’s throw from the Seton Sands holiday park, Seton Sands beach is perfect for a coastal walk with the pooch. Stroll along the water to the town of Longniddry and enjoy views across the Firth. If you’re hoping for a relaxed day on the beach, then Seton Sands has you covered too. There’s an exclusive doggy exercise area where your canine companion can make a few canine companions of their own. It’s worth remembering that dogs aren’t the only four legged friends that frequent the beach; it’s popular with horse riders too, so keep an eye out. 

Seamill Beach, West Kilbride 

If you're hankering after a bit of a hike, then Seamill Beach is perfect. The rugged sandy beach makes up part of the Ayrshire Coastal Path, a popular walking route that offers stunning views of Firth of Clyde and the Isle of Arran. On the beach itself, low tide exposes a whole world of rockpools and marine life that the kids will love to explore.

Saltcoats Beach, Saltcoats 

There are few better beaches to exercise the dog on than Saltcoats. Your pooch is sure to love haring around on this wide stretch of sand, so don’t forget to bring a ball. They can even practise their doggy paddle in the sea. The beach also offers a lovely coastal walk with plenty of natural beauty and history thrown in.

Wales without a doubt has some of the most picturesque beaches in the whole country, perfect for exploring with your canine companion. Whether you’re looking for coastal walks or just a traditional day at the beach with the family (including the four-legged members), you’re sure to find it in Wales. 

Talacre Beach, Prestatyn 

Talacre Beach is a popular sandy stretch that sits just on the border of Wales and England. Close to a number of resorts, including our own Presthaven Holiday Park, the beach becomes abuzz with holidaymakers and staycationers during the summer months. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of space for everyone, with enough left for the dog to get a workout. The beach is also backed by a Site of Special Scientific Interest; these dunes are home to several rare species, such as natterjack toads.

Llanbedrog, Pwllheli 

This picturesque beach is great for a day by the seaside with the whole family. The pooch is sure to enjoy tiring themselves out on this expansive mile-long sandy stretch. The waters are warm and shallow, so perfect for a bit of a doggy-paddle, whether you’re pawed or not. If you’re looking to chill out by the sea, you can rent one of the brightly coloured beach huts. Or, if you’re up for exploring, take the dog for a stroll along Mynydd Tir y Cwmwd Headland’s pathways and take in the stunning sea views.