Dog-friendly beaches in Somerset
The beaches of Somerset have all you could ever want from a seaside: ice cream, rock pools, lighthouses, fossils, piers, shipwrecks, and plenty of wildlife. This coast has something for the whole family, even the four-legged members, with plenty of space to run around in and wilderness to explore.
Your furry friend will love running free on the many dog-friendly beaches of Somerset given the variety of terrains from rock pavements, wooded cliffs, sand dunes and mudflats. However, some beaches still restrict dogs during certain months and in certain areas. To save you time and effort investigating the specifics, we’ve listed our top five dog friendly beaches in Somerset below. So, get your lead ready because walkies are on the cards.
Kilve Beach, Kilve
Dogs allowed: all year round
Kilve Beach, found just north of the Quantocks near the historic market town of Bridgewater, is not only a firm favourite with fossil hunters but also with dog walkers. Engage your inner-archaeologist with a try at uncovering ammonites on the long, stony beach whilst your four-legged friend sniffs around the rock pools formed by the unusual formations. We recommend using strong footwear at this long, stony beach as clambering over the uneven surfaces can take its toll on your feet. This also means that the beach is perhaps better suited to larger dogs. This is not, however, a beach for swimmers, owing to the nature of the coastline.
Parking is available at Kilve as well as the village of East Quantoxhead, where you can park in the church parking field for a snip and enjoy a lovely half-mile walk along an even easy footpath leading to the steps onto the beach. There’s also a large grassy area behind the beach that’s perfect for picnics.
Blue Anchor Bay, Carhampton
Dogs allowed: all year round
The scenic beach is made up of sand and shingle. It is popular with walkers for its stunning view, made famous by a JMW Turner painting from around 1820. Blue Anchor Bay was apparently named after the colour of the mud left on ships' anchors moored in the bay, though this fact is still debated! The beach curves around with the steep wooded hills of the Grade II listed folly Conygar Tower and is surrounded by alabaster rocks and cliffs with Dunster Castle rising in the distance.
The beach is also one of the most dog-friendly beaches in Somerset, welcoming four-legged friends all year round. However, there are no lifeguards patrolling the beach and currents along this stretch of coast are notoriously strong, so it is recommended to stick to walking with your pooch rather than taking a dip together. Often overlooked in favour of the ever-popular Minehead, this west Somerset beach is an underrated gem with plenty of parking, toilets, a fantastic pub and even a steam railway connection. If you’re in the area, you won’t regret a visit.
Sand Bay, near Weston-super-Mare
Dogs allowed: all year round
The simply named Sand Bay is a very pleasant sand and shingle beach near Weston-super-Mare in North Somerset. True to its name, the beach offers a large expanse of golden sand in addition to excellent views across the Bristol Channel to the Welsh capital, Cardiff.
The calm environment gives off an atmosphere of tranquility and with ample space, the beach is a wonderful place for a walk with man’s best friend. At one end there is a large area with plant life of all descriptions growing into the body of sand itself which your pooch will delight in exploring. In fact, there are no restrictions for dogs at any time of the year at Sand Bay and car parks along the length of the bay mean that access is simple. We also recommend a visit to the nearby Sandy Bay Tea Rooms that serves refreshments of the highest quality.
Porlock Weir Beach, Porlock Weir
Dogs allowed: all year round
Nestled at the edge of the imposing hills of Exmoor National Park, Porlock Weir Beach is a pretty dog friendly beach in Somerset made up of large shingle. There’s plenty for your dog to explore here and for the very best views, we recommend walking your furry friend down one of the winding paths along the coastline, where you’re able to gaze out over the Bristol Channel.
The town of Porlock has a very rich history, evident in its buildings and cottages, and is sure to charm. There’s ample choice in the way of local cafes and restaurants to refuel in after your walk, many of which will be happy to accommodate your dog. There’s also a pay & display car park with 60 spaces, including disabled spots, and toilet facilities on offer.
Bossington Beach, Bossington
Dogs allowed: all year round
Bossington Beach lies at the eastern end of Porlock Bay and consists of medium-sized smooth stones that form a bank, behind which is agricultural land. It is perfectly comfortable to sit or lie on as the beach slopes in steps to the shore. Of course, the best way to enjoy this location is in the company of man’s best friend!
Your dog will love the vast expanse of shingle and it’s easily accessed via a good stone bridleway from the quaint, rural village of Bossington (where there is a National Trust operated car park) or via the coastal path from Porlock. Towards the centre of the beach are the remnants of a World War Two pill box and some old lime kilns which your kids will love exploring. However, as the signs warn, it’s best to avoid swimming due to the strong currents, so keep your kids and dogs with you safely on dry land.
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Let2offset is a contractual lettings product that offers eligible owners a guaranteed letting income at a preferential rate (calculated each year) in exchange for a stipulated number of letting breaks. It also allows eligible owners to pay their site fees and receive their letting income in 12 equal monthly instalments; the monthly site fee amount charged by Haven will be after deduction of the letting income.
‘Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031’ is available at 33 Haven parks excluding Burnham, Cardigan View, Far Grange, Garreg Wen, Lydstep Beach, Riviere Sands and Seaview. The letting income received will vary by make, model and location. The monthly site fee payment does not include running costs e.g. utilities, rates & insurance.
“Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031” is applicable to new and existing customer purchases of new Atlas Sahara 3 Bed or equivalent or superior grade holiday home purchases made through Haven where customers have also signed up to Haven’s Let2offset contract. It is not applicable to private sales and cannot be used in conjunction with our free Site Fee promotion. It is available across 40% of eligible Parks and applies when letting a new Atlas Sahara 3 Bed holiday home (or equivalent or superior grade for 15 weeks.
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Modelled assumptions on expected annual site fee and letting income charges over the 7-year lettable life of the Atlas Sahara 3 Bed indicate that under Let2offset it is anticipated that these customers will continue to receive a monthly credit during this period, however, this is not guaranteed. The modelled assumptions are based on the historical performance of Haven over the past 5 years of trading.
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Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.