Dog friendly beaches in Scotland

Dogs allowed: all year round

This is truly one for nature lovers and their canine companions. Not far from the town of Dunbar, Belhaven is actually located in the peace and quiet of John Muir Country Park, and idyllic location made of forest, dunes, and the beach itself. The park and beach can suit any kind of walk, from a family adventure to a romantic stroll. The gorgeous, clean beach reaches one end into the Tyne estuary, offering lovely views all along the way.

There's a car park located at the southern end, just across the quaint little wooden bridge that leads onto the beach. From here, adventurous people and pooches can also start a clifftop walk that loops round to the town of Dunbar, with epic views from above the crashing waves – the sheer variety of the landscape places this among the best dog friendly beaches in Scotland. Midway along the beach near the woods you'll also find a playpark for the kids and toilet facilities.

Dogs allowed: all year round

While staying at our Seton Sands Holiday Park you won't need to travel far to find a great option for a trip to the beach. This sandy stretch isn’t just perfect for the kids to play, it's great for your pooch too – the beach has its own exercise area specifically for dogs.

While of course being located next door to the conveniences of the park, you can also take a stroll along to reach the town of Longniddry, and just beyond that Longniddry Bents, another charming beach which will welcome your pet. Like at Seton Sands, there are lovely views across the Firth. It also often hosts a great fish and chip stand. Both being within such easy reach of the park prove how easy it is to find a dog-friendly beach on your trip to Scotland.

Dogs allowed: all year round

Offering a nice mix of sands and rocky stretches, Seamill Beach and its surroundings will give you and your pet a great chance to stretch your legs. Tucked away in the north end of the Firth of Clyde, the beach forms a part of the Ayrshire Coastal Path, so if you fancy either a hike or a short walk on your dog's day out, this is a perfect place to start – or if you'd rather relax, let your kids and furry friends explore the rock pools together. Both the beach and the path will give you great views across the Firth of Clyde towards the Isle of Arran.

Access is easy with a car park just behind the beach, and the town of West Kilbride beyond that, which has everything you need to keep you and your pet supplied.

Dogs allowed: all year round

This classic sandy beach has the added benefit of boasting great views of the Isle of Arran across the firth. You can relax and enjoy the sight of the wild mountains in the distance while playing with your pooch or take a stroll towards the ancient Ardrossan castle at the northern end – these 12th-century ruins are another great feature to admire for the history buffs. The beach itself of course gives you, your kids, and the pet the chance to dig and play in the sand, or even dip your paws.

The beach is easily reached from Craig Tara and doesn't lack for facilities, lying between the towns of Ardrossan and Saltcoats. Supermarkets, cafes, and dog-friendly pubs (check out the Castlehill Vaults after seeing the ruins) are all within walking distance of the beach.

Dogs allowed: all year round

Another great place to relax on a gentle stroll, West Bay beach offers both wide sandy stretches and rock pools to explore at low tide. Found just across from the harbour of picturesque North Berwick, there's plenty to gaze across at between the quaint buildings of the town, the low windswept rock formations out in the Firth of Forth, and the distant mountains lying beyond it. Elcho Green, just off the beach, is just as pleasant a place for pooches to play, with picnic tables to stop off and enjoy a break while taking in the views. The beach as a whole has a great sense of peace and quiet, perfect for a doggy day out.

The town of North Berwick is only a short drive from Seton Sands and is well worth a visit in itself, with its pretty terraced buildings hosting all the facilities you'll need for your day out. The Auld Hoose, just off the beach near the harbour, is a well-liked classic Scottish pub which will happily welcome your pet to join you for a drink or bite to eat.