20 Dog-Friendly Beaches to Visit in the UK This Summer
There’s a particular kind of joy in watching a dog meet the sea for the first time each summer — the mad dash, the salty ears, the utter delight. The UK is blessed with miles of glorious coastline, and plenty of it welcomes four-legged visitors. We’ve gathered twenty of our favourites to inspire your next escape by the water.
A quick word before you go: many beaches operate seasonal dog restrictions between May and September, so it’s always worth checking the current rules before you set off.
The South and South East
1. Camber Sands, East Sussex. Vast golden dunes and shallow water, with a dog-friendly stretch away from the busiest zones.
2. West Wittering, West Sussex. Beautiful and family-favourite; dogs are welcome on parts of the beach, though seasonal rules apply, so check first.
3. Studland Bay, Dorset. Four miles of National Trust sand with a well-loved dog-friendly section and views towards Old Harry Rocks.
4. Winchelsea Beach, East Sussex. A quieter shingle-and-sand spot, wonderfully uncrowded even in peak season.
The South West
5. Woolacombe, Devon. A sweeping three-mile beach with a designated dog area and excellent surf.
6. Croyde Bay, Devon. Compact, pretty and dog-welcoming outside the height of summer restrictions.
7. Porthcurno, Cornwall. Turquoise water and dramatic cliffs; dogs allowed off-season and outside peak hours.
8. Perranporth, Cornwall. Three miles of sand where dogs are welcome year-round — a rarity worth treasuring.
Wales
9. Rhossili Bay, Gower. Regularly named among the world’s finest beaches, and dog-friendly all year. Simply breathtaking.
10. Whitesands Bay, Pembrokeshire. Golden sand near St Davids with seasonal restrictions on the central section only.
11. Newgale, Pembrokeshire. A long, wild sweep of sand and pebble, popular with surfers and dogs alike.
12. Barafundle Bay, Pembrokeshire. A short walk from the car park, but the reward is a secluded, dog-friendly gem.
The North and North West
13. Formby, Merseyside. Pine woods, dunes and red squirrels behind a wide sandy beach — dogs adore it.
14. Ainsdale, Merseyside. A broad, breezy expanse next to a nature reserve, welcoming to dogs.
15. Blackpool (northern stretches), Lancashire. Beyond the resort bustle, quieter sands allow dogs year-round.
The North East, East and Scotland
16. Bamburgh, Northumberland. Miles of pristine sand beneath a fairytale castle, dog-friendly all year.
17. Druridge Bay, Northumberland. Seven unspoilt miles that rarely feel crowded, however sunny the day.
18. Holkham, Norfolk. Immense golden sands framed by pine woods — one of Britain’s most beautiful beaches, and dogs are welcome.
19. Balmedie, Aberdeenshire. Extensive dunes and clean sand just north of Aberdeen.
20. Luskentyre, Isle of Harris. White sand and impossibly blue water; remote, magical and thoroughly dog-friendly.
Making the most of your coastal escape
The beach is the easy part. It’s the planning around it — the dog-welcoming hotel with the right room, the restaurant that won’t mind muddy paws, the coastal walk that suits everyone, the seamless drive with the right stops — that turns a good weekend into an effortless one.
That’s where our team comes in. At Otium, we plan getaways down to the last detail, drawing on our little black book of trusted places to stay and dine, so you arrive relaxed and leave rested. Whether it’s a spontaneous coastal weekend or a fortnight by the sea, we handle the logistics while you enjoy the view.
Ready to plan a getaway your whole family — paws included — will love?
Get in touch with us at hello@otium-concierge.com or call 03333406312, and we’ll arrange a seamless summer escape, leaving you the freedom to focus on what truly matters.