Top Dog Friendly Beaches in the UK for 2025

As the spring weather brightens, it's the perfect time to plan a weekend getaway with your family – and that naturally includes your four-legged best friend. The UK boasts a spectacular coastline, from Devon to Northern Scotland, offering numerous dog friendly beaches ideal for leisurely walks and exciting adventures in the waves.

Dogs especially love running along sandy shores, splashing in the sea, and enjoying the open space. However, not every beach welcomes dogs freely, so knowing where you can take your pooch is essential to ensure a stress-free outing. Below is a carefully curated list of some of the UK’s best dog friendly beaches where local councils have placed minimal or no restrictions.

The Best Dog Friendly Beaches Around the UK Coast

Babbacombe Beach - Devon

Babbacombe Beach is a charming sheltered spot with a mixture of sand and shingle, perfect for dogs to explore. From the top, a scenic path leads down to the beach, making the walk itself enjoyable for you and your dog. Conveniently located with nearby parking and a welcoming pub, it’s ideal for an effortless day at the beach with your canine companion.

Perranporth Beach - Cornwall

Perranporth Beach stretches approximately three miles of golden sand and rolling dunes. It’s highly regarded as one of the UK's top dog friendly beaches, offering plenty of space for dogs to run freely. A notable spot here is The Watering Hole, a dog-friendly pub where well-behaved dogs are welcome on leads, allowing you to refresh while your dog rests.

Climping Beach – Bognor Regis

Near Bognor Regis lies Climping Beach, a tranquil and natural haven perfect for dogs and owners seeking peace. Part of the beach is a nature reserve, so responsible dog owners should keep their pets under control to protect wildlife. This spot is great for a calming walk or a gentle paddle with your dog.

Rhossili Bay – Gower Peninsula, Wales

The famous Welsh coastline boasts Rhossili Bay, a vast sandy beach that seems to stretch endlessly. It’s ideal for dogs to enjoy long runs and energising swims. The beach becomes busy in summer, so arriving early ensures a peaceful experience. The stunning scenery here is a bonus for owners who appreciate natural beauty.

Durdle Door - Dorset

Durdle Door offers a spectacular, unspoilt shingle beach with striking ancient limestone rock formations. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on leads, partly due to the steep paths and sensitive coastal environment. The cliffs provide breathtaking views, making it a wonderful outing spot for adventurous owners and their dogs.

Whitstable - Kent

Whitstable, a charming seaside town, features a unique half-mile strip of land known as The Street at low tide. This stretch provides an excellent route for dog walking along the water’s edge. Dogs on leads are welcome in the pubs lining the beach, offering a lovely opportunity to unwind after a bracing walk and watch a stunning seaside sunset.

Kingsgate – Margate

Margate’s Kingsgate Beach is a smaller golden sandy beach where dogs can roam freely. It’s a great choice for families looking for a quiet spot to enjoy their dog’s company without the bustle of busier tourist beaches.

St Bees - Cumbria

Located on the Cumbrian coast, St Bees offers a lovely mix of sand and shingle. Its dog friendly reputation means it fills up quickly during warmer months, providing ample space for dogs to socialise and play.

Danes Dyke - Yorkshire

In the breathtaking Yorkshire Dales, Danes Dyke Beach is part of a protected nature reserve. It’s a dream location for dog owners who love both beach walks and countryside hiking, blending scenic coastal beauty with freedom for dogs to explore responsibly.

Balmedie – Aberdeen

For a northern beach experience, Balmedie near Aberdeen features about five miles of soft sand dunes. This dog friendly space is popular with locals and visitors alike for long, adventurous walks. Between April and September, you can even hire beach barbecues here for a festive family day out including your dog.

Mellon Udrigle Beach – Northern Scotland

Scotland’s north offers serene white sand beaches like Mellon Udrigle, a tranquil spot perfect for pets who need to stretch their legs away from crowds. The peaceful setting and stunning views make it a top choice for dog owners exploring Scotland’s rugged coastline.

Helpful Tips for Taking Your Dog to the Beach

• Always bring a supply of poop bags and dispose of waste responsibly in beach bins. Tides can wash away rubbish but never assume they remove dog waste, which can be harmful to local wildlife and other people.
• Check tide times before visiting to avoid being caught out by rising water. Planning your walk around low tide can maximise safe beach time.
• Carry fresh water and towels to keep your dog hydrated and dry after playtime in saltwater, which can irritate your pet’s skin and eyes.
• Respect the local environment and wildlife. Some beaches protect nesting birds or delicate habitats, requiring dogs to be kept on leads or restricted to certain areas.

Planning ahead ensures a safe, enjoyable trip to the beach for both you and your dog. If you know of other fantastic dog friendly beaches we haven't mentioned, please share your recommendations below!