A dog friendly beach means that dogs are welcome all year round, the water is clean and safe, and there is easy access to a vet. We’ve picked five of our favourite pawsome places to pop up a parasol.
Note: Not all dogs are natural doggy-paddlers, and tides can turn. Kit your pup out with a buoyancy aid (we love this one from Red Equipment: https://red-equipment.co.uk/products/dog-buoyancy-aid-red)
Hengistbury West Beach, Dorset
Most of the golden beaches dotted along the coast of Dorset have restrictions on dogs, especially during the summer months. But at Hengistbury West, just a short drive from the better-known beaches of Bournemouth, your four-legged friend is welcome to play all year round.
This shingle and pebble beach is unspoilt, south-facing and enclosed by the cliffs of Hengistbury Head – a scenic headland which attracts walkers and nature lovers from around the world, and which separates Poole Bay and Christchurch Bay.
Milford-on-Sea Beach, Hampshire
Tucked away at the southernmost tip of the beautiful New Forest National Park is this smashing little pebble beach, highly popular with dog lovers. Your dog is welcome all year round with no summer restrictions. There are brilliant views across to the Isle of Wight and a great family walk from the beach along Hurst Spit to Hurst Castle.
Whitstable West Beach, Whitstable, Kent
Whitstable’s mile-long west beach is a stretch of shingle divided up by wooden groynes and offers dogs unrestricted access to the coast in an area where bylaws restricting dogs are common. It runs from just south of the town’s harbour to the neighbouring village of Seasalter.
You’ll love its traditional charms, such as its beach huts, weatherboard cottages and fishing boats pulled up on the beach. While on your walk you can enjoy watching people windsurf. There’s also a yacht club at the northern end.
Southwold Pier, Suffolk
Southwold is one of Suffolk’s best-known resorts — not least because of its 800-foot long pier and distinctive beach huts. The quality of the beach has been recognised over the years by regular Blue Flag awards which demonstrates that it is not only clean but also provides an excellent array of amenities.
The shingle and pebble beach at Southwold is backed by a promenade which runs along the front of the town. You’ll find plenty to do including amusement arcades, fishing and swimming. It has all the facilities you would expect of such a popular and stylish resort so take your pick of the cafés and shops nearby.
Bamburgh Beach, Northumberland
The village of Bamburgh may be small but it has one very big claim to fame – it was voted the UK’s best seaside destination in 2021. It beat off competition from 100 other hopefuls and when you get onto the beach, you’ll soon see why. Kite flyers and strolling couples, children building sandcastles, plus dog walkers aplenty – your hound will love meeting many new friends while tearing along the fine sands.