In the UK we have an impressive collection of Dog Friendly Beaches – Just don't forget to bring your beach towels to dry your dog off on the ride home!
1. Sandymouth, Cornwall
Home to some of the best coastline in the world; it is the perfect place for an exhilarating stroll come rain or shine. Let your dog off-lead to enjoy the rock pools and rolling surf, or explore the cliffs and grasslands from a higher vantage point.
2. Ballycastle, Northern Ireland
The traditional seaside town of Ballycastle is located on the Causeway Coast Route of Antrim, not far from the Giant's Causeway, Glens of Antrim and Rathlin. It is also home to a particularly fine stretch of sandy beach. The beach runs from Ballycastle's marina all the way to the popular fishing spot of Pans Rocks just over a mile away. At the town end of the beach the river Margy river flows into the sea. This can be crossed via a stone bridge that leads from the seafront promenade. Dogs must be kept under control during the summer.
3. Brean Beach, Somerset
If your dog loves the sea, then Brean Beach offers the perfect place for that brisk seaside stroll. The beach is open year-round, so there’s no need to limit your walks to just the season. Covering 3 miles of sandy seafront and surrounded by countryside, Brean offers beautiful views and a generous stretch of beach to run along and discover.
4. Danes Dyke, Yorkshire
Danes Dyke is the ideal location for a coastal stroll. Part of Yorkshire's Nature Reserve, Danes Dyke is part sand, part pebbles, and delivers beautiful scenery. The route is largely unspoiled with white sandy stretches and chalk cliffs.
5. Rhosilli Bay, Gower Peninsula, South Wales
Often recognised as one of the best beaches in all of Wales, dogs are welcome year-round to admire its amazing views and sniff out the shipwreck, Helvetia, washed up on the beach. Rhossilli is around a half-hour drive from the city of Swansea.
6. Holkham Bay, Norfolk
Voted one of the best beaches in Britain by more than 100 travel writers, Holkham Bay looks beautiful at any time of year, regardless of the weather. The pristine sands are smooth and golden, and stretch for miles along the beach (and equally far towards the sea!) Despite its beauty, Holkham Bay remains a fairly quiet coastal stretch - perhaps its seemingly infinite size helps give the illusion of solitude!
This beach is very popular with the horsey crowd so make sure you have great control of your playful pooch.
7. Milford-On-Sea, Hampshire
One of the few year-round dog-friendly beaches in the area, Take the shingle beach at your own pace and admire the colourful huts lining the shoreline, or stop for a drink at one of the numerous cafes and kiosks (they also supply water for dogs so yours needn't go thirsty).
Beside the obvious pleasures of the beach, a lovely walk awaits along Hurst Spit to Hurst Castle, which is worth taking advantage of.
8. Slapton Sands - Monument Beach, Devon
Despite it’s name this is a shingle beach. An extremely picturesque and popular beach, Slapton Sands plays an important part in the survival of some of the UK’s rarest flora and fauna.
9. Nairn Beach (nr Findhorn), Scotland
Nairn may be famous for its great golf courses, and local school of dolphins, but the long sandy beach is one of the town’s top attractions. Having been described as ‘a piece of heaven’ by visitors, Nairn Beach is a delight for dog walkers.
Note: Being the busiest season for visitors, between April and September dogs have to be kept under close control on the beach.
