15 Dog-Friendly Beaches in the UK Your Pup Will Adore · Kinship

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Salty Paws & Sandy Noses: The Best UK Beaches for Dogs

Find your pup’s perfect patch of sand

by Nuala McHugh
13 April 2025
man with a ball and a dog on the beach
Luis Herrera / Stocksy

In this article:

Dog-friendly beach tips Beaches in Northern England

How much does your dog love the beach? There’s nothing like the sound of crashing waves, the feel of soft sand under your feet – and the sight of your dog launching into a joyful sprint, ears flapping, tongue lolling.

Luckily, the UK is home to countless beautiful, dog-friendly beaches where you and your four-legged companion can roam free, splash in the surf and soak up some salty sea air. Whether you’re after peaceful coves, wide-open stretches or year-round access, there’s a beach here with your dog’s name on it (figuratively speaking, of course – we’re not that dog-obsessed. Yet).

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From the wild beauty of the Scottish coast to Cornwall’s sun-soaked shores, we’ve sniffed out 15 of the best beaches where your dog is more than welcome.

Main Takeaways

  • Many beaches are dog-friendly year-round, but some have seasonal restrictions — usually between May and September. Always check local signage or council websites.

  • Pack the essentials: lead, water, shade, snacks (for both of you), and plenty of poo bags.

  • Check tide times before visiting — especially for remote or narrow beaches.

  • Always clean up after your dog and respect wildlife and local rules. A well-behaved dog means dog access stays available for everyone.

  • Let them off-lead only when safe, and if they’re well-recalled — even the best-behaved pup might fancy chasing a seagull or two.


Tips for visiting a dog friendly beach

Planning a beach day and bringing the whole family – dog included? Here are some key things to keep in mind:

  • Check beach rules: make sure your chosen beach allows dogs and check for any seasonal restrictions.

  • Pack the essentials: bring fresh water, a lead, a water bowl, poo bags, a towel and something to shade your dog if need be.

  • Keep an eye on the tide: be aware of tide times and strong currents to keep your dog safe.

  • Watch out for hot sand: if the sand is too hot for your feet, it’s too hot for their paws!

  • Respect other beachgoers: not everyone loves dogs, so keep your dog under control and clean up after them (we beg of you).

  • Know your dog’s limits: not all dogs are natural swimmers, so introduce them to the water gradually and watch for signs of tiredness.

Dog friendly beaches in Northern England

Cayton Bay, North Yorkshire

When are dogs allowed:
Dogs are welcome all year round.

Address:
Cayton Bay, North Yorkshire, YO11 3NR

What to know:
A quiet, unspoiled gem backed by dramatic cliffs and wide open sand – perfect for scenic dog walks or high-speed zoomies. Popular with surfers, so waves can be rough; always supervise water-loving pups. Bonus: the local kiosk sells dog-friendly ice cream! Toilets and parking available.

a smiling woman with brown hair with a white dog

Nuala McHugh

Nuala is a writer with a background in PR. She has worked with brands including Jollyes, Universal Studios, and Amazon. Based in Northern Ireland, she is now doing what she loves most: writing with her clingy cockapoo Bobby by her side. 

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