England
Saunton Sands, Devon
You’ll need to arrive atSaunton Sands early if this is your beach of choice – not because it will get crowded (the shore extends for more than three miles) but because parking may be scarce. Fortunately, theBreak CaféThere’s an option to enjoy tea, coffee, and fresh sausage rolls for breakfast, and naturally, ice cream is available for purchase later in the day. The sand is soft and golden, reminiscent of a traditional British beach, and when the tide recedes, there’s ample room for a game of fetch.
Mawgan Porth, Cornwall
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A short distance from Newquay, nestled between two scenic, grass-covered cliffs,Mawgan Porthis a perfect place for discovering tide pools and caves with your pet. Located near a small village, there are numerous pet-friendly amenities – including theBedruthan Hotel if you’re looking to make a weekend out of it, bring your swimsuit as well – it’s usually safe for a quick swim and there’s a lifeguard present during thesummer months.
Dungeness, Kent
If sand doesn’t appeal to you, this beach in Kent provides a completely different kind of experience. A large area of pebbles extends from the parking lot atDungeness Nature Reserve, and a number of intriguing sights can be found on this low headland. There is an early 1900s black lighthouse, a bold black and white striped modern lighthouse, and the massive nuclear power plant located on its southern side. The scenery here is beautifully desolate on a rainy day and offers an engaging walk with your dog – plus, there are a few pubs to keep you well-fed and refreshed.
Irlam’s Beach, Essex
If you’re looking for a peaceful place to take the dog for a walk, Irlam in Essex offers a lovely small stretch of sand to wander along. The views of the nearby Dovercourt Bay are great, and on a clear day you can see across to theNaze Nature Reserve. This shoreline is bordered byHamford Waters National Nature Reserve, which features mudflats and wetlands, so take binoculars and ensure your dog is on a leash to have a chance of seeing some shorebirds.
West Wittering, West Sussex
The vast white sands ofWest WitteringDogs are welcome all year at the western part of the beach, and there’s an excellent circular trail around East Head if you’d like to exercise your pet before settling down with your towel.The Beach Caféis an excellent place for breakfast or lunch – or maybe just coffee and a slice of cake – and beach wheelchairs are available to rent for individuals with mobility challenges; reserve them ahead of time by contacting the estate office at 01243 514143.
Blue Anchor Bay, Somerset
When the ocean recedes atBlue Anchor Bay, near Minehead, it reveals a wide area of compressed sand and pebbles, ideal for throwing the ball for the dog. Conveniently situated on the dog-friendlyWest Somerset RailwayYou can combine a visit here with a heritage train journey along the Somerset coastline. Breakfast, lunch, and delicious snacks are available at the charming Hoburne Café located on the seafront.
St Bees Beach, Cumbria
Get beyond the rocky shore onSt Bees beachand you will soon experience soft sand beneath your feet – a relief for those who have been hiking in the nearby Lake District. This beautiful beach stretches almost a mile and is bordered by the attractive village of St Bees, which serves as the starting point for the 192-mileCoast to Coast National Trail. You’ll discover an excellent pet-friendly bakery located by the seaside, with a golf course situated at the southern part of this beach. Walking north along the shoreline will lead you to St Bees Head, where fulmars and guillemots are commonly found nesting (dogs must remain on leashes).
Formby Beach, Merseyside
No vehicle access available toFormby Beach this year as the National Trustis undergoing maintenance, meaning that residents and those willing to travel by public transport will have this section of beautiful soft sand all to themselves. It takes a 30-minute walk from the station to the beach, with half the route passing through dunes and a woodland area that serves as one of the final habitats for red squirrels on the English mainland (dogs must be on leashes in this area). When you arrive at the beach, your pet is allowed to roam freely as long as it remains under control and doesn’t disturb the shorebirds that stop here during their migrations. Keep an eye out for sand lizards and dune tiger beetles.
Glen Wyllin Beach, Isle of Man
Rough sand and stones form the extended shoreline atGlen WyllinOn the western side of the Isle of Man. During high tide, the beach is divided by a rocky path near the parking area, but during low tide, it becomes a large area for a dog’s “zoomies.” There are no amenities here other than a campsite, so bring a tent and plan to spend a weekend at this wonderfully peaceful part of one of Britain’s most underappreciated islands.
Longsands, Tyne and Wear
The town of Tynemouth, directly across the estuary from Newcastle, is an excellent location for dog owners to explore. There are many dog-friendly cafes, fish and chip shops, and beach bars to keep you energized, and the northern section of its beautiful, expansive sandy beach is open to dogs all year (the southern part has a ban on dogs from May to September). Here, you’re also just a short walk away fromTynemouth Priory and Castle, – a dramatic cliffside ruin offering breathtaking views along the coastline.
Wales
Tenby South Beach, Pembrokeshire
The Pembrokeshire town of Tenbyis fortunate to have two sections of beautiful sandy beach, but only the southern one allows dogs all year round, starting from the entrance near Jubilee Park. There is convenient parking close to the sand, and dogs are welcome to join you for fish and chips inSalty’s Beach Bar and Eatery, and about a mile of sand stretches southward for endless fun in the sun. The beach is bordered by dunes and has a lifeguard during the summer for those who decide to swim.
Traeth Llydan, Anglesey
Located just south of the charming small town ofRhosneigr, where small, hidden vendors sell ice cream and crêpes, Traeth Llydan is a beautiful, wide beach with grassy dunes behind it. Visit to splash in the ocean, build sandcastles, and look into the rock pools that remain at low tide. Don’t forget to have lunch at the nearbyOyster Catcher restaurant, where dogs are welcome on the terrace and inside for top-notch local seafood. Stay alert for planes flying overhead from the nearby RAF base, where Prince William served during his military service.
Poppit Sands, Pembrokeshire
Southern Pembrokeshire frequently receives all the attention regarding beaches, butPoppit Sands, near the mouth of the River Teifi, a few miles from Cardigan, lies a beautiful sandy area. Although the beach is fairly large even during high tide, it’s best to plan your visit when the water has receded, as the packed wet sand offers an ideal spot for playing fetch or frisbee with your dog. TheRoyal National Lifeboat Institutionshop along the beach near the big parking lot is also pet-friendly.
Scotland
Cramond Beach, Edinburgh
Dogs in the northwestern suburbs of Edinburgh are fortunate canines, asCramond Beachnear the southern border of the Firth of Forth lies a breathtaking location for a morning stroll. Visitors can enjoy a coffee and pastry or a hearty meal atBoardwalk Beach ClubAt the Silverknowes end of the walkway before continuing towards the beach. During low tide, you can walk all the way to Cramond Island, where remnants of early 20th-century fortifications are visible.
Girvan Beach, Ayrshire
From the golden beaches ofGirvan Beach, you might mistakenly believe that someone constructed a massive Tunnocks teacake replica in the sea. They haven’t, it’s simply Ailsa Craig, a rocky islet that serves as a habitat for thousands of nesting seabirds. This section of sand is ideal for families, featuring a playground and a boating pond along the waterfront, as well as numerous options for food and drinks in Girvan town. On the first Wednesday evening of each month, you could encounter the local Dips and Chips group, a group of resilient women who go for a sea swim regardless of the weather, followed by a fish and chip meal at a dog-friendly establishment.Graziano’s. Beginners and their dogs are welcome to participate (reservations are required).
Leven Beach, Fife
The little town of LevenFife is frequently overlooked compared to its more famous neighbors like Elie or Crail. However, it boasts one of the best beaches along this section of the Scottish coastline, offering plenty to do right on the shore. A dog-friendly putting green is located on the promenade, along with a grassy park that often features a small fairground during the summer months. On the beach, your dog can roam freely while you take in the scenic views of the Firth of Forth, stretching toward North Berwick and the striking Bass Rock. As dusk falls, you can observe gannets diving into the sea from the shoreline while enjoying a one-hour walk to Lower Largo, where top-notch fish and chips (and a special dog menu) are available atThe Crusoe.
Brora Beach, Sutherland
Brora, one of the numerous coastal villages along the highly popular North Coast 500 scenic drive, lacks the dramatic seashore features found at some beaches further north. However, this section of the coastline offers a serene form of beauty: a layer of gentle yellow sand, rocks and large stones draped in sea moss that display various shades of green, and seals that float nearby as you stroll by with your dog. Keep an eye out for grazing sheep and cattle that occasionally come down to the beach for a swim.
St. Ninian’s sand bar, Shetland
It’s a 14-hour boat trip from Aberdeen to the main island of Shetland – pets are allowed in the cabins on Northlink ships – butSt NinianIt’s definitely worth the journey. A stunning, bright-white sandbar lies ahead, linking the mainland of Shetland to the small St Ninan’s Isle. Walk around the island, where you’ll discover the remains of a 12th-century chapel, then head down to the sand. The two protected bays on either side of the sandbar are perfect for some open-water swimming, and theHaar Saunais frequently left there to assist in warming you up again following your swim.
Lottie Gross is the writer ofDog Days Out and Dog-Friendly Weekends, as well as the upcoming Dog-Friendly Europe, Dog-Friendly Weekends: Cotswolds and Dog-Friendly Weekends: Scotland.
