20 OF THE UK’S BEST DOG-FRIENDLY BEACHES, FROM A BAY IN MARGATE TO A QUIET STRETCH OF SAND IN CORNWALL

Whether it’s chasing the surf – or the odd seagull – or simply digging in the sand, if your pooch loves the seaside, you’ll want to visit one of these coastal spots with plenty of space for a game of fetch.

SOUTH
Camber Sands, East Sussex

One of the few beaches in Sussex with sand rather than pebbles, Camber Sands is understandably one of the region’s most popular. While dogs are allowed year-round, there are sign-posted dog-free areas between May and September. But don’t let that put you off – the sand is nearly five miles long so there’s plenty of space for all.

Kingsgate Bay, Margate

Backed by Kent’s famous white chalk cliffs, Kingsgate Bay is a stunning part of the southeast coast. The 270m-long stretch of sand is a gorgeous spot on a sunny afternoon, but it’s even more enchanting on a winter’s morning walk, just as the sun is rising and the morning light paints the sky all pink and purple.

Talland Bay, Cornwall

A quiet alternative to the beaches at Looe and Polperro, Talland Bay is a small but beautifully formed stretch of sand at the bottom of a steep hill. There are natural tidal pools for swimming, rock pools for kids to explore, and there’s a great little cafe serving cream teas and cold beers. Stay at the nearby Talland Bay Hotel for sea views and exceptionally good food.

Watergate Bay, Cornwall

Over three kilometres of brilliant golden sand makes Watergate Bay one of Cornwall’s finest and largest beaches. Come here for swimming, surf lessons at the Extreme Academy or sandcastle building. There’s plenty of parking, toilet facilities and food and drink at the cafes that back the beach. Want to stay overnight? Perched on a cliff above the sand, the Watergate Bay Hotel is the best dog-friendly spot around.

Great Bay, St Martin’s, Isles of Scilly

Perhaps tricky to get to (two ferries from Penzance) but well worth the effort, this beach in the Isles of Scilly has sand so white and water so clear you could be standing on a private stretch in Saint Lucia. Totally undeveloped and backed by wild grasses and thick ferns, it feels properly wild. It’s not uncommon to be here alone, even in summer, and after a day on the sand don’t miss dinner at Adam’s Fish & Chips. The island’s only hotel, Karma St Martin’s, accepts dogs, so stay overnight to have the place to yourself.

Saunton Sands, Devon

This beach has it all. Great surf ideal for beginners, safe swimming areas, plenty of food and drink options and there’s even an all-terrain wheelchair for those who need help with access. The long, sandy beach is backed by the Braunton Burrows, the largest sand dune system in the UK, and dogs who need a stroll should head up to Crow Point where you’ll get brilliant views along the coast.

Mouthmill Beach, Devon

A sandy beach with dramatic rock formations jutting out the sand, Mouthmill Beach, near Clovelly, is for the exploring kind. There are rock pools to discover, streams to follow and there’s the ruins of a lime kiln. Nearby is the fairytale-esque Brownsham Wood – ideal for shady walks with the dog.

Mudeford Sandbank, Dorset

Home to some of the UK’s most expensive beach huts most can only dream of (unless you’ve got £100,000 to spare), Mudeford is a gorgeously soft sandy spit, best accessed via ferry from Christchurch. The Beach House cafe is dog-friendly, and there are lovely walks around the nearby Hengistbury Head.

WALES
Freshwater West, Pembrokeshire

With rock pools that harbour fascinating marine life, waves good enough for experienced surfers, and a kilometre of soft yellow sand by the shoreline, Freshwater West is the perfect Pembrokeshire day out. Don’t miss a lobster roll or fish sandwich at Cafe Môr in the car park, where seaweed from the beach makes a unique relish. Harry Potter fans can go in search of “Dobby’s grave”, a memorial to the fictional house elf whose death was filmed on the beach in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1.

Tenby South Beach, Pembrokeshire

Overlooked by some of Tenby’s most enviable homes, perched high on the cliffs above and with views out to Caldey Island, South Beach is vast. Fine sand, safe surf for swimming and often served by an off-roading ice cream van, it’s a fantastic family day out with plenty of space for the dog to race around off lead.

Black Rock Sands, Snowdonia

Packing all but the kitchen sink? There’s no need to carry all your clobber onto the beach at Black Rock Sands: this is one of the few beaches in Wales where you can drive right onto the sand. Bring your deck chairs, wind breaks and parasols for a day out on this vast beach with views of the Snowdonia National Park behind. Note there is a no-dogs section at the northern end and beware of signs warning about soft sinking sand.

Llydan, Anglesey

Sitting just south of the well-to-do village of Rhosneigr, this little sweep of sand is one of Anglesey’s best for dog owners. Swim in the surf, play fetch on the beach and, when it’s time for lunch, hike over the dunes to the excellent Oystercatcher restaurant where you can dine together inside or on the terrace, or in Will’s Bar – so named after Prince William, who was stationed at RAF Rhosneigr for a time.

NORTH

Robin Hood’s Bay, North Yorkshire

Just a 20-minute drive south of Whitby on the North Yorkshire coast, Robin Hood’s Bay is a fantastic day out. The beach is backed by a gorgeous little fishing village with cobblestone steps and plenty of dog-friendly pubs and cafes, and the beach is littered with ancient fossils from when the region was part of a deep seabed.

Bamburgh Beach, Northumberland

A seemingly endless beach with soft sand, towering dunes to hike up and spectacular castle views, Bamburgh is the highlight of the Northumberland coast. Dogs will love racing along its flat sands at low tide, and for a little history lesson, you can all visit Bamburgh Castle and its Armstrong Aviation Museum.

SCOTLAND
Calgary Bay, Isle of Mull

A gloriously remote sweep of white sand with strikingly clear water, Calgary Bay is gorgeous even in the bleakest of Scottish weather. Sitting on the northern coast of the Isle of Mull, it’s backed by grassy fields and some native woodland. The car park gets incredibly busy, so stop at the Calgary Arts centre instead and take their Art in Nature walk down to the coast.

Loch Morlich beach, Cairngorms

With water temperatures of 18 degrees and higher, Loch Morlich is a balmy alternative to swimming in the chilly seas on Scotland’s coast. This coarse-sand beach has a watersports centre and cafe, so hire a canoe and paddle around with the dog in the shadow of the snow-capped Cairngorm Mountains.

Portobello, Edinburgh

If you’re a dog in Edinburgh, Portobello is the place to be at weekends. The city’s hounds come here to let off steam when the weather’s right, racing along the sand and swimming in the chilly seas. Walk along the promenade, grab a bagel for lunch at Bross Bagels, and stop in at Harry’s Gourmet Treats for some haggis dog snacks before you head home.

NORTHERN IRELAND
Murlough Beach, County Down

Much more than just another beach, Murlough home to a 6,000-year-old sand dune system that harbours ground-nesting birds in spring and early summer, as well as butterflies, lizards, stoats and shrews. The beach itself is five miles long so there’s plenty of space for dog’s to run about, plus there are boardwalks through the dunes for a change of scenery.

Downhill Strand Beach, County Londonderry

Seven miles of sugary sand backed by grassy cliffs makes Downhill Strand one of the finest beaches in Northern Ireland. Add to that a few caves to explore, some craggy rock formations and a train track that runs across the length of it and there’s plenty to interest the whole family. The best part? You can drive right onto the sand here. Don’t miss the hike up to the 18th Century Mussenden Temple.

Portstewart Strand, County Londonderry

More than 3kms of soft, flat sand makes Portstewart Strand one of the best beaches in Northern Ireland. Even better, you can drive right onto the beach. Dogs must be on leads except beyond post 10, and beware of cattle grazing in the dunes.