14 of the best dog-friendly beaches in the UK

May 15, 2026

With so many Bank Holidays coming up, and summer just around the corner, you're probably keen to escape on a seaside staycation or a day at the beach.

Finding a beach without dog bans in summer can be tricky. So we've written this list of 14 of the best dog friendly beaches in the UK where you and the woofer will always be able to enjoy some sun, sea, and sand.

Even though dogs are allowed off-lead on these beaches, owners are expected to always have their dogs under control, and you must pick up after them.

Want to know which beach is closest to you? Check the map below.

Remember to keep your dog safe in the car when you're on your travels. Always carry drinking water for your dog, and be sensible in the sun to avoid heatstroke.

The best dog-friendly beaches in England

The East of England

1. Wells-Next-The-Sea and Holkham Beach

You'd be forgiven for mistaking Wells-Next-The-Sea and Holkham Beach for tropical paradises. Both beaches have expanses of open blue sky and sea, and miles of soft sand. Although there may not be palm trees backing this beach, (we are still in Britain!), the pine forest behind the seafront offers a great shaded spot to cool off.

These two beaches join up at low tide, giving you and the dog long stretches of sand to walk along. Not to mention, acres of space for your pup to play off-lead, dig in the sand, and splash in the sea.

This beach is often billed as one of the most beautiful in England. In addition, Holkham Beach is also one of the most dog friendly beaches in the UK because dogs are welcome all year without any restrictions.

Location: NR23 1AB

The East Midlands

2. Sandilands

Sandilands Beach is another unspoiled seaside with miles of golden sand for you and the pup to play on. This beach never seems to get very busy so you won't have to worry about crowds or finding space for fetch. Plus, its enormous size means you'll always find a peaceful place to relax with the pooch.

Dogs are welcome all year to Sandilands and almost the entire beach has no restrictions on canine visitors. Just make sure to check signposts and local maps, because some seasonal restrictions may be introduced in small areas due to nesting birds or bathing.

Location: LN12 2RQ

The South East

3. West Wittering

West Wittering has long been known as one of the best beaches in the country and routinely holds Blue Flag status. It boasts beautiful golden sand, clear blue water, and superb views over the South Downs, making it one of the most beautiful dog friendly beaches in England.

Unusually for a Blue Flag beach, dogs are welcome all year on most of the beach. But do be aware that there are some restrictions for four-legged visitors in the summer. From the 1st of May to mid-September, dogs aren't allowed in the Blue Flag bathing zone.

Location: PO20 8AJ

The South West

4. Watergate Bay

Watergate Bay is one of our favourite dog friendly beaches because it's a beautiful place to be, and has no restrictions on dogs. Your four legged friend is welcome here all year round and is always allowed to play off the lead.

Location: TR8 4AA

The North East

5. Bamburgh Beach

Bamburgh Beach is just as celebrated, having been crowned the 8th best beach in Europe last year by Tripadvisor.

Location: NE69 7DF

Yorkshire & the Humber

6. Fraisthorpe Beach

Fraisthorpe Beach is another beautiful sandy beach, where dogs are welcome all year round. This flat, sandy beach isn't just one of the most dog friendly beaches in England, it's pretty animal friendly in general.

Location: YO15 3QU

The North West

7. Haverigg Beach

At the mouth of the Duddon Estuary is Haverigg Beach. When the tide goes out, there are near endless sand and mud flats. However, if you do take a dog walk through nearby RSBP Hodbarrow nature reserve, you must remember to put your pooch on a lead.

Location: LA18 4GY

The West Midlands

Sadly, there are no dog friendly beaches in the West Midlands because the region is land-locked.

Dog-friendly beaches in Northern Ireland

8. Murlough Beach

Murlough Beach stretches on for over five miles between Newcastle to Tyrella. Dogs are welcome throughout the reserve, but they must be kept on leads so they don't disturb any wildlife.

Location: BT33 0NQ

The best dog-friendly beaches in Scotland

The East Highlands

9. Nairn Beach

Nairn Beach is one of the best of them, with miles of clean sand for the pooch to run over, sheltered shallow waters for doggy paddles, and a vast network of sand dunes.

Location: IV12 9AE

The West Highlands & Islands

10. Big Sand Beach

Big Sand Beach is a massive sandy beach and another example of the gorgeous seafronts the highlands are known for. Your dog is welcome to visit any time of the year, even at the height of summer.

Location: IV21 2DL

The Lowlands

11. Westport Beach

Westport Beach is a safe seafront with plenty of space to play, making it one of the most dog-friendly beaches in Scotland.

Location: PA28 6QD

The best dog-friendly beaches in Wales

Mid Wales

12. Cei Bach Beach (Little Quay)

Cei Bach is a large, sheltered beach near New Quay. This secluded seafront has no restrictions or time limits for furry visitors.

Location: SA45 9SL

North Wales

13. Harlech Beach

Nestled within the Snowdonia National Park is Harlech Beach, known for its stunning backdrop of sand dunes and mountains.

Location: LL46 2UG

South Wales

14. Ogmore Central Beach

Ogmore Central Beach is known for its dog-friendly reputation as dogs are welcome all year on this massive beach, and there are no restrictions on where they can go or what they can do.

Location: CF32 0PH