The last thing you need is to plan a holiday or weekend trip to the beach, only to get there and discover that your dog is not allowed.
Do not despair, as we are here to make sure that doesn’t happen. Here are a few of the most beautiful, dog-friendly beaches all over the UK that will cater to your canine friend.
England
- Cornwall: While a trip to the sandy beaches of Cornwall may be the perfect getaway, we must remember that many of its beaches impose a summer dog ban. Thankfully, there are still many beaches, especially in the north of Cornwall, such as Booby’s Bay and Constantine Bay, where our pooches can run wild.
- Cumbria: St. Bees and Bardsea beach are just two of many quaint and quiet beaches in Cumbria where dogs are allowed year round. The sand and shingle beaches are the perfect place for you to relax and play with your pooch.
- Devon: Whether you are looking for long sandy beaches or quieter secluded coves, Devon is surely the place to go. Many beaches throughout Devon are dog-friendly, Soar Mill Cove and Mill Bay Beach, to name a few.
Read also: These are the 9 most common summer dangers for pets
Scotland
- Fife: Exploring the Fife Coastal Path is definitive proof that you don’t need to leave the UK to have a memorable seaside experience. Dog-friendly beaches are aplenty, including Pathead Sands Beach which was selected for a Scottish beach award, thanks to its high standard of facilities.
- Ayrshire: This 65-mile-long stretch of coast is home to some of Scotland’s finest beaches. Barassie Beach is one of many dog-friendly beaches along the coast. It is the perfect location for a sunny summer’s day and, as it is also used for windsurfing and jet skis, you will have just as much fun as your furry friend!
Wales
- Gwynedd: If it is a hot summer’s day and your dog is dying for a cool down, Llanbedrog Beaches are perfect for doggie swims. Or, if exercise is what you are after, try Hells Mouth, ideal for a long walk.
- Kidwelly: Your dog will have the time of its life as it runs through the sand dunes and sandbars of Pembrey Beach in Kidwelly.
Northern Ireland
- Newcastle: Enjoy the golden sand beach of Murlough under the backdrop of the picturesque Mourne Mountains. Dogs are also allowed in the nearby nature reserve, once they are kept on a lead.
- Castlerock: Although Benone Strand, one of Northern Ireland’s longest beaches, is kept dog-free from May to September, it will be worth the wait to take your pooch to this beautiful beach once the summer season ends.
To the rest of Europe
- Netherlands: Overall the Netherlands is an extremely welcoming country for dogs. Especially in Wassenaar and Hook of Holland where there are beautiful beach areas for dogs. Coming in 13th on National Geographic’s list of the most perfect beach destinations on the planet is Nordwijk, where your four-legged friends can avail of a beach of their own. Balls and feeding bowls are even provided for them.
- France: The Mediterranean coast has many dog beaches to offer, Portiragnes and Port la Nouvelle, to name a few. Even in larger cities, such as Nice and Cannes, you can alternate between city strolls and trips to the dog beach. Or, if you enjoy the harsher climate of the Atlantic, Côte d’Amor or Pays de la Loire may be the destinations for you.
- Austria & Switzerland: Take your dogs on a city break to Vienna, where they can lounge (or splash) in the Hirschstetten bathing pond. Alternatively, Lake Achensee is an idyllic spot if you want to escape the city crowds. Switzerland also offers some tempting choices for doggie trips, Lake Constance or Brienz are just a few.
- Scandinavia: Denmark, Finland and Sweden are also popular destinations for pooches as they can enjoy the wind, sea and freedom on many beaches.
Are you a dog owner or dog sitter with a favourite beach that is missing from the list? If so, leave a comment and tell us where!
