Best Dog-Friendly Beaches in the UK

Dogs were made for running, jumping, catching, and bounding, making a long stretch of coastline absolutely irresistible. Across the UK, there are plenty of good beaches for dogs, some welcome them year-round, and others have seasonal restrictions.  

When owners are respectful and responsible, dogs can be a wonderful addition to any beach day. That means cleaning up after them, keeping dogs with poor recall on a lead, and giving other beachgoers plenty of space. Join CrossCountry as we explore the best dog-friendly beaches in the UK. 

Kynance Cove, Cornwall

Kynance Cove can be found on the Lizard peninsula along the South West Coast Path. Its turquoise Cornish waters, purple heather alive with bees, and ancient towering rocks make it a sublime retreat into nature and an ideal free activity in Cornwall. 

Kynance Cove is dog-friendly for ten months out of the year, with a seasonal ban in July and August. However, if you’re visiting during this time, they are still allowed on the surrounding footpaths. Kynance Cove asks that visitors adhere to the Canine Code by using a short lead, picking up any mess, keeping an eye on local signs and guidance, and giving other beachgoers space. 

Southbourne, Bournemouth

For many reasons, Southbourne is regarded as one of the best beaches in Bournemouth. It offers a wide range of facilities, it's easily accessible, and its golden sands make for a flawless day out. Fisherman’s Walk and Hengistbury Head are dog-friendly throughout the year, but the rest of the beach is restricted from the 1st of May to the 30th of September. If you're looking for a good walk, grab a drink at one of the kiosks and see some spectacular views from the Fisherman's Walk nature trail. 

There are buses available to Southbourne Beach from Bournemouth station; they take roughly half an hour. 

Seacliff Beach, East Lothian

With endless sands, rock pools, and spectacular views, Seacliff Beach will keep your dog's tail wagging. This stunning beach is close to Edinburgh Waverley and dog-friendly all year round, meaning you can enjoy a serene dog walk or a game of frisbee anytime. Some of Seacliff beach’s top attractions include the volcanic Bass Rock and the 14th-century Tantallon Castle. At certain times over the year, the observation station is open at Tantallon Castle, giving you the opportunity to spot all kinds of wildlife, like otters and dolphins! 

Embleton Bay, Northumberland

With the ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle towering above this dramatic coastline, Embleton Bay is a fantastic beach for humans and dogs alike. The shoreline on this Northumberland beach is rugged and romantic, with sheer cliffs and mixed terrains. Dogs are welcome, which contributes to its popularity as a tourist destination in the summer. The nearby fishing village of Craster is a short walk south, where you can dine on delicious food at The Dunstanburgh Castle Hotel to cap off a great day. 

Watergate Bay, Cornwall

Watergate Bay is a gorgeous Cornish beach framed by dramatic cliffs. It’s well-loved for its unpolished natural beauty. Watergate Bay is a dog-friendly beach and, all year round, you’re bound to see joyful pooches lolloping across the sand and playing in the sea. Of course, while for many, this is a welcome sight, it’s important to remember that not everyone is a dog lover, so consider putting your dog on a lead if it doesn’t have good recall. 

Montrose Beach, Montrose

A hidden gem of East Scotland, Montrose Beach comprises three miles of golden sand backed by high dune ridges. Even with its short promenade, it’s a great destination for a rejuvenating walk. The beach is also popular among surfers and golfers, and has plenty of family-friendly amenities, including the Seafront Splash play area and an amusement centre. Dogs are allowed on the beach all year round, so be sure to bring a tennis ball! 

You can reach Montrose station with CrossCounty, from there, the beach is within ten minutes' walking distance. 

Weston-super-Mare Beach, Somerset

Weston-super-Mare Beach has plenty of space for summertime activities, being one of the largest natural beaches in the UK. Beach games, kite surfing, and an indoor theme park await, plus a flat promenade makes it a great wheelchair accessible beach too. From May to the end of September, the space from Royal Sands to the Grand Pier is off-limits to dogs, and there are no dogs allowed at Marine Lake at any time of the year. Other areas remain open to dogs, so you’re free to take your pooch on an adventure to Weston-super-Mare. 

If you’re planning to visit a dog-friendly beach, don’t forget to book Advance rail tickets via our website or the CrossCountry app. Before you travel, make sure to check scheduled train times to find the best journey for you. If you need more information, you can contact us here.