Skip to main contentSkip to footer

7 best dog-friendly UK beaches to let your beloved pooch run free this summer


From Chesil Beach in Dorset to Holkham Beach in Norfolk, these stunning coastlines are perfect for staycations with your furry friend


Young woman running with her dog on the beach© Alamy Stock Photo
Francesca Shillcock
Francesca ShillcockDigital Travel Editor
July 31, 2025
Share this:

There's no denying that flying abroad for a summer holiday is a highlight for many people. However, a staycation in the UK can be just as enjoyable thanks to the wonderfully picturesque locations we're lucky to have here on home turf.  

Not only that, but if you're a dog owner, chances are that taking a holiday without leaving the country is a preferable choice so that you can keep your furry family member close by.

However, as dog owners know, taking your dog to the coast isn't always straightforward, as many beaches have seasonal restrictions.

A Greyhound dog joyfully runs along the wet sand along the shoreline of the sea. Outdoor photo© Getty Images
Many beaches in the UK are dog-friendly all year round

Luckily, many are open to dogs throughout the year, meaning a staycation couldn't be easier! 

Not only are these 7 beaches fantastic options as they are dog-friendly year-round, but they are also some of the longest in the country, meaning your furry friend can run to their heart's content.

Click through the gallery to find out more about the best UK beaches that are dog-friendly throughout the year...

Chesil beach Portland, Dorset, UK© Getty Images

Chesil Beach

Located in Dorset, this beautiful beach is 18 miles long, so your pooch has space in abundance to run around. It also offers incredible views of the must-see Jurassic Coast.

Chesil Beach was selected as the number one longest dog-friendly beach by Parkdean Resorts, who have some great offers for dogs this summer.

Dogs go half price at Parkdean Resorts this Autumn on bookings made from now until Monday 4th August 2025, for arrivals between 15th September 2025 and 7th November 2025.

Anthony Reilly, Marketing Director at Parkdean Resorts, said: "These scenic shores are perfect for exploring with four-legged friends, offering space to roam and fresh sea air for everyone to enjoy."

"With our 'dogs go half price' offer available on autumn getaways, it's even easier and more affordable for couples and young families to take a well-earned break with their dog."

The Wales Coast Path in Carmarthenshire from Carmarthen to Amroth. © Getty Images

Pendine Sands Beach

Located on the south coast of Wales in Camarthen Bay, this seven-mile-long beach is the ideal spot for dogs and avid walkers. 

It's known for its dramatic cliffs and rock pools, offering a gorgeous backdrop to staycay.

Wooden breakwater at Brean Beach, Somerset, UK© Getty Images

Brean Beach

A beautiful coastline and sand dunes make Brean Beach in Somerset a lovely option. 

With a seven-mile stretch of golden sand, your dog will have the time of their life bolting down the coast.

A multi image panorama captured between two peaks on the sand dunes looking down on people walking along Formby beach near Liverpool.© Getty Images

Formy Beach

Formy Beach in Merseyside is managed by the National Trust, making it a popular and reliably clean and beautiful location. 

Not only is it great for dogs, but it's also great for families and children as there are plenty of activities, parks and play areas close by to keep the whole family entertained.

Holkham Beach, Norfolk© Getty

Holkham Beach

Located on the north Norfolk coast, Holkham Beach is a glorious destination for a seaside visit. 

It has a pristine environment thanks to being protected by the National Nature Reserve. It's also popular with horse riders as well as dog owners.

The sprawling landscape makes it one of the prettiest beaches in the country.

This image was taken whilst walking the Wales Coast Path on the Llyn (also spelt Lleyn) peninsula between Abersoch and Porth Colmon in May and June 2014. © Getty Images

Porth Neigwl

Another Welsh gem is Porth Neigwl, a four-mile-long beach that is open to hounds constantly. 

A quick glance at photos shows how gorgeous it is, especially when the sun is shining with the sea a sparkling blue, so we can imagine its even prettier in real life.

Not only is it great for dogs, but it's also a popular choice for surfers and kayakers.

Sand dune with grass© Getty

Saunton Sands

Devon's offering for a dog-friendly beach is Saunton Sands. With a stretch of coast coming in at three-and-a-half miles long, your dog will love bounding along the seafront. 

The beach is also part of the UNESCO-protected Braunton Burrows Biosphere Reserve, so it's extra special indeed.

View from behind the sand dunes looking towards a rocky groyne on a beach in Sandbanks, Dorset© Getty Images

Poole

Meanwhile, there are countless other beaches across the UK that are equally fantastic options for a dog-friendly holiday.

Andrea Alvarado, HELLO!'s Digital Product Marketing Manager, is the proud owner of her beloved pooch, Monkey, an adorable cockapoo. Their beach of choice is Poole in Dorset, which is close to the trendy and celeb-loved Sandbanks beach.

Although there are some dog restrictions in certain parts, Andrea finds the dog-friendly parts of the coast a great choice.  

"We love taking our dog to Poole beach because it's one of the few sandy, dog-friendly spots during peak season, with easy parking, space for him to run freely, and great cafés just steps away for a post-walk treat." 

Recommended videoYou may also likeWATCH: James Middleton teases glimpse of rural £1.45m family home with eight family members

More Travel
See more