By Parkdean Resorts on 12/08/2019
Taking the pooch along on your next getaway? Organising a dog friendly holiday doesn’t need to be stressful and we’ve selected our six favourite dog friendly beaches for you to explore with your four-legged friend. These fantastic beaches allow dogs all year round, so there’s no need to worry about any seasonal restrictions when planning your doggy day out!
With 66 dog friendly holiday parks around the UK we’ve got your accommodation covered, from dog friendly caravans to luxury lodges. Don’t forget to check out our guide to travelling with pets, including useful travel tips and a handy packing list too.
1. Broad Haven South Beach, Pembrokeshire
If you’re planning a dog friendly holiday in Wales, look no further than Broad Haven South Beach when you want to enjoy a fun-filled day out with your furry friend. Part of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, this large, sandy bay is situated on a craggy coastline and is bordered by limestone cliffs, providing endless hours of fun for you and your pup. At low tide, the wide stretch of sand is perfect for letting them run wild as it rarely feels crowded and they’ll love scampering around the powdery sand dunes. The beach is accessible from both the north and south, however, if you think you may struggle with a steep cliff descent, the south is best avoided. We would recommend access via the north end, which takes you along a prettier route, across a boardwalk surrounded by dunes and the occasional lily pond. Situated between the villages of Stackpole and Bosherton, you won’t be short of facilities – the award-winning Stackpole Inn welcomes dogs in the bar area and is definitely worth a visit for some tasty pub grub.
If you’re looking for inspiration on where to stay nearby, Pendine Sands Holiday Park is approximately a 50 minute drive from Broad Haven South Beach.
Broadhaven South Beach, Pembrokeshire
More dog friendly beaches in Wales:
- Rhossili Bay, Glamorgan
- Barafundle Bay, Pembrokeshire
- Three Cliffs Bay, Glamorgan
2. Rockcliffe Beach, Dumfries and Galloway
Renowned for being one of the most beautiful areas of Scottish coastline and part of a National Scenic Area, Rockcliffe Beach is a must for dog owners visiting Scotland. What this small sandy beach lacks in size, it more than makes up for with picturesque scenery and outstanding nearby walks, making it the perfect seaside location for you and your canine companion. Surrounded by rocks and backed by the small village of Rockcliffe, the beach itself is a fantastic spot to let your dog explore but there are also several marked paths to choose from should you wish to take a jaunt elsewhere. Bask in the clifftop coastal scenery on the route to Sandyhills or meander through quaint cottages and woodland greenery towards the nearby village of Kippford. If you happen to be visiting when the tide is out, head towards Rough Island via the causeway and discover all sorts of interesting wildlife in the nature sanctuary, although be aware this is closed throughout May and June due to nesting birds.
Get booking your dog friendly holiday in Scotland today at the nearby Southerness Holiday Park, just a 20 minute drive from Rockcliffe Beach.
Rockcliffe Beach, Dumfries and Galloway
More dog friendly beaches in Scotland:
- Embo Beach, Scottish Highlands
- Eyemouth Beach, Berwickshire
- Lossiemouth East Beach, Moray
3. Durdle Door Beach, Dorset
A dog friendly holiday in Dorset wouldn’t be complete without a trip to one of the most recognisable beaches in the country, Durdle Door. Located on the illustrious Jurassic Coast, this sweeping shingle beach is deemed a natural World Heritage Site due to the famous limestone arch which was formed when waves eroded the rock over thousands of years. Backed by high cliffs and boasting crystal clear waters, it’s easy to see why the impressive scenery draws in so many tourists each year. There are copious amounts of nearby walks to enjoy with your pooch. Walking the South West Coast Path offers spectacular views whilst a stroll towards the east will bring you to Lulworth Cove, a beautiful white pebble beach with blue waters - which is also dog friendly to the left hand side of the slipway. Due to its remote location, you won’t find any amenities on Durdle Door Beach, however, it’s the perfect spot to take a picnic and relax whilst your four-legged friend enjoys blowing off some steam.
Durdle Door can be easily accessed from all of our Dorset holiday parks and is only a 20 minute drive from Warmwell Holiday Park.
Durdle Door Beach, Dorset
4. Alnmouth Beach, Northumberland
With magnificent coastal scenery stretching for miles, there’s no place quite like the North East when it comes to beaches, so why not treat your dog to a well-deserved holiday in Northumberland? We’ve handpicked the charming setting of Alnmouth Beach as one of the very best in the region, a wide sandy bay which is proudly situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – it’s clear to see why! Split into three sections and curving off into the distance on both sides of the river estuary means there is plenty of space to take your dog for a hearty stroll. Once home to a harbour, the beach is overlooked by the pretty village of Alnmouth which offers an abundance of pubs, cafes and gift shops, many of which are dog friendly. The beach is popular with birdwatchers and you may even be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of some fascinating local wildlife too.
All of our Northumberland holiday parks are conveniently located within driving distance of Alnmouth Beach, the closest being Cresswell Towers.
Alnmouth Beach, Northumberland
More dog friendly beaches in the North East:
- Seaham Beach, County Durham
- Bamburgh Beach, Northumberland
- Druridge Bay, Northumberland
5. West Mersea Beach, Essex
If you’re looking for some good old-fashioned seaside fun, West Mersea Beach is one to tick off your bucket list when you’re planning a dog friendly holiday in Essex. Lined with a rainbow of traditional beach huts, this well-preserved and secluded beach is part of Mersea Island which is Britain’s most easterly inhabited island. Overlooking the Blackwater Estuary, this unspoilt sand and shingle beach is excellent for sandcastle building, crabbing and of course, dog-walking, due to the wide expanse of accessible coastline. It is worth noting that despite being a dog friendly beach all year round, the local council prefers your furry friend to be kept on a lead during peak summer season. If that isn’t enough to keep your pooch entertained, Cudmore Grove Country Park is also part of the island and a great place for taking in some impressive views whilst you wander.
West Mersea Beach is accessible from all of our holiday parks in Essex and is just a 10 minute drive from Coopers Beach Holiday Park.
West Mersea Beach, Essex
More dog friendly beaches in the South East:
- Heacham Beach, Norfolk
- Climping Beach, West Sussex
- Kingsgate Bay, Kent
6. Robin Hood's Bay, North Yorkshire
When it comes to traditional seaside towns, it’s safe to say that Yorkshire is unrivalled with its craggy backdrops and sweeping sea views. With that in mind, we’ve selected Robin Hood’s Bay as one of the best dog friendly beaches in the region due to its wide choice of excellent coastal and country walks. Once home to smugglers, this historical fishing village is located on Yorkshire’s Dinosaur Coast and is a haven for fossil hunters. Surrounded by high cliffs, this small sandy bay is often largely submerged by water at high tide, however when the tide is out there are lots of exposed rock pools for your pup to explore. With a wealth of dog friendly pubs and tearooms, you’ll be spoilt for choice for facilities in the area when you fancy a hard-earned sweet treat and a cuppa after your long day on the beach!
Make your dog friendly holiday in Yorkshire all the more memorable with a stay at Cayton Bay Holiday Park, only a 45 minute drive away from Robin Hood’s Bay.
Robin Hood's Bay, North Yorkshire
More dog friendly beaches in Yorkshire:
- Barmston Beach, East Riding of Yorkshire
- Cayton Bay, North Yorkshire
- Runswick Bay, North Yorkshire
Have we missed your nearest dog friendly beach from our list? Share your favourites with us on our Facebook page.