Morris’s Monthly Mention – The best dog friendly beaches

Everyone loves a day on the beach, from dipping your toes in the sea, building sandcastles, and enjoying an ice cream in the sun, however, the whole family should be able to get involved right? Morris and I get a little upset when certain beaches don’t allow dogs as it means he can’t run around on the sand and jump the waves which he absolutely loves.

There are many beaches in the UK that allow dogs all year round, and some that have certain restrictions, so Morris wants to celebrate them all and make sure his four-legged friends don’t miss out on days to the beach all year round. 

Although we aren’t in summer anymore, you can still have a great Winters day on a beach, and sometimes it’s actually better as its quieter and you can still wrap up warm and get cosy. Or you can start planning your 2021 staycation in the UK and find the best beach for your family.

So this month Morris decided to sniff out some of the best dog-friendly beaches in the UK so that everyone can have a fun-filled day on the beach. Whether you want to paddle in the sea, chase after a ball, or just take it easy with the sand beneath your paws, then Morris has got you covered.

The best all year round dog friendly beaches 

Use the map below, to find the paw-fect beach for you and your dog!

Aberdyfi, Wales – This beautiful seaside town is great for a day out or a weekend away. With lots of accommodation on offer and seaside pubs to drink at, it really makes for a great staycation. Dogs are not allowed on marked off areas of the beach next to the car park between 1st April and 30th September. The rest of the beach from the dunes to Tywyn is dog-friendly all year round!

Abersoch, Wales -This popular seaside town is full of people wanting to catch some waves, so if you are wanting to stay here, then you will need to book in advance. There is a dog ban in force on the northern part of the beach from the jetty by the car park round to the river mouth. This is in force between 1st April and 30th September, the rest of the beach is dog friendly all year. 

Ballycastle, Northern Ireland – With the beach running 1.2 kilometers in length, this makes for a great beach to play fetch and spend the day running around. Dogs are allowed on the beach all year round but must be kept under control during the summer months.

Bamburgh, England – With the iconic Castle in the background looking down on the magnificent beach below, (which is one of the most filmed Castles and has starred in Downton Abbey’s 2015 Christmas special, the first two Harry Potter films, and was used for Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves) you are in for a treat at this beach. Dogs are welcome all year round and you won’t be disappointed by the views.

Broadstairs, England – This sweet coastal town in Kent has art galleries a nd shops and lots of cafes and pubs overlooking the sea. Dogs are welcome any time on beaches at Dumpton Gap and Kingsgate Bay in Broadstairs. Read more about Broadstairs and a Kent getaway here.

Holkham Bay, England – This delightful bay allows dogs to roam around all year long, which makes it a wonderful spot, but there is also Holkham Nature Reserve adjacent to the bay. Dogs do need to be kept on the lead in the nature reserve though so you will need to keep an eye on them.

Holywell – This area of coastline provides rock pools full of marine life at low tide to explore, and dramatic chalk cliffs too. Dogs are welcome on these beaches but must be kept under control, but for a lovely walk on the sand with your dog, you can’t get much more perfect than this.

New Quay, Wales – This sweet little fishing village boasts 2 white sand beaches, and dogs are allowed all year long on one of their beaches. Keep an eye out for dolphins and seals who are often seen swimming close to the harbour, but for a closer look, there are dog-friendly boat trips that will take you out to see them.

NewQuay, England – Not to get confused with the place in Wales above, Newquay is surrounded by many glorious beaches that allow dogs all year around. Take a look at the Great Western Beach, Holywell Bay, Whipsiderry Beach, and Watergate bay to name a few.

North Beach at Whitley Bay, England – The whole beach is open to dogs from October 1st to the end of April, then the rest of the year they are only allowed on from the Middle of the beach to the north end, so check where you are going before you set off for your day.

North Berwick, Scotland – Yellowcraig Beach is great for dog lovers, with wonderful coastal path walks, and beaches to run crazy on this makes for a great day out for you and your legged friend.

Padstow, England – Padstow has many sandy beaches that are paw-fect for the whole family to run around on. It also makes for a wonderful staycation with so many lovely places to eat and stay in this amazing seaside town. Check out, Harlyn Bay Beach and Constantine Bay Beach for some of Morris’s favourite.

Perranporth, England – Dogs are allowed all year on this great beach but must be kept on a lead in July and August between 9 am and 5 pm. This means you could easily pop down for an early morning or evening run around on the beach. Why not take some snacks and a bottle of fizz in the evening to watch the sun go down to finish off your day.

Portrush, Northern Ireland – You will feel like you have been transported to another country when visiting this slice of heaven in Northern Ireland. There are some summer restrictions on the beach here, but you can still go on certain bits even during the summer.

Sandbanks, England – If you want to people watch, marvel at some of the dreamiest beach houses, and dine in some fancy restaurants then Sandbanks is for you. There is a designated dog beach area at the western end of Sandbanks beach to Haven Point so your four-legged friend can join you for a fun day out.

Shaldon, England – Shaldon has a great dark red, sandy beach, that dogs can run on all year round. It is also a great spot for swimming as the waves are never too strong, so your pooch can go for a paddle in the sea. Read more about Shaldon and what to do here in my Shaldon blog.

Southwold, England – There are restrictions on some areas but Denes beach is dog friendly, so head there with your dog for the day. For more about the beaches in Southwold and what to do, then read my previous blog all about Southwold here.

Stoupe Beck Sands, England – This beach allows dogs all year round! Just around the corner from the idyllic Robin Hoods Bay, this little beach still has some space for a little run-around and explore.

Westward Ho!, England – Dogs are allowed on any part of the beach between 1st October and 30 April.  However, during the summer months, there are restrictions on which parts of the beach dogs are allowed on so check these out before you head to the wrong area.

Woolacombe Beach, England –This is a very popular tourist town, so dogs are always following their owners to this part of the world. However good news, as Woolacombe and Mortehoe are very dog-friendly areas with plenty of walks your dog will enjoy. Dogs are not allowed between the rocks at the north end of the beach and the stream from Good Friday or 1st April (whichever is earliest) until 30th September.

1 comment

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