There's something special about a day at the seaside, but spending them with your furry companion can be tricky with restrictions and seasons. Thankfully, there are plenty of beautiful beaches in the UK that are dog-friendly all year round.
If you’re looking for the perfect place to take the family and furry friend, we've compiled a list of the best dog-friendly beaches in the UK.
Rock Beach, Cornwall
It is no surprise that a Cornish beach has made it onto our list. Across the estuary from Padstow, this beauty of a beach is a long stretch of sand backed on by prehistoric dunes. Rock is lovely for a family day at the beach and has excellent dog walks to keep everyone happy. What's better, it welcomes canines all year round.
Lantic Bay, Cornwall
A cove tucked away on the south coast between Par and Looe, Lantic Bay takes a little scramble to reach but is well worth the effort. Explore Lantic Bay’s emerald green waters, rolling hills, and sandy beaches before climbing down to the stunning beach. At low tide, explore the rock pools and the neighbouring Little Lantic beach, which is around the corner from the cliffs. This is a secluded beach that will leave you wanting to return.
Southbourne, Bournemouth
For many reasons, Southbourne is regarded by many as one of the best beaches in Bournemouth. It offers a wide range of facilities, it's easily accessible, and its golden sand makes for a flawless day at the beach. Sections of the beach are dog-friendly throughout the year, so it's worth checking this before you plan your visit. If you're looking for a good walk, you can grab a drink at one of the kiosks and see some spectacular views from the Fisherman's Walk nature trail.
Seacliff Beach, East Lothiam
With endless sands, rock pools and spectacular views, Seacliff beach will keep your dogs' tails wagging and smiles on all owner’s faces. This stunning beach is dog-friendly all year round, meaning they can graze lead-free while you soak in views. As you gaze, you'll see Bass Rock, a volcanic rock rising from the sea, and the 14th century Tantallon Castle. Your eyes will be feasted no matter what time of year you go.
Embleton Bay, Northumberland
With the 14th century ruins of Dunstranburgh Castle towering above this dramatic coastline, this is a fantastic beach for humans and dogs alike. The shoreline on this Northumberland beach is rugged, while having a sense of romanticism with sheer cliffs and mixed terrains. The nearby fishing village of Craster is a short walk south, where you can dine on award-winning food with your dogs at The Dunstanburgh Castle Hotel to cap off a great day.
Penzance, Cornwall
As one of the most southern points in the UK, Penzance is a harbour town in South Cornwall that will put a smile on everyone's faces - even the dog’s. Penzance is surrounded by some of the best beaches in the UK, while the town has a meandering promenade, rockpools, and the Jubilee Pool. Note the beaches along the promenade are best at low tide.
Lulworth Cove, Dorset
Lulworth Cove welcomes thousands of people every year who visit the crystal-clear waters and panoramic views. Lulworth is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is world-famous for its unique geology and landforms. From rock pooling, great walks, or just relaxing with ice cream, this Dorset cove is a must-visit dog-friendly beach.
Montrose Beach, Montrose
One of the more obscure beaches, Montrose Beach in East Scotland is three miles of golden sand backed by high dune ridges. Even with a short promenade, it makes for a great walk. Montrose is popular among surfers and golfers while having plenty of amenities to please the kids, including the Seafront Splash play area, a shop, and an amusement centre.
If you're planning a trip to one of the UK's best dog-friendly beaches, don't forget to book an Advance ticket via our website or our Crosscountry app. You can also find information on how to get cheaper train tickets via our special offers page. If you need more information, you can contact us here.
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Written by Julia