The 10 Best Dog-Friendly Holidays in the UK for 2025
If going on holiday with your four-legged companion is a must-do, then why not consider booking a stay in...
by Jack Price / Pet Friendly
With over 88 miles of stunning coast, Dorset is a paradise for dog owners who want to enjoy sandy, scenic walks with their furry friends.
Here at Sykes, we know how important it is that your pampered pooch joins you on your adventures, so we’ve rounded up the ultimate list of the best dog-friendly beaches in Dorset. From year-round dog-friendly beaches to seasonal spots with breathtaking views, you’re sure to find the perfect place where your four-legged companion is welcome to roam free.
Read on to discover some of the best dog-friendly beaches in Dorset…
Bournemouth boasts some fantastic dog-friendly beaches, perfect for a seaside adventure with your furry friend; one of our favourites is the fantastic Boscombe Beach!
Boscombe beach is a popular spot along Dorset’s coast and it offers both a year-round, dog-friendly section as well as a seasonal dog-friendly section where your pups can roam freely from October to April.
With swathes of golden sand, there is so much for you and your dog to explore. There are also a number of great dog-friendly cafés close to the beach, making it easy to grab a refreshment.
So, whether your pup loves a splash in the waves or a relaxing coastal walk along the shoreline, this dog-friendly beach in Dorset has something for every dog and their owner!
Key information about Boscombe Beach
Postcode: BH5 1BN
Restrictions: A section of the beach is restricted between May and the end of September
Parking: Boscombe Undercliff Car Park
Parking charge: Up to 2 hours £5.80
Eype beach is the perfect beach for you and your dogs to roam. This pebbly beach had to feature on our list of the best dog-friendly beaches in Dorset as it offers dogs the chance to explore the beach, off the lead, all year round!
This beach is also one of the quieter beaches along the coastline, allowing for a more natural and unspoiled experience for you and your pooch. This beach is also a good spot for fossil hunting, as it’s a part of the Jurassic coastline. So head out and see what you can find, or maybe your dog can go digging for you?
Resting just a stone’s throw from the nearby South West Coast Path, if you and your dog are still raring to go, then make your way along the coastal path to Lyme Regis on one side and West Bay on the other. Or perhaps stop off for a spot of lunch at one of the cafés or pubs in the towns.
This dog-friendly beach in Dorset promises breathtaking views across the water and a truly relaxing experience.
Key information about Eype Beach
Postcode: DT6 6AL
Restrictions: No, dog-friendly all year round
Parking: Eype Beach Car Park
Parking charge: Up to 4 hours £4.50
Next up on our list of the best Dorset beaches for dogs is Monkey Beach in Swanage. Monkey Beach is a small and charming dog-friendly beach where pups are welcome all year round.
Tucked away near Swanage Pier, close to the main Swanage beach, this hidden gem offers a peaceful spot for dogs to explore the shoreline and enjoy the sea breeze. Although it’s a much smaller and more compact beach than some of the others on this list, its mix of sand and shingle and relaxed atmosphere make it a great stop for a coastal stroll.
There are a good number of dog-friendly eateries, including cafés, bistros and pubs close by perfect for you both to tuck into a nice lunchtime treat. If you time your visit right, dogs will be allowed on the main Swanage Beach too, with restricted lifted from October to the end of April.
So if you’re looking for the perfect dog-friendly beach in Swanage, then look no further than Monkey Beach!
Key information about Monkey Beach
Postcode: BH19 2AP
Restrictions: No, dog-friendly all year round
Parking: Broad Road Car Park
Parking charge: Up to 2 hours £4.80 (Peak Season)
Sandbanks Beach is the next entry on our guide to the best dog-friendly beaches in Dorset. This beautiful beach in Dorset has maintained, for 35 years, the Blue Flag beach award and is known as one of the best beaches in the whole of the UK.
Although dogs are not allowed on the whole beach, a specially designated area on the western section allows you and your dogs to enjoy the golden sands. This area is at the western end of Sandbanks Beach, stretching to Haven Point towards the ferry crossings.
Between the 1st of October and the 30th of April, dogs are allowed on the main section of Sandbanks Beach as well, so depending on what time of the year you visit, you and your dog might have more space to roam. Even if you arrive in the peak season, the soft golden sand and clear waters will allow both of you to enjoy your visit to the beach.
Close to the beach, there are also a number of dog-friendly cafés, making sure both you and your pup have a drink and maybe a bite to eat after your trip to the sands. With stunning views across Poole Harbour and nearby coastal trails, Sandbanks is a fantastic spot for a beach day with your furry friend.
Looking for a much quieter beach? Then why not view our guide to the best hidden beaches in the UK.
Key information about Sandbanks Beach
Postcode: BH13 7QQ
Restrictions: Designated section that welcomes dogs all year round, restriction on main section between May and the end of September
Parking: Sandbanks Pay and Display Car Park
Parking charge: Up to 3 hours £8.30
Next, we take a look at Charmouth Beach during our exploration of the best dog-friendly beaches in Dorset. The beach sits along the Jurassic Coast and is actually divided partly by the River Char into East and West sections, each with specific dog access guidelines.
The east side of the beach allows dogs off-lead throughout the year, with a wide stretch of sand for your dog to run along and chase that tennis ball. The west side of the beach imposes seasonal restrictions from the 1st of May until the 30th of September.
There are a number of great snack choices close to the beach, with the Soft Rock Café being one and the Beach Café another option. Alternatively, head just a few minutes into town and enjoy a classic fish and chip tea or maybe a trip to Charmouth Bakery.
While you are at the beach, make sure you visit the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre, which provides educational exhibits about the area’s rich fossil history, this centre unfortunately does not allow dogs but if you have come to the beach with others, they might be able to look after your dog while you head in, as it’s definitely worth a visit.
Charmouth Beach caters to a variety of interests, making it an ideal destination for a dog-friendly day out. If you’re into your outdoor sports? Then why not check out our guide to the best surfing beaches in the UK.
Key information about Charmouth Beach
Postcode: DT6 6LR
Restrictions: East side welcomes dogs year round, restrictions on the west side between May and the end of September and a ban between July and end of August
Parking: Seafront Car Park
Parking charge: 2 hours – £3.00 | All day – £6.00
Next up on our list of the best dog-friendly beaches in Dorset is Hive Beach. Offering a picturesque setting for a beach day. Hive Beach stretches along the Jurassic Coast with its golden shingle shores heading miles along the coastline and dramatic cliffs overhead.
Dogs are welcome all year at this beach, but look out for signs during your visit, as there may be points throughout the year when dogs are required to be on their leads. With the South West Coastal Path right next to the beach, you can always take your dog with you for an exploration around the cliff, maybe even heading to the nearby town of West Bay.
After a refreshing walk, visitors can enjoy local delicacies at the Hive Beach Café, which provides outdoor seating where dogs are welcome. Or try the Seaside Boarding House just off the road, which has a restaurant with a wide selection of items; dogs are also allowed on the terrace and in the bar here.
With great dog-friendly amenities and perfect spots for a bite to eat, Hive Beach is an ideal destination for a day at the beach with your dog in Dorset.
Key information about Hive Beach
Postcode: DT6 4RF
Restrictions: Dogs welcome all year at the area of the beach past the wooden chalet near Cogden Beach, no dogs on the main beach between June and the end of September
Parking: Hive Beach National Trust Car Park
Parking charge: Up to 2 hours – £4.00
Next up on our list of the best dog-friendly beaches in Dorset is one just west of the popular town of Lyme Regis, Monmouth Beach.
Monmouth Beach is a fantastic dog-friendly destination where you and your dogs are welcome year-round. Once the tide goes out, this beach offers a mix of rugged pebbles and sand, another gem for finding fascinating fossils.
Once your dog has finished running along the beach, the South West Coastal Path is close by if you fancy a walk along the hilltops heading towards the nearby seaside town of Seaton.
Close to the car park, there are several pubs and eateries, so you can treat yourself to a pub meal after your beach exploration or enjoy a takeaway sandwich at one of the local cafés. Be sure to bask in the sea breeze and marvel at the views out across the English Channel.
One thing to note about this dog-friendly Dorset beach is that it’s best explored at low tide. So make sure you check the tide times before travelling! Monmouth Beach offers a beautiful and peaceful escape away from the busier town beaches and is definitely up there with some of the best Dorset beaches for dogs.
Key information about Monmouth Beach
Postcode: DT7 3LE
Restrictions: No, dog-friendly all year round
Parking: Monmouth Beach Car Park
Parking charge: £1.90 per hour
Bowleaze Cove is next on our list of the best dog-friendly beaches in Dorset. Situated just northeast of Weymouth, Bowleaze Cove offers a welcoming environment for dog owners seeking a seaside escape.
The beach is a mixture of pebbles and patches of sand, which provides ample space for dogs to explore and play freely. Rock pools appear during low tide, making it the perfect location for the whole family to go exploring and undoubtedly one of the best beaches for rockpooling in the UK.
Bowleaze Cove permits dogs off-lead throughout the year, which makes for an ideal destination for pet-friendly outings. Close to the beach you’ll find a wide variety of amenities, including a café, pub, and shops, ensuring a convenient beach experience.
If you’re visiting this dog-friendly Dorset beach as a family, be sure to visit the Southside Funfair, which lies close to the shore and is Weymouth’s biggest funfair. Here you will find traditional funfair outdoor rides, arcades and the spooky ghost train, promising fun for the whole family. With all this and more, Bowleaze Cove is a top choice for dog-friendly beach days in Dorset.
Key information about Bowleaze Cove
Postcode: DT3 6PW
Restrictions: No, dog-friendly all year round
Parking: Bowleaze Cove Car Park
Parking charge: Up to 4 hours – £4.00
The penultimate beach on this list of the best dog-friendly Dorset beaches is Chesil Beach. The pebbled beach stretches an impressive 18 miles along Dorset’s Jurassic Coast and is a wonderful setting for dog-friendly adventures.
From Abbotsbury to the Tank Teeth Boundary, dogs are welcome on the beach all year round. Between the Tank Teeth Boundary and the Portland Boundary Stone, dogs are still allowed on the beach but are permitted from the 1st September to 30th April, provided they are on leads.
There are a number of locations to park along this coastline, but Abbotsbury car park puts you in a good position to head off exploring. The little village of Abbotsbury also offers a number of cafés and pubs, so you can tuck into some hearty food after a walk along the shoreline.
Whether you’re seeking a peaceful walk or just a spot to relax with your canine companion, Chesil Beach provides a memorable coastal experience.
Key information about Chesil Beach
Postcode: DT3 4LA
Restrictions: Dogs welcome year round from Abbotsbury to the Tank Teeth Boundary
Parking: Abbotsbury Car Park
Parking charge: Up to 4 hours – £4.00
Last but certainly not least on our list of the best dog-friendly beaches in Dorset is Durdle Door beach. Durdle Door Beach is one of Dorset’s most iconic coastal spots, with its dramatic limestone arch and crystal-clear waters.
This stunning pebbled beach offers a fantastic setting for seaside fun and is undoubtedly a great dog-friendly destination as it allows dogs on the beach all year-round. There are toilets in the car park close to the beach, but there are no places to eat unless you get lucky with a temporary food truck close to the car park.
The nearest spot to eat is in the nearby cove of Lulworth which is around a 1.2 mile walk along the South West Coast Path. We’d recommend taking this picturesque walk, not only is it a great way to burn off your dog’s remaining energy after a day on the beach, it is breathtaking!
Whether you’re looking to explore the shoreline or you’d simply rather soak in this bucket list attraction and scenery, Durdle Door Beach is a must-visit for dog owners and is without a doubt one of the best dog-friendly beaches in the UK.
Key information about Durdle Door Beach
Postcode: BH20 5PU
Restrictions: No, dog-friendly all year round
Parking: Durdle Door Car Park
Parking charge: Up to 4 hours £12.40
Has this list of the best dog-friendly beaches in Dorset inspired you to book your next getaway? Then book from this collection of dog-friendly properties in Dorset! For more information about great locations for you and your dog in Dorset, check out the best dog-friendly walks in Dorset.
by Jack Price / Pet Friendly
I joined the Sykes team in November 2021, helping to produce content for existing and potential owners. I love a good film, tr...
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