The Best Dog-Friendly Beaches in the UK
Looking for dog-friendly beaches near you? Whether you’re on a UK holiday or looking for a new spot to...
Beaches in England are considered to be the most underrated coastal hotspots in the world! From quiet coves in Cornwall to serene golden sands in Dorset, you will find the best beaches in England here!
The coastline of England stretches thousands of miles and is home to hundreds of unique landscapes and seaside havens. During the height of summer, these English beaches provide a welcome escape and will make you feel as if you’re on a trip somewhere exotic!
Keep reading to discover the best beaches in England…
When it comes to the best beaches in England, Bournemouth Beach was bound to make the cut! Aside from its family-friendly atmosphere, it also offers easy access to the town’s amenities and seven miles of gorgeous white sands.
Whatever the weather, Bournemouth beach is the perfect place to kick back with the sand between your toes, take a stroll down the pier, eat delicious food, or simply admire miles of breath-taking coastline.
You can also rent bikes and participate in exciting watersports like scuba diving and powerboating!
Make the most of your day at this incredible English beach by exploring the surrounding Bournemouth! There are a number of attractions on Bournemouth Pier, including a cinema, arcade, and amusements, and we’ve even put together a Bournemouth travel guide to help you plan your trip!
With so much to see and do, it’s little wonder that this beach in Dorset made the guide!
Type of beach: Sandy
Dog-friendly: Yes, between October-April
Car park: Yes, for a charge
Public toilets: Yes – open from 9am-6pm
Postcode: BH2 5AA
A five-mile stretch of sand separates Camber Sands from the rest of Sussex’s beaches which are made up mostly of pebbles and shingles.
With its towering sand dunes, Camber Sands Beach is unlike any other in the southeast of England. To the west, you can see Rye perched on its hill, while to the east, you can see Dungeness with its lighthouses and power plant.
Furthermore, this English beach is one of the best places in the area to windsurf and beachcomber. It also offers lessons and equipment renting, as well as access to Rye Harbour Nature Reserve.
Camber Sands is often considered one of the best beaches in the UK, so be sure to pay a visit during your next Sussex escape!
Type: Sand and shingle
Dog-friendly: Yes between May and September and restricted to Zones F&H
Car park: Yes, for a charge
Public toilets: Yes
Postcode: TN31 7RT
There are few beaches in England that can compare to Porthcurno Beach, a picturesque spot with white sand, tropical-like water, and rugged granite cliffs as a backdrop.
In addition to its stunning beauty, the sand here is special because it is composed of seashells that have been crushed by the sea over millions of years, which contributes to its exquisite colour.
For good reason, this beach in Cornwall is a favourite among families. Throughout the summer, lifeguards patrol the water inside a designated safe swimming area, and the towering cliffs on either side of the beach provide welcome protection from the wind.
Don’t leave Cornwall without seeing a play at the jaw-droppingly gorgeous Minack Theatre, which is located high on the cliffs above the coastline, providing a spectacular backdrop for theatre.
Use our things to do in Cornwall travel guide to plan your entire visit to this beautiful region!
Type of beach: Sandy
Dog-friendly: Seasonal dog ban between 1st of July and 31st of August (10am – 6pm)
Car Park: Yes
Public toilets: Yes, for a charge
Postcode: TR19 6JX
Woolacombe Sands is a hidden English beach in the heart of Devon. It boasts a long continuous row of 70 beach huts painted in unmistakable colours, the best sand for building sandcastles, isolated swimming locations, and plenty of parking.
Every year, tens of thousands of visitors, especially families and surfers flock to the beach and Woolacombe village. The length of the beach means that there are quieter locations even during the height of summer.
There is also plenty of room for a variety of watersports, and the level sands are excellent for a few beach games, making this Devon beach perfect for families and surfers.
Type of beach: Sandy
Dog-friendly: Yes, all year round. However, they are not allowed between the rocks at the north end of the beach and the stream from April – September
Car Park: Yes
Public toilets: Yes
Postcode: EX34 7DL
On the stretch of coastline in North Norfolk, you’ll find the coastal town of Cromer, which is known for its Victorian-era boardwalk and pier.
Spend a balmy afternoon basking in the sunshine on this Blue-Flag-awarded beach and partake in popular pastimes, including watersports and rock-pooling! Banksy, the world-famous graffiti artist, visited Cromer, where his crab artwork is still visible on the sea wall, preserved by varnish. Be sure to catch a glimpse of this!
Round off your day at this beach in England by strolling along the pier, which is a popular spot for sea angling. Alternatively, visit the high cliffs and discover fossils that date back to the Pleistocene era.
Type of beach: Sand and shingle
Dog-friendly: Dog restrictions apply between May – September
Car Park: Yes
Public toilets: Yes
Postcode: NR27 9AL
The beautiful Kynance Cove is located in southern Cornwall on the distinctive and strikingly beautiful Lizard Peninsula.
Kynance Cove is widely regarded as one of the nicest beaches in England, with its white sand offering a stark contrast to the dark red and black rocks that surround the cove. It’s also located in one of the hottest climates in the UK, so the peaceful water is a stunning turquoise colour. It’s little wonder that the beach is one of the UK’s most exotic beaches!
Relax and unwind in this tranquil location, and don’t miss the eco-friendly beach café, which serves Cornish pasties and other local delicacies.
Type of beach: Sandy
Dog-friendly: Seasonal dog ban between 1st of July and 31st of August (10am – 6pm)
Car Park: Yes
Public toilets: Yes
Postcode: TR12 7PJ
A world heritage site of striking natural beauty, Durdle Door is an iconic landmark of Dorset and a must-see for visitors to the Jurassic Coast.
Lulworth Cove is regarded as one of the greatest Dorset beaches due to its distinctive semi-circular shape, which was formed by sea erosion over 10,000 years ago. The crystal blue waters are popular with snorkelers and swimmers, making this without a doubt one of the most iconic Dorset attractions.
During the summer, boat cruises to the spectacular Durdle Door are available from Lulworth Cove! Use our Lulworth travel guide for suggestions on where to stay, what to do, and how to get to Lulworth.
Spend a few days strolling around this sleepy hamlet, taking in the sights, and relaxing with a stick of rock or an English cream tea as you people watch on the rocky shore.
Type of beach: Sandy/Shingle
Dog-friendly: Yes, all year
Car park: Yes, for a charge
Public toilets: Yes
Postcode: BH20 5PU / BH20 5RH
Druridge Bay Beach is a stunning seven-mile strip of sand that runs from Amble to Cresswell, where the Northumberland Coast Path begins.
The pristine shoreline spans as far as the eye can see, surrounded by rocky dunes. The region is a refuge for birdwatchers, hikers, and anybody looking to relax and take in the natural beauty of the Northumberland coast.
There are lots of different options to enjoy watersports due to the beach’s proximity to a neighbouring lake! The lake is safer for sailing and windsurfing, while the beach is great for kitesurfing and surfing.
This stretch of shore is not only gorgeous but also rich in wildlife, so you may get a glimpse of purple sandpipers, wintering wildfowl, teal, and golden plovers while strolling along the dunes during one of your Northumberland walks.
Type of beach: Sandy
Dog-friendly: Yes, all-year-round
Car park: Yes
Public toilets: No
Postcode: NE61 5BX
Blackpool Sands, with its crystal-clear seas and aromatic backdrop of scented pines and evergreens, adds a taste of the Mediterranean to our list of beaches in England!
It’s easy to see why this picturesque stretch of coast has been awarded Blue-Flag status with its fantastic watersport opportunities and the nearby café providing delicious refreshments.
The activities here are sure to keep you busy. There is something for everyone, whether you’re an avid watersports enthusiast, a rambler exploring the South West Coast Path, or a beachgoer with your pet.
Enjoy the country club-esque scenery of this stunning hotspot and treat yourself to a dreamy stroll around the countryside on some of the best walks in Devon.
Type of beach: Stony
Dog-friendly: Seasonal dog ban between May – September
Car Park: Yes
Public toilets: Yes
Postcode: TQ6 0RG
With one of England’s most iconic castles, the Farne Islands, as well as magnificent sands fringed with dune-like fragments, Bamburgh Beach is worth a trip to Northumberland.
Even with mild summer temperatures, the waves make for a quick dip and good sandcastle building during the busy season. While the dunes behind the Blue Flag award-winning beach are a Site of Special Scientific Interest, home to over 500 kinds of animals.
You can’t miss views out to the epic Bamburgh Castle, a well-preserved fortress that features a keep, towers, gates, and a plethora of Anglo-Saxon archaeological findings – with many more still waiting to be discovered.
Check out our Northumberland travel guide to explore the area in full.
Type of beach: Sandy
Dog-friendly: Yes, all year round
Car park: Yes, for a charge
Public toilets: Yes
Postcode: NE69 7DF
When it comes to the best beaches in England, Filey Beach has to be on the list with its expanse of exquisite sands and tranquil surroundings.
Filey has a long history of fishing, meaning the town’s harbour is often dotted with the charming sight of vintage fishing boats. After taking in the scenery, why not cool down by wading into the water or splashing about in the rock pools?
The Cleveland Way and the promenade are close to this coastal haven, making it one of the best Yorkshire beaches for walking and bird-watching.
Sailors love Filey as well; whether you’re participating, wishing to learn, or just watching, it’s a terrific spot for everyone.
Type of beach: Sandy
Car park: Yes
Dog-friendly: Yes, between October-April
Public toilets: Yes
Postcode: YO14 9JQ
Feeling inspired by these beaches in England? Check out our coastal cottages or beach cottages around England today. Alternatively, you can browse our England travel guide to get more inspiration for your seaside trip.
I'm Courtney and I joined the marketing team in February 2020! I love all things writing and travel and my favourite UK holiday de...
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