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Dog-friendly beaches

Looking for dog-friendly beaches near you? Whether you’re on a UK holiday or looking for a new spot to walk your canine companion, our guide to the best dog-friendly beaches has you covered!

From the Scottish Highlands to the coast of Cornwall, there are so many dog-friendly beaches to choose from! Look forward to watching your dog canter across the sands or swimming in the sea when visiting one of these superb dog-friendly beaches.

Keep reading to discover the best dog-friendly beaches in the UK…


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Best dog-friendly beaches FAQs
Best dog-friendly beaches in England
Best dog-friendly beaches in Wales
Best dog-friendly beaches in Scotland
Best dog-friendly beaches in Northern Ireland


Best Dog-Friendly Beaches FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take my dog on the beach in the UK?

Whilst there’s no straightforward answer, it’s worth noting that the majority of beaches in the UK allow you to bring your dog.
However, in 2023 many local councils across the UK brought in seasonal restrictions. Whilst these vary depending on location, many may have seasonal bans or restrictions. Typically between May and September.

What beaches can dogs go on in summer?

Although the vast majority of beaches across the UK allow you to bring your dog on the beach, the summer season falls right in the seasonal restriction timeframe.
So, if you’re planning on visiting a particular beach with your dog during the summer, you may have to keep them on a lead to avoid being fined or you may be required to stay only within designated areas of the beach.

Do dogs have to be on a lead on a beach?

Typically, beaches that enforce seasonal restrictions will require dog owners to keep their pets on a lead between May and September. However, there are also plenty of beaches across the UK that have chosen not to enforce any restrictions whatsoever; These beaches are where you can feel free to let your dog off the lead without running the risk of being fined.

Which UK beaches allow dogs all year round?

With around 1500 beaches dotted around the British Isles, there’s no definitive list of beaches where dogs are allowed all year round. However, aside from those listed in this article, it’s best to check ahead by visiting the local council website of the beach you’re planning to visit to see if any restrictions are in force.


Best Dog-Friendly Beaches in England

1. Durdle Door Beach, Lulworth, Dorset

Durdle Door and Jurassic Coast Beaches

Durdle Door’s instantly recognisable limestone arch, emerging from the turquoise water, has formed naturally over thousands of years due to the impact of the waves crashing against the headland and is just one of the reasons this Dorset beach is so appealing.

This dog-friendly beach is backed by the dramatic cliffs of the Jurassic Coast and boasts one of the UK’s most spectacular landscapes. What’s more, it welcomes dogs all year round!

Join the iconic South West Coast Path and explore the ancient rock formations that make up the Jurassic Coast, taking in the spectacular sea views and stunning sandy beaches that are sprinkled along the coastline.

Dogs allowed? All year round
Type of Beach: Sand and shingle
Postcode: BH20 5PU
Parking: Clifftop at Durdle Door Holiday Park (20-minute walk down a steep path and a large set of steps to the beach)
Parking Charge: Pay and Display
Other facilities: Toilets, café/restaurant. There are no rubbish bins at this beach

2. Brean Beach, Brean, Somerset

Brean Beach, Somerset

Situated along Somerset’s stunning coastline near the resort town of Weston-super-Mare, Brean Beach has long been popular with holidaymakers, particularly for water sports which take place often here. Not only that but it’s also considered one of the best dog-friendly beaches in the UK, with no restrictions in place throughout the year.  

With miles of golden sands to enjoy, it makes for a great place for your pooch to have a run-around or go for a swim in the sea, all whilst taking in the stunning views of Brean Down Fort which sits on a peninsula at the northern end of the beach. On top of all that, there’s even a shipwreck situated along this beach, that of the SS Nornen which can be seen at low tide.

Dogs Allowed? All year round
Type of Beach: Sandy
Postcode: TA8 2RD
Parking: Sandbanks Car Park (Next to the beach)
Parking Charge: Pay and display

3. Brancaster Beach, Brancaster, Norfolk

Brancaster Beach, Norfolk Coast

Located right at the heart of the Norfolk Coast National Landscape, Brancaster Beach is a fantastic place to take your pooch for a long walk and admire the wildlife that this stunning area is celebrated for.

Aside from small areas that are roped off to protect nesting birds during the summer, this beach allows dogs all year round, making it one of the best dog-friendly beaches in the UK and undoubtedly one of the best dog-friendly beaches in Norfolk.

What’s best is that this beach is much less visited than those in neighbouring seaside resort towns, making it a wonderful place to enjoy the area’s natural beauty in solitude.

Dogs Allowed? Yes (Limited restrictions)
Type of Beach: Sand
Postcode: PE31 8AX
Parking: Brancaster Beach Car Park, 1-minute walk from the beach
Parking Charge: Pay and display
Other Facilities: Public toilets next to the car park

4. Compton Bay, Freshwater, Isle of Wight

Compton Bay, a dog-friendly beach

This dog-friendly beach can be found on the pretty Isle of Wight, adjacent to Freshwater Bay and within the Isle of Wight’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

It may have a seasonal dog restriction, but it’s well worth a visit at any time of year, as it is surrounded by Freshwater’s eye-catching white chalk cliffs. This sandy Isle of Wight beach is also extremely popular with watersports enthusiasts, who flock here to enjoy surfing and windsurfing opportunities.

At low tide, you can uncover Prehistoric fossilised rocks, and even join a guided tour to see dinosaur footprints only visible at low tide; it’s unsurprising that this is one of the most popular dog-friendly beaches on the Isle of Wight.

Stop off at Compton Bay along the coastal path walk, which spans the length of the Isle in both directions. At the far western end of the coast, the National Trust’s The Needles Old Battery & New Battery, a fascinating 19th-century coastal fort, proudly perches above the Needles Rocks and is a must-see.

Dogs Allowed? Yes but there is a seasonal ban between 1st June and 30th September
Type of Beach: Sandy
Postcode: PO30 4HF
Parking: Hanover Point National Trust car park (access to steep steps that lead down onto the beach)
Parking Charge: Free for National Trust members, pay and display otherwise
Other facilities: Toilets, fresh water tap

5. Chesil Beach, Weymouth, Dorset

Chesil Beach, Weymouth

Stretching over an impressive 18 miles from Weymouth in the east across the West Dorset Heritage Coast, Chesil Beach is easily one of the most unique dog-friendly UK beaches, due to the fact that it backs onto a tidal lagoon, known as the Fleet, rather than the shore.

With this in mind, it should be noted that to get onto Chesil Beach, visitors should make their way towards the Isle of Portland, where the beach meets the land. Here, you’ll find the Chesil Beach Car Park which sits right on the edge of the beach, giving you and your pooch quick and easy access to this stunning coastal hotspot.

Then, when you’re all finished up for the day, you could always make your way into Castletown on the Isle of Portland and enjoy one of its many pubs, cafés or restaurants.

Dogs Allowed? Yes (No Restrictions)
Type of Beach: Shingle
Postcode: DT4 9XE
Parking: Chesil Car Park
Parking Charge: Pay and display
Other Facilities: Public toilets (Next to the car park)

6. Fraisthorpe Beach, Bridlington, East Yorkshire

Fraisthorpe Beach, Bridlington

Leading on from Bridlington’s South Beach on the town’s seafront, Fraisthorpe Beach makes for a brilliant place to bring your four-legged friend for a long walk. Situated on the East Yorkshire Coast AONB, this dog-friendly beach is a truly stunning spot to take in the area’s natural beauty.

Popular for horse riding, this dog-friendly UK beach also features a series of “pillboxes”, defensive structures placed on the beach in case of invasion during World War 2.

With a car park situated right on the edge of the beach, Fraisthorpe also has a wonderful café called The Cow Shed that serves beachgoers delicious meals, coffee and ice cream, making it an excellent place to sit back and relax after an afternoon of exploration with your pooch.

Dogs Allowed? Yes (No Restrictions)
Type of Beach: Sandy
Postcode: YO15 3QU
Parking: Fraisthorpe Beach Top Parking
Parking Charge: Pay and display
Other Facilities: Café next to Car Park (The Cow Shed)

7. North Sands, Salcombe, Devon

North Sands, Salcombe

This impressive Salcombe beach is backed by the dramatic ruins of Fort Charles castle and is regarded as one of Devon‘s most dog-friendly beaches.

North Sands is one of many beaches dotted along Salcombe’s impressive harbour but stands out from the competition thanks to its pristine sand and azure waters.

Popular with families, this dog-friendly beach in Devon is filled with rock pools to explore, plus a picnic area for alfresco dining, as well as is close to attractions like the Maritime Museum and the impressive 20th-century Edwardian stately home of Overbecks. Meanwhile, Salcombe town centre is only a 15-minute walk away, home to a host of shops and eateries.

Dogs Allowed? All year round
Type of Beach: Sandy (only accessible at low tide)
Postcode: TQ8 8LD
Parking: North Sands car park on Cliff Road
Parking Charge: Pay and display, price depends on the season
Other facilities: Toilets, picnic area, seafood restaurant

8. Haverigg Beach, near Barrow-in-Furness, Lake District

Haverigg Beach

Next on our guide to dog-friendly beaches in the UK is the ever-charming, Haveriff Beach. Enjoying fell and estuary views in South Lakeland, on the fringes of the Lake District National Park, this dog-friendly beach promises to be a scenic spot.

Haverigg Beach is best visited at low tide when miles of sand are revealed. This provides plenty of opportunities for scenic dog walks, looking out to the Irish Sea!

Walk along the sea wall towards Millom, passing Hodbarrow Haverigg Lighthouse and the RSPB Nature Reserve. Here, you will find a viewing hub, where you can observe protected species of nearly extinct birdlife.

Dogs Allowed? All year round
Type of Beach: Sand & shingle
Postcode: LA18 4GY
Parking: Lots of free parking places nearby
Other facilities: Children’s play area, café, nature reserve and pub

9. Bossiney Cove, near Tintagel, Cornwall

Bossiney Cove - a dog-friendly beach

Bossiney Cove is one of many dog-friendly beaches in Cornwall, and we love the seclusion this scenic cove provides, only being accessible at low tide!

Situated on the North Cornwall coast, right on the South West Coast Path, this dog-friendly beach is a bit of a Cornish hidden gem and is usually less populated than some of the more renowned north coast beaches.

Discover clear water that’s ideal for swimming, glistening golden sand for sunbathing and sandcastle building, as well as a rocky headland providing a dramatic backdrop.

Enjoy this dog-friendly Cornish beach as part of the Tintagel clifftop coastal walk, encompassing spectacular views and points of interest, including castle ruins linked to King Arthur, the headland of Barras Nose and the Grade I listed cliff-top church of St Materiana’s.

Dogs Allowed? All year round
Type of Beach: Sandy
Postcode: PL34 0BA
Parking: Just off the main Tintagel to Bossiney road
Parking Charge: Pay and display
Other facilities: Access via a steep path from the car park, not suitable for pushchairs

10. Runswick Bay Beach, Saltburn-by-the-Sea, North Yorkshire

Runswick Bay

Next on our guide to dog-friendly beaches and one of the most idyllic spots on the North Yorkshire coastline is Runswick Bay Beach.

Runswick Bay is a former fishing village – less than 10 miles from Whitby – nestled beneath cliffs in a dramatic and striking fashion, populated with picture-perfect stone cottages.

Extremely popular with dog walkers, your four-legged friend can be rewarded with a refreshing dip in the sea after a long walk along one of the best UK walks, the Cleveland Way. This is a National trail, spanning 109 miles between Helmsley and Filey Brigg, encompassing spectacular coastal scenery with pristine heather-clad moorland.

When the tide goes out at this dog-friendly beach, it reveals lots of fossilised rocks that will make for a fascinating afternoon of discovery for any keen fossil hunters!

Dogs Allowed? All year round
Type of Beach: Sandy with rocky areas
Postcode: TS13 5HT
Parking: Bank Bottom Car Park
Parking Charge: Offers 24-hour parking for £6
Other facilities: Cafés and restaurants close by, including The Cliffemount Hotel, which boasts panoramic views and award-winning food

11. Horsey Gap, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk

A seal on Horsey Gap

This Great Yarmouth beach is one of the finest Norfolk dog-friendly beaches. Horsey Gap had to be included in our guide to dog-friendly beaches for its unique opportunity to spot the Grey Seal colonies something that features on many Brit’s summer bucket lists.

At this dog-friendly beach, seals make their way onto the sand during the winter months to birth their pups. A world-class wildlife encounter experience in our book!

While it’s not advised that dogs are taken too close to the seals in case they cause a disturbance, it’s still a spectacular sight to behold from afar. Enjoy wonderful dog walks along the sand and keep an eye out for spot seals bobbing in the water away from shore!

While holidaying in this lovely part of Norfolk. you can also walk up to the National Trust’s Horsey Windpump windmill. Here you can learn about its fascinating history, hop on a boat to explore the fascinating Norfolk Broads in true fashion, and enjoy seeing the birdlife and wildlife that inhabits the Martham Broad National Nature Reserve, managed by the Norfolk Wildlife Trust.

Dogs Allowed? All year round (advised that they are kept off the beach during winter when the seals are present)
Type of Beach: Sandy
Postcode: NR29 4EF
Parking: Horsey Gap Car Park
Parking Charge: Pay and Display
Other facilities: Restaurant and tea room a short walk away


Best Dog-Friendly Beaches in Wales

12. Traeth Llanddwyn, Newborough, Isle of Anglesey

Traeth Llanddwyn

Found on the beautiful Isle of Anglesey in North-West Wales, Traeth Llanddwyn hugs the edge of the enchanting Newborough Forest and makes for one of the best dog-friendly beaches in the UK.

Stretching over five kilometres in length, this beach offers unforgettable views of the Llyn Peninsula across the bay and even has a small island at the end of the beach that’s well worth walking to and exploring.

With Newborough Forest right next to the beach as well, you can easily jump onto one of the footpaths leading onto the beach and head into this enchanting forest with your dog for more exploration.

Dogs Allowed? Yes (No Restrictions)
Type of Beach: Sandy
Postcode: LL55 2HE
Parking: Maes Parcio Ynys Llanddwyn (Next to the beach)
Parking Charge: Pay and display
Other Facilities: Public Toilets & Drinking Water

13. Barafundle Bay, Stackpole, Pembrokeshire

Barafundle Bay a dog-friendly beach

Barafundle Bay in Pembrokeshire is a picturesque haven. This dog-friendly beach was undoubtedly one of South Wales’ best hidden gems, until finding Blue Flag award fame! Today, it is consistently ranked amongst the best UK dog-friendly beaches!

It has become increasingly popular with tourists, who flock here to discover its unspoilt beauty. Best accessed at low tide when more of the beach is exposed, Barafundle Bay provides sparkling sand and Caribbean-esque waters, backed by sand dunes.

This picturesque beach is owned by the Stackpole Estate and managed by the National Trust, so it’s no wonder it is in such pristine condition.

Join the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path, which runs alongside Barafundle Bay. Here, move along the limestone cliffs towards the peninsula at Stackpole Head, where you can appreciate the dramatic coastal landscape, as well as the variety of wildlife that inhabits the area.

Dogs Allowed? All year round
Type of Beach: Sandy
Postcode: SA71 5LS
Parking: The closest car park is 0.5 miles away in Stackpole
Parking Charge: Pay and display
Other facilities: Toilets, café/restaurant

14. Porth Neigwl, Abersoch, Llyn Peninsula

Porth Neigwl a dog-friendly beach

Found in the far west of Wales along the southern shores of the Llyn Peninsula, Porth Neigwl is a long and beautiful beach that can be found just a few minutes’ drive away from the nearby holiday hotspot of Abersoch.

Frequently recognised as one of the best beaches for surfing in Wales, Porth Neigwl is popular with water sports enthusiasts and tourists alike. Porth Neigwl stretches nearly six kilometres in length, making it an excellent place to bring your pooch for a long walk whilst taking in the unforgettable views of the Irish Sea.

What’s best about this beach is that despite being close to one of North Wales’ most popular tourist towns, it’s much less busy than the main beach in Abersoch. So, if you’re staying near here and hoping to get away from the crowds for a little while, you can’t go wrong with taking a trip down to Porth Neigwl for the afternoon.

Dogs Allowed? Yes (All year round)
Type of Beach: Sand & Pebble
Postcode: LL53 7LG
Parking: Porth Neigwl Car Park (approx. 200 metres from the beach)
Parking Charge: None/Free
Other facilities: N/A

15. Aberystwyth North Beach, Aberystwyth, Cardigan Bay

Aberystwyth North Beach a dog-friendly beach

A popular university town situated almost halfway along Cardigan Bay, Aberystwyth North Beach is one of two beaches in the town, the other (South Beach) being the busier of the two.

Lined with colourful townhouses, this fantastic dog-friendly beach can be easily reached from the town. However, if you’re planning to arrive at the beach via car, you may find limited parking spaces along Marine Terrace, especially during the warmer months of the year.

That being said, this shingle beach makes for a brilliant place to go for the day with your four-legged friend. Even though it operates a seasonal ban between the 1st of May and the 30th of September, you can quite easily spend the day here wandering across the beach and checking out the nearby Royal Pier Arcade before heading into the town to enjoy one of its many bars or restaurants.

Dogs Allowed? Yes, but only between the pier and jetty – Dogs are banned on the main beach between 1st May – 30th September
Type of Beach: Sand & Shingle
Postcode: SY23 2AZ
Parking: Limited parking spaces along Marine Terrace
Parking Charge: Free, but only for 4 hours between Mon-Sat 8am-6pm (No return within 4 hours)

16. Harlech Beach, Harlech, Gwynedd

Harlech Beach, Gwynedd

A gorgeous sandy beach found just a stone’s throw away from the historic Harlech Castle, Harlech Beach is a massively popular tourist hotspot and easily one of the best dog-friendly beaches in the UK.

Boasting nearly five kilometres of golden sands, this wonderful beach is extremely popular with holidaymakers staying in the town and can get very busy in the summer. However, despite operating a dog ban in a small section of the beach that backs onto the Min-y-don holiday park, the rest of the beach is dog-friendly all year round.

For the keen explorers and history buffs, this dog-friendly beach is also home to what is locally known as the “Maid of Harlech”, an American World War 2 fighter plane that crash-landed just off the shore, which can still be seen at low tide.

Dogs Allowed? Restrictions only apply to a small section in front of the holiday park (Banned between 1st May – 30th September)
Type of Beach: Sand
Postcode: LL46 2UB
Parking: Ffordd Glan Mor Parking (5-minute walk from the beach)
Parking Charge: Pay and display

17. Talacre Beach, Talacre, North Wales

Talacre Beach

Slightly further down the North Wales coast from the popular resort town of Prestatyn, you’ll find Talacre Beach, one of the best dog-friendly beaches that stretches around the headland.

Easily accessible from the town via a network of footpaths, this dog-friendly beach has long been a popular destination with dog walkers. Not only does it have plenty of space at low tide, but this lovely beach also has its own historic lighthouse known as the Point of Ayr which can make for some unforgettable photo opportunities with your pooch!

What’s best is that this wonderful dog-friendly beach also backs onto a designated Area of Natural Beauty, which consists of a network of footpaths that wind their way through the stunning sand dunes. With the town being just a short walk away too, you can quite easily spend a full afternoon on the beach before heading into Talacre to enjoy one of its many pubs and restaurants.

Dogs Allowed? Yes, all-year-round
Type of Beach: Sand
Postcode: CH8 9RD
Parking: Talacre Beach Car Park (1-minute walk from the beach)
Parking Charge: Pay and display

18. Saundersfoot Beach, Saundersfoot, Pembrokeshire

Saundersfoot Beach, Pembrokeshire

The main beach in the large village of Saundersfoot on the Pembrokeshire Coast, Saundersfoot Beach is a popular, sandy beach that’s often packed with tourists and water sports enthusiasts during the summer months.

Despite there being a dog ban in place on the southern half of the beach between 1st May and 30th September, the rest of the beach is dog-friendly year-round, making it a brilliant place to wander across the sands and perhaps even go for a swim!

With a welcome centre situated right next to the car park as well as there is a block of public toilets nearby, this beach is also just a few minutes walk from a host of fantastic bars, cafes and restaurants where you can unwind and relax after a day of adventures with your pooch.

Dogs Allowed? Yes, however, dogs are banned from the southern half of the beach between 1st May and 30th September
Type of Beach: Sand
Postcode: SA69 9NL
Parking: Parking is available next to the beach and in the village
Parking Charge: Pay and display


Best Dog-Friendly Beaches in Scotland

19. Morar Beach, near Morar, Fort William, Scottish Highlands

Morar Beach

You could easily be mistaken for thinking you’re on an exotic beach on a secluded Caribbean island, as you wade through the crystal clear turquoise water and feel the pearly white sand between your toes, when in fact Morar Beach is one of the Scottish Highland’s treasures.

Morar Beach is one of a collection of pristine sandy beaches peppered along the coastline that makes up the Silver Sands of Morar.

Adjacent to the Moray Coast Trail, a waymarked 50-mile-long trail that runs from Findhorn to Cullen and encompasses some exceptional natural beauty along the way, this dog-friendly beach in Scotland is the perfect stop-off point for a refreshing swim or a picnic with a view.

Discover the whole collection and make multiple stops as you enjoy views out towards the isles of Rum, Eigg, Canna and more; you may even be lucky enough to spot dolphins leaping majestically between the waves!

Dogs Allowed? All year round
Type of Beach: Sandy
Postcode: PH39 4NT
Parking: Morar Beach car park has a path straight onto the beach
Parking Charge: Pay and Display
Other Facilities: Toilets

20. Coral Beach, Isle of Skye, Outer Hebrides

Coral Beach, Skye

Found on the western side of the Isle of Skye up in the Outer Hebrides, Coral Beach curves around the edge of Loch Dunvegan and features stunning white sands that will make you feel like you’re in the Caribbean. Unsurprisingly, this is considered one of the Isle of Skye’s best beaches!

Due to its isolated location and lack of roads leading to it, Coral Beach is one of the best dog-friendly beaches, not only because it can offer your pooch plenty of space to run around, but it’s also one of the quietest beaches on the island.

Additionally, if you’re up for a bit of exploration, you can follow the footpath southwards from the beach along the edge of the loch to reach Dunvegan Castle. This fantastic 13th-century castle is open to visitors and features a fantastic network of gardens to discover!

Dogs Allowed? All year round
Type of Beach: Sandy
Postcode: IV55 8WF
Parking: Claigan Coral Beach Car Park (approx. 25 minutes walk)
Parking Charge: Free

21. Lunan Bay Beach, Angus, Scotland

Lunan Bay Beach

Tucked away in the Angus region of Scotland not far from the city of Aberdeen, Lunan Bay Beach isn’t just one of the best dog-friendly beaches in Scotland, but probably one of the best of its kind anywhere in the country!  

Famed for its golden sands and mysterious sea caves, this beach also allows dogs all year round, allowing you and your pooch to enjoy this wonderful beauty spot without any restrictions. With a network of sand dunes backing onto the beach and a fantastic castle ruin on the headland, you can quite easily spend a full day at this beach with your four-legged companion.

Dogs Allowed? All year round
Type of Beach: Sandy
Postcode: DD11 5ST
Parking: Lunan Bay Beach Car Park (Less than 5 minutes from the beach)
Parking Charge: Free

22. Ayr South Beach, Highlands, Scotland

Ayr South Beach

One of two beaches in the large town of Ayr on the west coast of Scotland, Ayr South Beach can be easily reached from the centre of the town stretching from the Port of Ayr in the north past the town to the south.

With a large car park situated on the seafront in the heart of the town, this dog-friendly beach is popular with both tourists and locals and although it can get pretty busy during the warmer months of the year, it doesn’t have any seasonal dog bans in place, allowing you and your pet to enjoy the beach without restrictions.

Being so close to the town, you’ll also find a host of great pubs and restaurants to enjoy afterwards by heading up to Fort Street and Sandgate, both of which are about a 10-minute walk from the beach’s car park.

Dogs Allowed? All year round
Type of Beach: Sandy
Postcode: KA7 1DU
Parking: Ayr Beach Car Park
Parking Charge: Free

23. Kilbride Bay Beach, Argyll and Bute, West Coast Scotland

Kilbride Bay Beach

Found on the edge of the West coast of Scotland, Kilbride Bay is best known for its beautiful white sandy beach, and being in such an isolated location makes it one of the best dog-friendly beaches.

Being in a mostly rural location, you can access this dog-friendly beach via a network of country roads and coastal paths from the nearby villages of Ardlamont and Portavadie. Although Kilbride Bay doesn’t have a designated car park, visitors tend to use lay-bys on nearby roads, leaving you with just a 15-minute walk to the beach.

Once on the beach your beloved pooch can run free, kick up sand and splash around in the sea while you breathe in the refreshing sea air! You might even get lucky and spot local wildlife including seals, otters and porpoises.

Dogs Allowed? All year round
Type of Beach: Sandy
Postcode: PA21 2AH
Parking: Small lay-by at Kilbride Farm, PA21 2AH (approx. 20-minute walk from the beach)
Parking Charge: Free


Best Dog-Friendly Beaches in Northern Ireland

24. Portstewart Strand, Co. Londonderry, Northern Ireland

Portstewart Strand

Easily one of Northern Ireland’s most popular dog-friendly beaches, Portstewart Strand can be found at the mouth of the River Bann on County Londonderry’s northern coastline.

Situated just a few short miles away from the town of Coleraine, this beautiful beach is preserved by The National Trust, meaning that as long as dogs are kept on a lead in certain areas, you can bring your pooch here for walkies any time of the year.

With a network of stunning sand dunes backing onto the beach, you’ll also find a popular seafood restaurant known as Harry’s Shack right next to the entrance to the beach, which can make for a great place to grab a bite to eat after a day on the beach.

What’s even better is that you can park right on the beach itself, avoiding the need to park in Portstewart and walk down to the golden sands!

Dogs Allowed? All year round, however, they must be on leads until post 10
Type of Beach: Sandy
Postcode: BT55 7PG
Parking: Strand Car Park (on the beach)
Parking Charge: Free to National Trust Members, pay and display otherwise

25. Benone Beach, Co. Londonderry, Northern Ireland

Benone Beach

Next on this list of dog-friendly UK beaches is Benone Beach, as one of the largest dog-friendly beaches in Northern Ireland, it is a great place to consider spending the day with your four-legged companion!

Part of the Binevenagh Area of Natural Beauty, this dog-friendly UK beach is popular with dog walkers, and with surfers and water sports enthusiasts too. Being a Blue Flag Award-winning beach, dogs are restricted within this area from the 1st of June to the 15th of September, but anywhere outside that designated area comes with no restrictions.

With a surfer’s café situated at the entrance of the beach as well as a block of public toilets for visitors to use, Benone Beach will make you feel like you’re in the Mediterranean in no time!

Dogs Allowed? All year-round, restrictions apply between 1st June – 15th September
Type of Beach: Sandy
Postcode: BT49 0LQ
Parking: On the beach or at the entrance
Parking Charge: Free

26. Murlough Beach, Co. Down, Northern Ireland

Murlough Beach

Last (but certainly not least!) on this list of the best dog-friendly beaches in the UK is Murlough Beach, situated in the beautiful County Down of Northern Ireland.

Situated just a couple miles north of the town of Newcastle, this dog-friendly beach forms part of the Murlough National Nature Reserve, a stunning area of natural beauty preserved by The National Trust. This beach has no restrictions whatsoever when it comes to dogs, so you can feel free to bring your pooch here for walks on this stunning beach any time of the year.

Enjoy long walks with your pampered pooch or let them off lead so they can run freely across the sand. With beautiful views across the sea and swathes of sand to explore, it’s easy to see why Murlough Beach made our guide to the best dog-friendly beaches in the UK!

Dogs Allowed? All year-round
Type of Beach: Sand
Postcode: BT33 0LW
Parking: Murlough National Nature Reserve Car Park
Parking Charge: Free for National Trust members, pay and display otherwise


For more ideas and inspiration for your next getaway, take a look at this guide on the best dog-friendly holidays in the UK for 2024, as well as our guide on the best dog-friendly places to eat in the UK.


Image Credits: Andrew Bone – (CC BY-SA 2.0); Keith Salvesen – (CC BY-SA 2.0); Peter Barr – (CC BY-SA 2.0); Renn69 – (CC BY-SA 4.0); Thomas Follows – (CC BY-SA 4.0); Chris Andrews – (CC BY-SA 2.0); Neil Williamson – (CC BY-SA 2.0); Aaron Bradley – (CC BY-SA 2.0); Euan Nelson – (CC BY-SA 2.0); Carroll Pierce – (CC BY-SA 2.0); Luke Carré – (CC BY-SA 4.0); Laureljade – (CC BY-SA 3.0)

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