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...
Are you looking for an amazing array of Yorkshire beaches to explore? As the UK’s largest county, it’s no surprise that Yorkshire boasts over 100 miles of beautiful coastline and beaches, with North Yorkshire housing 18 of them alone!
Our useful guide features 17 of Yorkshire’s best beaches, from the East Riding of Yorkshire all the way to the North Yorkshire coast. The beaches in this selection have made this list for all sorts of reasons, whether that be spectacular scenery or superb access to activities for all ages.
Keep reading to discover 17 of the best Yorkshire beaches below…
Perfect for: Surfing
Starting off this list of Yorkshire beaches is Cayton Bay Beach, a sandy delight residing three miles south of Scarborough. The beach offers just over half a mile of golden sands for you to enjoy.
Here, you can relish a peaceful beach outing, watching the waves crash against the rocky outcrops. If you’d prefer to get into the water, why not partake in a surfing lesson with Scarborough Surf School?
Alternatively, get up close to wildlife by savouring a spot of birdwatching; glossy ibis and Cory’s shearwater are just a couple of the rare birds you can see here! The Jurassic cliffs are another highlight of the beach, with fossils waiting to be found.
Type of beach: Sandy
Car park: Yes
Dog-friendly: Yes, all year round
Postcode: YO11 3NP
Perfect for: Stunning walks
When it comes to the best Yorkshire beaches, Filey Beach has to be up there! The golden shore boasts five miles of pristine sands for you to make the most of.
Because of Filey’s renowned fishing history, your visit may be accompanied by the quaint sight of traditional fishing boats bobbing on the water. After admiring the views here, why not go for a splash in the rock pools or dip your toes in the sea?
This is also one of the best Yorkshire beaches for walks, with the birdwatching hub of Filey Brigg, The Cleveland Way and a promenade all situated close by. Outside of seasonal restrictions, your canine companion can also join you on these coastal walks.
With so much to see and do, it’s little wonder that it made the best beaches in England guide!
Type of beach: Sandy
Car park: Yes
Dog-friendly: Yes, between October-April
Postcode: YO14 9JQ
Perfect for: Family beach days
Are you after Yorkshire beaches that provide a traditional seaside outing? Whitby‘s Beach should be at the top of your itinerary. Donkey rides, colourful beach huts, and windbreaker and deckchair rentals are just a few of the things available here!
The sandy beach stretches over two miles, providing ample space for you to enjoy beach games. If you’re coming with little ones, you’ll be pleased to know that there’s also easy access to a paddling pool, crazy golf, bumper boats and more.
After enjoying all the beach has to offer, why not try your hand at climbing the 199 Steps and going for a clifftop walk? Here, amazing views of Whitby Abbey and the North Sea await.
Type of beach: Sandy
Car park: Yes
Dog-friendly: Yes, with restrictions at the south end of the beach
Postcode: YO21 3EN
Perfect for: Dog walking
Runswick Bay Beach is not only one of the best Yorkshire beaches but it’s also made our list of best beaches in the UK! It’s easy to see why, with it being known as one of the “prettiest places on the Yorkshire coast”.
When visiting the beach, you’ll be delighted to find a wealth of sand that’s ideal for beach games and sandcastles. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a seal or two splashing about in the water.
When the tide is out, you can easily enjoy a coastal walk with your pooch, and maybe even spot a fossil or two in the process!
Type of beach: Sandy
Car park: Yes
Dog-friendly: Yes, all year round
Postcode: TS13 5HU
Perfect for: Beachfront amusements
Another best Yorkshire beach for a whimsical, “bucket and spade” outing, South Bay Beach was guaranteed to make this list. This Scarborough delight is an exciting place to be, with ice cream parlours, beachfront amusements and donkey rides for you to enjoy.
The wide expanse of sand means you and your loved ones can easily while away the day with sunbathing and beach activities. If you’re a sailing aficionado, you’ll be happy to uncover the neighbouring harbour’s mooring facilities. Boat trips, fishing vessels and pleasure boats are a few of the sailing options here.
After making the most of this wonderful beach, make your way into the resort, where a wealth of eateries and amenities await.
Type of beach: Sandy
Car park: Yes
Dog-friendly: Yes, between October-April
Postcode: YO11 1NT
Perfect for: Coastal eateries
The Victorian shore of Saltburn Beach is another delightful addition to this collection of Yorkshire beaches. The beach enjoys ample sand and shingle, a lengthy pier and access to the iconic Saltburn Cliff Tramway, making for a fun day out for all the family.
You can reach the beach via car or the tramway; the latter will take you down the 120ft cliff, where elevated views of the sea await. When you arrive at the beach, why not try your hand at surfing? Saltburn is renowned for being a best Yorkshire beach for the watersport, boasting great wave conditions.
After enjoying an outing at Saltburn Beach, be sure to explore the neighbouring promenade, where The Seaview Restaurant and Tomahawk Steakhouse offer tasty dishes.
Type of beach: Shingle and sand
Car park: Yes
Dog-friendly: Yes, with restrictions in some areas of the beach
Postcode: TS12 1HQ
Perfect for: Relaxing
This picturesque beach makes for another fantastic addition to this list of beaches in Yorkshire. Staithes itself is a very photogenic fishing village, with an iconic harbour leading out to this beach.
Not only is it a stunning spot for unwinding, but the beach is also a Jurassic hot spot, with ample fossils available for you to discover. You can uncover these historic wonders on a hike with your furry friend, as the beach has no dog restrictions!
The set of sands is also amongst the Yorkshire beaches that boast film and TV ties, having been part of the set for ‘Old Jack’s Boat’. Our Staithes Travel Guide has even more information on things to do in this gorgeous corner of Yorkshire.
Type of beach: Sandy
Car park: No
Dog-friendly: Yes, all year round
Postcode: TS13 5DH
Perfect for: Photography
Robin Hood’s Bay is one of the best Yorkshire beaches that will leave you stunned, thanks to its eye-catching beauty. It’s a much-loved location for photographers, thanks to its panoramic views and rugged cliffs!
When the tide’s out, the beach’s extensive golden sands are revealed. Dog walking, chilly dips in the waves and rock pooling are a handful of activities you can enjoy at this time.
Due to being on the Dinosaur Coast, you can easily come across belemnites, ammonites and dinosaur footprints here.
Type of beach: Rock and sand
Car park: Yes
Dog-friendly: Yes, all year round
Postcode: YO22 4SJ
Perfect for: Lengthy, coastal hikes
Another best Yorkshire beach, Sandsend Beach is a beautiful location for a seaside outing. The beach enjoys clean, golden sands, making it ideal for families visiting with kids and four-legged friends!
During low tide, you’ll be able to spot a wealth of rock pools; perfect for the kids to explore whilst you look on from your towel. Afterwards, why not visit the adjacent Sandsend Café for a bite to eat with sea views?
Another major highlight of this pretty beach is its uninterrupted views of Whitby Abbey. If you’d like to extend your coastal outing, you can even hike to Whitby Abbey from the beach.
Type of beach: Shingle and sand
Car park: Yes
Dog-friendly: Yes, between October-April
Postcode: YO21 3SU
Perfect for: Watersports
Redcar Beach, also known as Coatham Beach, is another fine addition to this array of Yorkshire beaches. It’s a brilliant place for watersports, with many kitesurfing and windsurfing opportunities!
Another highlight of Redcar Beach is its easy access to facilities, such as a large car park and public toilets. It’s also close to a selection of activities, from a skate park to Cleveland Golf Club.
After sunbathing or surfing the day away on the beach, why not explore the nearby activities? Alternatively, head to the esplanade, where a cinema along with several eateries rest.
Type of beach: Sandy
Car park: No
Dog-friendly: Yes, with restrictions in some areas of the beach
Postcode: TS10 5BJ
Perfect for: Fossil hunting
Saltwick Bay is amongst the beaches in Yorkshire that enjoy a wealth of history, with shipwrecks and fossils peppered throughout. A popular activity at the beach is fossil hunting, which normally takes place at the foreshore of Saltwick Bay. Here, ammonites, jet gems and shells are aplenty.
When it comes to the dramatic shipwrecks strewn along the shore, keep an eye out for fragments of the HMHS Rohilla and Admiral Von Tromp. If you plan on exploring the wreckages, please ensure it’s during low tide!
The coastal gem’s fascinating past is one reason why it’s made this list of beaches in Yorkshire, the other is its beauty. Extensive golden sands and glorious sunsets over the North Sea are just a couple of the astounding sights here.
Type of beach: Rock and sand
Car park: Yes
Dog-friendly: Yes, all year round
Postcode: YO22 4JX
Perfect for: Birdwatching
Bridlington North Beach joins this list of Yorkshire beaches and brings a wealth of traditional coastal activities with it! Here, you can try your hand at crazy golf before wandering over to the vibrant fairground rides of Bridlington’s promenade.
Alternatively, head down to the beach itself and spend some time unwinding on the shores. Want to take your visit up a notch? Be sure to give windsurfing and kite surfing a go.
Bridlington North Beach is also the best Yorkshire beach for birdwatching, thanks to its chalk cliffs housing over a thousand sea birds, including gannet. If you’re a birdwatcher, be sure to bring those binoculars!
Type of beach: Pebble and sand
Car park: Yes
Dog-friendly: Yes, with restrictions in some areas of the beach between October-April
Postcode: YO15 2PL
Perfect for: Peace and quiet
The best Yorkshire beach for a quiet day out, you can find this shingle delight on the East Yorkshire coast. The beach’s peacefulness, cleanliness and water quality have earned its Blue Flag status, making this a desirable place for a quaint, coastal outing.
While visiting the beach, you can soak up the sights of the Flamborough Headland in the north and the Holderness coast in the south. It’s one of the few Yorkshire beaches resting close to the Trans Pennine Trail, making it an ideal spot for walkers, cyclists and horse riders to relax.
If you want to get into the refreshing waters, why not try out canoeing or kayaking here? After catching the waves, come and unwind on the shore while spotting the adorable seals dotted along the coast.
Type of beach: Shingle and sand
Car park: Yes
Dog-friendly: Yes, between October-April
Postcode: HU18 1pZ
Perfect for: Dog-friendly days out
Mappleton Beach is arguably one of the best Yorkshire beaches for dog walking and welcomes pooches all year round. The dog-friendly, coastal walk will take you and your canine companion on a three-mile hike along the stunning beach to Hornsea.
Alternatively, why not make the most of the beach’s slipway and go for a sail along the waves of the North Sea? After making the most of this part of East Yorkshire’s coast, stretch out and enjoy a spot of sunbathing on the pristine sands.
The welcoming Old Post Office Tea Rooms can be found nearby, a dog-friendly eatery offering delicious snacks.
Type of beach: Shingle and sand
Car park: Yes
Dog-friendly: Yes, all year round
Postcode: HU18 1XX
Perfect for: Fishing
The charming beach of Tunstall is another lovely addition to this array of beaches in Yorkshire. This quiet set of sand and shingle is perfect for families after a tranquil beach day in the East Riding of Yorkshire.
The beach is a hot spot for fishing, with black bream fish, seabass and thornback ray, so bring along your fishing rod! Alternatively, why not go for a seaside walk with your furry friend before making the most of the dog exercise area?
During low tide, a wealth of sand will appear as well as the remains of a submerged ancient forest; ideal for history buffs!
Type of beach: Shingle and sand
Car park: Yes
Dog-friendly: Yes
Postcode: HU12 0JQ
Perfect for: Great facilities
Are you looking for a remarkable beach flanked by dramatic chalk cliffs? Come to Flamborough North Landing! This beautiful shore not only offers a stunning day out at the beach for all the family, but is within reach of ample facilities, including toilets, parking and a café.
Flamborough North Landing promises beautiful sights all year round, however, the best time to come is during summer. This time of year offers the best conditions for sunbathing and snorkelling in the beach’s vibrant waters.
Another superb beach for birdwatching; razorbills, puffins and kittiwakes have made this part of the Yorkshire coast their home.
Type of beach: Pebble and sand
Car park: Yes
Dog-friendly: Yes, all year round
Postcode: YO15 1BJ
Perfect for: Swimming
Completing this list of Yorkshire beaches is Fraisthorpe Beach, a fantastic place for a spot of North Sea swimming! Alternatively, if you don’t feel like dipping your toes into the water, make the most of the extensive sands. Kite surfing, horse riding and sunbathing are just a few of the activities you can enjoy.
There are plenty of opportunities for walking at Fraisthorpe Beach, especially along the low clay cliffs. During a hike along these, you can relish elevated vistas of the beach and North Sea below.
While the beach doesn’t have its own car park, Auburn Farm sits nearby and contains ample space for vehicles.
Type of beach: Sandy
Car park: No
Dog-friendly: Yes, all year round
Postcode: YO15 3QU
Ready to experience these gorgeous beaches? Why not explore them from one of these Yorkshire coast cottages? If you’re after more inspiration for a getaway in this marvellous part of the UK, be sure to browse our North Yorkshire travel guide.
Image Credits: David Jones – CC BY 2.0; Paul Harrop – CC BY-SA 2.0
Hi, I'm Lola and I joined Sykes in 2021. My favourite holiday destination in the UK has to be Suffolk, I have so many happy memori...
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