Dog-friendly holidays on the beach

More and more of our canine chums are insisting that they deserve a holiday just as we do. The constant stresses of daily life – whether to eat or bury the Bonio, how many power naps to have each morning, whether to fetch the stick or stare blankly at the human… there are a whole host of problems that the thinking dog needs some time away from. 

So, instead of making them spend time away from the family, take them with you to one of our dog-friendly cottages by the beach. Let them have a read of our top ten dog-friendly coastal cottages below – we’re sure they will let you know their favourite.

If you'd like to paw through our entire collection of dog-friendly coastal cottages, just click the button below.

Stones Throw Beach Retreat, Pevensey Bay

1 dog welcome

Paws up who wants direct access onto the beach? When we say direct access canine friends, we don’t mean you have your own key – you still have to take the human with you. However, you do have a decked area and enclosed (if you aren’t a jumper) beach garden to run around at your leisure until the human takes you through the magical gate to the sparkling waters beyond - the setting for the ultimate beach holiday in Sussex.

Obviously, a fellow canine had a hand in the design of this contemporary beach house as while you are surveying your land from the terrace, you are equidistant from three main human areas of food – outside table, inside dining table and breakfast bar. No dog wants to be too far from the action.

Headland House, Newquay

1 dog welcome

You simply can’t beat Cornwall for amazing coastline and stunning views and at Headland House, you really get a feel of the Atlantic, just inviting you to get your paws wet. This Regency house with a Juliet balcony allows you to drink in the spectacular views across Fistral Beach and if you prefer to not walk too much (after all, we’re not all athletes), there is an enclosed lawned garden where you can have a relaxing heavenly snooze at any time of day.

There is also a BBQ at this house, so you can plan some sausage stealing of an evening. There are numerous National Trust properties nearby with many being dog friendly, so days out should be a doddle - after all, no one wants to be left at home on holiday.

Number 1 St Anns Head Lighthouse, Dale

2 dogs welcome

What fun-loving dog wouldn’t want a lighthouse as its neighbour? Isolated and peaceful, with sea in front and fields behind, this property overlooking a huge lighthouse is great for long, interesting walkies. There are lots of other beaches around Pembrokeshire – West Dale is only 3 miles away, Marloes 5 miles and Broad Haven 6 miles, so make sure you tell the human where you want to go in West Wales.

Anyway, enough exertion – the most exciting thing about this house is that there is a pizza oven outside – that means stealing crusts and everything! Even better, if you visit the house in the winter, there is an Aga to snuggle up next to, and an open fire in the lounge to get dry after brisk walks on the beach. There is even storage for bikes, so now is the time to ask the human for one of those dog carriers that go on the back of their bike so that you can get driven around in the manner to which you are no doubt accustomed.

Villa Surfside, Hayle

2 dogs welcome

The first thing you will notice about this coastal property in Cornwall is the wooden bench overlooking the sea, perfect for you and the human to have a moment together - you’ll be met with spectacular views across the golden sands of Hayle and across the bay to St Ives. You can then suggest a walk to clear the head as at the end of the enclosed garden, there is the South West Coast Path, which follows a scenic route across cliffs to Godrevy Point.

Alternatively, stroll down to Hayle Sands, only a few hundred metres away; the beach is dog friendly all year so you don’t have to worry about when you go. There is a surf school there as well which is fun as you’ll see some dogs on boards with their owners. You can then suggest to the human that you take a visit to one the many interesting places around, including the picturesque harbour of St Ives, Land’s End, Penzance and the Lizard Peninsula. Be warned canine chums – there are no actual Lizards here – it is just a name, so you won’t need to protect the humans this time, just enjoy the miles of wonderful walkies and relax.

Infinity, Whitsand Bay

2 dogs welcome

Enjoying a dramatic cliff-top location on the edge of Cornwall, this beautifully appointed lodge benefits from uninterrupted sea views, which you can enjoy from the comfort of the sofa, from a lounger on the infinity-style terrace, or from the luxurious hot tub.

Wander down the cliff path with your four-legged friends and you’ll find the dazzling 4-mile stretch of Whitsand Bay, a dog-friendly beach which feels wild and rugged. There are coast path walks aplenty, and when you return to the haven of the cabin, relaxation is guaranteed, with the boutique-style interior providing everything you’ll need for a comfortable stay.

Providence House, Fife, Scotland

2 dogs welcome

This dog-friendly apartment is right at the beach, and just a stone's throw from Kinghorn's sandy beach and harbour. Having been fully-refurbished, this holiday home is a delightful home-from-home for anybody looking for a pet-friendly base from which to discover the Neuk of Fife in Scotland. Take a walk along the long-distance Fife Coast Path; at 114 miles long, it's bound to provide some memorable coastal walks with your dog.

Providence House is close to Pettycur Beach (1 mile) and Silver Sands Beach (6 miles) too, as well as fine dog-friendly visitor attractions such as Townhill Country Park, Blairadam Wood and St Bridget's Kirk. There's so much natural beauty all around Fife, so be sure to bring your camera and your walking boots.

Fistral Beach House, Newquay

1 dog welcome

This detached coach house-style property in Cornwall is perfect for the pooch with an eco-conscience as it is situated on the Duchy of Cornwall eco-development. With the fabulous Fistral Beach on your doorstep, it's easy for older dogs and those who don't like car rides, as you can just stroll over for a little walkie whenever the mood takes. You can build up to slowly navigating the headland and beach at your leisure, perhaps stopping for a biscuit and bowl of water while your nose gets accustomed to the salty sea air.

The house is decked out in blue and cream seaside tones, so you'll really feel that you are on holiday, especially with the amazing sea views over Fistral Beach. Canines who like to sit outside and sniff the air will love the cosy kitchen which leads out to an enclosed lawned garden with a picnic bench. That's two perfect areas for the humans to drop crumbs while you lie alongside waiting for your next walkie.

Seagulls, Pevensey Bay

1 dog welcome

Overlooking a great expanse of sea, and right on the beach, this spacious house in Sussex is perfect for adventurous dogs who love to just run for miles and miles. With an enclosed garden, it even has a garden hose to wash off those sandy paws. There is also an upstairs terrace to just sit and relax and look at other dogs letting off steam while you enjoy a nice chew.

The house is big enough for all the family, so you can be sure to get attention from everybody. Being perfectly situated between Hastings and Eastbourne with a multitude of beautiful country towns and villages to visit, Seagulls is a great house to base yourself from; with the Firehills at Fairlight and the beautiful South Downs each within a half an hour drive, this is impressive dog walking country.

Sandy Cove, Portmellon

2 dogs welcome

This little cottage in Cornwall couldn’t get any closer to the sea – with uninterrupted views over the beach and cove of Portmellon, it is as coastal as it gets. There is a lovely pub next door and you can walk down to the beach as it is right in front of the cottage. Decorated with a fantastic nautical theme, it also has its own little enclosed garden if you fancy an alternative countryside view. On winter nights, you can snuggle up next to the wood burner with your favourite human – what could be more perfect?

The cottage is only a short stroll to the picturesque harbour of Mevagissey and the popular town of Truro is only a 20-minute drive away. In high seas and stormy weather, your car will need to be parked slightly further back, so pack your wellies and mackintosh for exciting maritime adventures!

Ysbryd Y Mor, Freshwater East

3 dogs welcome

This quirky property in Wales, separated into two buildings, has the most amazing views across Freshwater East and you can take THREE of you so this trip will be fun! The beach below is dog-friendly all year round and brilliant for exploring – the path can be a bit steep for older dogs but there are alternative routes for those of you who are a bit wobbly. Pembrokeshire is the UK’s only coastal national park and its famous path runs right past the bottom of the enclosed garden.

This property is the perfect place if you are a beach-loving dog who needs to just get away from it all – there are so many opportunities to splash about in the sea with your pals, perhaps popping into the dog-friendly beach bar afterwards for a snack. After all, what is a holiday if you can’t enjoy it with your best buddies?

More coastal canine cottages

If you still haven't found your perfect doggie beach holiday, there's still plenty more to choose from amongst our collection of dog-friendly coastal cottages. They cover locations from the tip of Cornwall right up to the reaches of Scotland, meaning there's somewhere to discover for every canine explorer, each boasting a great location within easy reach of the sea and welcoming pooches with open arms.