The best dog-friendly beaches in Yorkshire

Yorkshire is a very dog-friendly county, and the East Yorkshire coast is packed with brilliant beaches, many of which more than welcome our beach-lovin’ canine chums. Some allow sandy paws throughout the year while others have seasonal restrictions, so be sure to check which ones will allow Fido and friends to stretch their legs on the sand before setting off. 

Are dogs allowed on beaches in Yorkshire? Yes, there are lots of dog-friendly beaches in Yorkshire without exclusion zones, whilst others have a temporary bar during the summer months. We have compiled a useful list of our favourite pup-welcoming shorelines across the county. Before you visit, start thinking about Fido's gear for the day by reading our beach checklist for dogs.

Keep reading to see some of our favourite dog-friendly beaches in Yorkshire, or click below to find the perfect Yorkshire cottage on the coast for your four-legged beach bum.

Skip to: 

• Hunmanby Gap
• Bridlington (North and South)
• Sandsend Beach
• Scarborough (South and North Bay)
• Robin Hood's Bay
• Flamborough North Landing
• More Yorkshire dog-friendly beaches

Hunmanby Gap | Best dog-friendly beach in Yorkshire for a walk

Woofers with long walkies on their minds will be thrilled to see the car heading in the direction of Yorkshire's east coast to Hunmanby Gap. This lovely beach, just a 2.5-mile walk from Filey, is H-U-G-E and stretches down to Reighton Gap which is dog-friendly all year, too! Continue to the Flamborough Headland Heritage Coast if you’ve got energetic pups with you, although you might want to leave the lighthouse for another day as it’s a 12-mile walk! It's one of the best dog-friendly beaches in Yorkshire in our opinion.

If you do find the energy to walk the 2.5-mile coastal footpath to Filey and you're wondering 'Are dogs allowed at Filey Beach?', you'll be pleased to hear that this huge expanse of golden sand welcomes beach-loving pups throughout the year – but there are some restrictions. Dogs are free to run wild across the sand from October to April, but between May and September, they are only allowed to the left and right of the sea wall, where they must be kept on the lead between 8am and 6 pm. 

Bridlington | Best dog-friendly beach in Yorkshire for families

Bridlington's dog-friendly beach is one for all the family. There are two massive sandy and pebbly beaches (North Beach and South Beach) for either sandcastle construction or destruction depending on which family members we are talking about! Both beaches in Bridlington are dog-friendly all year round (some restrictions in summer) so grab the kids and dogs and concentrate on having a good old-fashioned family day out. Buy some buckets and spades, a rounders set, and fill an icebox with drinks and snacks, ready for sandy picnics and beach fun galore!

Sandsend | Best dog-friendly beach in Yorkshire for an adventure

The name very much reflects this beach on the North Yorkshire coast, situated between Runswick Bay and Whitby. Adventure-loving hounds can explore (with their humans, of course) the caves at the far end of the beach – just be aware of tide times. Splash about in the rivers that run down to the sea on the right-hand side and if your pup is really brave, walk the 5 miles down the beach to visit Whitby Abbey, which was the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula! Sandsend is one of the most beautiful beaches in Yorkshire.

Scarborough: South and North Bay | Best dog-friendly beach resort in Yorkshire

This one is great for canines who like to be amongst the crowds at one of our fabulous British seaside resorts. Not only does it boast one of the UK's top beaches, but the buzzing town of Scarborough is worth a visit too! Pups will be treated to two large sandy bays, divided by a rocky promontory on which the majestic ruins of the 11th-century Scarborough Castle are perched.

Sociable dogs will love the more vibrant South Bay with its cafes, shops and theatres, while along the promenade at North Bay, the canine who likes to live on the wild side (not too much of course) will be happier with this friendly beach backed by an esplanade, hills and cliffs. The North Bay is great for rock pooling – just look up the tide times in advance to avoid disappointment!

Robin Hood's Bay | Yorkshire's most scenic dog-friendly beach

Well known for its amazing scenery, this is one for those dogs who like their beach run with a view. Popular with photographers, Robin Hood's Bay's natural beauty of craggy cliffs and sweeping bay views is a powerful backdrop to a great dog run. Play chase along to Boggle Hole when the tide is out, when huge swathes of wet sand appear, just waiting for your pup to make their paw print.

Flamborough North Landing | Best dog-friendly beach for birders in Yorkshire

Is Flamborough Beach dog-friendly? It most certainly is. Scoop up your favourite four legs and head on down to North Landing Beach in Flamborough and close to Flamborough Head. There are various parts to this sandy and pebbly beach where dogs can run and splash about, and at low tide, rock pooling is a favourite activity for inquisitive canines with children in tow. The scenery is outstanding – white chalk cliffs backed by grassy hills peering down over the North Sea. It’s a great spot for birdwatching and you may even be lucky enough to spot the odd orange-beaked puffin.

More Yorkshire dog-friendly beaches without restrictions

If you like your paws sandy and your tummy wet, these beaches are just a handful of the many dog-welcoming coastal delights up and down Yorkshire's coast. For a full list of Yorkshire beaches that allow dogs with no restrictions, click below.