There is something rather lovely about a picnic by the sea. Beautiful vistas, the salty air, a blanket that's inevitably covered in crumbs... and a dog who has decided the entire contents of your picnic belong to them.
Here at Canine Cottages, we know that the best adventures are the ones you get to share with your four-legged friend. So, no matter if you’re hoping for some sunny days so you can get out and about this autumn, or looking for inspiration for next spring and summer, we’re here to help you plan the perfect picnic with your pooch.
We’ve teamed up with Jude’s Ice Cream to reveal the most beautiful dog-friendly picnic spots by the coast, highlighting what to pack for humans and hounds, so that you can stay safe in the sunshine and enjoy plenty of delicious treats along the way.
What makes the perfect dog-friendly coastal picnic?
It’s as much about the location as the contents of the hamper. The beaches mentioned below were highlighted as pawfect destinations in our recent survey. Set yourself up in a place that keeps tails wagging, and you’ll find plenty of peace to enjoy a relaxing dog-friendly picnic. Consider seeking out a location that includes:
- A dog-friendly beach during the summer (be sure to check seasonal restrictions first)
- Nearby walking routes
- Somewhere quiet to sit and eat
- Parking and/or easy access to the picnic spot
- Opportunities for both of you to enjoy a paddle or swim
- Shade or sheltered spots where possible
Six of the best coastal spots for a dog-friendly picnic
Rhossili Bay, Gower Peninsula, Wales
Often described as one of the best beaches in South Wales, Rhossili Bay is a vast stretch of sweeping sand, backed by lofty cliffs, and showcasing spectacular views towards Worm’s Head. There’s plenty of space here for your dog to run amok. Pack a lunch, find a spot with a view and let your canine companion enjoy a good old sniff and stretch along the huge expanse of sand, or enjoy a paddle together once you’ve eaten.
Facilities are good at Rhossili, although this is understandably a popular destination on a sunny day, so an early start is the best way to bag a good picnic spot and enjoy some peace and quiet before the crowds arrive.
Good to know
- Best for: Active dogs with plenty of energy
- Restrictions: Dogs allowed year-round
- Nearest car park: National Trust car park, SA3 1PR (free for National Trust members)
- Stay nearby: Shelby's Hideaway | sleeps 2 + 2 dogs
Bamburgh, Northumberland
This iconic seaside destination, and home of the Norman fortress Bamburgh Castle, is a wonderful destination for a coastal picnic with your hound in tow. Here, you can explore the sand dunes and rockpools together before setting down to a picnic on the sand, with the wild North Sea lapping at the shore.
Even in the summer months, the coastal breeze can make for a refreshing day by the sea, although it's still important to provide plenty of fresh water and shade for your pup. Bamburgh is a brilliant spot for an atmospheric afternoon within dramatic scenery and very British climes.
Good to know
- Best for: Inquisitive dogs; the rock pools are brimming with sea life to discover
- Restrictions: Dogs allowed year-round
- Nearest car park: Links Road, NE69 7DF. Charges apply
- Stay nearby: Bamburgh Beach House | sleeps 8 + 1
Shanklin Beach, Isle of Wight
Lucky pups visiting the Isle of Wight will discover that they are never far from a beach, so you won’t find it tricky to discover the perfect picnic location. Topping our list of must-visit locations is Shanklin, one of the Isle of Wight’s traditional seaside resorts, backed by towering cliffs and a bustling promenade. It’s an ideal spot for a family picnic, as everyone – including Fido – will enjoy stretching their legs along the beach, while the shallow waters are perfect for a cooling paddle.
Pack a picnic and find a spot to settle down after your walk, or pick up something delicious from one of the dog-friendly eateries along the seafront to enjoy on the beach. Just be aware that dogs are restricted from parts of the beach during the warmer months, although they can play unhindered in the area closest to Shanklin Chine, making this a particularly good spot for four-legged beach lovers looking to cool off in the water.
Good to know
- Best for: Dogs who love a frolic in the shallows
- Restrictions: From 1 May to 30 September, restrictions to designated areas apply
- Nearest car park: Spa Long Stay Car Park, Shanklin, PO37 6BG. Charges apply
- Stay nearby: Sandcastles | sleeps 6 + 1 dog
Shanklin cottages
Polzeath, Cornwall
This crescent-shaped bay is sometimes overlooked in favour of its popular neighbour, Padstow, but just because Polzeath is smaller, it is by no means less of a fantastic coastal picnic destination. Seasonal dog restrictions apply through the height of the summer; however, you can allow Rover to rove along the sand before 10am and after 6pm from May to September.
Pack yourself a picnic, head to this pretty sandy cove early, and search out a relaxing spot on one of the flat, grassy areas overlooking the sea. Once you’ve enjoyed your coastal picnic, head to the centre of Polzeath and enjoy exploring the town, where you’ll find plenty of amenities.
Good to know
- Best for: Social pups who enjoy a bit of bustle
- Restrictions: From 15 May to 30 September, dogs are banned on the sand between 10am and 6pm
- Nearest car park: Dunders Hill (directly on the sand) PL27 6SS. Charges apply
- Stay nearby: Windwhistle | sleeps 7 + 2 dogs
Barton-on-Sea, New Forest
A favourite spot for dog walkers, Barton-on-Sea is a great place to base yourselves for a coastal picnic in the New Forest with a difference. The long shingle beach and cliff-top paths offer plenty of opportunity for a tiring stomp, with sweeping views across Christchurch Bay providing a beautiful backdrop.
Pack a picnic blanket and find a grassy spot along the clifftop to settle down after your walk, with plenty of fresh sea air to work up an appetite. Just remember that it’s a shingle beach, with pebbles that can get hot under the summer sun, so check the ground before letting your beloved hound wander onto the beach and make sure they have plenty of fresh water and some shade.
Good to know
- Best for: Pups who enjoy walkies and like to feel the wind in their ears
- Restrictions: Dogs allowed year-round
- Nearest car park: 15 Marine Drive, Barton-on-Sea, BH25 7EG. Charges apply
- Stay nearby: Sea Haven – Barton-on-Sea | sleeps 4 + 2 dogs
Anstey’s Cove, Devon
A hidden gem nestled within the English Riviera, Anstey’s Cove provides the ideal backdrop of natural beauty, with its azure waters, abundance of wildlife and unique geology. Part of its charm lies in the fact that it’s a hard-to-reach cove; it’s not an easily accessible location, so both humans and hounds need to be fit and steady on their feet.
The payoff is undoubtedly the solace you’ll feel and the natural beauty you can enjoy at Anstey’s Cove; unpack your picnic and spend time together soaking up the relaxing atmosphere of this unspoiled location.
Good to know
- Best for: Intrepid explorers and pups that like a ramble
- Restrictions: Dogs allowed year-round
- Nearest car park: Anstey's Cove Road, Torquay, TQ1 2ER. Charges apply
- Stay nearby: Babbacombe mews | sleeps 4 + 2 dogs
What to pack for a dog-friendly picnic?
You’ve planned the trip with your canine companion in mind, so be sure you pack the following to ensure tails are wagging once you’ve reached your picnic destination.
For your dog
- Fresh water
- Collapsible bowl
- Lead and long line
- Poo bags
- Towel
- Doggy-safe treats
- Something to provide shade
- Their usual food, if you'll be out around mealtime
- A delicious treat, like Jude's dog-friendly ice cream
The golden rule of packing for your hound? If your dog can eat it, roll in it, swim in it or lose it, probably best to bring a spare.
For you
- Picnic blanket
- Sun cream
- Water/drinks
- Cooler bag
- Food
- Rubbish bag
- Hat/sun protection
- A basket or containers to keep the picnic out of sandy-paw territory
Don’t forget the dog-friendly treats
A day at the seaside is the perfect excuse for a little treat, and Rover shouldn't have to sit underneath the picnic table watching you tuck into yours. And there's something rather lovely about settling down together for a snack, after a brisk walk and a paddle in the sea.
For a cooler alternative on a sunny day, why not pack a dog-friendly ice cream? Jude's have created a range especially for dogs, giving your canine companion their own little moment of indulgence while you enjoy yours. Keep it chilled in your cool bag and save it for the end of your walk, preferably somewhere shady, with a sea view.
Picnic food: what can't dogs eat?
A picnic is always better when everyone gets a seat on the blanket – including the one with four legs and a tail. While there are plenty of dog-friendly foods you can pack for your pooch, not everything in the picnic basket is suitable for canine consumption.
So, before you hand over a bit of your sandwich because of that face, have a quick look at what needs to stay firmly on the human menu.
Avoid:
- Onions and chives: These are members of the allium family and can damage a dog's red blood cells.
- Chocolate: Chocolate contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs, so keep those brownies, biscuits and chocolate treats safely tucked away.
- Grapes and raisins: Even small amounts can be dangerous and may cause serious kidney problems.
- Cherries, peaches and plums: The stones can present a choking or intestinal blockage risk, while the stones themselves contain compounds that can be toxic.
- Cooked bones: A leftover chicken drumstick might look like the perfect picnic bonus, but cooked bones can splinter and cause serious injuries.
- Corn on the cob: Dogs can be tempted to gobble the whole thing, but the cob can cause choking or an intestinal blockage.
- Kebab sticks: Never leave used skewers within reach, as your dog may try to swallow them; this can cause serious internal injuries or blockages.
- Bacon: It's high in salt and fat, so too much can cause stomach problems and may contribute to pancreatitis.
- Traditional ice cream: This can contain ingredients that are unsafe for dogs, and its dairy content may cause stomach upset in dogs that don't tolerate lactose well. Opt for a dog-friendly version instead, like Jude's.
For a more detailed guide to what's safe for your dog to snack on, take a look at our guide to the foods that are poisonous to dogs.
How to keep your dog cool on a summer picnic
Here are a few tips from canine expert Dr Emma Scales-Theobald to help keep your pooch cool and comfortable on sunny days:
- Offer them a cool, refreshing treat such as a frozen carrot, dog-friendly ice cream, ice cubes or a dog-friendly smoothie. Consider packing a cooling mat for your picnic.
- Puzzle toys can help keep them calm and mentally stimulated while they relax in the shade.
- And perhaps most importantly, sit with them when you can; they might be perfectly happy relaxing somewhere cool, but they’ll be much less likely to feel like they’re missing out on any fun if their favourite human joins them.
If you want to learn more about keeping your dog cool, and key signs to look out for if you’re worried about your pup in the heat, take a look at our dog care tips for summer.
Book a dog-friendly coastal adventure
Whether your perfect picnic involves sandy paws, a windswept clifftop or a shady spot overlooking the sea, there's a dog-friendly adventure waiting to be had. Browse our range of dog-friendly properties by the sea to find your next coastal escape and make it one to remember, together.
Emma Scales-Theobald PhD MSc
A canine behaviour and nutrition consultant who provides regular expert advice to Canine Cottages on the subjects of canine health and behaviour. She holds a PhD in Veterinary Medicine and Science from the University of Surrey, as well as an MSc in Animal Behaviour from the University of Exeter.
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.