The UK's top dog-friendly beaches

Planning a holiday that includes your pup pal? You’re not alone! According to the Travellers Tails survey, 80% of dog owners are set to take their dogs on dog-friendly holidays in 2025, proving that pets truly are part of the family.

However, our survey also found that 43% of respondents said they’ve struggled to find truly dog-friendly beaches to visit with their pup pals. In the UK, we’re a nation of pet lovers with lots of beaches where dogs can join you for beach adventures, so we were determined to dig up a few of the best for you. We put together a ranking system to find our top ten dog-friendly beaches in the UK.

And the perfect seaside break doesn’t end at the beach! Begin planning your dog-friendly escape today by exploring our collection of pup-approved cottages by the coast.

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• Our Traveller Tails survey insights
• How did we rank dog-friendly beaches?
• The results: Our top ten dog-friendly beaches in the UK
• What else did we discover?
• Handy tips for beach days with your doggy

So, what else did our Traveller Tails survey say?

If you're dreaming of a coastal retreat, you're in good company. A whopping 62% of bookings came from coastal destinations, with Cornwall topping the survey as the ultimate dog-friendly holiday hotspot for 2025. With scenic shorelines, dog-welcoming attractions, and cosy stays, it’s no surprise this region is a favourite.

How do we rank the UK’s most dog-friendly beaches?

We’ve used a range of important factors to dig up these fantastic beaches:

Some beaches have seasonal dog restrictions, but don’t fret! Many still offer dedicated dog-friendly zones, and we’ve worked to provide the most up-to-date information.

We were not surprised to discover that many of the UK’s top ten can be found in the south, which has always been famed for its glistening beaches and warmer climate! Be sure to double-check local websites for any changes before you set off.

The results: Our top ten dog-friendly beaches in the UK

Below, we've put together two infographics showcasing these winners! And underneath those, you can find more information about each wonderful pet-friendly beach, including notes on each beach's vibe and facilities. 

1. Perranporth Beach, Perranporth, Cornwall

Perranporth Beach has come out top for dogs and their owners! With an average temperature of 11.5°C, an expansive 3 miles of golden sand plus a tidal pool, this beach draws visitors from far and wide, and is backed by dramatic dunes and wild cliffs. Perranporth is the ultimate playground for surfers, beachcombers, and dogs alike.

Perranporth itself is a charming seaside village with pubs and shops, and for more unforgettable coastal excursions, you’ll find the St Agnes Heritage Coast begins a couple of miles away. Perranporth ticks every box for an unforgettable Cornish day out.  

2. Fistral Beach, Newquay, Cornwall

Newquay is the heart and soul of Cornwall’s surfing scene, and Fistral Beach attracts wave riders of all levels to its golden sands. This iconic beach offers plenty of facilities to make your visit effortless and enjoyable, whether you're hitting the surf or just soaking up the sun.

We found a fantastic 34 dog-friendly cafes and restaurants nearby, making Fistral a perfect destination for foodies and their pup pals. When you’re not on the sand, enjoy beachfront amenities like a cafe and beach shop, or explore the nearby town for more shops, cafes, and amusements.

3. Woolacombe Beach, Woolacombe, Devon

The bustling seaside resort of Woolacombe is another all-round favourite that your canine companions will love. The stunning, 3-mile sandy beach, situated between Morte Point and Baggy Point, is the area’s hot spot and is perfect for walkies and beach days.

Popular with surfers, you may even see a sea-faring dog on a board in shallow waters, but don’t embarrass your pup by suggesting they have a go! The beach is perfectly separated into three zones – no dogs, dogs on leads and mad dogs running free – we know which end we’d rather be at! Discover even more of the Devon coast with our ultimate guide to dog-friendly beaches in Devon.

4. Crantock Beach, Crantock, Cornwall

Golden sands, rolling waves, and a sense of tranquillity make Crantock Beach a true Cornish gem. Nestled near the idyllic village of Crantock, it’s a haven for families, dog lovers, and beach enthusiasts alike. With no restrictions on dogs year-round, you and your canine companion can roam freely while keeping them under control, especially around other visitors and on the serene Rushy Green.  

Whether it’s a day of paddling, dog walking, or simply soaking up the Cornish sun, Crantock Beach promises a delightful escape that ticks all the right boxes.  

5. Camber Sands, Camber, East Sussex

A long stretch of golden sand wraps around the coast here to the shingle desert of Dungeness. It's hugely popular with surfers and a paradise for dogs in winter, when at low tide, they can run and run. During the summer, they are also welcome in restricted areas, but it is such a huge beach – stretching for almost 5 miles – that you will not be short on space.

Near to the ancient Cinque Port town of Rye, which also offers many dog-friendly cafes and pubs, this beautiful beach lined by dunes ticks all the boxes for the holidaying hound. Find out even more about Sussex with our ultimate guide to dog-friendly beaches in Sussex. Find out even more about Sussex with our ultimate guide to dog-friendly beaches in Sussex. 

6. Watergate Bay, Newquay, Cornwall

With 2 miles of golden sands, waves rolling in with surfers riding high, and space as far as the eye can see – welcome to Watergate Bay. It’s a perfect escape for families, dog owners, and anyone with an appetite for coastal adventure. Whether you're splashing about in the shallows or enjoying a bite to eat at a sea-view cafe, this beautiful Cornish retreat has something for everyone.

Dogs are welcome all year round, so your four-legged friend can run wild and free along the stretch of sand, even in the height of summer. Wander the coast, soak up the scenery, and treat yourself to lunch in one of the beachside restaurants.

7. Wells-next-the-Sea Beach, Wells-next-the-Sea, Norfolk

Golden sands, backed by serene dunes and bordered by pine woods, make Wells Beach a stunning coastal escape for both adventurers and their four-legged friends. At low tide, the sands stretch far and wide, perfect for endless doggy zoomies or peaceful strolls. While dogs are welcome all year round, the beach operates a dog-free zone for the first 200 metres from the main entrance, ensuring a tranquil experience for everyone.

Set near the charming town of Wells-next-the-Sea, there are plenty of cafes to discover. Whether you prefer building sandcastles, enjoying scenic walks, or just relaxing with a coffee in hand, Wells Beach has something for everyone.

8. Shell Bay, Studland, Dorset

Shell Bay offers a serene escape into nature, with golden sands and breathtaking coastal views managed by the National Trust. It also has an average temperature of 11.4°C – one of the warmest on our list! This tranquil haven is perfect for a relaxing stroll, a doggy paddle in the shallows, or simply soaking up the beauty of Dorset's coastline.  

Whether you're exploring the famous Studland dunes or sipping on a coffee from the nearby cafe, Shell Bay is a peaceful retreat for everyone, including your four-legged friends. 

9. West Wittering Beach, West Wittering, West Sussex

This beach is dedicated to preserving the environment and keeping the area clean – it's a real pleasure to visit. Not only does it offer a great expanse of sand, but also 20 acres of grass on which to frolic (and picnic). Your dog will have a fantastic time here, dipping their paws into the shallow lagoons at low tide.

Brisk winter walks give views of both Chichester Harbour and the famous South Downs (also great for walking). In summer, grab the kids and dogs and take a picnic – let your hound kick back their paws and have a snooze in the sun too.

10. Poppit Sands Beach, Cardigan, Ceredigion

Golden sands and a windswept charm make Poppit Sands a hidden gem for beachgoers and their four-legged friends. This remote yet stunning shoreline offers a quiet escape and all-year-round dog-friendly access, with some seasonal restrictions in place. From May to September, the western end of the beach (to the left of the lifeboat house) is off-limits to dogs, so be sure to check the map for guidance.

Nestled near the charming village of St Dogmaels, Poppit Sands has everything you need for a peaceful day out. Whether you’re wandering the wide, open sands or simply soaking in the serene views, this stretch of coastline promises a refreshing and memorable visit. Uncover even more about the area with our /guides/north-wales-dog-friendly-beach ultimate guide to dog-friendly beaches in North Wales and /guides/dog-friendly-beaches-south-wales.

What else did we discover?

Here's a glimpse into a few more facts and figures we uncovered from our investigations! From dog-friendly beaches with the best climate to the most walking trails, see what else we discovered from the survey.

Handy tips for beach days with your doggy

We know that if you are reading this, you are a loving owner with experience, so we don’t want to give a long list of rules and regulations that you have already thought about. However, here’s a short list of a few things that no dog owner will mind being reminded about:

For more advice, read through our guide full of summer tips for dog owners.

Dog-friendly beach holidays

Whether you're planning miles of walkies along the sand or simply splashing in the sea, there are a whole host of pet-friendly beaches across the UK that welcome both you and your canine chum.

Click the link below, explore our cottage collection, and start planning your seaside getaway with Fido today.