Best Dog-Friendly Beach Holidays
Unleashed! The best dog-friendly beach staycations and cottages in the UK
If there’s anything this big, mad bouncy ball of energy loathes more… it’s being tethered to the end of a lead. Hard to believe our playful pup Bailey is four already and showing zero sign of slowing down. I can just about hold this bouncy ball of American Labrador madness back with two arms. But if that nose locks onto something particularly odorous, then all bets are off.
(Who’s a good boy, then???)
Having a dog has meant we’re more likely to look for a family staycation in the UK, so Bailey can join the fun and have room stretch his legs. It also means a HUGE saving on kennel fees. So that invariably means seeking out somewhere cosy in the mountains or near the coastline. Taking him on his first beach holiday in Cornwall was one of the best decisions we’ve ever made – a space that the whole family can enjoy together. Bailey wasn’t entirely sure about the water when we first arrived, but before we knew it he was lolloping around in the waves and chasing off beady-eyed seagulls with designs on eating our ice creams.
(A tired dog is a happy dog!)
Finding a cosy Cornish cottage near a dog-friendly beach is easy as a couple of clicks on HolidayCottage.com. The location was perfect – just a short walk from the Cornish shore, so Bailey and I could enjoy a sunrise walk and some lungfuls of fresh air before the rest of the house roused.
(Porthmeor Beach, St Ives, Cornwall)
The cottage we landed on was dog-friendly by design, with a fenced-in back garden where Bailey could chill out in the afternoons. We found plenty of local cafés that welcomed dogs too, which made the experience all the more enjoyable. There are plenty of dog friendly beaches all over the UK so don’t restrict yourself to just the Cornish coast if you’re in the mood to explore (see more ideas below).
Having a dog doesn’t have to mean sacrificing comfort or relaxation. With Bailey along for the ride, the family holiday felt complete. Just don’t tell that to my daughter’s guinea pigs. Dog and guinea pig friendly cottages anyone?!
Wherever the next walk with your four-legged friend takes you, be sure to escape, explore and ENJOY!
Adam
Find your perfect pet-friendly holiday cottage here, via holidaycottage.com.
Before heading out, check out this really useful list of Cornwall dog friendly beaches thanks to Cornwall-Beaches.co.uk.
Top 10 Dog-Friendly Beach Vacations and Holiday Cottage Locations for You and Your Pup, courtesy of Visit Cornwall.
- Harlyn Bay – Wide, sandy, family-friendly.
- Trebarwith Strand – Great for surfing and exploring.
- Summerleaze Beach – Popular with families, leads required in peak season.
- Seaton Beach – Family beach with nearby country park.
- Watergate Bay – Spacious beach for running.
- Fistral Beach – Famous for surfing.
- Gorran Haven – Quiet and picturesque.
- Gwynver Beach – Remote with stunning views.
- Mexico Towans – Sandy dunes for exploring.
- Porthoustock Beach – Quiet, with rugged scenery.
Top 10 dog-friendly beaches in the UK
West Shore Beach, Llandudno, Wales – Perfect for a quiet stroll, this beach is partially closed to dogs from May to September, but offers plenty of space otherwise.
Anstey’s Cove, Torquay, Devon – Year-round dog-friendly cove with clear waters and coastal paths. Also excellent for a quick dip, a little fishing, and kayaking.
Woolacombe, North Devon – A three-mile sandy stretch, where you can let dogs loose of their leash in certain areas, all year-round.
Rhossili Bay, Swansea, Wales – An expansive beach popular with and dog walkers, with stunning views and plenty of space to stretch your legs – whether you have two or four!
Bamburgh Beach, Northumberland – Wide-open sands and views of the fantastical Bamburgh Castle, this is a perfect beach for dogs to run free.
Saunton Sands, Devon – A beautiful 3.5-mile stretch of sandy beach where dogs are welcome, especially during the quieter off-season.
Chapel Porth, Cornwall – Time your trip to coincide with low tide, you explore miles of golden sands with your four-legged friend, against the backdrop of historic mining ruins.
Waxham Beach, Norfolk – A quiet beach with no restrictions for dogs, so perfect for a peaceful day out.
Perranporth Beach, Cornwall – This large sandy beach welcomes dogs all year round, with a vast space making it great for long walks and splashing in the sea.
Lulworth Cove, Dorset – Known for its distinctive shape and surrounding cliffs, this beach is dog-friendly year-round, offering plenty to explore for curious pups.
(They grow up so fast!)
