1. Porthmeor Beach, Cornwall
This is the largest beach in St.Ives and has beautiful scenes to look out on. There is plenty of sandy land for your pup to run on, and is perfect to walk along whether it's winter or summer. You can watch the waves crash against the rocks whilst your dog paddles about in the sea.
+ Parking
+ Restrictions: None
+ Lifeguard: from April - October
+ Usually very relaxed and not too busy, even at peak
2. Rhossili Bay Beach, Swansea
This beach has been awarded as UK's No.1 dog-friendly beach. There are over 3 miles of sand for your pup to run on and if you're lucky you may catch a view of seals and dolphins in the Atlantic. It is recommended to keep them on a lead on your walk down as you may run into some sheep.
+ Lifeguard: None
+ Restrictions: None
+ Keep the lead close incase needed
+ Parking is near by, but you will have to walk down
3. Luskentyre, Isle of Harris, Scotland
This unspoilt beach located in the Outer Hebrides will make you feel like you're in Hawaii as it looks like a tropical island. There are pink rocks scattered throughout the beach and white sand shores. Sit down and relax as your pup runs across the sand dunes and chases the many birds that are around.
+ Lifeguard: None
+ Restrictions: None
+ Free Parking nearby
4. Kingsgate Bay, Kent
A beautiful coved surrounded by caves and white chalk cliffs - people come from all around to visit. Have an adventure of your own with your pup and explore the little rock pools and caves scattered around. It is a quiet area so you won't need to worry about keeping your dog on the lead, you can leave them free to run around and explore. There is also a path you can walk along if you're looking for more structure.
+ Lifeguard: None
+ Restrictions: None
+ Free Parking nearby
5. Formby, Lancashire
This coastal walk is the only one on the Sefton Coast that has no restrictions on dog access, meaning they're welcome in every season. It is equipped with self-filling water bowls and you can even ask for dog waste bags if needed. There are pinewoods surrounding the beach incase you want a change from walking along the beautiful dunes. Be careful as there are rare red squirrels in the area so keep your little pup nearby.
+ Parking nearby
+ Restrictions: None
+ Lifeguard: Yes (in summer)
6. Westward Ho! Devon
There are shallow waters, miles of open sand and doggy bins spotted everywhere, meaning this is heaven for any dog and even for their owners. In the summer there may be some restrictions but even ten then you can walk along 'The Burrows', and area filled with grassland and a certain section of the beach. Be careful as both ponies and sheep roam about freely, so either keep your dog on their lead or make sure they're nearby.
+ Lifeguard: None
+ Free Parking nearby
+ Restrictions: Summer months
+ Keep the lead close incase needed
7. Holkham Bay, Norfolk
Many people have described this beach as magical, this is due to the sand dunes that carry on for miles and miles. As it is looked after by the Holkham National Nature Reserve there are nesting birds around the beach, therefore they ask that you keep your noisy canines under control, as they don't want to disrupt the birds. This really is the perfect beach for you and your pup, as it is so picturesque and your dog can run about in the dunes - which is easy on their legs.
+ Parking nearby
+ Lifeguard: In the summer
+ Restrictions: In the summer and nesting time
8. Camber Sands, East Sussex
This area is extremely popular with surfers, due to the golden sands and blue waters. However, during winter there is a low tide meaning your pup can run as far as they like. In the summer months there are a few restricted areas, but as it is such a large beach you will always be able to find somewhere to run about with your furry friend. You will find many different dog friendly pubs and café's if you're wanting a quick bite to eat.
+ Lifeguard: None
+ Dog friendly cafes
+ Free Parking nearby
+ Restrictions: May - October, but there is access to other zones
9. Brean Beach, Somerset
Not only does this beach have three miles of beautiful golden sands for your pup to explore. But there is some exploring for you to do too, you can have a look around the Iron Age fort - perfect for history lovers. It is recommended to keep your pooch on the lead on your way down as you don't want a slip. Rumour is that there are always tennis balls left behind so no worries if you forget yours, it also means that there will be plenty of other dogs for yours to play with.
+ Lifeguard: None
+ Dog friendly cafes
+ Restrictions: None
+ Keep the lead close incase needed
10. Seaham, County Durham.
This coast is slightly different than the rest as there are two walks, either one through the town so your pup can play along the shore and walk across the sea wall. Or you can take your furry friend through the harbour and maybe even treat them to a sausage whilst you tuck into some fish and chips on the beach.
+ Lifeguard: None
+ Restrictions: None
+ Nearby parking
Things to take on a coastal walk, for your pup:
- Tennis balls: This is a staple for any dog walk. Not only does it entertain and provide exercise for your dog but it also allows you to have a quick arm workout.
- Ball thrower: If you're not too keen on throwing the ball after it has been covered in slobber then I would highly recommend a ball thrower. It will keep your hands clean and maybe even throw the ball further than you can, again giving your pup extra exercise.
- Water bottle: It is vital to keep your dog hydrated at all times. This water bottle has an integrated bowl, all you have to do is unscrew the water bottle and pour the water into the little tray. There is also a strap tie which allows you to carry it over your shoulder or attach it to a backpack.
- Water bowl: A pack-away waterproof dog bowl is another way you can hydrate your pup. This water bowl is handy for when you have a backpack as it can be folded up very small.
- Towel: I assume you will want to clean up your sandy dog after they've been running along the beach. By having a towel on hand or in your car you can reduce the amount of cleaning up you will have to do later.
- Poo Bags: You don't want to forget these as they are a necessity for any dog walk (no one wants a fine for not picking up their dogs 'stuff'). These biodegradable bags will be of great use for you.
- Car Seat Cover: The last thing you want after a pleasant walk along the shore is sand all over your car seats. By having a car seat cover you can protect upholstery and avoid a lot of mess.
- Harness: A harness is useful when having your dog on the lead as it provides you with more control.
- Dog Lead: Sometimes you may be told to keep your dog on a lead due to wildlife, farm animals or dangerous cliffs, hence why a lead is handy!
- Dog Coat: When there's a slight breeze you want to make sure that your pup stays warm, wrap them up in one of our many dog coats.
Things to take on a coastal walk, for you:
- Fleece: You'll want to layer up when you're walking near the coast as you don't know when there will be a slight breeze. It is important to wear multiple items as you can always take them off or add some on when you're too warm or cold.
- Lightweight Jacket: Again layers a vital, a lightweight jacket is easy to carry about as it won't take much room in your backpack, it also isn't too heavy to hold.
- Wellies or Walking Shoes: Wellies or walking shoes are a must when walking on the coast as you don't want to get your feet wet or wear uncomfortable footwear. You can also take your shoes off when walking along the sand, to feel the warmness on your feet.
- Picnic Set: When the weather is nice you should always take a picnic set - make sure to take snacks for your pup too!
