Taking your dog on holiday can be one of the greatest joys of pet ownership. But it’s not always as easy to plan a staycation with your pooch in tow, that’s why the pet experts at PDSA Pet Insurance have pulled together their favourite dog-friendly beaches so you don’t have to!
“In the UK, we’re lucky to be (literally) surrounded by amazing coastline and loads of beaches, which can be fun for us and our canine pals,” explains PDSA Vet Nurse Nina Downing.
“But not every beach is dog friendly, so before you go anywhere make sure you’ve researched the area first to make sure there are no restrictions in place. To make that a bit easier, we’ve listed our top seven from around the country.”
Top 7 dog-friendly beaches from PDSA Pet Insurance:
Par Sands
Where? St Austell, Cornwall
Par Sands is a lovely sandy beach surrounded by sand dunes and even has a little lake/pond! It’s ideal for playing and walking with your dog and having a paddle in the sea. If you do go walking away from the beach, keep your dog on the lead in case of wildlife.
Any restrictions? No restrictions – it’s dog friendly all year round!
Woolacombe
Where? Devon
Woolacombe is a large beach on the north coast of Devon. It’s a popular beach for families and surfers, so do keep in mind it can get a little busy. Next to the beach is Woolacombe village, where there are lots of dog friendly places to eat and stay if you’re planning a getaway!
Any restrictions? Yes – the beach is split into three zones (there should be signs up to tell you exactly where these are). In zone A (from the north end of the beach to the stream) dogs are not allowed from Good Friday or April 1 (whichever is first) until the first Monday in November. In zone B (the stream to Mill Rock) dogs must be kept on the lead between these dates. Zone C, South of Mill Rock, you can exercise your dog off the lead all year round.
Durdle Door
Where? West Lulworth, Dorset
You might recognise Durdle Door – after all, it is one of the most photographed landmarks in Dorset! It’s part of the Jurassic Coast, so not only is it great for scenic beach walkies but it’s also ideal for taking a picture or two. On a good day you can paddle in sea with your canine pal, too.
Any restrictions? No restrictions – dogs are welcome all year round!
Weston-super-Mare
Where? North Somerset
Weston-super-Mare is an iconic seaside town with an extensive beach. It makes for an ideal family day out with plenty to do even with your dog! Along with the beach, there are parks and loads of dog friendly places to eat. On a clear day, you can look out across the Bay to Wales.
Any restrictions? Dogs are not allowed on the area of the beach between the Grand Pier and Royal Sands from the start of May to the end of September, but are free to go on the rest of the beach.
Holkham
Where? Norfolk
Set near Hollkham National Nature Reserve, this beach is a beautiful stretch of unspoiled and sandy scenery perfect for a day out with your canine pal. Once you’ve had a walk and paddle along the shore, why not have a look around the nature reserve or take your dog to Holkham Hall for a walk around the grounds (remember to keep your dog on the lead in the nature reserve and the grounds of the hall).
Any restrictions? No restrictions – dogs are welcome all year round!
Bamburgh Beach
Where? Near Bamburgh Castle, Northumberland
Bamburgh is a long sandy beach near the castle. With the castle so close, it makes the perfect backdrop to photos (if your dog is a willing model, of course!). It’s the perfect place for long walks and a bit of paddling if you’re brave. Afterwards, you can take your dog for a walk around the castle grounds.
Any restrictions? No restrictions – dogs are welcome all year round!
St Bees
Where? Whitehaven, Cumbria
St Bees is a shingle and sand beach which is perfect at low tide for long walks. At the north end of the beach is St Bees Head, an RSPB nature reserve, where you can find England’s only cliff-nesting seabird colony (so great if you want to do a spot of bird watching, but keep your pooch on their lead so as not to disturb them).
Any restrictions? No restrictions – dogs are welcome all year round!
Be aware of beach hazards
Nina adds: “While we’re lucky to have so many beautiful beaches in Britain, the beach can also come with hidden hazards, especially for our four-legged friends. Here is three ways to keep your pooch safe when planning a trip to the seaside!”
Be aware of hazards – eating sand and drinking seawater can cause stomach problems for your dog and may lead to sickness, diarrhoea or even a blockage.
Be cautious in the sea – while swimming is a great exercise for dogs, the sea can be unpredictable, always pay attention to signs or flags warning you not to swim and try to check currents and tide ahead of time. If the sea looks dangerous, don’t let your dog swim!
Look out for coastal wildlife – the British seaside is home to all sorts of animals, from birds and barnacles to seals and starfish. Keep an eye out for what’s about and try to keep your dog on a lead until you know it’s safe.
PDSA is the UK’s largest vet charity providing a vital service for pets across the UK whose owners struggle to afford treatment costs for their sick and injured pets. For many vulnerable pets, PDSA is there to help when there is nowhere else for their owners to turn.
The charity’s insurance arm, PDSA Pet Insurance, offers a range of policies to cover cats and dogs for accidents and illness, as well as providing access to a 24/7 veterinary helpline. Every policy sold raises funds for the charity’s life-saving veterinary work.
