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Many beach trips are planned with the four legged members of the family in mind. It’s all about salty swims and the freedom to run at full speed in every direction. So, when summer comes we need beaches with no bans, as nature intended. Thankfully, Yorkshire folk are passionate dog lovers making Yorkshire beaches on the North East coast one of the UK’s most rewarding shores to explore with a dog.
They’re wild and unspoilt, promising long, sandy stretches, fossil-rich shores and hidden coves giving you complete freedom, whatever the season. Connecting most of these beaches you will find wonderful coastal paths, boasting sea views as they wind along this majestic coastline. Here are eight of the very best dog-friendly beaches in Yorkshire with no summer restrictions, chosen not just for access, but for the quality of experience for both dogs and their owners.
Robin Hood’s Bay
Robin Hood’s Bay is one of the most atmospheric places on the Yorkshire coast, and it’s just as appealing for dogs as it is for people. The beach offers a fascinating mix of sand, rock pools and fossils, especially at low tide when the shoreline opens out into a wide, walkable expanse.
There’s always something new to sniff, explore or scramble over and the spectacular seascapes are infused with local history (fishing and smuggling from beyond the 1500’s). Here you can arrive, unleash and enjoy. There’s a lovely dog-friendly Inn overlooking the whole shore that serves great local ales and pub grub, from which you can watch your pooch exploring.
Where to stay:
Stay in Robin Hood’s Bay or nearby Whitby, where you’ll find classic fisherman’s cottages just steps from the beach and the coastal path between the two destinations.
Staithes Beach
Tucked beneath a traditional fishing village, Staithes Beach is smaller in scale but rich in character. Dogs can explore between the harbour and the beach enjoying sand, rocks and winding paths. The lack of restrictions means dogs can enjoy the entire area freely, while owners can take in the delightful charm of the village and coastline.
It’s not the largest beach on this list, but it’s one of the most memorable and there’s a great dog-friendly pub overlooking the beach and harbour serving fantastic seafood, fish and ales.
Where to stay:
You can stay in Staithes itself for a truly immersive coastal experience, or choose nearby Saltburn if you’d like access to Saltburn beach (great for kids, teens and water-sports) which is also a decent stretch of dog-friendly sand all year round.
Runswick Bay
Runswick Bay offers a simpler, more peaceful stretch of sand, making it ideal for those who prefer space without too much distraction. The beach is protected by a wall of cliffs and provides plenty of room for running and playing, while the gradual slope into the sea makes it perfect for paddling and uninterrupted freedom.
It rarely feels crowded, even in summer, and the combination of natural beauty and calm is totally therapeutic. Add to this a dog-friendly gastropub overlooking the bay serving ales and soul food, and you’re in beach heaven.
Where to stay:
Both Staithes and Sandsend (Whitby) are close and have dog friendly cottages, and whilst Sandsend Beach has summer restrictions, it always reserves a zone for dogs.
Cayton Bay
Cayton Bay offers a much wilder walk than neighbouring Scarborough, offering a huge sweep of sand that is free of bans. Popular with surfers and very spacious, this beach appeals to energetic dogs that love to run, chase the waves and go with the wind.
For dog owners and dogs, it’s a proper escape from modern life and a well needed walk on the wild side. There is a dog-friendly beach café with amazing views over the bay, serving freshly ground coffee, homemade cakes and delicious home cooking.
Where to stay:
There are dog friendly cottages in Cayton, or you can stay in Filey or Scarborough, where you’ll have easy access to more seaside attractions and their famous beaches, with both maintaining ample dog-friendly sections along the shore all year round.
Hunmanby Gap
Hunmanby Gap is a well kept secret in Yorkshire for energetic hounds, and for good reason. The beach is vast, sandy and peaceful, offering uninterrupted sea views and space for long walks in either direction without encountering many people, allowing you to just slow down.
It’s slightly more tucked-away location keeps it under the radar, even in peak season, making it a favourite for locals and those who value both space and tranquillity. There’s a dog-friendly café just above the beach on the cliff with gorgeous views over Filey Bay from the deck chairs outside.
Where to stay:
Filey, one of the best seaside towns in Yorkshire is the best option for dog-friendly accommodation and you can take the stunning Cleveland Way Trail or the beach trail, as it’s only a couple of miles away.
Fraisthorpe Beach
Fraisthorpe offers a stunning wild beach that combines accessibility, beauty and openness with dunes, a gentle sloping shore and shallows that are safe for dogs to relish a bit of splashing and paddling.
It’s nearby parking and facilities make it super convenient for easy days out or if you don’t have much time but still want to enjoy Yorkshire’s natural coastal beauty. There’s an excellent dog-friendly café next to the parking in Auburn Farm that does great food, takeaways and a fabulous Victoria Sponge.
Where to stay:
Bridlington is only three miles away, making the perfect base where you’ll find loads of dog-friendly properties located close to the coastal path that links to Fraisthorpe.
Mappleton Beach
For those seeking a quieter, lesser-known spot, Mappleton Beach offers a very tranquil coastal experience loved by locals. The mix of sand and shingle, combined with its peaceful setting, makes it ideal for dogs that prefer calmer surroundings.
It’s not as spell-binding as the beaches above but it offers a totally fuss-free environment where dogs can explore freely and owners can enjoy a slower pace without keeping a watchful eye on their fury friends. There is a dog friendly tea room very close to the beach that does great snacks and ice-creams.
Where to stay:
Choose between Hornsea (3 miles), Skipsea (8 Hornsea miles) or Bridlington (15 miles away), which offers the best village amenities and entertainment.
Danes Dyke & Selwicks Bay (Flamborough)
The Flamborough coastline is one of the most striking in Yorkshire, and beaches like Danes Dyke and Selwicks Bay capture its wild, natural beauty. Here, dogs can explore hidden coves, rocky outcrops and stretches of sand framed by dramatic white cliffs.
It feels more remote and adventurous than many other beaches, which makes it particularly appealing for those who enjoy a sense of discovery. With year-round access, it’s a place where dogs can roam freely through a landscape that feels both rugged and unspoilt. There are dog-friendly cafes with cliff top views near both locations.
Where to stay:
Stay in Flamborough or Bridlington (4 miles), where you’ll be perfectly placed to explore this rugged stretch of coastline.
Yorkshire beaches with dog-friendly sections in summer
Now, while the beaches above offer complete freedom all year round, Yorkshire folk are dog lovers by nature, so most beaches provide generous dog-friendly zones during the summer months. At Saltburn Beach, dogs are restricted only around the main bathing area near the pier, leaving a long stretch of over a kilometre in each direction for dogs. Filey is similar, offering large expanses at either end of the beach in peak season and at Bridlington, dogs are welcome on the outer edges of both North and South Beach.
Scarborough’s North Bay offers the section away from the central promenade and at Sandsend (Whitby) there are extensive areas to the north remaining open to dogs. So, almost all the beaches on the Yorkshire coast welcome dogs, without ever making them feel confined. So spend a few moments and find the perfect place to stay by browsing all of our dog friendly cottages in Yorkshire, many that enjoy sea views.
If you’re still deciding where to spend your next holiday and would like to consider other options, take a quick look through all of the UK dog friendly coastal cottages listed with us, most of which are within walking distance of the coast.