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Planning a coastal holiday with your dog is one of the best ways to enjoy the UK’s incredible seaside scenery. With endless beaches, clifftop paths, dog-friendly pubs, and welcoming coastal towns, it’s no wonder dog owners increasingly choose the coast for their staycations.
This guide covers:
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Best dog-friendly UK coastal regions
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Top beaches and natural highlights
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Local rules, tips & packing checklist
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How to choose the right dog-friendly cottage
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Internal links to pet-friendly stays across 13 UK regions
By the end, you’ll know exactly where to take your dog for the perfect seaside break.
For the full national collection:
Why a Coastal Holiday Is Perfect for Dogs
Dogs love the coast for the same reasons humans do:
Miles of soft sand
Great for running, exploring, and play.
Coastal paths with huge views
Safe stretches of the South West Coast Path, Northumberland paths, and Welsh coastal trails.
Dog-friendly pubs & cafés
Most seaside towns now welcome dogs indoors.
Spacious, private accommodation
Cottages by the sea give dogs room to relax, safe gardens, and a home-like environment.
For the best variety of dog-welcoming homes:
Best Dog-Friendly Coastal Regions in the UK
1. Cornwall – The Ultimate Dog-Friendly Coastline
Cornwall offers some of the UK’s longest sandy beaches, spectacular cliff paths and dog-friendly pubs. Many beaches allow dogs year-round, making it ideal for off-peak and summer stays.
Best dog-friendly beaches:
- Perranporth (huge & dog-friendly all year)
- Watergate Bay
- Gwithian & Godrevy
- Harlyn Bay
- Daymer Bay
- Porthkidney Beach
Internal link:
2. Devon – Big Beaches & Beautiful Coastal Villages
Devon is superb for active dogs who love long, wide coastlines. North Devon especially is full of dog-friendly beaches.
Best beaches:
- Saunton Sands
- Woolacombe
- Croyde (zones)
- Bigbury-on-Sea
- Slapton Sands
- Instow Beach
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3. Dorset – Jurassic Coast Beauty
A top choice for dogs who enjoy varied terrain: cliffs, coves, long beaches and forested coastal paths.
Best beaches:
- Studland Bay
- Charmouth
- Lulworth Cove (some restrictions)
- Chesil Beach
- Durdle Door
- Mudeford Sandbank
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4. Norfolk – Endless Sands & Space to Roam
Norfolk’s huge, flat beaches are perfect for off-lead running, especially near Holkham and Wells.
Best beaches:
- Holkham
- Brancaster
- Old Hunstanton
- Wells-next-the-Sea Beach
- Sea Palling Beach
- Winterton-on-Sea Beach
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5. Yorkshire Coast – Rugged Beaches & Heritage
Dramatic cliffs, colourful villages and miles of dog-friendly shoreline.
Best beaches:
- Runswick Bay
- Saltburn Beach
- Filey Beach
- Staithes Beach
- Cayton Bay
- Fraisthorpe Beach
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6. Isle of Wight – Compact & Wonderfully Dog-Friendly
A small island filled with beaches, coves and coastal towns where dogs are truly welcomed.
Best beaches:
- Compton Bay
- Yaverland Beach
- Bembridge Beach
- St Helen’s Beach
- Totland Bay
- Colwell Bay
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7. Northumberland – Wild, Empty & Breathtaking
The best region for dogs who need space. Huge, quiet beaches and stunning castles.
Best beaches:
- Bamburgh Beach
- Embleton Bay
- Beadnell Bay
- Alnmouth Beach
- Druridge Bay
- Low Newton-by-the-Sea
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8. Somerset – Tidal Beaches & Peaceful Coast Towns
Somerset mixes gentle beaches, marshlands and long promenades.
Best beaches:
- Minehead Beach
- Dunster Beach
- Brean Beach
- Berrow Beach
- Burnham-on-Sea
- Kilve Beach
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9. Wales – 800 Miles of Dog-Friendly Coast
From huge surfing beaches to sheltered fishing harbours, Wales is incredibly dog-friendly.
Best beaches:
- Rhossili Bay
- Newgale Beach
- Barmouth Beach
- Abersoch Beach
- Aberdyfi Beach
- Llangennith Beach
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10. Pembrokeshire – Coastal Paradise for Dogs
Pure coastal beauty — and almost entirely dog-welcoming.
Best beaches:
- Barafundle Bay
- Freshwater West
- Saundersfoot Beach
- Marloes Sands
- Tenby North Beach
- Broad Haven Beach
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11. Scotland – Dramatic, Remote & Stunning
Scotland delivers Caribbean-like beaches with crystal water and empty sands.
Best beaches:
- Luskentyre Beach
- Calgary Bay
- St Ninian’s Isle Beach
- Dornoch Beach
- Coldingham Bay
- Achmelvich Beach
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12. The Scottish Highlands – Remote, Turquoise & Unforgettable
The Highlands boast some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe — often empty even in summer.
Best beaches:
- Achmelvich Beach
- Clachtoll Beach
- Dornoch Beach
- Gruinard Bay
- Embo Beach
- Sango Bay (Durness)
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13. Ireland – Rugged Coastlines & Endless Adventure
Ireland’s coast is perfect for dogs who love waves, wind and wild scenery.
Best beaches:
- Inch Beach
- Portsalon Beach
- Dog’s Bay
- Derrynane Beach
- Curracloe Beach
- Ballymastocker Bay
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14. Kent – Chalk Cliffs, Sandy Coves & Seaside Strolls
Kent combines classic coastal towns with quieter coves and chalk cliffs — perfect for relaxed dog-friendly escapes.
Best beaches:
- Botany Bay
- Dumpton Gap
- Dungeness Beach
- Broadstairs (zones)
- Minnis Bay
- Tankerton Beach
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15. East Sussex – Iconic Cliffs & Dog-Friendly Walks
Home to the famous Seven Sisters cliffs, sandy beaches, and charming seaside towns.
Best beaches:
- Camber Sands Beach
- Cuckmere Haven Beach
- Hastings Beach (Rock-a-Nore)
- Bexhill Beach
- Birling Gap
- Seaford Beach
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How to Choose the Perfect Dog-Friendly Coastal Cottage
Look for:
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Enclosed garden
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Beach within walking distance
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Dog-wash facilities or outdoor taps
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Tile/wood floors
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Nearby dog-friendly pubs
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Parking (crucial in coastal villages)
For the full curated range:
Dog-Friendly Beach Rules in the UK
Seasonal bans (important)
Many beaches restrict dogs 1 May – 30 September.
Cornwall, Devon and Dorset all have seasonal rules, but also plenty of year-round beaches.
Path safety
Keep dogs on leads around livestock & cliffs.
Fines
Most councils enforce £100 on-the-spot fines for dog fouling.
Dog-Friendly Coastal Holiday Packing List
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Towels & drying robe
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Portable water bowl
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Harness + long lead
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Paw balm
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Treats
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Blankets for furniture
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Dog-friendly sunscreen (for pink noses)
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Tick remover (rural Scotland & Wales)
Final Tips for a Smooth Dog-Friendly Coastal Break
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Walk early/late to avoid hot sand
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Always check tide times
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Keep dogs in shade when possible
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Check beach signage for restrictions
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Bring plenty of fresh water
Ready to Book Your Dog-Friendly Coastal Cottage?
Browse our full collection of dog-friendly cottages by the sea:
Sea views, enclosed gardens, beachfront locations, and everything your dog needs for the perfect UK coastal holiday.