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South West England is one of the best regions in the UK for dog-friendly coastal holidays. With wild Atlantic beaches, sheltered coves, and miles of coastal paths, it’s a place where dogs are not just tolerated but genuinely welcome.
While many popular beaches impose seasonal bans during the summer months, there are still plenty of outstanding beaches where dogs are allowed all year round with no restrictions. These beaches are perfect for off-lead walks with your four legged friend at any time of the year.
Below are ten of the best dog-friendly beaches in South West England, all offering unrestricted access throughout the year. To find suitable accommodation check out all of the South West England dog friendly cottages listed with us, many that benefit from sea views, located just a short walk from the beach.
1. Mattiscombe Sands, Devon
Mattiscombe Sands is a beautifully remote beach on South Devon’s coast, tucked away near Start Point and the village of Beesands. Managed by the National Trust, it remains un-spoilt, peaceful, and wonderfully wild — making it a favourite with dog walkers.
Why it’s great
- Remote, uncommercialised setting
- Excellent coastal walking routes nearby
- Rarely crowded, even in summer
This long, sand and shingle beach is backed by cliffs and open countryside, perfect for dog friendly coastal holidays in Devon all year round. It feels rugged and natural, with plenty of space for dogs to roam and explore.
2. Polridmouth Cove, Cornwall
Polridmouth Cove is a peaceful, sheltered bay on Cornwall’s south coast near Mevagissey. Privately owned and beautifully natural, it feels far removed from busier tourist beaches.
Why it’s great
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Calm waters and scenic surroundings
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Quiet, relaxed atmosphere
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Popular with walkers and kayakers
A mix of sand and pebbles, Polridmouth Cove is perfect for dog friendly holidays in Cornwall, paddling, and exploring rock pools. It’s especially appealing outside peak summer months. Although dogs are welcome all year with no seasonal restrictions, owners are asked to keep dogs under control around wildlife.
3. Port Quin Beach, Cornwall
Port Quin is a small cove located between Polzeath and Port Isaac in North Cornwall and can be accessed from the South West Coast path.
Why it’s great
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Quiet and uncrowded
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Excellent coastal walking nearby
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No shops, but beautiful scenery
This is a pebbly, rocky cove rather than a classic sandy beach, best suited to walking, paddling, and enjoying the views rather than swimming. In conjunction with nearby Coast Path routes, this is a superb option for dog lovers who enjoy winter coastal walks in Cornwall.
4. Porth Nanven, Cornwall
Often described as one of Cornwall’s wildest beaches, Porth Nanven lies near St Just and is famous for its smooth white boulders (also known as Cot Valley beach). Image Credit
Why it’s great
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Remote, rugged and un-spoilt
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Car park just above the beach
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Rarely busy
This is not a traditional sandy beach but a striking, natural landscape ideal for adventurous walkers and dogs that love to explore. If you want more options nearby, check out our year round dog friendly Cornwall beach guide.
5. Hele Bay, Devon
Just outside Ilfracombe and north of Woolacombe, Hele Bay is a sheltered, sandy beach with rock pools popular with dog owners and families.
Why it’s great
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Sheltered bay with rock pools
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Close to cafés and facilities
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Easy access to coastal walking routes
A mix of sand, shingle, and rocks, Hele Bay changes character with the tide and offers plenty of interest for inquisitive hounds. The nearby South West Coast Path provides great opportunities for exploring in both directions.
6. Lee Bay, Devon
Lee Bay is a small, peaceful cove tucked between wooded hills and rugged cliffs located north of Croyde in Devon just a short distance from Woolacombe. Lee is also a popular starting point for numerous coastal walks in Devon.
Why it’s great
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Quiet, sheltered setting
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Toilets, cafes and parking nearby
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South West Coast path access
The beach is mostly shingle and rocks with patches of sand at low tide, with the exposed rock-pools popular with young children. Dogs are welcome year round with no restrictions, making Lee Bay an excellent alternative to busier North Devon beaches.
7. Slapton Sands, Devon
Stretching for miles along Start Bay near Torcross, Slapton Sands is one of South Devon’s most impressive coastal landscapes. If you are thinking of holidaying near here then check out our guide to staying in Devon.
Why it’s great
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Huge open beach with uninterrupted views
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Ideal for long walks
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Backed by the Slapton Ley nature reserve
This wonderful shingle beach feels vast and open, and is perfect for energetic dog friendly coastal breaks. Although Slapton Sands is dog-friendly all year, dogs should be kept under control (on a lead) near wildlife areas.
8. Chesil Beach, Dorset
Chesil Beach in Dorset is located between Lyme Regis and Weymouth and is one of the UK’s most iconic natural beaches, stretching for 18 miles along the Jurassic Coast.
Why it’s great
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Enormous scale and sense of space
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Rarely feels crowded
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Large car park adjacent to beach
A steeply shelving shingle beach best suited to walking rather than swimming, Chesil Beach is open to dogs year round with no restrictions, making it one of Dorset’s most reliable dog-friendly beaches.
9. Kimmeridge Bay, Dorset
Kimmeridge Bay is a unique coastal destination located to the west of Sandbanks and Swanage. The beach is known for its rock pools and fossil-rich ledges, and because dogs are allowed year round, is very popular for dog-friendly holidays in Dorset.
Why it’s great
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Fascinating geology and wildlife
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Excellent coastal walks
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Incredible views from the cliffs above
This is a rugged, natural beach ideal for exploring rather than sunbathing (there is no sand), with plenty to interest curious dogs. Dogs should be kept under close control around wildlife and fossils. If this coastline is of interest then browse our list of the best seaside towns in Dorset, including where to stay.
10. Hartland Quay, Devon
Hartland Quay is a dramatic and wild beach on the South West coast, situated on the Devon–Cornwall border. The beach is made up of pebble and rock with some sand and is surrounded by towering cliffs and crashing waves.
Why it’s great
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Spectacular scenery
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Excellent coastal walking
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Feels remote and un-spoilt
A rugged, rocky shoreline rather than a sandy bay, Hartland Quay is perfect for adventurous walks and enjoying the raw power of the Atlantic. Hartland Quay is open to dogs all year with no restrictions, making it a favourite for walkers seeking wild, open coastal landscapes.
Book South West Dog Friendly Holidays by the Sea
Choosing beaches with no seasonal dog restrictions removes uncertainty from your holiday. You can walk at any time of day, explore freely, and enjoy quieter shoulder seasons when the coast is at its best.
South West England is one of the UK’s top regions for relaxed seaside breaks with dogs. Check out some of the best pet friendly sea view escapes listed with us, or for more accommodation options, browse all of the dog friendly coastal cottages, some that boast private hot tubs and direct beach access.