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Dorset is one of the UK’s most popular places for a coastal break with your dog. From the famous Jurassic Coast and picturesque limestone coves to long sandy bays and quiet cliff-backed stretches, this part of the South West offers an incredible mix of landscapes – and plenty of opportunities for dogs to run, paddle and explore.
But Dorset beaches aren’t all the same when it comes to dogs. Some have seasonal restrictions, others offer designated dog zones, and a few are dog-friendly year-round. The good news? With a bit of planning (and checking local signage), you can enjoy some of the county’s best coastal scenery without leaving anyone behind.
Below are some of the best dog friendly beaches in Dorset, including classic favourites and quieter coves – plus tips on where to stay for dog friendly coastal holidays in Dorset, including properties with easy beach access, sea views, and dog-friendly comforts.
Before You Go: Dorset Dog Rules to Know
Dorset operates beach rules under local Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs), and restrictions can apply at certain times of year – especially on popular beaches in summer. The simplest approach is:
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Always check local signs at the beach entrance
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Expect more restrictions May – September on main family beaches
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Look for dog-friendly zones even in peak season
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Keep dogs on leads where required, especially on promenades and near wildlife areas
If you’re booking a dog-friendly coastal cottage, it’s also worth thinking about early morning beach walks (often quieter, even in summer), and choosing a base near year-round dog-friendly beaches for maximum flexibility.
1) Weymouth Beach – Classic Seaside Walks
Weymouth is one of Dorset’s most traditional seaside towns, with a long, sweeping sandy beach, gentle waters and a lively seafront. It’s an excellent spot for winter and shoulder-season dog walks, especially when the bay is quieter and the light is beautiful.
It’s important to note that Weymouth Beach has seasonal dog restrictions on the main beach area, with dogs allowed on Weymouth and Greenhill beaches from 1 October to the end of April (with some designated dog exercise areas available).
Why it’s great for dogs:
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Huge stretch for long walks out of season
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Flat promenade for easy strolls
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Plenty of dog-friendly cafés and pubs nearby
Where to stay:
Choose dog-friendly cottages in Weymouth with parking (a big help in peak months) and ideally easy access to quieter coastal paths.
2) Lulworth Cove – Jurassic Coast Scenery
Lulworth Cove is one of Dorset’s most famous coastal views – and for good reason. The horseshoe-shaped bay, chalk cliffs and clear water make it feel special in any season. It’s also a brilliant base for scenic walks towards Durdle Door (cliff paths can be steep, so leads are a good idea).
Dog access can vary by area and season, so it’s worth checking signs on arrival and keeping to dog-permitted sections. Check local guides when planning your holiday.
Why it’s great for dogs:
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Stunning, photo-worthy coastal setting
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Great onward walks (especially South West Coast Path)
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Beautiful at quieter times of year
Where to stay:
Look for dog-friendly cottages in West Lulworth within a short drive so you can visit early morning before crowds build, and ideally somewhere with a garden for post-walk relaxing.
3) Sandbanks Beach – Designated Dog-Friendly Area
Sandbanks is known for its wide sandy Blue Flag beach and luxurious seaside escapes near the entrance to Poole Harbour. While the main beach has seasonal dog restrictions, there’s a designated dog-friendly area all year round at the western end towards Haven Point and the chain ferry.
That makes Sandbanks a great option for dog owners who want to exercise their canines during the peak season.
Why it’s great for dogs:
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All-year dog-friendly zone
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Soft sand and space for games
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Brilliant for sunrise and sunset walks
Where to stay:
Find Sandbanks dog-friendly accommodation listed with us – especially properties with private parking, as Sandbanks can be very busy in summer.
4) Monkey Beach (Swanage) – Dog-Friendly All Year Round
Swanage has summer restrictions on its main beach areas, but Monkey Beach is a brilliant alternative and is dog-friendly all year round. It sits between Stone Quay and Swanage Pier, and is perfect for a quick dip-and-stroll with your dog.
It’s a smaller, pebblier beach than Swanage’s main sands, but the convenience and atmosphere are a big plus.
Why it’s great for dogs:
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Dog-friendly all year
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Close to parking, toilets and cafés
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Great for a quick seaside break during busy months
Where to stay:
Choose Swanage dog friendly cottages by the beach so you don’t need to find a parking space, which can be difficult in the peak season.
5) Charmouth East Beach – Fossils, Cliffs and Long Walks
Charmouth is one of the best places in the UK for fossil hunting, and that makes it a fun beach for dogs and humans alike. It’s part of the Jurassic Coast, with dramatic cliffs, rock pools, and plenty of room for exploring at low tide.
Do be mindful of cliff areas and occasional instability after storms – and keep dogs away from falling rock zones.
Why it’s great for dogs:
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Great exploring beach (especially low tide)
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Plenty of variety: cliffs, stones, sand and rock pools
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Brilliant for longer, wilder walks
Where to stay:
Choose dog-friendly cottages in Charmouth or Lyme Regis with a boot room / outdoor tap if possible – helpful after muddy cliff walks.
6) Church Cliff Beach – A Quieter, Scenic Coastal Spot
Church Cliff Beach offers a calmer, more tucked-away feel compared to Dorset’s big name beaches. It’s ideal for people who want peaceful sea air, space to breathe, and a more natural shoreline for dog walks.
This is a great choice for anyone seeking a dog-friendly beach without a full resort vibe – especially outside peak summer.
Why it’s great for dogs:
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Often quieter than bigger beaches
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Great coastal walking vibe
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Natural scenery and peaceful atmosphere
Where to stay:
Look for dog-friendly cottages in Lyme Regis near the coast with easy access to cliff paths and a comfortable base for relaxed evenings after long walks.
7) West Bay Beach – Big Horizons and Coastal Path Walks
West Bay is instantly recognisable from its golden cliffs and sweeping shoreline. The beach is long, open and dramatic – perfect for longer walks with plenty of space, especially outside busy times.
West Bay also connects beautifully to the South West Coast Path, making it an excellent base for scenic walking routes in both directions.
Why it’s great for dogs:
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Big, open beach atmosphere
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Excellent coastal path access
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Photogenic cliffs and wide views
Where to stay:
Try dog-friendly cottages in West Bay or Bridport, ideally with parking, and perhaps a sea view so the coastal feeling continues back at your accommodation.
8) Cogden Beach – Quiet Beach Great for Off-Lead Walks
Cogden Beach is a superb choice for dog owners who want something quieter and less developed. It’s a shingle-and-sand beach with a wonderfully “wild” feel, often with fewer crowds than larger nearby beaches.
This is the type of beach where dogs can enjoy longer stretches and you can truly feel away from it all – particularly in the early morning or evening.
Why it’s great for dogs:
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Peaceful and spacious
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Great for long, uninterrupted walks
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Strong “escape” feel – perfect for short breaks
Where to stay:
Pick dog-friendly cottages in Burton Bradstock which are within easy reach, with a secure garden (great for drying off your dog after the beach).
9) Middle Chine Beach – A Calmer Alternative in the Bournemouth Area
Middle Chine offers a slightly more relaxed feel compared to some of the busier nearby stretches. It’s a good option if you’re staying around Bournemouth/Poole and want a beach walk that feels scenic and manageable.
Because beaches in this area can have seasonal restrictions, checking signage is essential – but it remains a good “base beach” for coastal time with your dog outside peak months. Dorset Council and BCP publish guidance for local beach rules.
Why it’s great for dogs:
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Convenient and well-connected
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Great for promenade and cliff-top walks
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Useful base for exploring the wider coast
Where to stay:
A dog-friendly cottage in Bournemouth with private parking is a big bonus here, especially if you’ll be exploring multiple beaches by car.
Choosing Where to Stay in Dorset with a Dog
To make your beach break genuinely relaxing, it’s worth looking beyond “dogs allowed” and thinking about practical details that help in real life:
What to look for in dog-friendly coastal accommodation
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Easy beach access (ideally within walking distance)
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Enclosed garden or outdoor space
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Parking (essential in busy seaside towns)
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Outdoor tap / utility space for rinsing paws
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Hard floors / relaxed layout for sandy post-beach returns
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Nearby dog-friendly pubs and coastal paths
At Beach Stays, it’s also worth searching for properties with sea views, especially if you’re booking outside peak summer – storm watching with a dog curled up beside you is one of the best ways to spend some coastal downtime. For more information, check out our dog friendly coastal holiday guide, containing top tips for those travelling with pets.
Best Time of Year for Dog-Friendly Dorset Beach Breaks
If you want the easiest experience, the very best times for a dog-friendly Dorset trip are:
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October – April: maximum beach access, fewer crowds, crisp coastal walks
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May & September: warmer weather but often still manageable
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High summer: still possible – but focus on dog-friendly zones and early/late walks
Many beaches that restrict dogs during daytime in summer are far quieter early morning and evening, and Dorset’s coastal sunsets are well worth building into your routine.
Dorset is Made for Dog-Friendly Coastal Breaks
From the coastal scenery of Lulworth Cove and fossil-rich Charmouth, to the all-year dog friendliness of Monkey Beach and the peace of Cogden, Dorset gives dog owners the best of both worlds: beautiful landscapes and genuinely memorable beach time.
Choose the right base, check seasonal beach rules, and you’ll have a coastal break where your dog is as happy as you are – whether you’re walking empty winter beaches, splashing in summer shallows, or finishing the day with salty fur and a cosy cottage. If you need some inspiration, check out our guide to the best seaside towns in Dorset, packed with helpful tips and ideas for activities.