Best dog-friendly beaches in the UK
We’ve been there so many times. You’re looking for a day away by the sea. You’ve spotted a place you like. You’ve found a beach to match. You’re getting your stuff together, and just as the bucket and spade go in, you ask yourself if you can bring the dog.
This special list of dog friendly beaches welcomes your furry friend all year round. So even if you’re heading to the coast when it's busy, you need not worry about your dog coming along for the ride. From some of the most rural parts of the country to vibrant seaside towns, this list covers up and down, far and wide to bring you a beach that caters for humans and dogs alike. We’ve also nailed down some must-see places to visit, and with a dog friendly Haven park never too far away, you may fancy extending your stay via a pooch-perfect few days with us.
England
If you’re planning an English seaside staycation with your furry friend this summer, then there are plenty of gorgeous dog-friendly beaches waiting to welcome you. From some of the most rural parts of the country to vibrant seaside towns, we’ve found some beaches you’re sure to love that cater for humans and dogs alike.
Holkham Beach, Norfolk
The pooch is sure to love Holkham Beach in Norfolk. With no restrictions throughout the year, your hound is free to roam the wide expanse of golden sand or practice their doggy paddle in the sea. Holkham is great for a coastal walk too. It backs on to Holkham National Nature Reserve, one of the largest in the country. There are a selection of paths that run through this area of natural beauty, so it’s perfect for a bit of an adventure with your canine companion.
Dungeness Beach, Dungeness, Kent
Dungeness Beach in Kent is a rugged pebble beach with a somewhat eerie beauty to it. As you crunch along the shingle, you’ll be met by the sight of two stick-like lighthouses and the brutalist form of Dungeness nuclear power station. But it isn’t all haunting industrial structures. Trudge along the water and you’ll eventually reach the RSPB Dungeness Nature Reserve. Quite a contrast to the desolate Dungeness Beach, here you’ll find wet grassland, meadows of wildflowers, interspaced with freshwater pits. The circular route around the reserve is about 1.8 miles long and takes around 40 mins to complete, perfect for a walk with the dog.
Fistral Beach, Cornwall
Backed by cliffs and sloping sand dunes, Fistral Beach is a favourite with surfers, who flock to ride the waves every summer. But this beach isn’t just board-friendly, it’s dog-friendly too. Dogs are allowed to visit the beach without restrictions throughout the year. What could be better than walking the dog while watching the surfers ride the waves? Oh, and it’s less than a 20-minute drive from our Perran Sands Holiday Park.
Scotland
Scotland is full of beautiful, rugged beaches that are perfect for a seaside walk with your canine companion. Dramatic landscapes line the coast, and there’s plenty of history to explore too. Here are some of the best dog-friendly beaches in Scotland that your pooch is surely to love as much as you.
Seton Sands, Longniddry
Just a stone’s throw from the Seton Sands holiday park, Seton Sands beach is perfect for a coastal walk with the pooch. Stroll along the water to the town of Longniddry and enjoy views across the Firth. If you’re hoping for a relaxed day on the beach, then Seton Sands has you covered too. There’s an exclusive doggy exercise area where your canine companion can make a few canine companions of their own. It’s worth remembering that dogs aren’t the only four legged friends that frequent the beach; it’s popular with horse riders too, so keep an eye out.
Seamill Beach, West Kilbride
If you're hankering after a bit of a hike, then Seamill Beach is perfect. The rugged sandy beach makes up part of the Ayrshire Coastal Path, a popular walking route that offers stunning views of Firth of Clyde and the Isle of Arran. On the beach itself, low tide exposes a whole world of rockpools and marine life that the kids will love to explore.
Saltcoats Beach, Saltcoats
There are few better beaches to exercise the dog on than Saltcoats. Your pooch is sure to love haring around on this wide stretch of sand, so don’t forget to bring a ball. They can even practise their doggy paddle in the sea. The beach also offers a lovely coastal walk with plenty of natural beauty and history thrown in.
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Wales
Wales without a doubt has some of the most picturesque beaches in the whole country, perfect for exploring with your canine companion. Whether you’re looking for coastal walks or just a traditional day at the beach with the family (including the four-legged members), you’re sure to find it in Wales.
Talacre Beach, Prestatyn
Talacre Beach is a popular sandy stretch that sits just on the border of Wales and England. Close to a number of resorts, including our own Presthaven Holiday Park, the beach becomes abuzz with holidaymakers and staycationers during the summer months. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of space for everyone, with enough left for the dog to get a workout. The beach is also backed by a Site of Special Scientific Interest; these dunes are home to several rare species, such as natterjack toads.
Llanbedrog, Pwllheli
This picturesque beach is great for a day by the seaside with the whole family. The pooch is sure to enjoy tiring themselves out on this expansive mile-long sandy stretch. The waters are warm and shallow, so perfect for a bit of a doggy-paddle, whether you’re pawed or not. If you’re looking to chill out by the sea, you can rent one of the brightly coloured beach huts. Or, if you’re up for exploring, take the dog for a stroll along Mynydd Tir y Cwmwd Headland’s pathways and take in the stunning sea views.
Start planning your Great British break
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Important information
*New holiday homes from £29,995 – UPDATED 29 August 2024
*Holiday home price is based on a new 3-bedroom ABI Horizon holiday home and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.
Price excludes 2024 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As at 29 August 2024, price is available at selected parks Blue Dolphin, Craig Tara, Cleethorpes Beach, Caister, Combe Haven, Far Grange, Greenacres, Golden Sands, Haggerston, Orchards, and Quay West. Price can be withdrawn at any time.
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Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
Pre-owned holiday homes from £14,995 – UPDATED 31 JULY 2024 *Holiday home price is based on a pre-owned holiday home and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.
Price excludes 2024 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As at 31 July 2024, price is available at Blue Dolphin, Caister, Cleethorpes Beach, Combe Haven, Craig Tara, Far Grange, Greenacres, Golden Sands, Haggeston, Orchards, Quay West, Skegness and Wild Duck.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
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Let2offset is a contractual lettings product that offers eligible owners a guaranteed letting income at a preferential rate (calculated each year) in exchange for a stipulated number of letting breaks. It also allows eligible owners to pay their site fees and receive their letting income in 12 equal monthly instalments; the monthly site fee amount charged by Haven will be after deduction of the letting income.
‘Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031’ is available at 33 Haven parks excluding Burnham, Cardigan View, Far Grange, Garreg Wen, Lydstep Beach, Riviere Sands and Seaview. The letting income received will vary by make, model and location. The monthly site fee payment does not include running costs e.g. utilities, rates & insurance.
“Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031” is applicable to new and existing customer purchases of new Atlas Sahara 3 Bed or equivalent or superior grade holiday home purchases made through Haven where customers have also signed up to Haven’s Let2offset contract. It is not applicable to private sales and cannot be used in conjunction with our free Site Fee promotion. It is available across 40% of eligible Parks and applies when letting a new Atlas Sahara 3 Bed holiday home (or equivalent or superior grade for 15 weeks.
An example of how “Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031” operates under Let2offset is the purchase of an Atlas Sahara 3 Bed holiday home at Primrose Valley with a monthly site fee of £585.00 (includes purchasing discount of £45) and monthly letting income of £803.67. The monthly difference equates to £218.67, which will be credited to the owner's account. Both letting income and site fees are subject to yearly pricing reviews and the monthly site fee costs and letting income shown in the example are based on 2024 figures.
Modelled assumptions on expected annual site fee and letting income charges over the 7-year lettable life of the Atlas Sahara 3 Bed indicate that under Let2offset it is anticipated that these customers will continue to receive a monthly credit during this period, however, this is not guaranteed. The modelled assumptions are based on the historical performance of Haven over the past 5 years of trading.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.