The UK’s Best Dog Friendly Beaches

While we all love a seaside stroll, no one adores the beach quite as much as dogs do. If you’re planning a visit to the coast with your pup, you’ll want to double check which beaches allow dogs (and when). Read on for our roundup of the best dog friendly beaches in the UK.

Dog Friendly Beaches Near London

Whitstable, Kent

Just a short train ride from London, this shingle beach is beloved by daytrippers and holidaymakers alike – and it’s completely dog friendly, so pups can run around off the lead. After a long walk, treat yourself to a spot of shopping at Whitstable’s independent stalls and boutiques, or sample some oysters from the famous Whitstable Oyster Company.

VISIT: The train from St Pancras to Whitstable takes around 1 hour 15 minutes. If you’re driving, you can park at the Gorrell Tank car park opposite Whitstable Harbour.

Walton-on-the-Naze, Essex

Also not far from London is Walton-on-the-Naze, a charming seaside town with a particularly superb dog friendly beach. Your pooch can run wild here, as most areas are unrestricted – just keep an eye out for sections where dogs might need to be on the lead (especially during the high season, from May to September).

VISIT: The train from Liverpool Street to Walton-on-the-Naze takes approximately 90 minutes. If you’re heading to the beach by car, you can park at Naze Car Park.

Kingsgate Bay, Kent

Kingsgate Bay is a sheltered sandy cove dotted with sea caves and bordered by towering chalk cliffs. Dogs are free to roam this delightful spot all year round – and once you’ve finished up at the beach, you can explore the grounds of Kingsgate Castle.

VISIT: You can hop on a train from St Pancras or Victoria to Broadstairs (the journey takes around 90 minutes) before taking a bus to Kingsgate Bay. If you’re driving, it’ll take just under an hour to get there, but parking might be tricky as there’s no car park nearby.

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Cuckmere Haven, East Sussex

This lovely pebble beach is totally dog friendly, and it provides some magnificent views (thanks largely to its proximity to the Seven Sisters cliffs). Dogs are also permitted at the Seaford Head nature reserve nearby, though you’ll have to pop them on the lead if you encounter any livestock. 

VISIT: The train from Victoria to Seaford takes around 90 minutes, but you’ll need to get a bus from Seaford and then walk to Cuckmere Haven. Parking is available at South Hill Barn Car Park or Seven Sisters Car Park, which are both a short walk away from the beach itself.

Camber Sands, East Sussex

This spectacular beach is brimming with visitors in the summer months, and it’s the perfect place to take your pup: from splashing in the waves to exploring the sand dunes, there’s plenty to do. Dogs are free to run around here, although they must be kept out of certain areas between May and September.

VISIT: The train from St Pancras to Rye takes an hour, and from there you can catch a bus straight to Camber Sands. There are multiple car parks nearby, including Camber Car Park and Old Lydd Road.