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10 of the best dog-friendly beaches

Dogs love a day by the sea, so here’s our selection of canine-friendly coastline where you can both enjoy a scamper on the sand.
Headshot of The Good Housekeeping Web teamBy The Good Housekeeping Web team
Body of water, Fluid, Coastal and oceanic landforms, Shore, Coast, Horizon, Beach, Ocean, Sea, Sand,
1

Compton Bay, Isle of Wight

Body of water, Fluid, Coastal and oceanic landforms, Shore, Coast, Horizon, Beach, Ocean, Sea, Sand,
Compton Bay on the southwest of the island is popular with families, surfers and dog walkers, as they are welcome on the beach between Hanover Point and Brook Chine all year. Rising behind the coast, there are further walking opportunities across acres of open downland, with stunning views out to sea. 
Find out more: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

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2

Broadstairs Beach, Margate

Body of water, Coastal and oceanic landforms, Coast, Shore, Tourism, Water, Sand, People on beach, Sea, Beach,
Dogs are welcome any time on beaches at Dumpton Gap and Kingsgate Bay in Broadstairs, and on certain others at specific times of the year or at set hours in the day. Check the web link below for full details.
Find out more: www.visitthanet.co.uk

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3

Formby, Liverpool

Shrubland, Chaparral, Walking, Dirt road, Sand,
Red squirrels, natterjacks, prehistoric footprints and miles of coastal walks are just waiting to be discovered in this ever-changing landscape where pinewoods meet the dunes. Dogs are welcome year round but must be kept on a lead due to vulnerable wildlife. 
Find out more: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

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4

West Wittering Beach, Chichester

Sky, Cloud, Coastal and oceanic landforms, Sand, Coast, Shore, Ecoregion, Cumulus, Grassland, Grass family,
The whole beach is accessible to dogs between the end of September and beginning of May. At other times, all zones are open except between groynes 14A and 18, the area in front of the beach huts. This is a great place to take the dogs to stretch their legs – and for yours.
Find out more: www.westwitteringbeach.co.uk

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5

Berrow Beach, Burnham on Sea

Sunset, Dusk, Sunrise, Horizon, Evening, Afterglow, Red sky at morning, Sunlight, Calm, Dawn,
A glorious six-mile length of beach with dunes and firm sand perfect for walks. Look out for the famous ship wreck and various seabirds attracted by the adjacent marshland. From May to September, dogs are not allowed on the stretch of beach along the sea wall.
Find out more: www.burnham-on-sea.com 

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6

Blundellsands, Sefton

Fluid, Coastal and oceanic landforms, Standing, Horizon, Shore, People in nature, Sunlight, Beach, Ocean, Wetland,
You can enjoy the cast-iron life-size sculptures by Antony Gormley on this open sandy beach, or watch the intrepid windsurfers out at sea. There are no restrictions for dogs, and you'll find parking and toilets close by.
Find out more: www.britishbeaches.info

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7

Snettisham Beach, Kings Lynn

Fluid, Coastal and oceanic landforms, Horizon, People in nature, Ocean, People on beach, Sea, Evening, Shore, Dusk,
This attractive Norfolk beach stretches north to Hunstanton and is the only west-facing one in Norfolk. The extensive sand and mud banks are a popular area for birds, and there are no restrictions for dog walkers.
Find out more: www.britishbeaches.info

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8

Studland Beach, Poole

Coastal and oceanic landforms, Water, Rock, Outcrop, Bedrock, Terrain, Headland, Ocean, Promontory, Sea,
Owned by the National Trust, Studland Beach in Dorset is a wonderful place for dogs and owners to relax and have fun with three-and-a-half miles of beach and plenty of dunes to explore. Dogs are welcome at Studland but may need to be kept on a lead at certain times of the year.
Find out more: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

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9

Milford-on-Sea, Bournemouth

Body of water, Coastal and oceanic landforms, Shore, Coast, Horizon, Fluid, Ocean, Sea, Azure, Aqua,
A long pebble beach, which offers a great length for walking. Dogs are welcome year round.
Find out more: www.britishbeaches.info

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10

Thorney Bay Beach, Canvey Island

Coastal and oceanic landforms, Shore, Coast, Channel, Wetland, Beach, Lane, Bridge, Mudflat, Levee,
There’s parking, shops and a promenade close to this sandy beach, which is open to dogs all year round. Canvey Island is situated in the Thames Estuary off the southeast coast of Essex, and separated from the mainland by a channel. The beach is made up of sand and mud with a view of the Kent coastline.
Find out more: www.goodbeachguide.co.uk

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