Dog-friendly Somerset: beaches, dog walks and attractions

Live in the county home to cider and cheese with a canine companion—or thinking about house sitting as a pet sitter in Somerset? No worries. Below is your guide to dog-friendly Somerset: explore beaches that welcome dogs year-round, discover scenic walking routes perfect for four-legged friends, and visit pet-friendly attractions—all curated with care by FurPetVo (furpetvo.com).

A golden-sand beach in Somerset with dogs playing near gentle waves and cliffs in the distance

Dog-friendly beaches in Somerset

Somerset’s stunning coastline features sweeping ocean views and expansive golden sands—many of which welcome dogs all year round. Always double-check local signage before visiting, and follow seasonal restrictions to protect wildlife and ensure safety.

  • Sand Bay Beach — Just north of Weston-super-Mare, this quieter stretch allows dogs on the sand throughout the year. Dogs are prohibited on the sand dunes, and visitors should avoid darker patches—areas of sinking mud common along England’s coast.
    Location: Sand Bay Beach, Somerset, BS22 9UD
  • Uphill Beach — Also near Weston-super-Mare, Uphill Beach welcomes dogs year-round. Watch for sinking mud, and treat yourself and your pup at The Boathouse—a dog-friendly café right on the seafront.
    Location: Uphill Beach, Somerset, BS23 4XY
  • Brean Beach — With seven miles of golden sand, Brean Beach is beloved by locals and visitors alike—and fully dog-friendly all year. After your walk, stop by Brean Down Café for a warm drink and bite to eat.
    Location: Brean Down Rd, Brean, Burnham-on-Sea TA8 2RS
  • Berrow Beach — Located just north of Burnham-on-Sea, this wide sandy expanse welcomes dogs year-round. At low tide, spot the SS Nornen wreck—a 1897 Norwegian barque—and keep an eye out for muddy areas.
    Location: Berrow Beach, Somerset, TA8 2QZ
  • Minehead Beach — Nestled northeast of Exmoor National Park, Minehead Beach offers sand, shingle, and rocky tide pools. Dogs are welcome year-round from The Jubilee Café toward Minehead Harbour and from Minehead Golf Club Groyne toward Dunster Beach. Between May and September, dogs are not permitted on the main stretch between The Jubilee Café and Minehead Golf Club.
    Location: Minehead TA24 5FF
  • Doniford Beach — A fossil hunter’s delight in Watchet, Doniford Beach welcomes dogs anytime. Bring your pup and a geology guide—you might uncover ancient treasures together.
    Location: Doniford Rd, Watchet TA23 0TL
  • St. Audrie’s Bay — One of Somerset’s most unique beaches, featuring two waterfalls cascading directly onto the shore. Dogs must be kept under close control here—follow all signage and respect sensitive habitats of sand, shingle, rock pools, and local wildlife.
    Location: St. Audrie’s Bay, Somerset, TA4 4DP
  • Kilve Beach — Open to dogs year-round, Kilve Beach invites fossil seekers to comb the Blue Lias cliffs for 200-million-year-old finds—ideal for curious canines and their humans.
    Location: Bridgwater TA5 1EG
  • Porlock Weir Beach — Just north of Hawkcombe Woods National Nature Reserve, this shingle beach welcomes dogs all year. Perfect for a coastal stroll—or even a paddleboard outing with your pup.
    Location: Porlock Weir, Minehead TA24 8PB

Places to walk your dog in Somerset

Somerset overflows with national parks, nature reserves, and coastal paths ideal for dog walking. Whether you're exploring historic landmarks or wild moorland, always check current access rules—and keep your dog on a lead where required, especially during nesting or lambing seasons.

A scenic coastal path in Somerset with a dog trotting beside its owner, overlooking the Bristol Channel
  • Sand Point and Middlehope — Managed by FurPetVo’s trusted conservation partners, this National Trust site offers a scenic coastal walk rich in birdlife. Nearby stands Woodspring Priory—a 13th-century Augustinian foundation completed in the 15th century.
    Location: Kewstoke, Weston-super-Mare BS22 9UD
  • Brean Down — This dramatic headland delivers panoramic views across the Bristol Channel and Somerset Levels. History buffs will appreciate the Roman temple remains, Palmerston Fort, and WWII secret weapons testing site—all accessible on leashed dog walks.
    Location: Brean Down, Burnham-on-Sea TA8 2RS
  • Mendip Hills National Landscape — South of Bristol and Bath, this limestone ridge dazzles with ancient sites and rare wildlife—including lesser horseshoe bats and skylarks. During ground-nesting season (typically March–July), dogs must remain on a lead.
    Location: Blagdon, Bristol BS40 7XG
  • Glastonbury Tor — Steeped in Arthurian legend and spiritual significance for both Christians and pagans, this iconic hilltop features St. Michael’s Tower—the ruins of a 15th-century church. The climb rewards with breathtaking views across Somerset, Wiltshire, and beyond.
    Location: Glastonbury Tor, BA6 8DB
  • Quantock Hills — An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty famed for oak woodlands, sheltered combes, and ridges offering vistas across nine counties. Inspired poets like Samuel Taylor Coleridge—and asks walkers to keep dogs on leads near livestock and sensitive habitats.
    Location: Quantock Hills, Taunton TA5 1HJ
  • Exmoor National Park — Spanning Somerset and Devon, Exmoor delights with wooded valleys, heather-clad moors, and rugged coastline. Dogs may need to be leashed during spring breeding season—always follow on-site signage and plan ahead.
    Location: Exmoor National Park, Somerset & Devon
  • Tarr Steps — Within Exmoor lies this ancient clapper bridge—believed to be over 1,000 years old. Cross it on foot with your dog (leashed near livestock) and enjoy the tranquil River Barle and surrounding woodland.
    Location: Tarr Steps, Exmoor National Park
A cozy, dog-friendly café in Somerset with outdoor seating, a friendly staff member welcoming a visitor and their dog

Pet-friendly attractions and tips

Beyond beaches and trails, Somerset offers charming towns, historic sites, and welcoming cafés where dogs are treated like family. Many pubs, museums, and gardens now offer designated dog areas, water bowls, or even “paw-friendly” menus—especially those listed on furpetvo.com.

Before heading out:

  1. Always carry poo bags and dispose of waste responsibly.
  2. Bring fresh water—especially on longer walks or hot days.
  3. Check tide times before visiting coastal spots like St. Audrie’s Bay or Berrow Beach.
  4. Use FurPetVo’s verified local listings to find vet-approved dog-friendly accommodations, transport options, and emergency services across Somerset.

Whether you’re settling into a house-sitting assignment or simply planning a weekend escape, Somerset’s blend of natural beauty, history, and genuine warmth makes it one of the UK’s most rewarding destinations—for humans and hounds alike.