Dog-friendly England: Attractions, Walks, Festivals and More
Live in Old Blighty with a canine companion, and planning a dog-friendly day out near you? Or house sitting in England soon, and want to know the best places to take your new furry friend? Here’s the ultimate guide to dog-friendly England. Below we explore the country’s most dog-friendly towns and cities, along with beaches, tourist attractions, walks, gardens, and even festivals.
So whether you’re a pet parent or you’re welcoming a pet sitter soon, hold onto your hats as we whizz around some of England’s most dog-friendly locations.
Dog-friendly beaches in England
One of the best things to do in England is to take your dog for a breezy stroll along the seafront. Let’s face it — your pooch won’t be strolling. The beach is for zoomies, and zoomies only.
Whether you live up north or way down in England’s South West, find a list of some of England’s most dog-friendly beaches below. Just remember to always check the signage before letting your dog off the lead, as rules can change at the last minute in some cases.
Dog-friendly beaches in England’s North East
- Bamburgh Beach
Bamburgh has to be one of the best dog beaches in the UK — dogs are welcome on the golden sand all year round. At this beautiful beach, you’ll find a huge expanse of sand with the backdrop of Bamburgh Castle, which boasts over 3,000 years of history. This spot also offers handy amenities, including toilets, cafes, and car parks.
Location: Bamburgh NE69 7DF - Warkworth Beach
Just 40 minutes south of Bamburgh, Warkworth Beach is the perfect place if you’re looking for beaches in the UK that allow dogs all year round. Offering expansive views of the North Sea, it’s ideal for blowing away the cobwebs if you live in the North East.
Location: Morpeth NE65 0SW - Alnmouth Beach
At the mouth of the River Aln, Alnmouth Beach is dog-friendly throughout the year, with rock pools perfect for a paddle at low tide.
Location: Alnmouth, Alnwick NE66 2RZ
Dog-friendly beaches in England’s North West
- Crosby Beach
A popular beach with dog walkers in Liverpool both in summer and winter, Crosby Beach offers approximately 2.5 miles of sand for dogs to play on. If you’re house sitting in Liverpool, be sure to look out for Antony Gormley’s sculpture “Another Place.”
Location: Crosby Beach, Merseyside, L23 8SY - Formby Beach
This National Trust–protected beach in Merseyside offers golden sand where dogs can roam freely off-lead. It’s backed by the Formby Pinewoods — home to the Red Squirrel Reserve. When exploring the woodland, keep your dog on a lead at all times to help protect red squirrel habitats.
Location: Victoria Rd, Formby, Liverpool L37 1LJ
Dog-friendly beaches in Yorkshire and The Humber
- Runswick Bay
If you’re looking for dog-friendly places in the UK that give off an ‘undiscovered’ vibe, look no further than Runswick Bay. The arcing cove is seriously picturesque, and dogs are allowed here all year round.
Location: Runswick Bay, Saltburn-by-the-Sea - Fraisthorpe Beach
A popular spot with dog walkers and even horse riders, with no restrictions at any time of year. If you fancy a bite to eat, head to The Cowshed Cafe — a fully dog-friendly café.
Location: Barmston, Driffield YO15 3QU
Dog-friendly beaches in the West Midlands
- Humberston Fitties Beach
This dog-friendly beach sits at the mouth of the Humber Estuary, and dogs (and their humans) are welcome to explore all year round.
Location: Humberston, Grimsby DN36 4EU - Huttoft Beach
Looking for a huge expanse of golden sand — perfect for fetch, digging, and zoomies? Look no further than Huttoft Beach, where there are no restrictions for dogs.
Location: Huttoft, Alford LN13 9RR
Dog-friendly beaches in the East of England
- Holkham Beach
With an expanse of golden and white sands, Holkham is the perfect spot in the East of England to get a breath of sea air with your canine companion. Be aware that between 1st April and 31st August, dogs must be kept on a lead in certain areas of the beach. Check the signage — over 70% of the beach remains an off-lead area all year round.
Location: Holkham, Wells-next-the-Sea NR23 1RJ - Old Hunstanton Beach
Like many dog-friendly beaches in England, Old Hunstanton welcomes visitors with their dogs all year round. The west-facing beach is famous for its striped cliffs and rock pools — great fun for dogs at low tide.
Location: Hunstanton PE36 6JJ
Dog-friendly beaches in the South East
- West Wittering Beach
West Wittering has to be one of the most popular, expansive, and breathtaking beaches on the south coast. Explore with your dog off the lead — but abide by local restrictions. Between May and September, dogs are only permitted outside groynes 14A–18.
Location: Pound Rd, West Wittering, Chichester PO20 8GH - Camber Sands
Dogs are welcome at beautiful Camber Sands in East Sussex — just be sure to check local restrictions in the summer months, along with the tide timetable.
Location: Camber Sands, Rye, East Sussex TN31 7RT
Dog-friendly beaches in the South West
- Woolacombe Beach
If you live near North Devon, you might already know that Woolacombe Beach is award-winning and known as one of the best beaches in the UK. Its three miles of golden sand is totally dog-friendly, though there are a few seasonal restrictions. Between 1st April and 1st November, some zones are restricted — but most of the beach is open to dogs all year round (just check the signage).
Location: North Devon, EX34 7DJ - Saunton Sands
If you need a good stomp and want to burn off some energy, Saunton Sands delivers — with 3.5 miles of coastline to choose from. As always, check local signage during the summer months to stay informed.
Location: North Devon, EX33 1LQ - Watergate Bay
A stunning stretch of sand near Newquay, Watergate Bay welcomes dogs year-round — especially loved for its wide open spaces and gentle dunes. Ideal for long walks, games of fetch, and seaside naps.
Location: Newquay TR8 4AB
