Travel expert shares the top spots for sandy dog walks this autumn
As dog restrictions ease on many UK beaches, autumn is an ideal time to hit the coast with your four-legged companion. With cooler weather, peaceful shores, and stunning sunsets, it’s one of the most enjoyable seasons for a seaside adventure.
Away Resorts, a leading provider of dog-friendly holiday parks, has shared the top dog-friendly beaches across the UK to help you find the perfect destination for a cosy weekend walk or October Half Term holiday.
Especially as Away Resorts' holiday trends reporthighlighted that the traditional family getaway is no longer considered complete without your four-legged companion. The survey showed that 75% of pet-owning parents with children aged 0–12 say they feel guilty holidaying without their pet, proving just how firmly dogs are regarded as part of the family. So, an autumnal trip to the coast is paw-fect for all of the family.
Best dog walking beaches in the UK
Daymer Bay
Daymer Bay is one of Cornwall’s top dog-friendly beaches, located just a 30–40 minute drive from the pet-welcoming Retallack Resort. At low tide, its golden sands stretch for miles, framed by rolling dunes and curving all the way around to Rock.
At the southern end of the beach stands Brea Hill, a grassy mound well worth climbing for its sweeping views of the surrounding coastline. Nestled at its base, just a short distance from the shore, is St Enodoc Church, which was the final resting place of former Poet Laureate Sir John Betjeman.
Fistral Beach
This Cornwall beach is an ideal destination for dog lovers, offering a range of shops, bars and restaurants, many of which welcome four-legged visitors. Families looking for a day out to suit all will love Finstral Beach as there are countless water sports lessons on offer, easy parking, and 750 metres of sand for pets to enjoy.
Rhossili Bay
For those living in or near Wales, Rhossili Bay in Swansea offers a stunning and picturesque coastline for those autumn dog walks. The three miles of sand, accompanied by towering hills, make this dog-friendly location a sanctuary. If you arrive early enough, it is the perfect location for a sunrise stomp with your furry friends.
Holkham Beach
Holkham Beach is located in the beautiful seaside town of Norfolk. This beach offers lots of space for dogs to run wild. Known for its stunning sunsets, a walk along Holkham Beach is the perfect end to a day enjoying all that Norfolk has to offer.
Durdle Door
This iconic Dorset beach is best known for its limestone landmark, but it is actually the perfect destination for a dog-friendly autumn walk. Durdle Door Beach is a must-visit destination for dog owners in Dorset. This picturesque location is one of the best dog-friendly beaches all year round, allowing your pup to explore the famous destination, which so many tourists from all over the world visit.
Lulworth Cove
Nestled in the heart of the Jurassic Coast, Lulworth Cove is a natural wonder that welcomes dogs any time of the year. This horseshoe-shaped cove boasts clear waters and a pebbled beach, making it an ideal spot for your pup to play. Explore the nearby rock formations and take in the stunning coastal scenery. Dogs are welcome at Lulworth Cove all year round, but they must stay to the left-hand side of the slipway.
Runswick Bay
Runswick Bay is a picturesque cove featuring charming village cottages and narrow lanes similar to Mediterranean seaside towns in Greece and Italy. The bay has a sandy, dog-friendly beach and rock pools for children to explore, making it an ideal destination for families. The welcoming community is known for their hospitality, with nearby cafés and pubs offering delicious local dishes. The coastal scenery, along with opportunities for scenic cliff walks, provides the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.
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