10 dog friendly beaches in Scotland

UK holidays give you the chance to bring along your beloved furry companions, who will love to frolic and explore the sandy beaches - you’ll especially find plenty of dog friendly beaches in Scotland!

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Scotland's coastal regions boast an abundance of remarkable beaches, catering to the diverse preferences of your canine friends. Whether your four-legged pal delights in the soft embrace of golden sands at Carnoustie Beach or grassy dunes at Montrose Beach, we’ve curated a selection of Scotland's finest beaches to ensure every taste is indulged.

They all have unique features, but one common characteristic is that they are more than happy to welcome your pooch. You’ll be happy to know that they are also a short distance from our dog friendly Scottish holiday parks, so it’s time to explore…

Monfieth Beach image

Monfieth Beach

Monfieth Beach is a picturesque sandy beach, looking out over the Firth of Tay. There is an area, offering stunning views, a peaceful atmosphere, and walks with birdwatching – a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Its wide expanse of golden sand is perfect for sunbathing, building sandcastles, or simply enjoying the sound of the waves.

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The eastern part of the beach is off-limits to the public as it’s part of a military training area, however, you can find a beautiful walking route that passes the beach and stretches from Dundee to the east to Arbroath to the west.

These walking paths are ideal for dog walkers, making this beach one of the best dog friendly beaches in Scotland! Dog restrictions: Dogs are welcome all year round.

Broughty Ferry Beach image

Broughty Ferry Beach

In Angus, near Dundee, Broughty Ferry Beach is a popular sandy beach boasting lovely views of the Tay Estuary. This beach is a favourite among many, offering a vibrant atmosphere and a range of fun activities. You can enjoy a stroll along the sandy shores or take part in various water sports depending on the conditions.

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This beach is also home to a nature conservation site where you can find a great array of wildlife, including birds and seals, and sometimes even a porpoise! Even your dog can enjoy this nature reserve with you – just make sure they are kept to heel. So, why not see if you and your pup can discover such beautiful wildlife for yourselves?

Dog restrictions: The eastern area welcomes dogs all year round. Seasonal dog restriction in the western area between 1st May – 30th September.

Carnoustie Beach image

Carnoustie Beach

Carnoustie Beach is a small, stunning stretch of golden sand renowned for its beautiful scenery, excellent water quality, and golfing heritage. Did you know that this bay is nestled below the Carnoustie Golf Links, which was host to The Open Championship several times? The beach extends for several miles along the Angus coastline.

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Enjoy activities such as sunbathing, beach walks, and beach sports, and makes for one of the best Scotland dog friendly beaches.

Dog restrictions: Dogs are welcome all year round.

Lunan Bay image

Lunan Bay

Lunan Bay is a breathtaking and secluded haven located on the Angus coastline. This beach is widely regarded as one of Scotland's most beautiful and unspoiled beaches, offering a serene and natural environment. The bay is characterised by its vast expanse of golden sand, backed by towering dunes and rugged cliffs.

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The beach is popular for bird watching, horse riding, nature photography, and more. While amenities are limited at Lunan Bay, its remote location and natural beauty make it a true escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life – something you and your pup can experience first-hand. 

Dog restrictions: Dogs are welcome all year round.

Easthaven Beach image

Easthaven Beach

This pretty little bay is popular among many, especially dog walkers and families. This hidden gem offers a tranquil and picturesque setting for those seeking a more peaceful coastal experience. One of the unique features of Easthaven Beach is the presence of natural rock pools during low tide, which offer opportunities for exploring marine life.

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What makes this even better is that you can explore this dog friendly beach in Scotland is that you can explore it between a 35–45-minute drive away if you’re holidaying at the Piperdam Leisure Resort!

Dog restrictions: Dogs are welcome all year round.

Montrose Beach image

Montrose Beach

Montrose Beach is a picturesque sandy beach that stretches for three miles from Montrose to the North Esk River, with stunning views to Scurdieness Lighthouse. It’s backed by grassy areas and a promenade, making it an ideal spot for strolls or family outings. You can even find a brilliant circular walk here, perfect for those dog friendly days out!

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Overall, Montrose Beach offers a perfect combination of natural beauty, recreational activities, and convenient amenities, making it a popular destination for beachgoers in Scotland!

Dog restrictions: Dogs are welcome all year round.

Sandyhills Beach image

Sandyhills Beach

Sandyhills Beach is a large sandy beach on the Dumfries and Galloway coastline, perfect for everything. This beach is renowned for its vast expanse of golden sand, and shallow waters ideal for paddling – does your pooch like to splash about in the water? But do check the water quality before splashing in.

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During low tide, the beach reveals rock pools and small coves, offering opportunities for exploring marine life and discovering hidden treasures. You can even enjoy wonderful cliff-top coastal scenery, so remember to bring your camera!

Dog restrictions: Dogs are welcome all year round.

Kippford Beach image

Kippford Beach

Made up almost entirely of cockle shells, you’ll also find sand and shingle at Kippford Beach. This charming and picturesque beach is located at the end of a quiet coastal walkway, making Kippford Beach the perfect seaside retreat! This beach is a hidden gem, offering a tranquil and idyllic setting for those seeking a peaceful coastal escape.

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A popular spot for sailing and other water sports, with a small harbour and boating facilities in the village, you can sit back with your pooch and watch the world go by.

Dog restrictions: Dog friendly all year round.

Powfoot Beach image

Powfoot Beach

This small strip of sand along the coast towards Annan is a birdwatching lover’s dream! Powfoot Beach is full of stunning coastal scenery, plus a local coastal footpath, perfect for beautiful walks with your pooch – making it one of the best dog friendly beaches in Scotland! Not suitable for swimming but you can paddle here.

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It is the destination perfect for families with younger children, as well as dogs. Close to the Solway Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, there’s so much to explore, so why not add this to your Scotland beach holiday itinerary? It’s only around a 30–40-minute drive from the Moffat Manor Holiday Resort!

Dog restrictions: Dogs are welcome all year round.

Rockcliffe Beach image

Rockcliffe Beach

Attracting many visitors each year, Rockcliffe Beach is a small spot full of many places of interest, especially as it’s part of a National Scenic Area – plus, there are plenty of National Trust areas around the beach. You can find plenty of marked routes, perfect for family walks, making for the perfect day out!

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Surrounded by rocks and the village of Rockcliffe, nearby you can also find Rough Island, which is a popular nature sanctuary. Just be aware that it’s off-limits due to nesting birds.

Overall, Rockcliffe Beach offers a serene and unspoiled natural environment, making it a true escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and a perfect destination for those seeking a peaceful coastal experience.

Dog restrictions: Dogs are welcome all year round.

Remember to always check the dog restrictions yourself before visiting as some may vary. 

With these dog friendly beaches in Scotland, are you and your pup ready to explore?

Now that you’re set with this top 10 guide of dog friendly beaches in Scotland, are you ready for your next Scottish holiday? Home to the tallest waterfall in Britain, haggis, and bagpipes, there’s so much for you to explore with your pup by your side.

What will make your holiday even better is that there are a range of dog friendly holiday parks that will help you explore the best of Scotland right on your doorstep. So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to book your next holiday!

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Hampshire | Scotland | Isle of Wight | Dorset | North Wales | Yorkshire | Lincolnshire | Cornwall

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