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15 of the best dog friendly beaches in Dorset
Dorset’s beautiful coastline is the perfect place for your dog to play, and you’re in luck as there are plenty of dog friendly beaches in Dorset that allow your pup to explore to their heart’s content!
Whether you want to visit the iconic Durdle Door Beach or visit a smaller beach like Bowleaze Cove, you’re bound to find your dog’s perfect match! There are ample opportunities for you and your pooch to run and play, whilst making some of the best Dorset holiday memories together! Plus, we’ve compiled this list to make it easier for you to keep on coming back to this stunning holiday location with your furry friend right beside you…
Weymouth Beach
Starting strong, Weymouth Beach made it into the 2024 TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Awards, and ranked in the number two spot for England Best Beach and 19th best beach in Europe. It is a long sandy beach that stretches for miles along the seaside town of Weymouth in Dorset. The gently sloping sands make it ideal for swimming and beach games during low tide, plus you can involve your pooch.
Find out moreThe beach is lined with a beautiful Georgian esplanade and is a popular spot for walking, so one of the best dog friendly beaches in Dorset!
Dog restrictions: All year round, dogs are welcome on Greenhill Groyne to Overcombe, plus the dog exercise area (by Pavillion). Seasonal dog ban in place in Greenhill Groyne to dog exercise area (main sandy beach) from 1st October to 30th April. Dogs are not permitted on Weymouth and Greenhill beaches from 1st May to 30th September inclusive.
Monmouth Beach
This is a hidden gem located along the Lyme Regis coast – a secluded pebble beach that is flanked by striking cliffs and is accessible via the South West Coast Path or by boat. The beach offers stunning views of the Jurassic Coast and is a favourite spot for fossil hunting where your pup can help you discover something brand new, and rock pooling during low tide.
Find out moreDue to its more remote location, Monmouth Beach is often less crowded than other beaches in the area, making it a peaceful retreat for those seeking solitude and tranquillity.
Dog restrictions: Dogs are welcome all year round, off-lead.
Abbotsbury Beach
Abbotsbury Beach is a unique and breathtaking location that is also the site of the Chesil and Fleet Nature Reserve. It’s a shelving beach made up of pebbles and shingle, popular for fishing – your pup can sit by your side as you catch your dinner! The Chesil Bank is an 18-mile-long shingle barrier beach that stretches from Portland to West Bay, offering stunning coastal views.
Find out moreThe Fleet Lagoon, a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest with access only via the South West Coast path, is a shallow saline lagoon that attracts various bird species – perfect for nature explorations.
Dog restrictions: Dogs are welcome all year round at Chesil Beach to the Tank Teeth Boundary. Dogs welcome on leads to the outer flank (seaward side) from the Tank Teeth Boundary to the Portland Boundary Stone, from 1st September – 30th April. There is no public access outside of these dates.
Alum Chine Beach
Alum Chine Beach is a picturesque sandy beach located in the heart of Bournemouth. This Blue Flag beach is known for its striking cliffs and unique chine (a steep coastal ravine). The beach offers excellent amenities, including beach huts, cafes, and a children's playground. The calm waters make it a popular spot for swimming and paddling, making it perfect for your pooch!
Find out moreAlso, during low tide visitors can explore the rock pools and enjoy breathtaking views of the nearby Bournemouth Pier and the Isle of Wight.
Dog restrictions: Seasonal dog ban from 1st May to 30th September, where dogs are not allowed on Alum Chine's main beach and must be kept on a lead on the promenade, paths, and zig-zags at all times.
Man O’ War Beach
This shingle beach is accessed via a steep coastal path and offers breathtaking views of the Jurassic Coast, and if you’re staying at East Fleet Farm, it’s only a 30-40 minute drive away. The beach is surrounded by dramatic cliffs and rock formations, making it a popular spot for photography and coastal walks, plus an especially dog friendly beach in Dorset.
Find out moreDue to its remote location and limited amenities, Man O' War Beach is often less crowded than other beaches in the area, providing a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle.
Dog restrictions: Dogs are welcome all year round.
Bowleaze Cove
Bowleaze Cove is a small, sheltered beach located near Weymouth. This sand and pebble beach is situated between two headlands, offering protection from the wind and creating a tranquil environment for swimming and relaxation with your pup. The beach is known for its clear waters and rock pools, which are ideal for exploring marine life during low tide.
Find out moreDog restrictions: Dogs are welcome all year round.
Branksome Chine Beach
Why not visit this charming sandy beach located in Poole, Dorset? It’s situated at the base of a picturesque chine (a steep coastal ravine), which provides a unique and scenic backdrop – the perfect scenery to take the cutest photos of your pooch. Branksome Chine Beach offers excellent amenities, including beach huts, cafes, and a promenade.
Find out moreDuring low tide, visitors can explore the rock pools and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding cliffs and Poole Harbour.
Dog restrictions: Seasonal dog ban from 1st May to 30th September - dogs are not allowed on the main beach and must be kept on a lead on the promenade, paths, and zig-zags at all times.
Kimmeridge Bay
Kimmeridge Bay is a picturesque bay located along the Jurassic Coast and about a 30-minute drive from Swanage, known for its distinctive ledge formations and rock pools, which are ideal for exploring and fossil hunting during low tide. The bay is surrounded by towering cliffs and offers stunning views of the Purbeck Hills.
Find out moreIt’s a popular spot for coastal walks, rock climbing, and photography, as well as being a site of geological and historical significance. What more could you want from one of the most dog friendly beaches in Dorset?!
Dog restrictions: Dogs welcome all year round.
Lulworth Cove
Lulworth Cove is a world-famous natural landmark and one of the most iconic locations along the Jurassic Coast. This horseshoe-shaped cove is formed by erosion and features a pebble beach and crystal-clear waters. Surrounded by towering cliffs and rock formations, remember to bring your camera for the stunning scenes.
Find out moreExplore the cove with your furry friend, walk along the coastal paths, and enjoy the excellent amenities in the nearby village of West Lulworth.
Dog restrictions: Dogs are welcome all year round on the left-hand side of the slipway.
Eypemouth Beach
This shingle beach is situated at the mouth of the River Eype and is surrounded by towering cliffs and rolling hills, creating a stunning natural setting. The beach is popular for fossil hunting, beach combing, and coastal walks. Due to its remote location and limited amenities, Eype Beach offers a peaceful and tranquil escape from the crowds.
Find out moreIt’s extremely popular for dog walkers, as there are plenty of walking routes leading from the beach – a doggy haven!
Dog restrictions: Dogs welcome all year round.
Studland Bay
This National Trust beach, Studland Bay, is a beautiful sandy beach located within the Studland Dunes National Nature Reserve, near Swanage. Renowned for its stunning scenery, you’ll see views of Old Harry Rocks and the Isle of Wight in the distance. One of the most popular spots for swimming, sunbathing, and beach sports, as well as being a haven for wildlife and nature enthusiasts.
Find out moreDog restrictions: Dogs are welcome all year round. From 1st May – 30th September keep your dog on a lead of less than 2m anywhere on the beach.
Durdle Door Beach
This beach is situated at the base of the famous Durdle Door, a natural limestone arch that rises majestically from the sea. The beach features pebbles and rocky outcrops, as well as crystal-clear waters that are perfect for swimming and snorkelling
Find out moreIf you’re visiting from the Swanage Bay View Holiday Park, take a 30-40 minute drive to explore the beach, walk along the coastal paths, and enjoy the breathtaking views of the iconic Durdle Door – perfect for a doggy day out!
Hengistbury Head Beach
Hengistbury Head Beach stretches across the Hengistbury Head peninsula and offers a variety of landscapes, including sandy beaches, pebble beaches, and rocky shores. The beach is popular for swimming, sunbathing, and coastal walks with your dog, as well as being a haven for wildlife and birdwatching.
Find out moreVisitors can explore the nature reserve, climb to the top of the headland for panoramic views, and enjoy the excellent amenities in the nearby town of Bournemouth.
Dog restrictions: Dogs are welcome all year round.
Worbarrow Bay
This rocky bay is situated between towering cliffs and features a small pebble beach and rock pools that are ideal for exploring during low tide and about a 30-minute drive from Swanage. The bay offers stunning views of the Jurassic Coast and is a popular spot for coastal walks, photography, and enjoying the natural beauty of the area.
Find out moreWhy not plan your next doggy day out here at one of the best dog friendly beaches in Dorset?
Dog restrictions: Dogs are welcome all year round.
Sandbanks Beach
Sandbanks Beach is a pristine sandy beach located in Poole, near Bournemouth. This Blue Flag beach is widely regarded as one of the best beaches in Britain and is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. The beach stretches for nearly a mile along the exclusive Sandbanks peninsula, offering breathtaking views of Poole Harbour, Brownsea Island, and the Purbeck Hills.
Find out moreWhat makes it even better is that you can take your dog for some of the best days out near Dorset!
Dog restrictions: There is a designated all-year-round dog friendly beach area at the western end of Sandbanks promenade to Haven Point (near the chain ferry).
A seasonal dog ban is in place from 1st May - 30th September, where dogs are not allowed on the main beach and must be kept on a lead on the promenade and paths at all times.
It’s time to explore the Dorset coastline with your furry friend…
With just 15 of the best dog friendly beaches in and around Dorset, where will you and your beloved pooch explore first? The good thing is that to make your search even easier, we’ve included a Dorset dog friendly beaches map, so you can pinpoint where you want to visit first.
With this map, you can add however many you want to visit to your holiday itinerary. Then, you can use it once you book your next Dorset holiday, so you and your pooch will be ready to go!
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Hampshire | Scotland | Isle of Wight | Dorset | North Wales | Yorkshire | Lincolnshire | Cornwall