Best dog friendly beaches in Dorset

The UK is home to some of the best beaches in the world, and with the warmer weather approaching, a beach walk with your furry friend is the perfect way to kick off your summer.

Dogs love to be by the seaside, so if you are looking for some inspiration for trips out, you’ll want to know some of the best dog-friendly beaches in Dorset.

Are dogs allowed on beaches in Dorset?

With stunning views and golden sand, Dorset’s coastline offers over 25 Blue Flag award-winning beaches. Not all UK beaches are geared up for our four-legged friends but luckily for us, Dorset has 30 beaches where dogs are allowed. Keep reading to discover our top five.

What beaches in Dorset can dogs go on?

Durdle Door

Durdle Door is part of the Jurassic Coast, and it’s one of Dorset’s most iconic landmarks. Famous for its stone arch, both holidaymakers and locals love to spend the summer months sunbathing here.

This pebble beach can be accessed via a steep path and then steps over from Lulworth Cove, or via the car park and down the steps at Durdle Door Holiday Park.

Dogs are welcomed all year round off the lead; however, there are no bins on the beach, and the closest ones can be found in the car park. This beach has no facilities, although there are public toilets at Durdle Door Holiday Park.

Highcliffe Beach

Offering stunning views of the Isle of Wight, Highcliffe beach in Christchurch is located at the most easterly point of Dorset. This sandy beach offers excellent facilities, including a car park, toilets, cafes and restaurants.

Dogs are welcome all year off the lead at Highcliffe Beach, except for the section of the beach between groynes H4 and H8 from 1st May to 30th September. Dogs should always be on a lead on the promenade and cliff paths.

Hengistbury Head

With views towards Poole Bay and over to the western tip of the Isle of Wight, this pebble and shingle beach is the perfect spot to unwind during the summer months and get away from the crowds.

This stretch of beach runs along to the ancient monument ‘Hengistbury Head’, and it offers facilities such as pay and display parking, visitor’s centre with gift shop, Hiker café, and toilets.

Hengistbury Head is one of the few dog-friendly beaches in the area. Dogs are allowed throughout the year, although owners are asked to keep their dogs on a lead while walking through the nature reserve, and dog bins are provided.

East Cliff Beach

Located at the northern end of Lyme Regis, East Cliff Beach, also known as Back Beach, spans around 60 meters of fine shingle and sand accessed by a large number of stone steps.

There are plenty of facilities at East Beach Cliff, including toilets, ice cream sellers, restaurants, tea rooms and cafes. This beach can be accessed from the promenade on Church Cliff Beach.

At East Cliff Beach, dogs are allowed all year round but must be kept on a lead when on the promenade.

Shell Bay

Shell Bay is a stunning sandy beach located in Studland which is managed by the National Trust. During the summer months, it can become quite busy, but there are plenty of facilities available including a picnic area and a cafe. Across the road, you can find a seafood restaurant where every table has a stunning view of Brownsea Island and Poole Harbour.

Dogs are welcome throughout the year, but they should be kept on a short lead from 1st May until 30th September.

As well as having dog-friendly beaches, Dorset offers some of the most stunning garden walks with breath-taking scenery, and you can read more about it here.

Living in Dorset

We think Dorset is one of the best places to live and retire, and that’s why we’ve built a range of independent living communities for over 55s in Poole and Sherborne.

Our stunning apartments and houses are just minutes away from the local shops, breath-taking countryside and award-winning local beaches. To find out more, call our team on 01202 805546.