DOG-FRIENDLY BEACH HOLIDAYS
There’s a wealth of pet-friendly stays around the British Isles, but – our coast-loving readers ask – do they have dog-friendly beaches nearby? Anne-Claire Heels rounds up some ideal options
Pawsome places to stay all around the coast for those who love to take the hounds with them on their hols
If you normally spend your holidays pottering through Provence or ambling through Andalusia with your fourlegged friend in tow, this year Brexit might be giving you some pause (or should that be paws?) for thought. When travelling to an EU country, or even Northern Ireland now, your pet needs to be microchipped, have a valid rabies vaccination, a costly animal health certificate you must obtain from an approved vet ahead of time, and – for certain countries including holiday faves Malta and Ireland – a tapeworm treatment, and that’s before you factor in current Covid-19 conditions. (And it’s worth noting these pet requirements also apply to assistance dogs.) But don’t despair, if you want to go doggy paddling with your pooch there are loads of options right here on your doorstep.
DORSET
The paddle: Monmouth Beach and Church Beach in Lyme Regis allow dogs all year round. At Front Beach they are welcome on a lead between 1 October and 30 April, but not allowed between 1 May and 30 September. Nearby Charmouth East Beach welcomes dogs at all times (on the Golden Cap side of the river). However, they should be kept on a lead in the car park and while making their way to the beach.
The pad: The Little Sea House is a charming chalet right on shingle-andsand Monmouth Beach – so if it’s sea view and long walks you’re after, you really couldn’t get much closer! The chalet is built to a high spec and offers comfortable accommodation with heating, a kitchen, shower room, double-glazed windows and a private decked area. Three people can be accommodated, though it’s not suitable for children under six, and the family dog is welcome too (01297 443550, toadhallcottages.co.uk/holiday-cottages/ the-little-sea-house/1865).
NORFOLK
The paddle: The vast beaches at Holkham and Wells on the county’s north coast inspire awe on first sight (and second, and third…), and regularly feature in ‘best UK beach’ lists. They are as popular with dogwalkers as they are with beach-goers, with their atmospheric pinewoods, sand dunes and colourful beach huts. Holkham National Nature Reserve is also a crucial habitat for several species however, including shorenesting birds, so there are proposals for zoning and certain times or areas where dogs may have to be kept on a lead. Please follow local signage and see holkham.co.uk/nature-reservebeach/dogs for further information. The pad: The Well House in Wellsnext-the-Sea is a stylish town house sleeping eight in five bedrooms. A spacious 400-year-old property in the centre of this photogenic seaside town, it is close to all the local amenities and packed with character and luxurious touches. There’s also a south-facing terrace with pond, off-road parking for two cars, and one dog is welcome (barefootretreats.co.uk).
NORTHUMBERLAND
The paddle: Embleton Bay is a long stretch of golden sandy beach, leading to the atmospheric, much-photographed ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle. Popular with families, this terrific beach is also dog-friendly all year round, and there’s plenty of room to stretch those legs. The pad: If you fancy a romantic escape in a pretty coastal village and you have more than one dog, then five-star Lost Lobster Cottage in Embleton could be just the ticket. Only 16 minutes’ walk from the beach, this cute cottage blends character with modern comfort, sleeping four, and welcoming up to four dogs as well. It boasts a woodburning stove, a roll-top bath and a secure garden (01665 710700, coquetcottages.co.uk).
ISLE OF HARRIS
The paddle: Luskentyre must surely be one of the most Insta-gorgeous beaches you’ll find anywhere – definitely no filter needed. With its aquamarine water, white sands and windswept dunes, this is one you could mistake for the tropics on a good day, and even on a less good day it’s still magnificent. Your and your dog might even have it to yourselves, though you might spot dolphins, seals or even sea eagles on your walk. Just heavenly. The pad: Gaze across to that world-class beach from the verandah of 1 Luskentyre, an idyllic island escape converted from a croft house. It has a contemporary feel and sea views in abundance – it sleeps four in two king-size bedrooms, and one dog is welcome too (at a charge of £25). New for 2021 will be a hot tub in an oak-framed gazebo sited privately behind the house with fabulous views west to the dunes and the sunset (01381 610496, lhhscotland.com).
MORAY
The paddle: The picturesque village of Findhorn on Scotland’s Moray coast has a great dog-friendly beach, and from there you can easily walk along to neighbouring Roseisle Beach – with its sand dunes and pinewoods – which also welcomes dogs. If you’re into watersports, walking and wildlife, then you’ll soon discover that the Findhorn area is truly fantastic.
The pad: Sweet Rosebay Cottage sits in the village just a stone’s throw from the sea as well as local amenities, and offers comfortable accommodation for up to six people, plus a dog. It’s well suited to those with children, as a stair gate, travel cot and portable high chair are provided, and the enclosed garden will be handy with the hound too (07966 298899, findhornholidaycottage.co.uk).
CEREDIGION
The paddle: Sandy Cilborth Beach lies immediately north of larger Llangrannog on the Ceredigion coast, loved for wonderful walking and wildlife. Cilborth can be accessed from Llangrannog at low tide or via steps. Man’s best friend can roam without restrictions at any time of the year at Cilborth, while on Llangrannog Beach itself restrictions apply from May to September.
The pad: Penbontbren is an awardwinning luxury B&B situated in the nearby village of Llandysul. It was converted from an 1800s farmhouse, and also offers suites in beautiful grounds close to Ceredigion’s beaches and the Wales Coast Path. Best of all, it provides some dog-friendly accommodation options, and you and your pooch will receive a warm welcome from your dog-friendly hosts (01239 810248, penbontbren.com/ bed-and-breakfast-dog-friendly).
KENT
The paddle: If you’re more charmed by shingle than sand then this is one for you. Walmer is famed for its Henry VIII-era castle, and its pebbly shingle shore, where dogs are free to wander everywhere. The further south you head towards Kingsdown, the quieter it becomes. There are no dog restrictions on Walmer Beach, and access is straight from the road, where there is also parking.
The pad: Five miles inland in Sandwich you’ll find 13th-century Gore Cottage, a characterful four-star property that sleeps five and welcomes up to four dogs. Here in the Kent countryside you’ll be well placed for local amenities and much of Kent’s varied coastline. Dogs are charged at £20 each per full or part week (holidaycottages. co.uk/cottage/79263-gorecottage).
DEVON
The paddle: Dawlish Warren is famed as one of Devon’s family favourites. By taking a short walk through woodland you can reach this lovely spot – there are 1.5 miles of sand and beautiful views to enjoy. Dogs are allowed on the beach all year round past groyne 3; they are allowed on the beach up to groyne 3 from 1 October to 31 March only.
The pad: Set just inland from Dawlish Warren Beach, Cofton Holidays has a family-friendly 80-acre park offering accommodation for every budget, from camping and caravans to cottages and luxury lodges. There’s loads to entertain the kids, great walks for dogs, it’s open all year round, and if you visit in low or mid season there is no additional charge for four-legged friends. There’s even a dog-friendly pub on site… cheers!
(01626 890111, coftonholidays.co.uk/ dog-friendly-holidays).
YORKSHIRE
The paddle: Robin Hood’s Bay was known to have been used by smugglers in times past – but these days it’s the haunt of day-trippers and dog-walkers, and open to dogs all year round. Do take care to check the tide times though, it comes in fast here and the sandy beach is quickly submerged. The village is on The Cleveland Way, and within the North York Moors National Park, so you’ll be spoiled for walkies, whichever way you go. The pad: Lovely Lenwood is a handsome sandstone cottage in the cobbled streets of this picture-postcard fishing village – and a real bonus is that it’s within walking distance of everything from welcoming pubs to independent shops to the beach itself. This eclectic five-star building has sea views from the top floor, a quaint little courtyard outside, and sleeps four in two bedrooms. Two dogs are also welcome – they are charged at £20 each per full or part week (caninecottages.co.uk).
CORNWALL
The paddle: Harlyn Bay is considered one of the best and safest family beaches in Cornwall, and you’ll find it just to the west of busy buzzy Padstow. This wide expanse of golden sand attracts surfers, kayakers and walkers as well as families, and the good news is that dogs are welcome here too, all year round. Woof! The pad: Stylish Trelawn sleeps 10 people in five bedrooms and boasts wonderful views over Harlyn Bay on one side, and the Cornish countryside on the other. It’s all about al fresco living at this place – from the hot tub to the enclosed garden to the terrace and balcony – though there’s also a wood burner and a media room should the weather turn inclement. Up to two dogs are welcome, at a cost of £50 per week for the first dog, then £25 per week for the second dog (01208 895570, perfectstays.co.uk).
Note: Always check local signage – guidance may vary at different times of the year – and follow the rules. Leave only paw prints and make sure to take waste away with you. Please check government travel advice before booking any trip.