coastal

Newquay in Cornwall offers dog-friendly beaches year-round, with the best time to visit being January to March when beach restrictions are lifted and quieter beaches mean dogs can play without the stress of busy crowds

In an emerging trend, increasing numbers of dog owners are opting for pet-friendly breaks, ensuring their cherished canine companions can share in the holiday fun.

Coastal getaways remain a favourite among British holidaymakers and their dogs, with figures from dog-friendly holiday specialists Canine Cottages showing 80% of dog owners brought their pets along on holiday in 2025.

The statistics also revealed that 62% of their 2024 bookings consisted of seaside retreats.

Whilst the sunny summer months might appear to be the perfect opportunity for a pet-friendly coastal adventure, this is also when holiday prices peak. Millions of Brits look to capitalise on the fine weather and warm temperatures during this period.

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Famous for its rugged coastline, golden beaches, picture-perfect villages and rich maritime heritage, Cornwall is one of the most-visited corner of the UK. Sykes Cottages has a large number of holiday homes to choose from, with prices from £36 per night.

However, the off-peak season or “secret season” could prove the most suitable and budget-friendly time to travel with your four-legged friends, according to dog-travel specialists, as quieter destinations and relaxed restrictions for dogs are crucial elements in enhancing holidays for both pets and their humans.

Embarking on a seaside break with your dog during the off-peak months – November to April – guarantees quieter locations and lifted restrictions, particularly on beaches, which consequently provides greater freedom for dogs and their owners to fully embrace and enjoy their coastal escape.

Canine Cottages‘ Digital PR Manager Sarah Pring shares: “For pet owners, the best time to take a seaside break is actually at the start of the year, around January to March, once beach restrictions have been lifted.

“The quieter beaches mean dogs can play without the stress of a busy environment, which can be distressing for reactive and anxious pets. The benefits extend to pet owners, with seaside properties being cheaper to rent in the winter months.”

Perfect destination for your next pooch-friendly getaway

A coastal retreat in England is being championed as the ultimate dog-friendly haven, particularly during quieter seasons.

The North Cornwall seaside town of Newquay consistently ranks amongst Britain’s most beautiful locations and is often dubbed the ‘nation’s favourite seaside holiday’, reports Cornwall Live.

Newquay offers a wealth of family entertainment, with multiple beaches in this lively coastal resort accommodating four-legged guests.

The shores are noticeably more peaceful at this time of year, ideal for lengthy walks, unrestricted play, and a well-deserved break without worrying about your beloved pets disappearing into throngs of people.

Outside the peak summer season, restrictions on dogs at popular beaches like Fistral Beach and Watergate Bay – half a mile and two miles from Newquay town centre respectively – are relaxed, before returning to the usual 10am to 6pm ban typically in place from May to September when tourists flock to the area.

During these busier months, dogs must be kept on leads.

Throughout the year, dog-friendly beaches in Newquay include Crantock Beach, Little Fistral, Harbour Beach, Towan Beach, Lusty Glaze, and Whipsiderry Beach.

Pet owners can take a leisurely walk along the River Gannel while their four-legged companions paddle in the shallow waters of the tidal estuary.

The town offers plenty of scenic walks, as well as dog-welcoming pubs, bars and eateries, so your furry family members can join you for meals rather than being left at home.

Notable pet-friendly venues include the Fistral Boardmasters Beach Bar and The Fistral Stable, both conveniently located directly on Fistral Beach.

Cornwall has the longest coastline in the UK, surrounded by sea on three sides, and is rich in Arthurian legend and Celtic folklore, making it a perfect destination for history buffs and lovers of ancient mythology.

Sarah explains: “Arthurian legend is one of the fascinating parts of British folklore, and with so many of the locations in the tales being outdoors, there’s no shortage of dog-friendly walks that allow dog owners to immerse themselves in the legends.”

FOR dolphin spotting, Blue Flag coastlines, and cafés right on the beach, head to Tynemouth.

This pretty town has also just been named one of the best places to live in the North East.

Tynemouth, as its name suggests, is situated right by the mouth of the river Tyne, along the North East coastline.

Now, it’s been named as one of the top places to live in the region by Garrington Property Finders.

Out of 1447 places around the country, Tynemouth in Northumberland ranked at number 85.

However, when totted up with other locations in the North East – it came out sixth.

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Tynemouth sits between Whitley Bay and North Shields and is home to one of the best beaches in the area called Longsands.

The beach has a mile of golden sand, has been awarded Blue Flag status, and is known for having excellent surfing conditions.

One recent visitor wrote on Tripadvisor: “Lovely sand, clean. Plenty of people seen swimming, playing, boarding and walking so it’s popular but not packed.”

Another added: “Beautiful beach that’s dog friendly – loads of nice bars and coffee shops within walking distance. Stunning year around.”

Dogs are generally welcome on the northern end of Longsands beach year-round.

In the summer season between May and the end of September at the southern end of the beach and at King Edward’s Bay restrictions are in place.

Beachgoers regularly spot dolphins offshore from the beach, particularly during summer months.

Aside from spending a day at the seaside, there’s plenty for families to do including heading to the Lost World Adventure crazy golf and the Tynemouth Aquarium.

One of the most popular cafés in Tynemouth is Crusoe’s where visitors can eat right on the sand and take in the seaside view.

You can pick up breakfasts, sandwiches and the classic beach supper, fish and chips from £13.95.

Another fish and chips shop called Marshall’s which is found in the town centre is so busy it usually has customers queueing out the door.

Marshall’s is named after Jimi Hendrix who, according to a blue plaque in the restaurant’s window, ate fish and chips there while playing a show in Newcastle in March 1967.

This summer, the town will hold its annual Mouth of the Tyne Festival between July 9-12.

It’s held within the ruins of the Priory which is on top of the headland and looks over the beach.

Some of the other top places to live in the North East were the village of Wickham in Tyne and Wear and Alnwick in Northumberland.

For more on seaside towns, these are our favourites picked by Sun Travel  – with seal cruises, seafront pubs and secret beaches.

Plus, this pretty village regularly named ‘UK’s most beautiful’ is the perfect spot for a weekend break.

Dorset’s Lyme Regis has been hailed as one of England’s best seaside destinations by UK travel influencer Amy Hulley, who shared her discovery of the charming beach town with her 434,000 Instagram followers

With January now done and dusted, countless Brits will be crossing their fingers and hoping for warmer weather so they can savour a delightfully sunny staycation. If that’s precisely what you have in mind, then ensure you don’t miss what has been dubbed England’s ‘prettiest seaside town’

UK travel influencer Amy Hulley showcased a reel featuring this stunning location on her Instagram account to her 434,000 followers. The spot she highlighted? The magnificent Dorset treasure that is Lyme Regis. Amy’s short clip captured her exploring all that Lyme Regis offers, from its gorgeous coastline to its delightful town centre and picturesque harbour.

In her post’s caption, Amy simply branded Lyme Regis as “one of the best”.

Her audience clearly agreed with her assessment, with one follower proclaiming: “I love Lyme Regis,” whilst another branded it their “happy place”.

Another supporter simply wrote: “Oh wow,” whilst someone else mentioned they were ‘adding it to their wish list’.

What is there to do in Lyme Regis?

There are numerous great activities you can do in the beautiful seaside town of Lyme Regis, which lies on the famous Jurassic Coast (a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its geology and fossils) with beaches, walks, museums, activities and more.

Beaches and outdoor activities

• Lyme Regis Beach – A lovely sandy and pebble beach perfect for sun, swimming, sandcastles, and bat & ball games.
• Lyme Regis Fossil Beach (Ammonite Pavement) – A great spot on Monmouth Beach for fossil hunting and seeing natural ammonite layers in the rock.
• Lyme Regis Front Beach – Walk along the seafront and enjoy cafes and views.

Exploring nature

• Stroll along the South West Coast Path for scenic cliff and bay views.
• Langmoor & Lister Gardens – Peaceful gardens overlooking the bay, great for picnics and relaxing.
• Fossils, museums and history
• Lyme Regis Museum – Local history, geology and fossils; built on the site of famous paleontologist Mary Anning’s former home.
• Dinosaurland Fossil Museum – Large private fossil collection with marine and dinosaur specimens, plus guided fossil walks available (check opening).
• Fossilwise – A visitor attraction focused on fossils and geology.
• Join guided fossil hunting walks (especially after storms) to search for ammonites, belemnites and more.

Water-based fun

• Lyme Rib Rides – Exciting rib boat trips around Lyme Bay.
• Lyme Bay Boat Trips – Sightseeing & Mackerel Fishing – Sightseeing and fishing trips from the harbour.
• Nick’s Fishing Trips – Local mackerel fishing experiences.
• Aquarium
• Lyme Regis Marine Aquarium – Small but enjoyable marine displays overlooking the Cobb.

Local culture, food and shops

• The Town Mill – Historic mill complex with artisanal shops, cafés, pottery, mill bakery and Lyme Regis Brewery close by for local brews.
• Independent shops, bookstores and cafes around town — great for souvenirs and browsing.

Heritage and walking

• Wander the iconic Cobb Harbour, famous from The French Lieutenant’s Woman and Jane Austen’s Persuasion — beautiful views and lots of historic charm.
• Walk parts of the Jurassic Coast trail or take scenic routes to neighbouring beaches like Charmouth (excellent for fossils too).

Events

• Lyme Regis Fossil Festival (usually around early May) — talks, guided walks, stalls, and activities celebrating the area’s geology and paleontology.

FOR 11 YEARS, Greece had a different capital city that is now known for its romantic atmosphere, neoclassical architecture and Venetian fortresses.

Nafplio used to be the capital of Greece between 1823 and 1824 and is often referred to as one of the most romantic cities in Greece.

It was chosen as the capital due to its strategic location as a fortified port.

This meant that it was a strong base after the capture from the Ottomans during the Greek War of Independence.

Then in 1834, the capital was moved to Athens.

Today, Nafplio is still an amazing place to visit, sitting on the Peloponnese peninsula.

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One of the popular attractions in the city is Bourtzi Caslte, which is on a small island in the harbour.

You can head off on a boat trip from the port to see the castle, and some events are hosted at the castle in the summer months.

Architecture throughout the historic city references Venetian, Ottoman and neoclassical influences.

One spot in particular with a lot of fascinating architecture is the city’s Old Town.

Here visitors can walk down cobbled streets to discover marble-paved squares, independent shops and quaint cafes.

In the centre of the Old Town is also Syntagma Square, which is surrounded by historic buildings including the Vouleftikon – former Parliament.

Today it is mostly used as a cultural centre, but the public can access the building at certain times to see the Municipal Art Gallery on the ground floor or attend events.

If you find historical artefacts interesting, you can also head to the Archaeological Museum of Nafplio in Syntagma Square.

If you want to mix history with a hike, head on the 999-step climb to Palamidi Castle.

It takes around 20-35 minutes to climb and is equivalent of climbing a 50 storey building.

Of course, there are several beaches nearby too.

For example you could head to Arvanitia Beach, which features pebbles and can be found at the end of the promenade near the Old Town.

The beach has facilities too, such as sunbeds for hire and a cafe nearby.

One visitor even called it “a small paradise” on TripAdvisor.

For a more family friendly spot, there is Karathona Beach, which is a short walk from the town centre.

The huge crescent-shaped beach has calm clear waters, ideal for paddling in.

One recent visitor said: “Such a beautiful beach and a nice hike from Nafplio along the coast. We really recommend it!

“It is odd that so few people know the coastal trail to these beaches.

To get to Nafplio, the closest airport is Kalamata, which is about an hour and 45 minute drive from Nafplio.

The cheapest month to fly from the UK to Kalamata is April, with return flights costing as little as £60.

For more inspiration on Greek holidays, there’s a small island you won’t have heard of with hidden beaches has new UK flights this summer.

Plus, the tiny holiday island that doubles for Greece in movies – but it’s cheaper and closer to UK.