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Ranking top of the list for overall dog-friendliness is the beautiful Perranporth Beach, located on the North Cornwall stretch of coast. It offers plenty of rock pools to nose about in and waves to splash in

Perranporth Beach in Cornwall has been named the best dog-friendly beach in the country.

In pursuit of helping dog owners finding the best beach destinations to visit ahead of the summer, the Canine Cottages team looked into beaches across the nation to reveal the UK’s most dog-friendly beaches based on factors such as traveller reviews, dog-friendly activities, car park accessibility and terrain.

Ranking top of the list for overall dog-friendliness is the beautiful Perranporth Beach, located on the North Cornwall stretch of coast. It offers plenty of rock pools to nose about in and waves to splash in. It is a haven for dogs and their seaside-loving owners, the beach is dog-friendly all year round. However, dogs are required to be on leads in July and August on the main beach area, but this still leaves a wide expanse of dunes and beach where they can be let off, particularly at low tide.

There are also plenty of dog-friendly eateries for owners to choose from, including The Watering Hole for handmade burgers and Cornish craft ales. Or, if you fancy a spot of afternoon tea, head to The Tea Room, where you’ll even find pup-friendly ice cream.

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Perranporth Beach also recorded the highest average temperatures of the beaches analysed, at 11.5 degrees, perfect for catching some Vitamin D. However, make sure you keep your pup hydrated and allow enough time in the shade when the weather heats up.

Perranporth is a favourite amongst UK beachgoers, renowned for its breathtaking Atlantic vistas, three-mile stretch of golden sands, and superb surfing conditions. It was named the sixth most beautiful beach in the UK by Iglu Cruise, based on Tripadvisor reviews, and offers a variety of activities from swimming and snorkelling to horse riding.

Haven Holidays provides family-friendly escapes at picturesque UK coastal spots, offering a plethora of activities and entertainment. One of its most frequented parks, Perran Sands, is just a stone’s throw away from Perranporth Beach.

Perran Sands boasts a wide array of activities, including two heated swimming pools and a private beach that’s perfect for surfing. There’s also an activity hub brimming with sports and leisure options to keep everyone amused.

In close proximity, you’ll discover some of Cornwall’s top attractions, such as the Eden Project, home to the world’s largest indoor rainforest, and Paradise Park, a popular wildlife sanctuary housing tropical birds and animals.

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On location, guests can relax at the Surf Bay restaurant with a traditional Cornish cream tea, savour chicken accompanied by blues music at Slim Chickens, or enjoy beverages at the Coast Sports Bar.

With various lodging options available, a four-day midweek getaway begins at £170 for a budget caravan in June. Guests can alternatively embrace glamping in a safari tent, yurt, or geodome for £119, or opt for chalet accommodation at £175.

As another option, Sykes Cottages offers an extensive range of self-catering holiday properties situated along the Heritage Coast, featuring delightful dog-friendly retreats near the shoreline.

For travellers seeking luxury treatment, the renowned Fistral Beach Hotel and Spa serves as an exclusive adults-only sanctuary beside the ocean. Located just 20 minutes down the coast, visitors have described it as “an amazing place” in a “beautiful location.”

Highcliffe Beach is a stunning Blue Flag beach which is the perfect spot for a day out or a summer break away from the crowds, with plenty of greenery and sand dunes

Tucked between the historic Dorset town of Christchurch and the village of Highcliffe-on-Sea, lies a hidden gem of a beach, surrounded by lush greenery and sand dunes. Highcliffe Beach, a beautiful Blue Flag beach, is an ideal spot for a day trip or a weekend summer getaway from the daily grind.

Highcliffe boasts breathtaking views of the Isle of Wight and the Needles, straddling the Dorset-Hampshire border. It’s a favourite amongst both tourists and locals. The beach offers a mix of shingle and sand, making it the perfect spot to pitch up for a sun-soaked day. It’s a hotspot for swimmers and surfers alike, so remember to pack your bodyboard.

For those who enjoy a good stroll, there’s a 2.5-mile walk along the beach leading to Mudeford Quay. From here, you can hop on a ferry to Mudeford Sandbank, or continue your journey to Hengistbury Head and then all the way along the promenade to Bournemouth Pier, reports the Express.

While it is a dog-friendly beach, Visit South East England advises that our four-legged friends are not allowed between groynes H8 and H11 from May 1 to September 30. However, dogs on leads are welcome all year round.

Previous beachgoers have lavished praise on the coastal gem, describing it as a “wonderful stretch of coastline” with “incredible views”. ECC shared their thoughts on Tripadvisor: “Wonderful stretch of coastline. Incredible views. No roads in sight once down by the sea. Nice cliff top cafe/restaurant. Public toilets. No showers. Beach is a lovely mix of sand, stones, small boulders. Paddle boarders, surfers, swimmers even in freezing weather! Dog heaven.”

Anna also chimed in: “A very lovely place. We were able to walk even with our daughter who is a wheelchair user. Amazing view, great parking (accepts only coins) and lovely cafe and ice cream van on the right side it’s rocky beach and on the left side sandy beach (dogs friendly) so everyone can find something lovely.”

Tracey didn’t hold back her admiration either, saying: “An absolutely stunning beach with soft silky sand making it perfect to gently stroll along, or to just sit peacefully with your family for a great day of fun with or without a tasty picnic.”

Just a stone’s throw away from the beach’s dunes stands Highcliffe Castle. Constructed in the 1830s, this historic edifice is heralded as one of the most significant remaining structures built in the Romantic and Picturesque architectural style.

Lord Stuart de Rothesay took inspiration from his grandfather, the third Earl of Bute, who had previously constructed on the castle’s site. The castle has welcomed a host of renowned figures throughout its history, including Kaiser Wilhelm, four-time prime minister William Gladstone, and author and socialite Nancy Mitford, from the notorious Mitford family.

In more recent times, Highcliffe served various purposes such as a children’s home and a training centre for the Claretian Fathers, a Catholic Church order, before enduring two fires and descending into disrepair.

Since then, the castle has been lovingly restored to its former splendour, serving as a venue for weddings, performances, fairs, and exhibitions.

Par Beach on the Isles of Scilly has been dubbed the ‘greatest beach’ in the UK and is popular with families and dog walkers as it stretches for half a mile long

A sandy beach off the coast of the UK mainland is rated as one of the top beaches in the country. Par Beach on the Isles of Scilly, a crescent-shaped beauty stretching for half a mile, has previously been crowned the ‘greatest beach’ in the UK. Boasting light sandy dunes and sweeping views of the uninhabited Eastern Isles, Par Beach is a hit with families and dog walkers, offering a plethora of activities from kayaking to sailing, alongside traditional seaside pastimes like bathing and swimming.

“I tripped over it [the beach] during the pandemic, in that time when we were all meant to be discovering our own country,” shared Chris Leadbeater, travel correspondent at The Telegraph, who dished out the award.

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“And it did feel like a discovery, as I approached by water – and found myself staring besotted at this largely unadorned crescent, with its little jetty and handful of rowing boats.”

Nestled on St Martin’s Island, visitors are spoilt for choice with nearby accommodation options, including the charming shepherd huts at St Martin’s Vineyard and Winery.

Far from the typical cramped and basic shepherd huts, these hand-built havens boast mains water pressure showers and extra width for comfort, ensuring a cosy stay just a stone’s throw from the beach.

To enhance your appreciation of the stunning surroundings, all power for the hut is sourced from solar panels and battery storage on the farm or via its renewables-only energy provider.

The huts are priced at £820 per week, but savvy guests can snap up a deal in February, March and November when the rate drops to £670 for two adults per week.

Alternative lodgings can be discovered at Carron Farm and Scilly Farm Holidays or if you’re partial to a yurt, Scilly Organics has one available for booking from £450 for a week.

Wildlife enthusiasts will be thrilled with Seal Snorkelling Adventures’ 2.5-hour excursions where guests can have an intimate encounter with Atlantic grey seals. Wetsuits, snorkels, masks and the boat trip are all bundled into the cost, which stands at £65 per person.

For those who’d rather avoid the chilly ocean waters, there’s a plethora of cafes scattered across the island. Open between Easter and October, The Island Bakery whips up handmade treats using local and Cornish ingredients.

The local Polreath Guest House also boasts its own tea room, a fixture since the 1950s and family-run for the past 21 years.

Venturing further inland, visitors will stumble upon The Seven Stones Inn, a charmingly rustic family-run pub offering breathtaking views across the island. All produce at the pub is locally sourced as much as possible.

Par Beach presents the ideal staycation spot, particularly for those who prefer to stay close to their accommodation and immerse themselves in the local community.