Where to find the most dog friendly beaches in Dorset

If you are looking to enjoy a holiday and want to take your dog, it can be hard to know which beaches you and your pet can visit, especially as some have tight restrictions. However, no matter what time of year you are planning your holiday, there are a number of different dog friendly beaches in Dorset you can visit. Here we have listed some of the very best this county has to offer.

Durdle Door Beach

Durdle Door in Lulworth is a shingle beach with a spectacular natural limestone arch stretching into the sea. Dogs are allowed here all year round. Part of the Lulworth Estate, this Jurassic Coast beach is accessed via a steep path from the convenient car park. We recommend wearing sturdy footwear. There are toilets and shops nearby making this beach an ideal spot to spend some time taking in the sea air. Durdle Door beach and the surrounding area is designated as an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is great for walkers, swimmers and anyone interested in water sports. Take a dog bowl and water bottle down to the beach with you to save you walking up and down the steep path to keep your pet hydrated. There are many attractions nearby in the towns of Bournemouth and Weymouth as well as plenty of dog-friendly camping and caravanning sites to stay at near to Durdle Door.

Weymouth Beach

Weymouth is a popular family holiday destination but it is just as equally suitable for dogs. Despite being banned between May and September (probably a good thing as the beach gets very crowded!), Weymouth is a great spot as there are a large number of facilities and attractions at the beach including restaurants, shops, toilets, beach huts and convenient dog bins on the beach and promenade. There are some great pet-friendly pubs just a short walking distance from the beach too. The Golden Lion keeps doggie biscuits behind the bar and the Ship Inn allows you to relax with a refreshing real ale while your pooch enjoys a drink from the dog bowls and biscuits. Weymouth also has some great locations for camping where dogs are welcome.

Ringstead Bay

Ringstead beach near the village of Poxwell in Dorset is another dog-friendly destination. Just 5 miles east of Weymouth, you and your pet can enjoy some fantastic views of the coastline and enjoy the open space as the beach doesn’t tend to get too crowded. This is a stunning shingle beach surrounded by unspoilt cliff tops with rock pools your inquisitive friend can explore throughout the year. There is free parking in the car park at Southdown or a pay and display car park nearer to the beach. There are toilets and a café attached the car park. This beach is also accessed via a steep path so take care. Please bear in mind that there are no dog bins on this beach so be sure to take poop bags with you to get rid of any dog mess.

Mudeford Sandbank

In Christchurch you’ll find Mudeford Sandbank, a small but lovely stretch of sand adjoining Hengistbury Head and acting as a barrier between Christchurch Harbour and the glistening sea. Dogs are welcome here all year and there are toilets, cafés and a beach shop. At nearby Mudeford Quay, you’ll find a great pub serving good food and allowing dogs. There is no car park at Mudeford Sandbank but you can park at nearby Hengistbury Head or Mudeford Quay which are both an easy walk to the beach. The beach has some lovely wooden beach huts to admire as well as superb views of the Isle of Wight on a clear, sunny day. Be sure to keep you dog cool and comfortable by resting regularly in shaded areas, especially when exposed to the sun all day. Dog-friendly camping is available nearby. Nearby dog friendly attractions include the beautiful grounds of Highcliffe Castle and the ruin of Christchurch Castle, but be sure to keep your pet on a lead at all times.

Eype Beach

Just 3 miles from Bridport, Eype Beach just 3 miles is a stunning pebble beach where owners can take their dogs all year round with no restrictions. Part of the World Heritage Coastline of Southern England, you can enjoy beautiful views across the West Dorset coast and explore the sands for fossils from the Jurassic era. The beach is accessed via a short but fairly steep walk and has toilets, dog litter bins and parking facilities. You can get refreshments in the tearoom from nearby Lower Eype and there are campsites close by too. The area around the beach has some fantastic mapped walking routes along the cliff top and meadows-a great activity you and you dog can enjoy.

Other dog friendly beaches in Dorset include Cogden, Bowleaze Cove, Lulworth Cove, Kimmeridge and Church Ope to name a few. These are great locations to visit with your loyal friend. With plenty of dog-friendly campsites available, Dorset makes an ideal destination for your family holiday.