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A seaside dog walk is a great way to paws (get it?) and reflect while exercising with your pup. It’s one of the best outdoor activities to boost your mood. The best beaches in the South West rival any in the UK – and many of them allow dogs. There are hundreds of miles of coastline to explore. The sand between your toes, the wind in your fur – what’s not to love?
Our list of the best dog-friendly beaches in the South West has everything you need to know for your walkies.
Dog-friendly beaches in Dorset
Bournemouth Beach
Bournemouth's seven miles of sandy coastline was ranked the UK’s 4th best beach in 2023 by TripAdvisor. Dogs are allowed from the 1st of October to the 30th of April. If you’re looking for a dog-friendly beach in summer, head to Bowleaze Cove, where your furry friends are welcome year-round.
Dogs should always be on a lead on the promenade, Pier, zigzag paths and cliff paths.
How to get there: Bournemouth Beach is a 24-minute walk from Bournemouth Station. Or, take the 22 bus from Stop 7 to Royal Bath Hotel, walking 10 minutes from there.
Lulworth Cove
Marvel at the geological wonders of the Jurassic Coast, where centuries of erosion have sculpted breathtaking landscapes at Lulworth Cove. Dogs are welcome year-round on the beach’s far end. It’s busiest in summer, so we recommend visiting during the off-season for a peaceful walk in this sheltered pebble bay.
How to get there: Take the X54 Jurassic Coaster from Wool Station to Lulworth Cove, walking 7 minutes from there.
Lyme Regis
Lyme Regis has four beaches. They’re popular for fossil-hunting, so you could kill two birds with one (possibly prehistoric!) stone by taking the little ones for a fun and educational activity.
Monmouth Beach is pebbly, while Church Cliff and East Cliff Beaches have sand and shingles. They allow dogs year-round. Front Beach is sandy and welcomes dogs from the 1st of October to the 30th of April.
How to get there: Take the X51 Jurassic Coaster from Axminster Station to Bridport, walking 10 minutes from there.
Sandbanks Beach
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Sandbanks is renowned for its golden sand and clear waters. It has a year-round dog-friendly area on its western side, but dogs are only allowed on the main beach between the 1st of October and the 30th of April. They should always be on a lead on the promenade.
How to get there: Walk to The George from Poole Station. Then, take the 60 Breezer to Banks Road, walking 7 minutes from there.
Swanage Beach
Swanage’s sandy beach is the heart of the town. Monkey Beach (between Old Stone Quay and Swanage Pier) allows dogs off lead year-round. They can also walk on the main beach from the 1st of October to the 30th of April.
How to get there: Walk from Swanage to the National Trust Welcome Centre. Then, take the 40 Breezer to Swanage, walking 6 minutes from there.
Dog-friendly beaches in Hampshire
Old Portsmouth Beach
Old Portsmouth Beach, with its historical charm, is a great place to let your dogs loose. Its pebbled shores welcome dogs off lead from the 1st of October to the 30th of April.
How to get there: Take the 700 bus from Portsmouth and Southsea Station Stop C to Cambridge Junction, walking 11 minutes from there.
Barton-on-Sea
Tucked away as a hidden gem, Barton-on-Sea welcomes dogs throughout the year. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Isle of Wight needles, one of the world’s most photographed rock formations.
How to get there: Take the X1 bus from Lymington Town to Beachcomber Café.
Southsea
Southsea has a year-round dog-friendly area between the Royal Marines Museum and Henderson Road. Dogs aren’t allowed from the main beach between the 1st of March and the 30th of September.
How to get there: Take the 23 bus from Portsmouth and Southsea Station Stop C to South Parade Pier.
Lee-on-Solent Beach
Lee-on-Solent Beach is an inviting sandy stretch with picturesque views of the Solent. It welcomes dogs between the 1st of October and the 30th of April within signposted areas.
How to get there: Take the X5 bus from Fareham Station Stop R to Beach Road.
Eastney Beach
Explore the sandy shores of Eastney’s main beach with your four-legged friends between the 1st of October and the 30th of April. The end of Eastney Beach, between Clarence Pier and Old Portsmouth, welcomes dogs year-round.
How to get there: Walk from Fratton Station to Talbot Road, hopping on the 1 bus to Bransbury Park. Walk 16 minutes from there.
Dog-friendly beaches on the Isle of Wight
Ryde Beach
Ryde is one of the Isle of Wight’s most popular beaches, known for its low tide, ideal for walkers. You can walk your dog on Ryde Beach in select areas year-round, but they aren’t allowed in some areas between April and October.
How to get there: It’s a 10-minute walk from Ryde Island Line.
Ventnor Beach
Ventnor is the Isle of Wight’s southernmost beach. Dogs aren’t allowed between the 1st of May and the 30th of September but are welcome outside these dates.
How to get there: Take the 3 bus from Shanklin to Boots, walking 8 minutes from there.
Sandown Beach
Sandown is renowned for its golden sands and pleasure pier (opened in 1876!). Dogs aren’t allowed between the 1st of May and the 30th of September but are welcome the rest of the year. The promenade has several cafés where you can relax with refreshments after your walk.
How to get there: It’s a 10-minute walk from Sandown Station.
Dog-friendly beaches in Devon
Seaton
Seaton’s pebbly shores have a dog-friendly area year-round. This section is at the far western end of the beach, beyond the promenade to the east of the Axe Yacht Club. Dogs are welcome on the main beach from the 1st of October to the 30th of April.
How to get there: Take the 885 from Axminster Station to Tramway Station, walking 13 minutes from there.
For the best prices, book your train tickets in advance. Use our ticket types to find train tickets and save more with Railcard or GroupSave. Semi-flex tickets offer anytime returns, and you can choose any train with a Sunday Out ticket.
