15 of the best dog friendly beaches in Dorset

Dorset’s beautiful coastline is the perfect place for your dog to play, and you’re in luck as there are plenty of dog friendly beaches in Dorset that allow your pup to explore to their heart’s content!

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Whether you want to visit the iconic Durdle Door Beach or visit a smaller beach like Bowleaze Cove, you’re bound to find your dog’s perfect match! There are ample opportunities for you and your pooch to run and play, whilst making some of the best Dorset holiday memories together! Plus, we’ve compiled this list to make it easier for you to keep on coming back to this stunning holiday location with your furry friend right beside you…

Rolling waves on a bright summers day at a lagoon in Dorset.

Weymouth Beach

Weymouth Beach made it into the 2024 TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice Awards and ranked in the number two spot for England's Best Beach and 19th best beach in Europe. 

Dog restrictions: All year round, dogs are welcome on Greenhill Groyne to Overcombe. Seasonal dog ban in place in Greenhill Groyne to dog exercise area from 1st October to 30th April. 

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Monmouth Beach image

Monmouth Beach

This is a hidden gem located along the Lyme Regis coast – a secluded pebble beach that is flanked by striking cliffs and is accessible via the South West Coast Path or by boat. The beach offers stunning views of the Jurassic Coast and is a favourite spot for fossil hunting, where your pup can help you discover something brand new and rock pooling during low tide. 

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Abbotsbury Beach image

Abbotsbury Beach

Abbotsbury Beach is a unique location that is also the site of the Chesil and Fleet Nature Reserve. It’s a shelving beach made up of pebbles, popular for fishing – your pup can sit by your side as you catch your dinner! The Chesil Bank is an 18-mile-long shingle barrier beach that stretches from Portland to West Bay, offering stunning coastal views. Dog restrictions may apply.

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Alum Chine Beach image

Alum Chine Beach

Alum Chine Beach is a picturesque sandy beach located in the heart of Bournemouth. This Blue Flag beach is known for its striking cliffs and unique chine. The calm waters make it a popular spot for swimming and paddling, making it ideal for your pup! Also, during low tide visitors can explore the rock pools and enjoy views of the Bournemouth Pier. Seasonal dog bans may apply.

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Man O’ War Beach image

Man O’ War Beach

This beach is accessed via a steep coastal path and offers breathtaking views of the Jurassic Coast. If you’re staying at East Fleet Farm, it’s only a 40 minute drive away. Plus, it's a very dog friendly beach in Dorset. Due to its remote location and limited amenities, this Beach is often less crowded than other beaches in the area, providing a tranquil escape.

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Bowleaze Cove image

Bowleaze Cove

Bowleaze Cove is a small, sheltered beach located near Weymouth. This pebble beach is situated between two headlands, offering protection from the wind and creating a tranquil environment for swimming and relaxation with your pup. The beach is known for its clear waters and rock pools, which are ideal for exploring marine life during low tide.

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Branksome Chine Beach image

Branksome Chine Beach

Why not visit this charming sandy beach located in Poole, Dorset? It’s situated at the base of a picturesque chine, which provides a unique and scenic backdrop – the perfect scenery to take the cutest photos of your pooch. During low tide, visitors can explore the rock pools and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding cliffs and Poole Harbour.

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Kimmeridge Bay image

Kimmeridge Bay

Kimmeridge Bay is a picturesque bay located along the Jurassic Coast and about a 30-minute from Swanage. It is known for its distinctive ledge formations and rock pools, which are ideal for exploring during low tide. The bay is surrounded by towering cliffs and offers stunning views of the Purbeck Hills. What more could you want from one of the most dog friendly beaches in Dorset?

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Lulworth Cove image

Lulworth Cove

Lulworth Cove is a world-famous natural landmark and one of the most iconic locations along the Jurassic Coast. This horseshoe-shaped cove, formed by erosion, features a pebble beach and crystal-clear waters surrounded by towering cliffs and rock formations. Explore the cove with your pup, walk along the coastal paths, and enjoy the amenities in the nearby village of West Lulworth.

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Eype Beach image

Eype Beach

This shingle beach is situated at the mouth of the River Eype and is surrounded by towering cliffs and rolling hills, creating a stunning natural setting. The beach is popular for fossil hunting, beach combing, and coastal walks. It’s extremely popular for dog walkers, as there are plenty of walking routes leading from the beach – a doggy haven!

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Studland Bay image

Studland Bay

This National Trust beach, Studland Bay, is a beautiful sandy beach located within the Studland Dunes National Nature Reserve near Swanage. Renowned for its stunning scenery, you’ll see views of Old Harry Rocks. Also a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and beach sports, as well as being a haven for wildlife and nature enthusiasts – and of course dogs and their owners!

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A image of Durdle Door on a sunny day.

Durdle Door Beach

This beach is situated at the base of Durdle Door. It features pebbles and rocky outcrops, as well as clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkelling. If you’re visiting from the Swanage Bay View Holiday Park, take a 30-40-minute drive to explore the beach, walk along the coastal paths, and enjoy the views of the iconic Durdle Door—perfect for a doggy day out!

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Hengistbury Head Beach image

Hengistbury Head Beach

Hengistbury Head Beach stretches across the Hengistbury Head peninsula and offers a variety of landscapes, including sandy beaches, pebble beaches, and rocky shores. The beach is popular for swimming, sunbathing, and coastal walks with your dog. Visitors can explore the nature reserve and enjoy the excellent amenities in the nearby town of Bournemouth.

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Worbarrow Bay image

Worbarrow Bay

This rocky bay is situated between towering cliffs and features a small pebble beach and rock pools that are ideal for exploring during low tide and about a 30-minute drive from Swanage. The bay is a popular spot for coastal walks, photography, and enjoying the natural beauty of the area. Why not plan your next doggy day out here at one of the best dog friendly beaches in Dorset?

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An image of Sandbanks Beach in Dorset. You can see the golden sand and houses overlooking the beach.

Sandbanks Beach

Sandbanks Beach is a sandy beach located in Poole, near Bournemouth. This Blue Flag beach is widely regarded as one of the best beaches in Britain and is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. The beach stretches for nearly a mile along the exclusive Sandbanks peninsula, offering breathtaking views of Poole Harbour. Seasonal Dog restrictions may apply. 

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It’s time to explore the Dorset coastline with your furry friend…

With just 15 of the best dog friendly beaches in and around Dorset, where will you and your beloved pooch explore first? The good thing is that to make your search even easier, we’ve included a Dorset dog friendly beaches map, so you can pinpoint where you want to visit first. With this map, you can add however many you want to visit to your holiday itinerary. Then, you can use it once you book your next Dorset holiday, so you and your pooch will be ready to go!

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Hampshire | Scotland | Isle of Wight | Dorset | North Wales | Yorkshire | Lincolnshire | Cornwall

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