9 of the best dog friendly beaches In Essex

If you’re a dog owner, Essex is the perfect UK holiday destination for you, with plenty of dog friendly beaches in Essex to explore! We’ve got you covered for finding some of the best in the county…

Whether you want to visit a hidden gem, like Irlam’s Beach, or pining after the more traditional seaside experience on Brightlingsea Beach, you can find something to suit all tastes! Bring the whole family on holiday, including the dog, where you can find the perfect holiday park to relax in after hours of beach fun. We want to ensure that you have the best time and that your doggy friends are properly catered for too, and with this guide, you can do just that!

A view of the beach through some long grass at Mersea Island, Essex.

West Mersea Beach

West Mersea Beach is a picturesque pebble beach located on the island of Mersea, off the coast of Essex. This charming seaside destination is a popular spot for families and tourists alike. It’s the perfect holiday hotspot, especially if you’re staying at the Mersea Island Holiday Park (only a 10-minute drive away), and is one of the best dog friendly beaches in Essex.

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St Osyth Beach

This unspoilt, south-facing sand and shingle beach is located just west of Clacton on Sea. St Osyth Beach is very stoney, however, it’s the perfect calming environment to bring the dog for some beautiful walks. And remember to bring your camera to snap some of the most perfect scenery you can find to cherish your Essex holiday memories!

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Cudmore Grove Beach

Cudmore Grove Beach is on the eastern side of Mersea Island, set within Cudmore Grove Country Park – a National Nature Reserve and Special Protection Area. Here, you can enjoy beach walks and bird watching, as the area is a haven for a variety of bird species. It’s also a great place to paddle with your pooch, so why not visit one of the best dog friendly beaches in Essex?

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Brightlingsea Beach

Rich in seafaring history, this is the only Cinque Port outside Kent and Sussex and under an hour’s drive away from Mersea Island! This sand and shingle beach is known for its colourful beach huts, which add to the seaside atmosphere – perfect for a dog friendly day out. Brightlingsea Beach hosts yearly sailing events, so you could even catch one on your next visit!

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Clacton Beach

Clacton Beach is one of the most popular and iconic beaches in Essex, with its long stretch of golden sand that’s backed by a bustling promenade lined with your favourite seaside amusements. You can enjoy a range of activities, from building sandcastles and swimming to playing a game of fetch with your pooch. Will you visit this dog friendly beach in Essex in the summer?

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Irlam’s Beach

This hidden gem on the Essex coastline is the perfect secluded beach that offers a peaceful escape from the crowds, with its stretch of golden sand and grassy dunes. Irlam’s Beach is the perfect spot to take in the views across the sea towards the docks up the coast. Come and discover this secret beach that might make it into your top spot for the best Essex dog friendly beaches!

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Dovercourt Bay Beach

Dovercourt Bay Beach is a sand and shingle beach that’s a popular spot for families and visitors alike, offering a range of amenities, including a promenade, beach huts, and cafes. You can enjoy a stroll along the beach with your furry friend by your side, take part in beach games, or explore the nearby seaside town, which offers a range of shops and attractions.

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Holland-on-Sea

Just north of Clacton Pier, Holland-on-Sea is a charming seaside town located in Essex. Why not enjoy a spot of swimming, sunbathing, and playing some beach games with your pooch? If you keep walking along the beach, you’ll find an area called the Holland Haven, where you’ll find the country park, which is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

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The Naze Beach

The Naze Beach is a stunning stretch of coastline located just north of Walton-on-the-Naze, Essex. Visitors can enjoy a range of activities such as beach walks, fossil hunting, and more. The nearby John Weston Nature Reserve offers additional attractions for those interested in history and nature, making for one of the best dog friendly beaches in Essex.

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Remember to always check the dog restrictions yourself before visiting as some may vary.

Find a dog friendly beach in Essex suitable for every season…

With plenty of dog friendly beaches in Essex to explore with your pooch, where will you be visiting first? No matter what season you plan your next Essex holiday for, you’ll find the perfect destination, especially if you’re on the lookout for dog friendly beaches in Essex during summer!

Did you know that the Essex coastline is over 350 miles long, which is as big as the distance from London to Germany? You can imagine just how long this would all take to explore, but why not accomplish some miles after you book your next holiday park stay?