5 dog-friendly UK beaches to enjoy this autumn

Now that summer’s over and autumn has swept in, it’s one of the best times to head out onto the beach for a walk with your dog. During the peak of summer, many of the UK’s beaches ban dogs to keep the sands safer for playing children, but those seasonal bans will be lifted once September passes. 

The weather may be a little more changeable during the autumn, but it’s still a great time to take your dog out for some invigorating beach walks. Whether you’re heading off on last minute caravan holidays or an annual autumn retreat, here are seven of the best dog-friendly beaches to have some amazing walks on. 

1. Rhossili Bay, Gower Peninsula, Wales 

Not only is Rhossili Bay regularly voted as one of the best beaches in the entire UK, but it’s also dog-friendly all year round. With a wide, sweeping bay and rolling hills backing the beach, your dog will have a wealth of space to enjoy on or off the lead. 

During the autumn months, the beach becomes less crowded, giving you the chance to enjoy some uninterrupted views out across the sands and the crashing waves. Rhossili also has some great cliff walks nearby, just in case you happen to have dogs who aren’t tired out just by a long run along the beach. 

2. Holkham Beach, Norfolk 

Set within the Holkham National Nature Reserve, you can enjoy walking through an incredible landscape of sand dunes, pine forests and salt marshes before you arrive at the beach itself. Holkham Beach has a vast stretch of sand that’s ideal for letting your dog loose to run off a day’s worth of energy and maybe dig some holes. 

With views out over the North Sea, it can get a bit chilly once the winds start to pick up. But it’s still definitely worth it to experience the wild beauty of this special beach, while your dog enjoys splashing about in the waves. 

3. Perranporth Beach, Cornwall 

There are so many beaches in Cornwall that are great for dogs, but Perranporth definitely stands out as one of the very best. With three miles of golden sand, there’s ample room for your dog to run and play, and maybe even make some friends with any local dogs out on the sands. 

Not only is visiting outside of summer a good idea to avoid the seasonal beach bans, but it’s also a chance to dodge the crowds that flock to the Cornish beaches during the hottest months of the year. 

4. Bamburgh Beach, Northumberland 

If you’d like to enjoy a historical backdrop on your beach dog walk then look no further than Bamburgh Beach. The imposing Bamburgh Castle is clearly visible from the sands, giving you something extra to marvel at while your dog is occupying themselves with play. 

The beach is also a short walk from the village of Bamburgh, where you can warm up in a pet-friendly pub after your autumn walk or enjoy a slower stroll around the streets. 

5. Luskentyre Beach, Isle of Harris, Scotland 

For an even more remote option, head up to Luskentyre Beach in the Outer Hebrides to experience a beach that feels almost untouched by man. The white sands and the bright blue of the sea offer a beautiful contrast against the surrounding rugged scenery and the distant mountains. Just don’t get too distracted taking pictures, or your dog might take offence! 

The waters are definitely on the chilly side during the autumn, so try to avoid getting splashed if your dog is a water-loving one.  

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Make sure you wrap up in some extra layers before you head out on your autumnal beach dog walk to really enjoy the best that these beaches have to offer.