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Everyone knows the rolling Dales of West Yorkshire, the grand cities of Sheffield and Leeds, or the rugged moors of the north. But beyond the green lands of ‘God’s Own County’ is the world-famous coastline stretching from the Tees estuary to the Humber estuary. There are some amazing dog friendly beaches in Yorkshire.
The coastline encompasses three nationally designated Heritage Coasts, renowned for their “exceptional or very good scenic quality”. As such, no visit to the region is complete without visiting the glorious white sandy beaches which dot the rugged coast of rocky cliffs and charming hills. After a long walk with your dog, you can also settle down for the best fish and chips in the country, and with a view across the North Sea that’ll leave you speechless (if a little chilly).
To help you decide where to head to, we’ve selected our favourite dog-friendly beaches in Yorkshire. Enjoy!
Cayton Bay
Scarborough’s two beaches might be a firm favourite with tourists, but little Cayton Bay located three miles south of the town is our favourite hidden gem. The beautiful sandy beach is framed by the looming cliffs whose towering presence stretches out into the sea. The beach has loads of rock pools for your inquisitive canine to explore, though be careful a crab doesn’t take a shine to your pooch’s nose.
Don’t miss out on the WWII pillboxes at the northern end of the beach. They stand as stark reminders to a previous time.
Dog Rules: Dogs are allowed all year round.
Parking: Car park available.
Facilities: The village of Cayton has a shop.
Flamborough Head – A Birdwatcher’s Paradise
Flamborough is a large chalk headland known for its sheer white cliffs. What is less well known is the north landing beach, a sandy and pebbly cove, nestled between the embracing cliffs. The area is famed for its seabirds, including northern gannets, kittiwakes and the adorable orange-beaked Atlantic puffins. Due to this plethora of wildlife, as well as the unique geology, Flamborough Head was designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Special Area of Conservation.
Dog Rules: No restrictions
Parking: Car park at the top of the beach, but the descent is quite steep.
Facilities: Café and toilets.
Kettleness
Kettleness beach is a remote and secluded cove, that is a regular spot for fossil hunters as Dinosaur and ammonite fossils are frequently discovered along the shoreline and near the cliffs. It can be a bit of a rocky walk down and along, so it’s not for the faint-hearted, but the views from the bottom are well worth the effort.
Keep your canine close though, as local legend tells of a dreaded black dog, known as the barghest, which stalks the beach. This ghastly creature was included in the novel Dracula by Bram Stoker.
Dog Rules: No restriction.
Parking: Car park available.
Facilities: No local facilities.
Marske Sands – A Beach to Stretch Your Legs
At Marske Sands, visitors are treated to a truly vast expanse of sand. Let your dog off the leash, and stroll along as they cut loose across the sands. Turn the wide arc of the beach into your pitch for the greatest game of fetch of your dog’s life.
That’s where the Chuckit! comes in. An amphibious bumper made with reinforced nylon, rubber and memory foam. So, even when the tide comes in, you don’t have to worry as the Chuckit floats. Plus, you can see the bright colours from a mile away.
- DOG WATER FETCH TOY: This outdoor toy is designed with lightweight memory foam for fetching fun at the pool, beach or in the park
- HIGH-VISIBILITY: This colourful bumper chew toy is made with bright colours which means it is ideal for keeping your dog entertained and is easy to find
- SOFT & DURABLE: This Chuckit water dog toy is made of nylon, rubber, and EVA foam that's soft on dog's gums and teeth
Dog Rules: No restriction
Parking: Available in Marske-by-the-Sea
Facilities: Shops, restaurants, pubs and public toilets available in the town
Reighton
Next up is a wildly popular swimming spot, for the seasoned swimmer and doggy paddlers alike. The long sand beach at Reighton is located in a prized-place along the Flamborough Headland Heritage Coast, with stunning views atop the surrounding cliffs down into Filey Bay. On occasion, you can even see dolphins and whales in the distance.
Dog Rules: No restriction
Parking: Car park at the end of Sands Road
Facilities: Reighton Sands Caravan Park hosts a café
Robin Hood’s Bay – A View to Remember
Robin Hood’s Bay is a pokey little village of winding lanes and chocolate box houses that sits overlooking the magnificent beach. The town and beach have featured in numerous works of literature, with a history of being a smuggler’s cove.
Stroll along the golden shore, soak in the sea air and play with your dog. Before you know it, you’ll reach Boggle Hole at the other side. Just be careful to get back before the tide comes in.
Dog Rules: No restriction
Parking: Parking available at the top of the village
Facilities: Numerous pubs and shops available in the village
Runswick Bay
Take a wander down the hillside and along the stunning arc to the beach of green, gold and blue. It’s not hard to see why it’s been an artist’s favourite since Victorian times. The beach is perfect for those who enjoy a quieter locale.
Dog Rules: No restriction
Parking: Car park available
Facilities: Shops and toilet available in the village
Saltburn-by-Sea
Saltburn has been popular with tourists since Victorian times, boasting verdant Italian gardens, grand buildings, and cliff tramway for pooches who are saving their legs till they get to the beach. There’s even an old promenade, although it’s a shadow of its former self.
Dog Rules: No restriction
Parking: Car park in the town
Facilities: Shops, restaurants and pubs available
Hornsea
The little seaside resort lies at the far edge of the East Riding but is well worth the trip. Along the epic beach, play chase with your dog – though you’ll quickly discover that it goes on and on and and on…
As such, it’s a great place to try out a new toy. The Zeus Bomber is the ultimate all-purpose toy. You can throw it, retrieve it, and even play tug with it! Plus, it’s perfect for the beach as it also floats.
Dog Rules: No restriction
Parking: Car park in the town
Facilities: Toilets, shops and restaurants available
Sandsend
If you’re heading to Whitby, you’ve got the head down to the beach at Sandsend. On a sultry summer’s day, the five-mile stroll makes a fantastic walk; and with caves, babbling streams and lush grassy verges, there’s plenty for your pooch to explore.
Plus, you can even check out Whitby Abbey at the end, the inspiration for the ghoulish Dracula!
Dog Rules: Some restrictions from May to September
Parking: Car park behind the beach
Facilities: Sandside Café nearby, as well as a couple of coffee shops.
If you enjoyed this blog on the best dog friendly beaches in Yorkshire then you might also like to read about more amazing dog walks in North Yorkshire and also some of the best dog walks in York.
