Best Dog Friendly Beaches Dorset – We’re lucky Dorset has a wide range of dog-friendly beaches, making it the perfect destination for a holiday with your four-legged friend. Enjoy a relaxing stay at our award-winning holiday park before heading out to explore the stunning scenery and beautiful beaches the area is famous for.
Dorset is home to some of the country’s most beautiful beaches, and many of the best beaches are within easy reach of our caravan and poolside camping parks. Some are dog-friendly year-round, while others have restrictions during busy times of the year.
Best Dog Friendly Beaches Dorset
Here we list our top dog-friendly Dorset beaches to check out during your stay at South Lytchet Manor.
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Hemworthy Park Beach is within walking distance of our caravan and camping park and is dog friendly all year round. Conveniently located on the north shore of Poole Harbour, within easy reach of the town centre, it offers stunning views of Brownsea Island and the Purbeck Hills.
Dogs are allowed on the off-lead sand and pebble beach, which provides plenty of space to burn off some energy. You’ll see dogs of all shapes and sizes playing ball games and enjoying a well-deserved swim!
Behind the beach there is a lot of park to keep the family entertained. There is a café with a selection of light meals, as well as a children’s playground and a seasonal swimming pool.
Dog Restrictions: Hamworthy Beach is dog friendly all year round. Dogs are allowed on the beach without a lead, but must be restrained during the trip. Dogs are not allowed in the play park or swimming pool area.
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Facilities: Humworthy Beach has many facilities such as refreshments, a play park, outdoor gym equipment and a swimming pool. It is also possible to rent a beach hut for the day.
Parking: Paid parking is available in the Hemworthy Park surface car park. The number of places is limited, so you should arrive early to secure a place.
Lulworth Cove is one of Dorset’s most popular beaches and a must-visit for many visitors to the area. It is dog friendly all year round with no lead restrictions and has easy access to many beautiful coastal walks.
The cove is horseshoe-shaped, meaning it is relatively sheltered even on windy days. In the height of summer, the water is a beautiful turquoise color and popular with swimmers, kayakers and snorkelers.
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Most of the beach is covered with small areas of sand and at low tide many rock pools are exposed. It’s a great place to take your four-legged friend to paddle or play.
Parking: There is a large paid parking lot near the beach. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can park at Dardle Door and take a scenic walk along the coastal path. It takes about 30 minutes, but walking back can take longer as it’s all uphill!
Hengstbury Head is well worth a visit during your holiday at South Lytchet Manor. The rugged beach is popular all year round thanks to its picturesque scenery and abundant wildlife. The Cape has many walks and many habitats to explore. We personally recommend the 3.5 mile loop, which includes beach, woodland, meadows and moors.
Our favorite time is a cool and bright day. There’s something special about wrapping up warm for a walk on the beach while the dogs run and play. Although some nature reserves have restrictions to protect nesting birds and rare plants, well-behaved dogs are allowed off-lead on the beach. Owners are asked to read all signs and keep dogs under close control.
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Only service dogs are allowed in the visitor center, but there are shaded areas and water bowls outside.
Dog restrictions: Dogs are allowed on the beach without a lead. Some areas of the nature reserve require leads – see the walkers’ map for more information.
Services: There is a newly renovated visitor center, public restrooms, and a cafe for refreshments. If you want to travel to nearby Midford Sandbank, you can hop on the dog-friendly Land Train, which offers a 15-minute journey for just two pounds.
Parking: There is a large paid and exposed parking lot next to the beach. Please note that the doors are closed between 22:00 and 05:00.
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Worbarrow Bay is one of our favorite dog-friendly beaches on the Jurassic Coast and a must-visit on your camping or caravan holiday in Dorset. Nestled in a secluded spot between Lulworth Cove and Kimmeridge, it’s the perfect spot for a day at the beach with your four-legged friend.
The best way to get to Worbarrow Bay is from the car park at Tyneham Village, a historic settlement that has remained intact after being abandoned during the Second World War. From here, you can walk down a 1-mile trail to a beautiful beach where your canine companion can swim.
Shingle Beach is quieter than others in the area and is rarely crowded, even during school holidays. There is little shade and no facilities, so if you plan to stay for a few hours you should bring an umbrella or a pup tent.
From the beach you can join the South West Coast Path and explore more of the area on foot. The trails are very steep and require good fitness.
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Please note – Worbarrow Bay MOD is located in the countryside. It is also not available during training sessions. Always check opening times before you go to avoid disappointment.
Services: There are no facilities on the beach itself. You should bring your own drinks and entertainment. There are public toilets near the parking lot.
Parking: Parking is available at the end of a narrow lane next to Tyneham village. There is no fee, but there is a donation box, the money goes to the maintenance of the village and toilets. When you arrive, check what time the gate is closed.
If you want to take your four-legged friend to the sandy beach, the Branksome chain might be the best choice. This family favorite has plenty of room for dogs to run and play, just throw a ball or paddle in the shallows.
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Unlike the other beaches on this list, Branksome Chain is not dog-friendly year-round and has some restrictions. Dogs are allowed only in autumn and winter, a great option if you are holidaying in the off-season.
A paved path surrounds the beach, allowing for a flat, level walk with sea views (dogs must be on a leash). You can get drinking water from different taps if your four-legged friend gets thirsty after all the exercise!
Amenities: Branksome Chain Beach has many amenities. Visitors can enjoy bars, restaurants, toilets and shopping.
If you’re exploring the Isle of Purbeck on holiday at South Lytchet Manor, we recommend visiting the beaches of Studland Bay. Dogs are welcome all year round and there are dog friendly facilities to enjoy.
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After a few hours playing on the beach, grab a bite to eat at Knoll Beach Cafe. Well-behaved dogs are allowed in the outdoor seating area, where you’ll find shelter and water bowls to keep your four-legged friend cool.
We remind you that the dunes and heath behind the beach are part of the nature reserve. They are home to ticks, nesting birds and hummingbirds, so keep your dogs under close control.
Dog Restrictions: Dogs are welcome at Studland Bay all year round but must be kept within 1-2 meters (or less).
Parking: Parking is available at Knoll Beach, Middle Beach and South Beach. National Trust members park for free.
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Sandbanks Beach is located on an exclusive peninsula close to the UK’s most expensive property. It has had Blue Flag status for over 30 years and is recognized as one of the cleanest beaches in the country.
There are wide stretches of golden sand with family-friendly options for visitors. The beach is popular with water sports enthusiasts, and kids will love the crazy golf course and outdoor play area.
The west end next to Haven Point (by the chain ferry) is dog friendly year round. Weather restrictions apply on the main coast.
Dog restrictions: The west end of the beach is dog-friendly all year round. Dogs are not allowed on the main beach at the end of May and September.
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Facilities: Sandbanks Beach has many facilities including a crazy golf course, children’s play park, putting green, water sports hire, volleyball court, toilets, showers and shops.
Parking: Sandbanks car park has over 500 spaces available, although these can fill up quickly during peak season.
We look forward to welcoming you and your four-legged friend to our dog-friendly holiday park in Dorset. We have many facilities for dogs.
