Days out with the Dog; Pup-Friendly Beaches in Yorkshire
Although we love to go to the beach with or pups all year round, summer is generally the most popular time for coastal adventures with your four-legged friend, and Yorkshire is home to some stunning dog-friendly beaches. Whether you’re after quiet coves, sandy stretches or dramatic cliff-backed shores, there's something here for every dog and their human. Here's a round-up of 10 of our favourite dog-friendly beaches in Yorkshire, including where to park and what to see 🐾
Fraisthorpe Beach, East Yorkshire.
A very popular option based to the south of Bridlington, Fraisthorpe is a flat, sandy beach with loads of room for dogs to run around. They’re welcome here all year round, so this is one to visit in out of season months too. It’s uncrowded, and great for off-lead runners and diggers 😆
Where to park:
Try the Auburn Farm car park – YO15 3QU
Also nearby: The Cow Shed café is dog-friendly with outdoor seating.
Hunmanby Gap, North Yorkshire
Sandwiched between Filey and Bridlington, this is a sandy beach backed by grassy cliffs. Again, dogs are welcome all year round. A peaceful and scenic hidden gem.
Where to park:
There’s a small cliff-top car park at YO14 9QW
Also nearby: Hunmanby Gap Café is dog-friendly and has sea views
Runswick Bay, North Yorkshire
Located north of the ever popular Whitby, Brunswick Bay is a sandy beach with plenty of rock pools, so if you’re taking kids and dogs then this one might be for you. Brunswick Bay is open to dogs all year round and is flanked by cute old cottages, so one of the picturesque options.
Where to park:
The main car park at top of the village – TS13 5HT
Also nearby: The Runswick Bay Hotel is dog-friendly.
Whitby (West Cliff Beach), North Yorkshire
If you’ve ever been to Whitby, you’ll have walked this beach for sure. West Cliffe Beach is the sandy bay right in the heart of Whitby. It’s right next to all that the town has to offer so a great place to go if you want a bit more interest than just sand and sea. Dogs are not allowed on the beach between May to September so just keep that in mind when planning your travels!
Where to park:
Pavilion Top car park – YO21 3EN
Also nearby: Whitby Abbey (dogs on leads) and plenty of pet-friendly cafés 9including my husband’s favourite, the Whitby Brewery).
Sandsend, North Yorkshire
Just north of Whitby sits its quieter neighbour, Sandsend. Its sandy and pebbly beach has a few streams dotted around and it’s one of our favourite walks with far away views of the Abbey and a good cafe. Dogs are welcome all year round on the northern end, but restrictions apply on the southern end between May and September. A great beach for giving the pups a paddle and stretching human legs too.
Where to park:
Sandsend car park – YO21 3TD
Also nearby: Sandside Café and The Hart Inn both welcome dogs. If you’re feeling flush, the nearby Saltmoore retreat also has dog friendly rooms for overnight stays.
Cayton Bay, North Yorkshire
You’ll find Cayton Bay between Scarborough and Filey. It’s a wide, sandy bay - perfect for running, with or without the dog! Also great for active dogs who love the waves, and accessible all year round, it’s a relatively quiet and scenic beach which also has a surf school and lovely cliff top walks (remember to keep dogs on a lead cliff-side).
Where to park:
Cayton Bay Surf Shop car park – YO11 3NR
Also nearby: The Salty Dog Cafe. Gorgeous beach side views and good food.
Robin Hood’s Bay, North Yorkshire
Robin Hood’s Bay has to be my favourite of Yorkshire’s cute villages. Its beach is a mix of sand, rock and fossils and is surrounded by the cutest, most colourful cottages (and a very steep hill that’s not for the faint hearted!) It is open to dogs all year round, and has a quirky history as a smuggler’s village. Kids come here for the fossil hunting!
Where to park:
Main car park at the top of the village – YO22 4QN
Also nearby: Plenty of quirky, dog-friendly shops and pubs
Filey Beach – North Yorkshire
South of Scarborough lies the expanse of Filey Beach. Sandy, flat and family-friendly, it has plenty of space, is good for shallow water splashing and has easy access. Restrictions for dogs are in place on the central beach May–Sept, but they’re allowed at either end at any time of year.
Where to park:
Filey Country Park – YO14 9ET
Also nearby: Filey Brigg for scenic clifftop walks plenty of pubs and cafes to choose from.
Saltburn-by-the-Sea, North Yorkshire
Near Redcar on the Cleveland coast sits the beautiful old Victorian seaside resort of Saltburn-by-the-Sea. Famed for its vast sandy stretch of sand, long pier and Cliff Tramway, this is classic seaside charm, Yorkshire style. Dog restrictions on the main beach area run May–Sept; but permitted at north/south ends year-round. Expect beach huts, amusements and glorious views, though somehow a touch on the classier side of seaside chic.
Where to park:
Saltburn Sea View car park – TS12 1HQ
Also nearby: Saltburn Valley Gardens and dog-friendly eateries like Seaview Restaurant
South Gare & Coatham Sands – Redcar & Cleveland
Just west of Redcar, this quiet, sandy, rugged beach allows dogs all year round. Lesser known than many of its surrounding areas, it’s a little off the beaten path, so great for peaceful dog walking.
Where to park:
South Gare car park – TS10 5NW
Also nearby: Excellent wildlife and birdwatching areas.
And finally…..
If you’re heading to the beach this summer, remember to:
Bring water and a bowl – some remote spots have no amenities
Pack dog poo bags – keep the beaches clean for all of us to use
Check tides – especially for narrow or steep-access beaches (especially at Robin Hood’s Bay - I speak from experience!)
Keep leads handy – for cliff paths or crowded areas
Take sun protection – bring shade or go early/late on hot days. If the ground is too hot to touch for human hands, its too hot for your dog’s paws.
