Dorset’s coastline is one of the most dramatic in the UK, combining towering cliffs, fossil rich shores and long, open beaches that feel made for coastal walks with a dog. From quiet shingle bays to expansive sandy stretches, there are plenty of beaches where dogs are genuinely welcome, either all year round or outside the busiest summer months.
This guide covers some of the best dog friendly beaches in Dorset, focusing on access rules, beach type and what makes each spot a good option for dog owners. Restrictions can vary by season and location, so always check local signage when you arrive.
1. Hive Beach, Burton Bradstock
Hive Beach sits beneath the dramatic cliffs of the Jurassic Coast and offers a wonderfully wild feel without being difficult to access. At low tide, the shingle gives way to sand, creating a long, open stretch that’s ideal for relaxed dog walks with uninterrupted sea views.
Dogs are welcome here all year, making it a reliable choice regardless of season. The South West Coast Path runs directly above the beach, and the nearby Hive Beach Café is famously dog friendly, making this a great option for combining walking, scenery and good food.
- Dog access: All year
- Beach type: Shingle and sand
- Best for: Scenic walks, dog friendly café
2. Charmouth Beach
Charmouth Beach is well known for fossil hunting and wide, flat walks along the shoreline. While there are seasonal dog restrictions on the central section during the summer months, dogs are allowed year round at either end of the beach, which still provides plenty of space to explore.
At low tide, the beach opens up significantly, making it ideal for longer walks. With parking, cafés and facilities close by, Charmouth is a practical option if you’re visiting with a dog but still want easy access to amenities.
- Dog access: Seasonal restrictions
- Beach type: Shingle and sand
- Best for: Long walks, fossil spotting
3. Seatown Beach
Seatown Beach is quieter than many of Dorset’s better known spots and is a great choice if you’re looking to avoid crowds. Dogs are welcome all year, and while the beach itself is mostly shingle, the surrounding landscape more than makes up for it.
This is a popular starting point for walks towards Golden Cap, Dorset’s highest point, and the South West Coast Path runs directly through the village. The Anchor Inn nearby is dog friendly and well used by walkers after a coastal hike.
- Dog access: All year
- Beach type: Shingle
- Best for: Peaceful setting, coastal paths
4. Studland Beach
Studland Beach is one of Dorset’s most famous beaches, known for its long sandy shoreline, dunes and open heathland. Dogs are allowed on designated sections all year, with wider access outside the peak summer season.
The combination of beach, dunes and surrounding nature reserve makes Studland feel more like a full day out than a simple beach visit. Clear signage helps keep things straightforward, and there’s plenty of space for longer walks on lead where required.
- Dog access: Partial and seasonal
- Beach type: Sandy
- Best for: Long walks, varied terrain
5. Kimmeridge Bay
Kimmeridge Bay offers a very different coastal experience, with rocky ledges, pools and rugged scenery instead of wide sand. Dogs are welcome all year, and the quieter atmosphere makes this a good option for dogs that prefer calmer environments.
Low tide reveals plenty to explore, and the surrounding coastal paths offer excellent walking opportunities. Footing can be uneven, so this beach is better suited to steady walkers rather than fast paced play.
- Dog access: All year
- Beach type: Rocky and ledges
- Best for: Exploring, quieter visits
6. West Bay Beach
West Bay combines a lively harbour atmosphere with dramatic cliffs and long stretches of beach. Dogs are allowed on East Beach all year, while West Beach has seasonal restrictions during the summer months.
The South West Coast Path passes directly through West Bay, making it easy to extend a beach visit into a longer coastal walk. With plenty of nearby facilities, this is a good option if you want dog friendly access alongside cafés and shops.
- Dog access: Partial and seasonal
- Beach type: Shingle and sand
- Best for: Facilities, coastal walking
Map of Dog Friendly Beaches in Dorset
Explore these dog friendly beaches in Dorset using our handy map below, simply click the pins to get information on each of the beaches. Once you’ve chosen the one you would like to visit, click ‘Get Directions’ and we’ll guide you there.
West Bay combines dramatic cliffs with a lively harbour atmosphere, making it a good option if you want more going on around your beach walk. East Beach offers a longer stretch for walking and links directly into the South West Coast Path.
Dog access varies by section and season, so checking signage is important, particularly during summer. With plenty of nearby facilities, this works well for a flexible day out that mixes beach time with food and wandering.
Dog access: Partial and seasonal
Restrictions: Zoned seasonal restrictions
Beach type: Shingle and sand
Best for: Facilities, harbour setting, coastal path access
Facilities nearby: Toilets, cafés, shops nearby
Kimmeridge Bay is rugged and characterful, with rocky ledges, pools and a shoreline that feels very different to Dorset’s larger sandy beaches. It’s a great spot for slower, exploratory walks, particularly at low tide.
Dogs are welcome all year, but this is not a flat, fast paced beach. Uneven and sometimes slippery surfaces mean it suits steady walkers and dogs that enjoy sniffing and exploring rather than sprinting.
Dog access: All year
Restrictions: None (observe wildlife and local signage)
Beach type: Rocky ledges and pools
Best for: Exploring and quieter coastal scenery
Facilities nearby: Toilets near car parks
Studland Bay is one of Dorset’s most iconic beaches, with long sandy stretches backed by dunes and heathland. It’s ideal for dogs that enjoy soft sand and longer walks, and it feels more like a full day out than a short beach stop.
Dog access is managed by zones and seasonal rules, so it’s important to follow signage carefully, especially in summer. Outside peak months, access opens up significantly and the space here really shines.
Dog access: Partial and seasonal
Restrictions: Zoned restrictions in peak season
Beach type: Sandy with dunes
Best for: Long walks and varied terrain
Facilities nearby: Café and toilets at Knoll Beach
Seatown Beach offers a quieter, more traditional Jurassic Coast experience, backed by rolling hills and cliffs rather than a built up seafront. The beach itself is mostly shingle, but the setting feels peaceful and spacious.
It’s a popular starting point for coastal walks towards Golden Cap and beyond, with the South West Coast Path running directly through the village. This is a strong choice if you want to combine a beach visit with a longer hike.
Dog access: All year
Restrictions: None
Beach type: Shingle
Best for: Peaceful visits and coastal path walks
Facilities nearby: Pub and seasonal facilities nearby
Charmouth is a brilliant walk and explore beach, with a long shoreline that opens up nicely at lower tides and plenty of interest underfoot. It’s particularly appealing if you enjoy beaches that feel active and varied rather than a single flat stretch.
There are seasonal dog restrictions on the central section during summer, but dogs are allowed year round at either end of the beach, which still gives plenty of space for a proper walk. With parking and facilities close by, it’s a practical option for dog owners.
Dog access: Seasonal restrictions
Restrictions: Central section restricted in summer
Beach type: Shingle and sand
Best for: Long shoreline walks and fossil spotting
Facilities nearby: Toilets and visitor facilities nearby
Hive Beach is classic Jurassic Coast scenery, with honey coloured cliffs, wide views across Lyme Bay and a shoreline that feels properly wild, even on busier days. Depending on the tide you’ll find a mix of shingle and sand, which makes it a great spot for a steady beach walk rather than a quick leg stretch.
Dogs are welcome here all year, so it’s an easy default option when other beaches switch to seasonal rules. Parking is right by the beach and the well known Hive Beach Café sits next door, making this one of the simplest Dorset beaches for a low stress day out with a dog.
Dog access: All year
Restrictions: None (check signage on arrival)
Beach type: Shingle and sand
Best for: Scenic coastal walks and a reliable year round option
Facilities nearby: Café and toilets close to the beach
Explore even more dog friendly locations nearby and across the UK using The Wildpack Map, our expertly curated map of dog friendly locations, including walking routes, campsites, swimming spots and much more.
Visiting Dorset Beaches With Your Dog
Dorset’s coastline is beautiful but can be exposed and changeable. Always check tide times if you’re planning a longer walk, particularly around rocky or shingle beaches where access can narrow at high tide.
Cliff edges, falling rocks and uneven terrain are common along the Jurassic Coast, so keep dogs under close control where needed. Fresh water is essential, especially on hotter days, and a lead or harness is useful for sections of the coast path where livestock or steep drops are present.
What’s Nearby?
If you’re planning a longer stay or a road trip through the area, Dorset works well alongside other dog friendly destinations:
- Dog friendly walks in Dorset – coastal paths, countryside routes and cliff top hikes
- Dog friendly beaches in Devon – ideal for extending a Jurassic Coast trip west
- New Forest National Park – Fantastic dog friendly walks and hikes just a little East
- Dog friendly walks in Bournemouth – Ideal if you’re staying in the popular seaside town
- Dog Friendly Beaches in Bournemouth – Even more beautiful beaches to explore with your pup
- Dog friendly campsites in Dorset – great for vanlife and multi day stays
- Dog friendly beaches Isle of Wight – Just across the water you’ll find stunning dog friendly beaches.
These nearby guides make it easy to build a few days of dog friendly adventures without travelling far.
Final Thoughts
Dorset offers an excellent mix of dog friendly beaches, from iconic sandy stretches to quieter, rugged coves that reward a bit of exploration. With good signage, clear seasonal rules and easy access to coastal walking routes, it’s a county that works well for dog owners throughout the year.
A little planning around tides and restrictions goes a long way, and once you’re there, Dorset delivers some of the most memorable coastal walks in the UK for both you and your dog.