Blackpool might be famous for its lights, piers and promenade, but look a little further along the Fylde Coast and you will find long, open stretches of sand that work brilliantly for dog walks. With wide tidal flats, steady gradients and easy access, this is a solid option for owners who want a proper seaside outing without venturing too far off the beaten path.
Below are the best dog friendly beaches in and around Blackpool, including where dogs are welcome year round, where restrictions apply, and what sort of experience you can expect underfoot.
Blackpool North Shore Beach
North Shore is the most dog friendly section of Blackpool’s main seafront and a favourite with local walkers. It is quieter than Central and South Beach, with fewer attractions and a more open, traditional seaside feel.
Dogs are welcome here year round, and at low tide the beach opens up into a huge expanse of firm sand that is ideal for longer walks. The promenade runs alongside the beach, making it easy to combine sand time with a paved stroll if conditions turn windy.
- Dog access: Allowed all year
- Type: Wide sandy beach with promenade
- Best for: Long walks and off lead exercise at low tide
- Facilities: Cafes, shelters, parking along the promenade
Bispham Beach
Bispham sits just north of North Shore and feels noticeably calmer, especially outside peak summer weekends. It is a broad, flat beach backed by sea defences rather than amusements, giving it a more relaxed, local atmosphere.
Dogs are allowed throughout the year, and the gentle slope means plenty of exposed sand when the tide is out. It is a good choice if you want space without travelling far from Blackpool itself.
- Dog access: Allowed all year
- Type: Sandy with shallow gradient
- Best for: Calm walks away from crowds
- Facilities: Parking, tram stops, nearby cafes
Anchorsholme Beach
Anchorsholme lies between Bispham and Fleetwood and often flies under the radar. It is quieter still, with long uninterrupted stretches that feel surprisingly wild considering how close you are to town.
Dogs are welcome year round, and the beach is particularly good in the early morning or evening when the light opens up across the Irish Sea. Expect fewer facilities directly on the sand, but plenty within a short walk.
- Dog access: Allowed all year
- Type: Open sandy beach
- Best for: Peaceful, uncrowded walks
- Facilities: Limited on the beach, amenities nearby
Blackpool Central and South Beach
Central and South Beach are where restrictions apply. During the main season, dogs are not allowed on the beach itself, and enforcement can be strict.
Outside of the restricted period, typically from autumn through spring, dogs are allowed and these beaches become much quieter. If you visit in winter, you will find wide sands and classic Blackpool views without the summer crowds.
- Dog access: Seasonal restrictions apply
- Type: Sandy urban beach
- Best for: Off season visits
- Facilities: Toilets, cafes, parking, tram access
St Annes Beach (Nearby)
Just south of Blackpool, St Annes offers one of the best dog friendly beach experiences on the Fylde Coast. Large sections are dog friendly all year, with dunes, wide sands and a more natural feel.
It is well worth the short drive if you want space, scenery and fewer people, especially during warmer months when Blackpool itself is busiest.
- Dog access: Large year round dog friendly areas
- Type: Sandy with dunes
- Best for: Scenic walks and variety
- Facilities: Parking, cafes, toilets
Visiting Blackpool Beaches With Dogs
Tides make a big difference here. At low tide, beaches like North Shore and Bispham feel vast and open, while at high tide space can be more limited. Checking tide times before you set off is well worth it.
In summer, stick to clearly dog friendly zones to avoid fines, and keep dogs under control near promenades and tram lines. In winter and shoulder seasons, conditions are ideal for longer walks, but pack layers as it can be exposed and windy.
Fresh water is not always available on the sand, so bring your own, especially on warmer days.
Map of Dog Friendly Beaches in Blackpool
Explore dog friendly beaches in Blackpool using our handy map below, click the pins to uncover more details about each beach, including any seasonal restrictions and parking tips.
If you’re happy to go a bit beyond Blackpool itself, St Annes is a proper “big skies, big sands” beach day. It’s a favourite for long dog walks because there’s often loads of space and the vibe is more classic, open-coast than resort-core.
Pick it when you want a longer roam, especially at low tide when the beach feels endless. Just keep an eye on wind, because it can cut across the sand.
Dog access: Typically dog-friendly on large sections, but always follow beach signage
Beach type: Wide, sandy beach with dunes
Best for: Proper long-distance beach miles
Facilities: Toilets and amenities near main access points, more in town
Parking: North Beach Car Park (easy access to the front)
This is the classic Blackpool seafront beach experience, right by the buzz of the main attractions. It’s brilliant for a quick beach leg as part of a bigger day out, but it’s also the one most likely to have dog restrictions in peak season.
If you’re visiting with your dog, treat Central as a “check the signage first” option, then use it as a linking section to walk north or south along the prom where it’s quieter.
Dog access: Often seasonal restrictions, check signage carefully
Beach type: Sandy, big tidal range
Best for: A short beach leg paired with promenade walking
Facilities: Plenty nearby (toilets, food, attractions)
Parking: Central Beach Car Park on Seasiders Way
Anchorsholme sits up the coast and is a handy spot if you want a more local, less “main tourist strip” feel while still staying on the Fylde coast line. The walking is simple and exposed, so it’s one for a windproof layer and a dog lead you trust.
It’s a good stretch for routine walks, especially if you’re after space and a straightforward prom route with the option of beach time when the tide’s out.
Dog access: Generally dog-friendly, but check local signage
Beach type: Sand and shingle with a promenade edge
Best for: Quieter coastal miles and sea air
Facilities: Limited on the sand itself, more as you head inland
Parking: Nearby parking around Princes Way and surrounding streets
Bispham is a great shout if you like your beach walks with a slightly calmer vibe than the Golden Mile. The promenade is made for easy miles, and you can drop down to the beach when the tide allows for a proper sand-and-surf leg stretch.
It’s also a nice “mix it up” option: do a straight-line out-and-back along the prom, then loop back with a beach section if conditions suit.
Dog access: Often dog-friendly, but check seafront signs for seasonal rules
Beach type: Sandy shoreline with promenade walking
Best for: Steady distance walks with easy navigation
Facilities: Cafes and shops nearby around the tram stops
Parking: On-street and local parking around Queen’s Promenade
If you want a quieter Blackpool beach walk without straying far from town, North Shore is a solid pick. You’ve got wide, open sands at low tide and a long stretch of promenade that’s ideal for a steady on-lead stomp when it’s busy.
It’s also a handy “quick win” beach for locals and visitors, with easy access from Gynn Square and plenty of space to stretch legs when the tide’s out. Expect it to feel breezier and more open than Central.
Dog access: Generally dog-friendly, but always follow local signage on the promenade
Beach type: Sand and shingle with a big tidal range
Best for: Longer, quieter shoreline walks
Facilities: Promenade amenities nearby, seasonal kiosks in the area
Parking: Gynn Square Car Park (good access to the front)
Find even more dog friendly adventures across the UK with our Wildpack Map, our specially curated map of dog friendly points of interest, including beaches, walks, campsites and more.
What’s Nearby?
If you are planning a longer trip or building out a few days of walks, these nearby areas pair well with Blackpool beaches:
- Dog friendly walks in Lancashire
- Dog friendly beaches in Lancashire
- Dog friendly walks in Clitheroe and the Forest of Bowland
- Dog friendly beaches in Merseyside
- Dog friendly walks in the Lake District
Final Thoughts
Blackpool might not be the first place that comes to mind for dog friendly beaches, but North Shore, Bispham and Anchorsholme offer reliable, year round options with plenty of space to roam. Add in nearby spots like St Annes and you have a surprisingly strong stretch of coastline for dogs and their humans.
If you time your visit around tides and avoid restricted areas in summer, the Fylde Coast can deliver some genuinely great seaside walks.