Sandsend Beach
North Yorkshire
Sandsend Beach is a wide, beautiful sand and shingle beach on Yorkshire's Heritage Coastline, stretching from the tiny picturesque village of Sandsend southward for three miles to Whitby. The beach is backed by striking rocky cliffs with sea caves that can be explored at low tide, and the beck that drains through the village crosses the beach to the sea. Sandsend has a dog friendly cafe, The Old Tea Rooms, at the beach, and the walk south along the sand to Whitby is one of the most enjoyable coastal walks on the Yorkshire coast. The village itself is charming: a handful of cottages, a pub and a car park.
Sandsend Beach has seasonal dog restrictions from 1 May to 30 September on certain sections near the village under the North Yorkshire Coast PSPO. However, significant portions of the beach outside the restricted zone, including the walk south toward Whitby, remain accessible to dogs. Discover Yorkshire Coast lists Sandsend as subject to seasonal restrictions. The beach is substantially better for dogs outside the peak season, when the full three-mile stretch is available off-lead. Dogs walking the beach to Whitby will need to exit before the Whitby Beach restricted section begins.
At a Glance
- Dog Access
- Seasonal Restrictions
- Dogs restricted to certain sections from 1 May to 30 September under the North Yorkshire/Scarborough Borough PSPO. Sections of the beach south toward Whitby are accessible to dogs outside the restricted zone. Check signage on arrival.
- Beach Type
- Sand, Shingle
- Tide Notes
- Broad sandy beach at low tide. Sea caves visible at low water. The beach walk to Whitby is best timed for low to mid tide. A beck crosses the beach from the village.
- Facilities
- Dog friendly cafe in Sandsend village. Pub in village. Public toilets at car park. Full facilities in Whitby (3 miles south)
- Parking
- Pay-and-display car park at Sandsend village. Can also park in Whitby and walk north. Road parking limited in the village
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sandsend Beach dog friendly?
Sandsend Beach is a great choice for dog owners, earning a 7/10 on our dog-friendly rating. The beach stretches three miles along Yorkshire's Heritage Coastline from Sandsend village down to Whitby, and much of that route remains open to dogs throughout the year. There's even a dog-friendly café, The Old Tea Rooms, right at the beach.
Are dogs allowed at Sandsend Beach year round?
Dogs are welcome year round, but seasonal restrictions apply to certain sections near the village between 1 May and 30 September under the North Yorkshire Coast PSPO. Outside the restricted zone, including the scenic walk south toward Whitby, the beach remains accessible to dogs during this period. Outside the summer season, the full three-mile stretch is available off-lead, making it particularly brilliant for dogs in the quieter months.
What should I know before visiting Sandsend Beach with my dog?
It's worth arriving with the seasonal restrictions in mind — from May to September, some sections near the village are off-limits to dogs, so check the current zone boundaries before you go. If you're planning the walk south to Whitby, be aware that you'll need to exit the sand before reaching Whitby Beach, where separate restrictions apply. Parking is available in the pay-and-display car park at Sandsend village, though spaces can be limited, and you can also approach from the Whitby end and walk north.
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