Yorkshire’s coastline delivers some of the most varied dog friendly beach walks in the UK. Expect wide sandy bays, dramatic cliffs, fossil-rich shores and traditional fishing villages where dogs are very much part of the scenery. It is an excellent region for long coastal wanders, especially outside peak summer crowds.
Knowing which beaches allow dogs year round and where seasonal restrictions apply makes all the difference. Below you will find some of the best dog friendly beaches in Yorkshire, with clear descriptions, access rules and practical details so you can plan with confidence.
Robin Hood’s Bay
Robin Hood’s Bay is one of Yorkshire’s most atmospheric coastal locations and a brilliant beach to explore with a dog. At low tide the beach opens into a long, winding stretch of sand and rock pools beneath towering cliffs. Dogs love exploring the pools and following scents along the tide line, while owners are rewarded with some of the most striking coastal scenery in the county.
The steep walk down from the village naturally limits visitor numbers, especially outside peak summer months. Tide times are worth checking before you visit, as the beach becomes much narrower at high tide.
- Dog access: Allowed year round
- Terrain: Sand, shingle and rock pools
- Best for: Scenic walks and rockpool exploring
- Facilities: Toilets, pubs and cafes in the village
Filey Beach
Filey Beach is one of the best all-round dog friendly beaches in Yorkshire, particularly if you enjoy long, uninterrupted walks. At low tide the beach stretches for miles, with firm sand that is ideal for off-lead runs and relaxed shoreline strolls.
There are seasonal dog restrictions on the central section during summer, but large areas at either end remain dog friendly even in peak season. Outside the summer months, the entire beach is open and feels wonderfully spacious.
- Dog access: Seasonal restrictions May to September on central sections
- Terrain: Wide, flat sandy beach
- Best for: Long off-lead walks
- Facilities: Toilets, cafes and parking nearby
Runswick Bay
Runswick Bay is a classic Yorkshire cove with a sweeping arc of sand backed by cliffs and a small fishing village. At low tide the beach is expansive and excellent for dogs who like to explore rock pools, driftwood and open sand.
It is generally quieter than Whitby or Scarborough and feels more remote despite being easy to access. The surrounding coastal paths also make it a good starting point for longer walks once your dog has burned off some energy on the beach.
- Dog access: Allowed year round
- Terrain: Sand with rock pools at low tide
- Best for: Peaceful beach walks
- Facilities: Cafe, pub and limited parking nearby
Whitby Sands
Whitby Sands sits right alongside one of Yorkshire’s most popular seaside towns, but dogs are still welcome on large sections of the beach. During summer there are restrictions on the main central stretch, but West Cliff and Tate Hill areas remain dog friendly.
Outside peak season the beach becomes much quieter and is ideal for long walks with views back towards Whitby Abbey. It is a great option if you want to mix a beach walk with shops, cafes and harbour views.
- Dog access: Seasonal restrictions on central sections
- Terrain: Sand with some shingle
- Best for: Beach walks combined with town amenities
- Facilities: Toilets, cafes, parking and shops nearby
Cayton Bay
Cayton Bay is a favourite with surfers and dog walkers alike. It is a large, open bay with firm sand, backed by cliffs and dunes, giving it a wild and exposed feel. Dogs are allowed year round and there is plenty of space, even on busier days.
The beach is particularly good for energetic dogs who enjoy long runs. Conditions can be windy, which keeps crowds down and adds to the rugged coastal atmosphere.
- Dog access: Allowed year round
- Terrain: Wide sandy beach
- Best for: Energetic dogs and open space
- Facilities: Car park and seasonal cafe
Scarborough North Bay
Scarborough North Bay is the quieter, more dog friendly alternative to the town’s main South Bay. It has a relaxed feel and generous sandy stretches, especially at low tide, making it a reliable option for dog owners.
There are seasonal restrictions on parts of the beach during summer, but designated dog friendly areas remain available. Outside peak months it becomes a great place for peaceful walks with views of the headland.
- Dog access: Seasonal restrictions on some areas
- Terrain: Sand and shingle
- Best for: Calmer alternative to South Bay
- Facilities: Toilets, cafes and parking nearby
Staithes Beach
Staithes is a small fishing village with a compact beach that becomes accessible at low tide. While not the largest beach on the Yorkshire coast, it offers a unique and characterful setting that feels a world away from busier resorts.
Dogs are welcome year round, but tide times are essential to check as the beach disappears at high tide. It is best suited to short explorations rather than long walks, but the surrounding village more than makes up for its size.
- Dog access: Allowed year round
- Terrain: Sand and rocks
- Best for: Short, scenic visits
- Facilities: Pubs, cafes and village parking
Visiting Yorkshire Beaches With a Dog
- Always check local signage for seasonal dog restrictions, particularly between May and September
- Tide times matter on many Yorkshire beaches, especially bays that shrink significantly at high tide
- Rock pools can be slippery, so take care on uneven surfaces
- Keep dogs under close control near cliffs and coastal paths
- Bring fresh water, as some beaches have limited facilities
Map of Dog Friendly Beaches in Yorkshire
Explore these amazing dog friendly beaches across Yorkshire using our map, simply click the pins to uncover more details and get directions to the nearest car park.
A small, characterful beach tucked into a traditional harbour village, best visited around low tide when more sand is exposed. It’s not a “run for miles” beach, but it’s brilliant for a slower, sniffy explore with plenty of coastal atmosphere and dramatic cliffs framing the bay. Tide timing matters here, and it’s best suited to a shorter beach wander followed by a village mooch and a warm drink.
Dog access: Allowed year round
Terrain: Sand, rocks and harbour shoreline
Best for: Short scenic visits and low-tide exploring
Facilities: Pubs, cafes and village facilities nearby
The calmer, more spacious-feeling sibling of Scarborough’s main beach, with broad sand and great sea views, especially at low tide. It’s an easy win for dog owners who want a reliable beach walk with nearby facilities, without the same intensity as the busiest central seafront spots. Restrictions can apply on certain sections in peak season, but North Bay remains one of the better Scarborough options for a dog friendly seaside day.
Dog access: Seasonal restrictions on some areas
Terrain: Sand with some shingle patches
Best for: Convenient beach walks with facilities nearby
Facilities: Toilets, cafes and parking close by
A rugged, open bay that feels properly wild, with a wide sandy run that’s perfect for energetic dogs. Popular with surfers, but there’s usually plenty of room, especially if you walk a little further along the shoreline. It can be breezy and exposed, which keeps it feeling more adventurous than the classic promenade beaches. Great for a long beach session when your dog needs space and freedom.
Dog access: Allowed year round
Terrain: Wide sand with some softer sections nearer dunes
Best for: High-energy dogs and big open space
Facilities: Car park close to the cliff-top access, seasonal facilities nearby
A big sandy beach right next to one of Yorkshire’s most iconic seaside towns, with enough space for a proper walk when the tide is out. Dog rules can vary by season and section, but there are typically dog friendly stretches available, especially away from the busiest central areas. It’s ideal if you want to combine a beach leg-stretch with harbour wandering, fish and chips, and the option to add on cliff-top walking for even better views.
Dog access: Seasonal restrictions on some central sections
Terrain: Sand with some shingle nearer the tide line
Best for: A beach walk paired with town amenities
Facilities: Toilets, cafes, parking and shops nearby
A classic Yorkshire arc of sand backed by cliffs and a small fishing village, with a real “hidden bay” feel once you step onto the shore. At low tide you get a broad sweep of sand and rock pools, while the surrounding headlands make it feel sheltered compared to more exposed beaches. It’s a brilliant choice if you want a quieter beach day with a scenic backdrop and the option to link up with coastal paths for a longer walk.
Dog access: Allowed year round
Terrain: Sand with rock pools and firmer sand at low tide
Best for: Peaceful beach walks and rockpool pottering
Facilities: Cafe and village facilities nearby, limited parking
A huge, flat stretch of sand that’s ideal for long dog walks, especially at low tide when it feels endless. It’s one of the best beaches in Yorkshire for an off-lead burn, with plenty of space to spread out and calmer vibes than the bigger resort beaches. Dog restrictions typically apply on central sections during summer, but you can usually find dog friendly areas towards the ends, plus the whole beach is far more relaxed outside peak season.
Dog access: Seasonal restrictions May to September on central sections
Terrain: Wide, firm sand with shallow shoreline at low tide
Best for: Long off-lead walks and steady pacing
Facilities: Toilets, cafes, shops and parking nearby
One of Yorkshire’s most atmospheric beach spots, where a steep village descent drops you onto sand, shale and rock pools beneath towering cliffs. At low tide it opens into a long, exploratory shoreline that’s brilliant for curious dogs, while high tide narrows things down and makes timing your visit worthwhile. A perfect choice if you want a beach walk with proper character, then a pub or cafe back in the village.
Dog access: Allowed year round
Terrain: Sand, shingle, rock pools and shale
Best for: Low-tide exploring and big scenery
Facilities: Toilets, pubs and cafes in the village
Find even more dog friendly adventures across the UK with our Wildpack Map, a specially curated list of dog friendly points of interest, including beaches, walks, campsites and much more.
What’s Nearby?
If you are exploring Yorkshire with your dog, these nearby areas are also worth bookmarking:
- Dog friendly walks in the North York Moors – Head inland and explore the North York Moors National Park
- Dog friendly walks in the Yorkshire Dales – A little further West and you’ll find the stunning Yorkshire Dales National Park
- The Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors Road Trip – Undertake a road trip with your pup and see the best that Yorkshire has to offer
Final Thoughts
Yorkshire offers some of the best dog friendly beaches in the UK, combining dramatic scenery with plenty of space to explore. Whether you prefer long sandy bays, quiet coves or lively seaside towns, there is a Yorkshire beach that suits both you and your dog. With a little planning around tides and seasonal rules, it is a coastline you can return to again and again.