Somerset’s coastline is often overlooked, but for dog owners it offers something refreshingly different to the more polished beaches of the south coast. Facing the Bristol Channel, these beaches are defined by huge tidal ranges, expansive sands, and big skies, making them ideal for long, uninterrupted walks with your dog.
That said, Somerset beaches do come with their own character and quirks. Tides can move fast, mudflats are common in places, and some resort beaches have seasonal restrictions. This guide focuses on the best dog friendly beaches across the county, mixing wide open sands, quieter natural stretches, and classic seaside spots where dogs are welcome either year-round or outside peak summer months.
Berrow Beach
Berrow Beach – Photo Credit: Bob Harvey
Berrow Beach is one of Somerset’s most expansive and dog friendly coastal stretches, running south from Burnham-on-Sea towards Brean. At low tide, the beach opens into a vast landscape of sand and firm flats, giving dogs plenty of space to roam while owners can enjoy long, uninterrupted walks with the sea stretching out ahead.
Despite its size, Berrow feels relatively relaxed and uncommercialised compared to neighbouring resort beaches. Facilities are limited, but that’s part of the appeal. This is a beach best enjoyed for walking rather than swimming, and dogs that love open space and freedom will thrive here, especially outside the busy summer months.
- Dog access: Dog friendly year-round
- Terrain: Flat sand and tidal flats
- Facilities: Minimal
- Parking: Roadside and small car parks nearby
- Best for: Long walks and energetic dogs
Brean Beach
Brean Beach – Photo Credit: PAUL FARMER
Brean Beach sits at the foot of Brean Down and combines a dramatic natural backdrop with one of Somerset’s longest sandy beaches. The beach itself stretches for miles, offering wide, firm sand at low tide that’s ideal for dogs that enjoy long-distance walks and open terrain.
While parts of Brean can feel busy during peak holiday periods, especially near Brean Sands, it’s easy to walk away from the crowds. The further south you head, the quieter it becomes, and dogs are welcome year-round, making it one of the most reliable dog friendly options in the county.
- Dog access: Dog friendly year-round
- Terrain: Sand with large tidal range
- Facilities: Cafés and amenities near Brean Sands
- Parking: Large car parks available
- Best for: Scenic walks and space seekers
Burnham-on-Sea Beach
Burnham-on-Sea Beach – Photo Credit: Lewis Clarke
Burnham-on-Sea Beach is a classic Somerset seaside destination, known for its iconic lighthouse and wide, gently sloping sands. The beach is extremely flat, which means the sea can be a long walk away at low tide, but this creates a vast area for dogs to explore and burn off energy.
Dog access here is seasonal, with restrictions in place during the summer months. Outside of these times, Burnham-on-Sea becomes a great option for relaxed coastal walks, especially for dogs that enjoy a slower pace and owners who appreciate easy access and nearby facilities.
- Dog access: Restricted seasonally
- Terrain: Flat sand and tidal flats
- Facilities: Toilets, cafés, promenade
- Parking: Multiple town car parks
- Best for: Off-season walks and easy access
Weston-super-Mare Beach
Weston-super-Mare Beach – Photo Credit: Tom Podmore
Weston-super-Mare is one of the UK’s best-known seaside towns, and its main beach reflects that with a long promenade, traditional attractions, and a huge stretch of sand. While busy in summer, there are designated dog friendly zones and seasonal allowances that make it workable for dog owners who plan ahead.
At quieter times of year, Weston’s beach transforms into an excellent walking route, with expansive views across the Bristol Channel and plenty of space once the tide is out. Dogs that are comfortable around people and noise will enjoy this environment most.
- Dog access: Restricted in central areas seasonally
- Terrain: Sand and promenade
- Facilities: Extensive year-round
- Parking: Large town car parks
- Best for: Urban beach walks and amenities
Kilve Beach
Kilve Beach – Photo Credit: Bill Boaden
Kilve Beach offers a very different experience to Somerset’s long sandy beaches. Known for its rocky shoreline and fossil-rich geology, this beach is a fascinating place to explore, especially for dogs that enjoy sniffing out new terrain and owners who prefer something more rugged.
The beach is quieter than the larger resort options and feels more remote, particularly outside summer. While not ideal for running flat out, it’s perfect for slow, curious walks, rockpooling, and enjoying the raw coastal scenery that Somerset does so well.
- Dog access: Dog friendly year-round
- Terrain: Pebbles, rocks, and sand
- Facilities: Limited, small car park nearby
- Parking: Pay and display close to beach
- Best for: Exploring and quieter walks
Blue Anchor Bay
Blue Anchor Bay – Photo Credit: Christine Matthews
Blue Anchor Bay sits on the edge of Exmoor’s coastline and offers a peaceful, scenic alternative to Somerset’s busier beaches. With a mix of sand and shingle, backed by railway line and rolling countryside, it feels calm and characterful, particularly outside peak travel times.
Dogs are welcome year-round, and the beach works well as part of a longer coastal walk rather than a standalone destination. The views across the Bristol Channel are excellent, and the quieter atmosphere makes this a good choice for dogs that prefer less stimulation.
- Dog access: Dog friendly year-round
- Terrain: Shingle and sand
- Facilities: Limited in the village
- Parking: Small local car parks
- Best for: Calm walks and coastal views
Dunster Beach
Dunster Beach – Photo Credit: Lewis Clarke
Dunster Beach is another Exmoor-edge option, combining a long shingle shoreline with expansive views and a peaceful atmosphere. It’s a popular spot for walkers and campers, but it rarely feels overcrowded, even during busier periods.
The beach is dog friendly year-round and works well for steady, longer walks rather than energetic play. Its proximity to Exmoor National Park makes it a good coastal add-on to inland walking routes, giving dogs a varied adventure in a single day.
- Dog access: Dog friendly year-round
- Terrain: Shingle
- Facilities: Café and nearby campsite
- Parking: On-site car park
- Best for: Steady walks and Exmoor trips
Minehead Beach
Minehead Beach – Photo Credit: Lewis Clarke
Minehead Beach marks the traditional gateway to Exmoor and offers a mix of promenade-backed sand and quieter stretches further from the town centre. While there are seasonal restrictions on parts of the beach, other areas remain accessible for dog owners who want a coastal walk close to town amenities.
Outside the summer season, Minehead becomes far more relaxed, and dogs can enjoy the wide shoreline with fewer distractions. It’s particularly well suited to dogs that enjoy varied environments, from promenade strolls to more open coastal sections.
- Dog access: Restricted in central areas seasonally
- Terrain: Sand and promenade
- Facilities: Shops, cafés, toilets
- Parking: Multiple town car parks
- Best for: Mixed walks and easy access
Map of Dog Friendly Beaches in Somerset
Below is a map showing the dog friendly beaches featured in this guide, making it easy to plan coastal walks or link beach visits with nearby trails and villages.
Explore more dog friendly beaches across the UK, as well as walking routes and more with our Wildpack Map.
What’s Nearby?
- Dog friendly walks in Exmoor National Park
Explore rugged moorland, wooded valleys, and dramatic coastal paths that pair perfectly with a beach day along Somerset’s western edge. - Dog friendly walks in Somerset
From rolling countryside to riverside trails, these walks are ideal for mixing inland adventures with coastal exploration. - Dog friendly walks in Bristol
Just over the county boundary, Bristol offers a mix of riverside paths, woodland trails, and green spaces that work well as an inland counterpoint to Somerset’s wide coastal walks. - Dog friendly beaches in Devon
Extend your trip south to Devon for a huge variety of sandy bays, rugged coves, and classic seaside beaches that welcome dogs year-round. - Dog friendly walks in Devon
Combine Somerset’s wide coastal walks with Devon’s clifftop paths, wooded trails, and river valleys for a varied South West itinerary.
Final Thoughts
Somerset’s dog friendly beaches are all about space, scale, and atmosphere rather than postcard perfection. If you and your dog love long walks, changing landscapes, and quieter coastal experiences, this county delivers in spades.
Just be mindful of tides, seasonal restrictions, and the natural conditions that make Somerset unique. With a bit of planning, these beaches offer some of the most rewarding and underrated dog friendly coastal walks in the South West.