When one thinks of Somerset, there are usually a few things that come to mind. Snowy winters, great cheddar and cider, and the Glastonbury festival. What’s not to be forgotten of course is Somerset’s beautiful beaches! The county is also well-loved by pet walkers, too, and hunting down dog friendly beaches in Somerset shouldn’t be that tricky.
Somerset is largely very dog friendly, however, it’s always worth checking out dog restrictions that might apply to any beaches that you visit. We’ve helped to make things that little bit easier for you by hunting down Somerset dog friendly beaches that you can head to without stacks of research. This guide to which beaches allow dogs could be just what you need to find that ideal Somerset stretch.
Naturally, beyond the beaches, there are always going to be more strolls and trails you’ll want to check out with dogs across the county. Why not check out our rundown of the best dog walks in Somerset, too? It’s safe to say that there’s more to Somerset than sea, sand, beaches and sunsets – believe it or not!
When are dogs allowed on beaches in Somerset?
There are lots of Somerset dog friendly beaches that are open to your dog pals throughout the year, however, some may have implemented certain rules in order to maintain the cleanliness of the beach and the safety of all of those who attend the beach. As dog lovers, it is up to all of us to make sure that whatever rules have been put into place regarding your dog on the beach, must be respected at all times. Dog restrictions from beach to beach can and will apply, and we’ve gone to the effort to rank any that might affect walkers at our top picks below. A dog ban is no fun if you arrive and have to turn around! Be one of the smart people – and check out the information in our beach guide before you head to any of the county’s delightful beaches.
The Best Beaches in Somerset for Dogs
Berrow North and South Beach
Berrow Beach – North and South – should offer you and your dogs plenty of sand and sea to explore, and the best news is, there are absolutely no blocks on dogs or their owners across the year.
The beach at Berrow North is perfect for dog walkers but is less ideal for those who would like to swim. That is to say that at low tide the water level is indeed very low! You will have miles and miles of wet and sometimes even muddy sand for you and your pets to play in! That isn’t necessarily a bad thing at all as your dog will still be able to splash around and enjoy the water without you having to worry about them swimming out too far.
It also is a great place for just an easy and flat dog walk. One of the key tourist attractions of this beach is the shipwreck that is visible at high tide.
On Berrow South Beach you can also enjoy miles and miles of sand and mudflats, perfect for allowing the dog to run freely, off the lead, as far as the eye can see. It also means that there is plenty of space for picnics. The fact dogs are welcome all year round at both areas of this beach make it a hugely popular expanse.
- Seasonal Restrictions: No
- Life guards: Yes ( From the July 9th to September 4th, North only)
- Address: Berrow, Burnham-on-Sea, Somerset TA8 2LW
- Facilities Near By: Campsite, cafes, restaurants, car park/parking, toilets, shops, fast food
Clevedon Bay
This lovely little pebble beach on the coast is in a very popular tourist area, which just so happens to be a seaside resort in itself. It is popular with the tourists because it is an old Victorian town with a lovely promenade and pier directly next to the beach itself.
It is a very quaint little area – great for simple walks close to the sea. Clevedon Bay is not only gorgeous to behold but even allows dogs, welcome all year round. That means you can take your time to head down the coast here any time of year without fear of breaking the rules. Whether you’re in it for the ice cream, the rock pools or a spot of fossil hunting, this dog friendly beach in Somerset ticks lots of boxes.
Your furry friend will love spending the day with you roaming around the nearby town and then making your way together onto the beach, to enjoy the lovely sea breeze and maybe even the sunset. Somerset dog friendly beaches rarely come quite so complete.
Popular activities on the beach include sunbathing, swimming, sailing, canoeing, kayaking and dog walking. Do check out dog days out in Somerset nearby, too – if you fancy a break from the beaches.
- Seasonal Restrictions: No
- Lifeguards: No
- Address: The Beach, Clevedon, Somerset BS21 7QU
- Facilities Near By: Shops, cafes, restaurants, car parks / parking, golf, bowling, pier, promenade, slipway
Blue Anchor Bay
If you’re looking for somewhere truly wide and wild for you to take your dogs to off lead, then Blue Anchor Beach is one of the most accessible beach spots in the region. Down from the West Somerset Railway, you’ll be able to bring your dogs to the beach all year round – meaning if you’re sick of dog ban zones elsewhere in Somerset, there’s a lovely change of pace here.
Blue Anchor offers the best of sand and shingle beaches in one lovely package. It’s one of our favourite dog friendly beaches near Somerset mainly thanks to the stunning views. It’s entirely possible to walk the sand bay and to look across Wales and Minehead from afar! The best news, of course, is that dogs are free to roam around here without any kind of blocks or curtailment.
Boasting plenty of local accommodation close to the beach, there’s also a delightful cafe here where you can take time off from walking the sands. It’s a peaceful little stretch at times, but if becoming increasingly popular with walkers and their dogs!
- Seasonal Restrictions: No
- Lifeguards: No
- Address: Blue Anchor Bay Rd, Minehead TA24 6LE
- Facilities Near By: Shops, cafes, car parks / parking, steam train
Uphill Beach
Uphill is a dog friendly beach that’s great for those of us who would like to go to quieter areas of the seaside and would just like to spend some time in nature. This beach is popular among surfers, jet skiers, swimmers, sailors and dog walkers. Indeed, this is yet another beach on this list that welcomes dogs year round! In fact, your dog will most likely make quite a few friends here as the beach often has dog owners with their pups, whether it’s the summer or the winter. It’s probably best to keep your dog on a lead around dog friendly beaches such as these, in any case.
This is especially the case as some of the sand here can get quite sticky – mean you’re going to need to keep a close eye on your dogs as you traverse the sands.
From the beach, you can easily join there beautiful surrounding hills and even the Uphill Local Nature Reserve. Somerset is just as well known for its National Trust site scene – meaning you shouldn’t have to go too far to find peaceful strolls across the wider map.
Uphill is a great beach providing you’re careful – and there’s parking nearby for ease of access.
- Seasonal Restrictions: No
- Lifeguards: No
- Address: Links Rd, Uphill, Weston-super-Mare, BS23 4XY
- Facilities Near By: Cafes, car parking, Slipway
Sand Bay
Sand Bay is a wide beach with a large expanse of golden sands and shingle, as well gorgeous ocean spray. The beach is backed by sand dunes and grassy hills, which are perfect for hiking and general walking. It’s one of the best looking beaches in our Somerset beach guide – you only have to look at a few photos to get a feel for that!
The area is known for being very dog friendly, with the beach being open to dogs year round as well as being close to multiple cafes and bars that will welcome your pup. Somerset loves its dogs, and that’s pretty clear down in Weston, on the beaches and beyond.
The fact that the beach is so large and surrounded by nature makes it relatively quiet – you’ll have plenty of space to run around and explore without any hustle and bustle! Your furry friend won’t be the only four legged creature on that beach though, as it is also very popular with horse riders, due to the flat and large area of sand.
- Seasonal Restrictions: No
- Lifeguards: No
- Address: Beach Road, Kewstoke, Weston Super Mare, North Somerset, BS22 9UR
- Facilities Near By: Shop, cafes, bars, car park / parking
Bossington Beach
Bossington is the next dog friendly beach on this list and is yet another one that happens to welcome dogs year round. It is a massive pebble and shingle beach which is backed by marshland and beautiful green hills. The marshland itself is likely to attract the occasional nature-buff as it is filled with rare species of birds and insects.
When it comes to activities on the beach, Bossington is definitely more for walkers, hikers and explorers. Due to the strong current, it is strongly advised against swimming at Bossington Beach, however there is plenty to explore on the shore! For example, for those interested, there are still pillboxes left on the shore from World War II on this beach, as well as the ruins from a control centre.
The village of Bossington near the beach is also noteworthy and worth taking the time to walk through! It is known for being a picturesque little village which can almost make you feel like you are visiting another time period.
- Seasonal Restrictions: No
- Lifeguards: No
- Address: Selworthy, Minehead TA24 8HF
- Facilities Near By: Bossington village nearby with parking and picnic area
Brean Beach
Brean welcomes dogs across the year, making it another prime pick for a holiday with pets.
This beach is very accessible, and its massive stretch of sand is predominantly flat, with parking all around. The beach is known for having one of the biggest sandy shores throughout Europe as well as being a veritable historical landmark!
When visiting the down that backs the beach, you will come across the evidence that the area was used during the Stone Age, as well as ruins from a Roman temple. There are also the ruins from an Iron Age fort close by. At the very top of the down, you can visit the ruins from a 19th century fort.
When on the beach, you will be able to enjoy a wide array of popular activities in the sea such as surfing, swimming, jet skiing and sailing, however, at low tide people are warned against walking too far out as they run the risk of getting caught in the mudflats!
- Seasonal Restrictions: No
- Lifeguards: No
- Address: Brean Beach, Weston-Super-Mare, TA8 2RS
- Facilities Near By: Campsite, burger van, ice cream van, toilets, shops, slipway, car park / parking
Porlock Weir
This long stretch of pebble beach not only welcomes dogs year round, it is also part of the small town of Porlock Weir, a small, picturesque village that offers all of the facilities that you could possibly need for a great weekend away – such as cafes, restaurants, shops and inns. You could spend the weekend walking along the small fishing harbour, visiting the local museum set in a medieval manor house or, of course, spending hours on the beach.
The beach is particularly popular with surfers, sailors, fishers and swimmers. Due to the beach being so long, it is very difficult for the beach to become overcrowded, even in the summer months, making it the perfect spot to relax, enjoy the peacefulness of the area and play with your pup!
Porlock Weir is a prime holiday destination with gorgeous sea views – and might even make for a new favourite fishing spot if you’re keen with a rod and bait. Unlike some Somerset dog friendly beaches, however, there are no lifeguards here, so do take caution.
- Seasonal Restrictions: No
- Lifeguards: No
- Address: Porlock Weir, Minehead TA24 8PD
- Facilities Near By: Pubs, cafes, restaurants, toilets, museum, shops, car park
Ladye Bay
Looking for dog friendly beaches near Somerset that are great for working up a sweat? This stretch is particularly interesting for wildlife lovers and adventurers out there. The beach is made up of rocks and pebbles and is surrounded by cliffs and hills – sadly, that means it’s not the most accessible beach, but it’s still one of the most rewarding.
However, if hiking is your thing, then you will love this small beach! The area is beautiful and you will love venturing over the hills and the cliffs in order to reach this natural, wild bay. It is not advised to go swimming on this beach as there is no lifeguard service and the current is very strong. That does not mean, however, that you cannot enjoy this quiet stretch of pebble – especially with your dog, who is welcome on this beach year round!
The beach is also popular among anglers and climbers, with a variety of landscapes that are perfect for really getting the blood pumping. Just be careful if you bring your dog – a lead is a must around these parts.
- Seasonal Restrictions: No
- Lifeguards: No
- Address: Ladye Bay, Clevedon, BS21 7BU
- Facilities Near By: No nearby facilities
Last Word
From Minehead to Porlock Weir, Greenaleigh Sand Beach, Burnham on Sea and everywhere in between, there are tons of great locations across the Somerset map where you can take your pets for a stroll or two down on the beaches. This is a corner of England that deserves exploration by everyone at least once! Just make sure your dog is on a lead if you’re crossing the mudflats!
Why not take time away from the top dog friendly beaches in Somerset in our guide and check out a few pet friendly pubs in Somerset, too? The beach scenes here are beautiful – but nothing really beats a lovely afternoon in a quaint Somerset drinking spot. It’s the heart of the UK – many argue.
Take a lookout at the great dog friendly beaches in Somerset we run down for you here, and be sure to hunt down another beach zone or two close by that are likely to tick more of your boxes. Who knows, there might be a golf course or two that takes your interest – or amusement arcades, museums, or historic sites. These are just a few of the dog attractions Somerset has on offer, view our thorough guide to find out more.
Again, don’t forget that Somerset is not purely beach after beach after beach – there are some gorgeous countryside areas out here just ripe for the rambling. Check out reviews and guides online for more information on what’s out there. You should also find your own quaint place down here for a weekend away – take a look at our guide to dog friendly Somerset properties on the coast and countryside.