If you and your dog are after some fresh air, try this list of year-round dog-friendly beaches in our fabulous county, curated by Rachel Mead.
Berrow
You have two options here – Berrow North and Berrow South. Both offer year round playtime for your pooches and with a westerly view, you’ll get some great sunsets. Long stretches of sand ensure ample space for ball throwing, just be mindful of the tide. At low tide the mud flats reveal themselves and these can pose a danger. There’s also a shipwreck at Berrow South which at low tide can make for some striking photography.
Blue Anchor Bay
If J.M.W Turner found Blue Anchor Bay striking enough to paint then we’re sure your dog will enjoy the sand and shingle of this Exmoor beach between his paws. With views across to Wales, and Dunster Castle only about three miles away, a dog walk here is very easy on the eye particularly if the steam train of West Somerset Railway trundles past.
Bossington
Owned by the National Trust, Bossington Beach is part of the Holnicote Estate. The village itself is only half a mile from the pebble beach so we recommend you wander there to see the thatched cottages too. With old lime kilns and second world war defences along the beach, you’ll be able to cover some history lessons with the kids too.
Brean Down
Another National Trust destination, Brean Down offers both a sandy beach as well as a 1.5mile walk up and along the natural pier of Brean Down. There’s a site of a Roman temple and the ruins of Palmerston Fort to discover as you enjoy the views from your 97metre high vantage point. For those who may find the climb a bit too much, the National Trust have their all-terrain mobility scooters ‘trampers’ to hire here.
Brean Beach
Boasting one of the longest stretches of sand in Europe, Brean offers a full 7 miles to really stretch those legs. It’s a great all year round option for families and their four-legged friends, but do be mindful that Brean also has the second highest tidal range in the world so the mud-flats of low-tide are dangerous to walk on.
Burnham-on-Sea
Dogs may not be allowed on the main beach, but you are right on the England Coast Path which offers ample dog walking opportunities along the promenade and beyond. Head towards the Burnham-On-Sea Boat and Sailing Club and you’ll be following alongside the River Brue and the River Parrett. The combination of sea, river and farmland makes for a fabulous walk as you weave along the footpath passing boats and fishermen along the way.
Doniford
Just along from Watchet, Doniford is a mixture of sand, mud and rock underfoot. Popular with fossil hunters and those exploring rock pools, Doniford offers your dog a different kind of beach walk. Parking at Watchet means you can enjoy several of the beaches along this stretch of our Somerset coastline. Doniford Beach Halt is also a stop along the heritage West Somerset Railway.
Dunster
With the hills of Exmoor as your backdrop, views across to Wales and a combination of sand and pebbles, Dunster Beach is a fabulous place to walk your dog. With so many of the village pubs and cafes welcoming dogs, you wont be short of options for maximising your day trip here. It’s also great to know that the National Trust welcome dogs to walk around the grounds of Dunster Castle and the adjoining Victorian watermill.
East Quantoxhead/Kilve
Follow the England Coast Path and drop down the stairway which leads you to the most amazing rock formations, mother nature working at her most creative! As well as gazing at the layers of blue lias, limestone and shale, you are sure to find fossils aplenty here. Parking is at Kilve and its less than a mile of footpath to this see this stunning stretch of Somerset coastline.
Glenthorne Beach
If you’re after rugged Exmoor beach meets forest walk then Glenthorne Beach is a good choice. Park at County Gate and pick up the South West Coast Path past Sister’s Fountain and through the Glenthorne Plantations. The cliffs gift a small waterfall onto the rocky beach which along with caves and rock formations to explore, make this a destination which will keep any dog and their owner happy.
Greenaleigh
There are several footpaths which lead to this National Trust beach so you could definitely plot out a looped dog walk incorporating woodland and agricultural land. It’s pretty secluded here and is best visited at low tide to make the most of the sand. You could also head east and be in Minehead in about a mile or so making the most of an ice-cream or cuppa before picking up one of the alternative woodland trails for the return journey home.
Helwell Bay
Nestled in-between Watchet and Doniford, Helwell Bay is another fossil-hunter’s delight. Keep a close eye on your dog here (as well as the tide times) as there are warnings of quicksand. Time your visit well though and any budding geologists will be in their element. There’s also a fabulous moment when the footpath runs adjacent to the West Somerset Railway tracks and the landscape feels like a film set. The majesty, of course, is that this scenery is for real.
Ladye Bay
For an out and back, how about parking in Clevedon, strolling along to pretty Ladye Bay followed by a wander along Clevedon Pier? Being just over a mile and half, this walk will keep both dog and owner happy as you benefit from a beach walk and refreshment. Dogs are welcome to take in the sea air on the pier whilst you take a pew and enjoy more of the view from an alternative perspective.
Lilstock
If you like to take a photo or two whilst out walking your dog then Lilstock will certainly get you reaching for your camera. There are so many textures here it is impossible to take a poor quality photo of your dog on location! This is Somerset’s Jurassic coastline and is an SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) which delights photographers and ecologists alike. A loop can be achieved by following the footpaths around to Knighton, Burton or Shurton.
Middle Hope & Sand Point
This walk really flies the flag for the North Somerset coastline. You’ll be following footpaths through sand dunes whilst taking in the most spectacular views. The National Trust are custodians of this section of coast so there’s a couple of convenient car parks nearby. Due to grazing livestock, ground nesting birds and steep slopes it is advised to keep your dog on a lead at all times.
Porlock Weir
Another great spot for owners and their hounds. Follow the South West Coast Path or the Coleridge Way to create a walk which encompasses the pretty and bustling little town of Porlock. The weir with its fishing boats and thatched cottages is as equally photogenic, and as you look back over your shoulder towards the hills of Exmoor you’ll know this sea air is as good for you as it is your dog!
St Audries Bay
Waterfalls, rock formations and epic sunsets make St Audries Bay at low tide a beautiful option for a late evening walk. Be sure to keep an eye on those tide times but also have it in mind that this beach is a great rock pooling site whilst also keeping any fishing fanatics happy too. There’s lots to keep your dog interested as well as a combination of rock and mud/sand for those four legs to run around on.
Stolford
Combining Stolford beach with a walk to Stogursey Castle via Wick takes in sights of a thatched castle, farmland and rugged coastline. There are ample footpaths in this area of North Somerset to create a dog friendly loop of about 5 miles. Stolford is a pebbly beach with views across mud flats and the Bristol Channel. It’s a quiet spot for a dog walk and interesting on the eye as grass meets pebble meets mud meets sea.
Watchet
With walks out to the lighthouse and along fossil strewn beaches there’s plenty to see and do in Watchet. Alongside the thriving coastal town and cafes, Watchet also features on the West Somerset Railway line. It’s rocky and a tad slippery underfoot when the tide has just gone out so be mindful that the terrain requires suitable footwear. Stroll along the esplanade to enjoy the boats in the marina, or perhaps crabbing on the harbour wall and fossil hunting is on the agenda? Watchet is a dog (and owner!) friendly town.
