Plymouth and the surrounding areas are a treasure trove of dog friendly beaches, perfect for you and your furry friend. Whether you’re looking for a scenic walk along the South West Coast Path, a peaceful spot to relax, or an active day of swimming and exploring, you’ll find some of the best beaches near Plymouth ready to welcome your dog. Here’s a guide to some of the Devon dog-friendly beaches you and your pup can enjoy year-round.
Dog Friendly Beaches near Plymouth
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Dog Friendly Beaches in Plymouth
The beaches near Plymouth, in the South Devon area, offer an incredible variety of experiences, from areas of outstanding natural beauty to coastal walks. Explore rock pools, go wild swimming or relax by the sea; there’s a perfect beach waiting for you.
1. Jennycliff Beach
Romantic, windswept, and secluded, Jennycliff is a small shingle cove with stunning views across Plymouth Sound. While not the most famous, it’s an excellent place for dogs to stretch their legs year round. The beach is easily accessible from the free car park via a steep path, and you can stroll along the coastal paths for even more beautiful scenery.
📍 Staddon Lane, Plymouth PL9 9SP
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🐾 Dogs are allowed on this beach all year
2. Wembury Beach
Known for its dramatic cliffs and rock pools, Wembury Beach is a stunning spot to explore. Dogs are welcome outside of the summer months, making it a great autumn or winter destination. The South West Coast Path runs through Wembury, providing fantastic walking opportunities to explore South Devon with your dog throughout the year. There’s a small café nearby for a post-walk drink. There is a pay-and-display car park, which is free for National Trust Members.
📍 Wembury, Plymouth PL9 0AU
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🐾 Seasonal ban between 1 May and 30 September
3. Bovisand Beach
Just a short drive from Plymouth, Bovisand Beach offers a mix of golden sands and clear waters, perfect for a day out with your dog. Dogs are welcome to roam freely. The beach provides convenient access, chargeable parking, and fantastic views over Plymouth Sound. It’s one of the best beaches in Plymouth for a peaceful, scenic escape. Just bear in mind that the only way to get on and off the beach is via steps and a path that some might find steep.
📍 Wembury, Bovisand, Plymouth PL9 0AE
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🐾 Dogs are allowed on this beach all year
4. Mothecombe Beach
Located in the South Hams, Mothecombe Beach is one of Devon’s most beautiful beaches. This sandy haven is surrounded by picturesque countryside, making it a perfect place for your dog to enjoy a long run along the sands. There’s year-round access for dogs, although parts of the beach may have summer restrictions. It’s a great spot to spend the day with nearby parking and cafés offering delicious Devon food.
📍 Mothecombe, Plymouth PL8 1LB
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🐾 Seasonal ban between 1 May and 30 September
5. Bigbury Beach and Bantham Beach
These neighbouring beaches are renowned as some of the best beaches in Plymouth and are perfect for a day of adventure. Bigbury on Sea is particularly famous for its connection to Burgh Island, accessible by foot during low tide or the iconic sea tractor at high tide. Dogs are welcome during the off-season, and Bantham Beach allows dogs year-round on certain parts of the beach. Both beaches offer incredible views, parking facilities, and opportunities to sample local food and drink nearby.
📍 Bigbury, near Kingsbridge, Devon TQ7 4AZ
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🐾 Seasonal ban from 10am to 7pm between 1 May and 30 September. Dogs are allowed on Burgh Island grounds annually and on the beach from 1 September to 31 March.
6. Whitsand Bay
Just a short drive into Cornwall, Whitsand Bay is a hidden gem worth visiting. The long, sweeping beach is perfect for long dog walks and offers panoramic views of the coastline. Please note that the beach is reached by steep paths and steps that wind down between the rocks and vegetation, meaning it is never crowded. Parking is available nearby, and the South West Coast Path offers opportunities to continue your walk in either direction.
📍 Torpoint, Whitsand, Cornwall PL10 1JZ
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🐾 Dogs are allowed on this beach all year
7. Portwrinkle Beach
Portwrinkle Beach is a charming location in the village of the same name. It is known for its historic harbour, once a thriving pilchard industry scene. It’s an excellent choice for a quieter beach experience. Portwinkle links up with Finnygook Beach. This sand and shale beach is popular with local surfers and rock poolers. Short, steep paths descend to both beaches. There’s also a car park with seasonal charges, a beach cafe and toilets.
📍 Finnygook Lane, Portwrinkle PL11 3BP
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🐾 Dogs are allowed on this beach all year
8. East Looe Beach
East Looe Beach, located in the charming town of Looe, is a popular destination for families and those seeking a lively beach atmosphere. As one of the sandy beaches near Plymouth, it sits directly in front of the old town. Watch fishing boats pass throughout the day and those ferrying passengers to the nearby village of Polperro.
The village is pedestrianised, so the walk from the car park takes 10-15 minutes. You may want to avoid burdening yourself with too much. The beach is close to the shops, toilets, and refreshments.
📍 East Looe, Cornwall PL13 1HA
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🐾 There is an all-year ban on dogs on the beach. However, many people let their dogs dip in the water when the tide is out to the right of the Lifeboat station. It is a brilliant place to visit and plenty of things to do in Looe with dogs.
9. Cawsand Beach
Cawsand and Kingsand are twin seafront villages. Both are east-facing sand and shingle beaches that are sheltered and reveal good rock pools at low tide. They are quaint and peaceful, ideal for a relaxing day by the sea. The beaches offer fantastic views of the ships coming and going. The waters are sheltered, making them ideal for swimming and kayaking.
Boats can be hired, and there is a slipway from the beach. The 17th-century fishing villages are renowned for their smuggling activities. The streets are narrow and twisting with pretty pastel-coloured houses, with plenty of pubs and places to grab a bite to eat.
📍 Torpoint, Cornwall PL10 1LE
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🐾 Dogs are banned at Cawsand Beach from 1 July to 31 August (10am to 6pm). Dogs are allowed all year at Kingsand Beach.
10. Readymoney Cove
Readymoney Cove is sheltered by cliffs close to the mouth of the River Fowey. The sandy, secluded beach overlooks the village of Polruan. It is popular with wild swimmers, and a slipway is available for SUPs, Kayaks and paddleboarders. There is also a small café and gift shop, where you can get a freshly made hot drink. The mugs are plastic and reusable, collected in a bucket after you’ve finished. Bathrooms are also available. The car park is about a 7-minute walk to the beach.
St Catherine’s Castle is also accessible from the beach. Built by King Henry VIII around 1530, it was designed to defend Fowey Harbour from the French invasion. You will also be rewarded with beautiful views of the Fowey Estuary.
📍 Fowey, Cornwall PL23 1EB
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🐾 Dogs are banned from 1 July to 31 August (10am to 6pm).
BookBeat – Soundtrack Your Dog Walks
If you love turning a simple dog walk into a mini adventure, BookBeat is the perfect companion. This audiobook app gives you access to over a million stories – from gripping thrillers to feel-good novels – all ready to stream straight to your phone.
Even better, there’s a 30-day free trial, so you can give it a proper go with no pressure. And if BookBeat isn’t the right fit for you? No problem at all – you can cancel your subscription whenever you like, making it a totally stress-free way to soundtrack your dog walks.
Practical Information for Dog Owners
Many of these beaches offer amenities such as nearby parking, dog-friendly cafés, and public toilets, making them convenient for a day out. Don’t forget to check the tide times and beach-specific rules, as some may have seasonal restrictions or designated dog zones, ensuring everyone can enjoy the beach experience.
And if you find yourself falling in love with a particular spot, don’t forget to share your experience on social media – plenty of dog-friendly places love to see your furry friend enjoying the coast!
Don’t Get Caught Short 💩
Tuff Pets Dog Poop Bags are premium, extra thick, and environmentally friendly, providing a reliable and eco-conscious solution for pet waste. These zero-waste, home-compostable poo bags allow pet owners to care for their pets and the planet simultaneously, making walkies so much easier.
Stay The Night
For those travelling from further afield wanting to experience all of the dog friendly beaches near Plymouth, there are plenty of dog friendly accommodation options, ranging from cosy cottages to hotels. If you plan to visit during one of the area’s sports events or festivals, keep an eye out for special offers on accommodation or dining, making your stay even more enjoyable.
If you know when you’d like to travel, try to book as soon as possible in advance. Prices rise the closer you get to the travel date. However, there is a vast array of dog friendly accommodation for all budgets.
Devon Dog Friendly Beaches
Whether you’re after award winning sands, dramatic coastlines, or just a peaceful spot for a picnic, these dog-friendly beaches in Devon are sure to make for a memorable day out. So, pack your bags, grab the lead, and head out to enjoy some of the best beaches in Plymouth UK, with your four-legged friend!
Embrace the natural beauty, explore the coastal paths, and soak in the rich maritime heritage that makes this area so unique. The perfect dog friendly beaches in Devon are just a short drive from Plymouth.
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