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9 of the best dog friendly beaches In Essex
If you’re a dog owner, Essex is the perfect UK holiday destination for you, with plenty of dog friendly beaches in Essex to explore! We’ve got you covered for finding some of the best in the county…
Whether you want to visit a hidden gem, like Irlam’s Beach, or pining after the more traditional seaside experience on Brightlingsea Beach, you can find something to suit all tastes! Bring the whole family on holiday, including the dog, where you can find the perfect holiday park to relax in after hours of beach fun.
We want to ensure that you have the best time and that your doggy friends are properly catered for too, and with this guide, you can do just that!
West Mersea Beach
West Mersea Beach is a picturesque pebble beach located on the island of Mersea, off the coast of Essex. This charming seaside destination is a popular spot for families and tourists alike. Backed by a promenade lined with colourful beach huts, creating a quintessential British seaside atmosphere.
Find out moreIt’s the perfect holiday hotspot, especially if you’re staying at the Mersea Island Holiday Park (only a 10-minute drive away), and is one of the best dog friendly beaches in Essex in the summer!
Dog restrictions: Dogs are welcome all year round, but must be kept on leads during the summer months in some sections of the shoreline. This will be clearly marked.
St Osyth Beach
This unspoilt, south-facing sand and shingle beach is located just west of Clacton on Sea. St Osyth Beach is very stoney, however, it’s the perfect calming environment to bring the dog for some beautiful walks. Hear the waves washing on the shore and watch your entire family explore this stunning location.
Find out moreAnd remember to bring your camera to snap some of the most perfect scenery you can find to cherish your Essex holiday memories!
Dog restrictions: Dogs are welcome all year round.
Cudmore Grove Beach
Cudmore Grove Beach is on the eastern side of Mersea Island, set within Cudmore Grove Country Park – a National Nature Reserve and Special Protection Area. This sand and pebble beach is backed by grassy dunes and offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of nearby towns. Here, you can enjoy a range of activities, such as beach walks, picnics, and bird watching.
Find out moreIt’s also a great place to paddle with your pooch, so why not come and take a dip at one of the best dog friendly beaches in Essex?
Dog restrictions: Dogs are welcome all year round.
Brightlingsea Beach
Rich in seafaring history, this is the only Cinque Port outside Kent and Sussex, and under an hour’s drive away from Mersea Island! This sandy beach is known for its colourful beach huts, which add to the traditional seaside atmosphere – perfect for a dog friendly day out. You can stroll along the promenade, indulge in some local fish and chips.
Find out moreYou can find some excellent opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife spotting. Brightlingsea Beach hosts yearly international sailing events, so you could even catch one on your next visit!
Dog restrictions: Seasonal dog restriction between 1st May – 30th September, from the West Marsh Point covering the paddling pool area and both beaches east of the pool.
Clacton Beach
Clacton Beach is one of the most popular and iconic beaches in Essex, with its long stretch of golden sand that’s backed by a bustling promenade lined with your favourite seaside amusements. You can enjoy a range of activities, from building sandcastles and swimming to playing a game of fetch with your pooch.
Find out moreThe beach is also a great spot for watersports enthusiasts, with opportunities for sailing, windsurfing, and more.
Dog restrictions: Seasonal dog restrictions between 1st May – 30th September (inclusive), from the beach between the Pier to West Road out-fall pipe on Martello Bay.
Irlam’s Beach
This hidden gem on the Essex coastline is the perfect secluded beach that offers a peaceful escape from the crowds, with its stretch of golden sand and grassy dunes. Irlam’s Beach, which can sometimes be written as Earlham’s, is the perfect spot to take in the views across the sea towards the docks up the coast.
Find out moreCome and discover this secret beach that might make it into your top spot for the best Essex dog friendly beaches!
Dog restrictions: Dogs are welcome all year round.
Dovercourt Bay Beach
Dovercourt Bay Beach is a sand and shingle beach that’s a popular spot for families and visitors alike, offering a range of amenities, including a promenade, beach huts, and cafes. You can enjoy a stroll along the beach with your furry friend by your side, take part in beach games, or explore the nearby seaside town, which offers a range of shops and attractions.
Find out moreDog restrictions: Seasonal dog restrictions between 1st May – 30th September. These areas cover the north from Mill Lane subway to the end of the promenade at Spa Cabins, and in the south from the slipway southwest of Swimming Pool to Upper Lighthouse – southwest of Beach Road.
Holland-on-Sea
Just north of Clacton Pier, Holland-on-Sea is a charming seaside town located in Essex, boasting a beautiful sandy beach. This beach is a popular destination for all, offering beach huts, cafes, and amusement arcades. Why not enjoy a spot of swimming, sunbathing, and playing some beach games with your pooch?
Find out moreIf you keep walking along the beach, you’ll find an area called the Holland Haven, where you’ll find the country park, which is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
Dog restrictions: Seasonal dog restriction between 1st May – 30th September from the breakwater south west of Queensway to the café north west of Queensway.
The Naze Beach
The Naze Beach is a stunning stretch of coastline located just north of Walton-on-the-Naze, Essex. This beach is known for its dramatic cliffs, which offer stunning views of the surrounding area. Visitors can enjoy a range of activities such as beach walks, fossil hunting, and more.
Find out moreThe nearby John Weston Nature Reserve offers additional attractions for those interested in history and nature, making for one of the best dog friendly beaches in Essex
Dog restrictions: Dog friendly all year round, but there are a few areas where they must be kept on leads from 1st May – 30th September, so look out for public signage indicating where these are.
Remember to always check the dog restrictions yourself before visiting as some may vary.
Find a dog friendly beach in Essex suitable for every season…
With plenty of dog friendly beaches in Essex to explore with your pooch, where will you be visiting first? No matter what season you plan your next Essex holiday for, you’ll find the perfect destination, especially if you’re on the lookout for dog friendly beaches in Essex during summer!
Did you know that the Essex coastline is over 350 miles long, which is as big as the distance from London to Germany? You can imagine just how long this would all take to explore, but why not accomplish some miles after you book your next holiday park stay?
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Take a look at beaches by region:
Hampshire | Scotland | Isle of Wight | Dorset | North Wales | Yorkshire | Lincolnshire | Cornwall