Three Yorkshire Towns Crowned Amongst the UK's Most Dog-Friendly Beaches

Ever tried planning a family holiday and faced the classic dilemma: what about the dog? For countless people across the UK, a trip away just isn't the same without their four-legged friend. It turns out that a huge number of dog owners feel exactly the same. So much so, that many would rather cancel their plans than leave their pet behind. The good news is that finding the perfect dog-friendly getaway might just have become a whole lot easier, especially for those with a soft spot for the coast. Fresh research published on 31 March 2026 has uncovered the best spots for a seaside adventure with a furry companion, and it’s a massive win for Yorkshire.

Yorkshire takes the crown for dog-friendly beaches

It’s official: Yorkshire is the top dog when it comes to welcoming pets to its shores. According to brand new research from holiday provider Parkdean Resorts, three of the county’s stunning coastal towns have scooped the gold, silver, and bronze medals for the most dog-friendly beaches in the entire UK. Whitby, Saltburn, and Cayton Bay Beach were all named as the top three destinations where dogs and their owners can enjoy the sand and sea together. This is brilliant news for anyone planning a local staycation or a fun weekend break.

The study looked at reviews and discussions online to figure out which beaches got the most love from the dog-owning community. While the top spots were firmly in Yorkshire, other beautiful locations from Devon to Merseyside also made the list, offering plenty of choice for a seaside holiday.

• 1 – Whitby

  • Region: North Yorkshire

• 2 – Saltburn

  • Region: North Yorkshire

• 3 – Cayton Bay Beach

  • Region: North Yorkshire

• 4 – Saunton Sands

  • Region: Devon

• 5 – West Wittering Beach

  • Region: West Sussex

• 6 – Long Rock Beach

  • Region: Cornwall

• 7 – Hunstanton Beach

  • Region: East Anglia

• 8 – Hayle Beach

  • Region: Cornwall

• 9 – Botany Bay

  • Region: Kent

• 10 – Formby Beach

  • Region: Merseyside

The great British staycation is a dog's best friend

The research, which surveyed 500 UK dog owners during the week commencing 9th March, shows just how deep the bond between people and their pets goes. A huge 67% of dog owners admitted they have considered cancelling a holiday because they couldn’t find a suitable dog-friendly option. It seems the thought of leaving them behind is just too much for many. In fact, over half (54%) would much rather plan a dog-friendly staycation in the UK than travel abroad without them. However, it’s not always simple. Almost half of those surveyed (49%) said they find it difficult to track down friendly accommodation, whether that’s lodges, caravans, or cottages. This is where a bit of expert advice can make all the difference.

Top tips for a stress-free holiday with your dog

To help make planning that perfect trip a bit easier, Parkdean Resorts has teamed up with Woodgreen Pets Charity to offer some handy travel tips. Ciara Pollen, a dog behaviour and training specialist at the charity, says a bit of forward planning can turn a good holiday into a great one. She explained,

“Preparation is key to ensuring you have an enjoyable holiday with your dog, and that your dog has the best experience too. Make sure to plan activities and things like restaurants ahead of time, to ensure there aren’t any restrictions that might catch you out at the last minute, like dogs not being allowed indoors.”

“This isn't as obvious, but make sure to plan for a change of plan. If your dog seems stressed and needs a quieter day, or it’s due to be too hot for dogs to be outside in the middle of the day, it’s important to have backup options.”

“Finally, it’s important to look up local vets wherever you’re staying in case of an emergency, and of course, make sure your dog has an up-to-date phone number on their microchip and tag/collar.”

Making car journeys a walk in the park

The holiday doesn't start when you arrive; it starts with the journey. For many, this means long car journeys, which can be stressful for some dogs. Ciara has some tips for this too. “Taking regular car journeys in the build-up to your trip can help them get used to travelling and help them settle on the day of your holiday journey.” A few short, fun trips to local parks can make the car seem like a much friendlier place. When it comes to the actual travel day, she advises, “On any car journey, make sure your dog is comfortable and securely harnessed or contained during the journey. It’s a good idea to plan your holiday route to factor in breaks so they can go to the toilet and stretch their legs.” And she gives one vital warning: “Never leave your dog in a locked vehicle, especially on warm days where temperatures can quickly become dangerously hot.”

Helping your dog settle in and avoid feeling overwhelmed

Arriving somewhere new can be exciting for humans, but for a dog, it can be a bit much. An unfamiliar space with new smells and sounds can leave a pet feeling overwhelmed. Ciara points out what to watch for: “Dogs who are struggling may show subdued body language, be reluctant to respond to their name, or refuse to eat. Many people interpret this as the dog being naughty, but most of the time, the dog is struggling and needs support. Dogs may pant, pin their ears back and try to run away - they may even growl if too many people get close.”

If this happens, the best thing to do is give them space. “If you think your dog is overwhelmed, try to give them a little time to relax and calm down. This may mean heading back to the car or sitting somewhere quiet for a while. Try not to force your dog into a situation where they feel uncomfortable.” One of the best ways to help a dog feel at home is to bring a slice of home with them. Packing some familiar items can work wonders. Ciara recommends, “Take their usual food and water bowls, and enough food and treats for the holiday... Pack their favourite toys and chews, to keep them occupied... Having their beds and/or blankets, preferably not washed, will help them to feel secure and comfortable because of the scent of home.”

A warm welcome for four-legged friends

For companies like Parkdean Resorts, making sure the whole family feels welcome is a priority. Anthony Reilly, the Marketing Director, commented on the findings.

“A holiday isn't truly a family holiday unless the dog is there to enjoy it too. That’s why all 65 of our parks are dog-friendly. Our goal is to ensure that no family member is left behind, allowing every guest - on two legs or four - to focus on what really matters: enjoying some precious together time by the coast and countryside on a dog-friendly weekend break or a week-long family holiday.”

With so many dog-friendly parks and beaches to choose from, planning that perfect UK holiday with a furry best friend has never looked more appealing.