North Yorkshire’s Best Dog-Friendly Beaches
Discover the best locations that welcome dogs all year long
- Stories & Inspiration
- Dog Friendly Beaches
The North Yorkshire coast is a dream destination for dog lovers. With sweeping bays, dramatic cliffs, and charming seaside towns and villages, it’s the kind of place you’ll want to return to again and again. Each year between 1 May and 30 September, seasonal beach restrictions come into place. Your dog will still be welcome, but only on designated sections of the beach.
Read on for your complete guide to North Yorkshire’s best dog-friendly beaches!
Hunmanby Gap
Hunmanby Gap beach is often described as a hidden gem, gaining recognition for its peaceful, uncrowded sands and sweeping coastal views. When the tide is out, this long stretch of shoreline runs from the dramatic Speeton cliffs all the way to the charming seaside town of Filey. With the added bonus of being dog‑friendly all year long, it’s an ideal spot for anyone hoping to escape the busier beaches.
Dog restrictions: Dogs are welcome all year round
Accessibility: Access is via a steep path from the car park; not suitable for wheelchairs or those with limited mobility.
Tide times: The beach is wide at low tide and much narrower at high tide. Always check tide times before visiting.
Parking: Private cliff top car park, currently cash only.
Filey
Filey beach has space for everyone to enjoy! During the summer months, there are clearly marked areas just for dogs. As you step onto the seafront and turn left, you can head down to the beach below Filey Brigg, a stretch of sand that leads out towards the peninsula, dotted with rockpools and rich with wildlife.
Or turn right instead and walk to the end of the Royal Parade which offers miles of golden sands where your dog can run, play, and enjoy a refreshing paddle in the sea.
Dog restrictions: Between May 1 – 30 September dogs are not allowed on the central section of the beach. View a detailed map of dog-friendly areas.
Accessibility: Good access via ramps and slipways; several wheelchair friendly points.
Tide times: Please be aware you can get cut off by the tide here. Always check tide times.
Parking: Council operated car parks include Station Avenue and West Avenue car park.
Cayton Bay
A wild, rugged bay that’s dog‑friendly all year round, the stretch of coastline at Cayton Bay feels natural and untouched. Popular with holidaymakers and surfers, it’s a beautiful place to wander with your dog, breathe in the fresh sea air, and take in the view.
Make a day of it... pack a picnic, find a quiet spot on the sand, and enjoy one of the most unspoilt beaches in North Yorkshire.
Dog restrictions: Dogs are welcome all year round
Accessibility: Access is via a steep path and steps; not suitable for wheelchairs or those with limited mobility.
Tide times: The beach is wide at low tide and much narrower at high tide. Always check tide times before visiting.
Parking: There is on street parking and a private car park available.
Scarborough
A lively seaside town with two contrasting bays, Scarborough is a must‑visit for classic fish and chips followed by an ice cream on the promenade.
During the summer months, there are clearly marked areas just for dogs. On the North Bay, you can access the beach below Royal Albert Drive, as well as the stretch near SEA LIFE Scarborough.
Over on the South Bay, dogs can run free from the slipway leading towards Scarborough Spa and beyond.
Dog restrictions: Between May 1 – 30 September dogs are not allowed on main bathing areas of both North and South Bay. View a detailed map of dog-friendly areas.
Accessibility: Excellent access with ramps and wheelchair‑friendly paths.
Tide times: Always check tide times before you visit.
Parking: Council operated car parks are located on both North and South Bay.
Robin Hood's Bay
Robin Hood’s Bay is a true seaside treasure. This unforgettable village winds down a steep, cobbled hill to an all year round dog‑friendly beach. When the tide is out a vast stretch of rocky beach opens up, perfect for exploring rockpools, spotting wildlife and hunting for fossils. From here, you and your dog can wander along to Boggle Hole and join the King Charles III Coast Path for breath-taking coastal views.
Dog restrictions: Dogs are welcome all year round
Accessibility: Steep cobbled descent through the village; not wheelchair accessible.
Tide times: Low tide reveals rock pools and a wide sandy stretch; high tide can cover most of the beach. Always check tide times before you visit.
Parking: Council operated car parks include station car park and Bank Top car park. There is no parking at the bottom of the village.
Whitby
As one of the most well‑known places on the Yorkshire coast, the historic harbour town of Whitby has so much to offer and is very dog‑friendly. Although dogs aren’t allowed on the main section of West Cliff beach, they’re free to roam a large stretch to the north towards Sandsend. You can also visit Tate Hill Sands, a small, sheltered patch of sand within the main pier walls that welcomes dogs all year round.
Dog restrictions: Between May 1 – 30 September dogs are not allowed on the main West Cliff beach. View a detailed map of dog-friendly areas.
Accessibility: Access to the West Cliff beach is via a slope suitable for wheelchairs. Beach‑friendly wheelchairs are available to hire. Tate Hill Sands is not suitable for wheelchairs.
Tide times: Always check tide times before you visit.
Parking: There are several council operated car parks within the town, including West cliff car park.
Sandsend
To the north of Whitby you’ll find Sandsend beach, a lovely pace to stop for a sweet treat or delicious lunch.
The long stretch of beach connects all the way back to Whitby, and at low tide you can walk between the two with spectacular views the entire way. Dogs are not allowed on the main section of beach beside the village, but they’re welcome all year round on the outer stretches, giving you and your dog plenty of space to get your steps in.
Dog restrictions: Between May 1 – 30 September dogs are not allowed on main section close to village amenities. View a detailed map of dog-friendly areas.
Accessibility: Step free access is towards the north end of the beach. This is quite a steep walkway, not suitable for all wheelchair users.
Tide times: High tide can reach the sea wall in places, always check tide times before you visit.
Parking: Sandsend car park
Runswick Bay
Runswick Bay is a picture‑postcard village tucked into the hillside, looking out over a sweeping, sheltered bay. The small sandy beach is dog‑friendly all year round - just be sure to check the tide times before you set off.
It’s a favourite spot for fossil hunting, with rocky edges revealed at low tide, and its calm, gentle waters make it an ideal place for a dip in the sea.
Dog restrictions: Dogs are welcome all year round
Accessibility: Steep hill down to the beach; limited wheelchair access.
Tide times: Large sandy beach at low tide; high tide can sometimes cover the full beach. Always check tide times before you visit.
Parking: Council operated car parks include Bank Top and Bank Bottom.
Staithes
A wonderful fishing village filled with charm, Staithes is wrapped in steep cliffs and winding cobbled streets that lead you down to a small, sheltered harbour.
With links to scenic walking routes, it’s a great base for heading out on an adventure with your dog. The beach here is dog‑friendly all year round; although it is small and mostly disappears at high tide, the surrounding area remains a haven for dog walkers, offering beautiful views and plenty of coastal paths to explore.
Dog restrictions: Dogs are welcome all year round
Accessibility: Steep walk through the village; not wheelchair accessible.
Tide times: The beach is small and mostly disappears at high tide. Always check tide times before you visit.
Parking: Bank Top car park.
Wherever you roam, the North Yorkshire coast is best explored with a dog by your side.
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