Cool off: the UK's best dog-friendly waters
There's nothing quite like watching your dog sprint full-speed into the sea, ears flying, tail in turbo mode. But not all beaches are dog-friendly all year, and a "no dogs" sign is a sure-fire way to take the wag out of a summer day.
We've rounded up our favourite UK beaches that always welcome four-legged visitors, even in peak season. So whether you're chasing sunsets in Wales or cooling off on a Scottish coast, these spots are ideal for paddles, picnics and post-walk naps in the sand.
1. Rhossili Bay, Swansea (Wales)
Regularly voted one of the UK's best beaches, and even among the world's, Rhossili Bay is a dog's dream. Miles of golden sand, shallow surf, and no dog restrictions at all.
Why we love it:
- Huge open space
- Great for off-lead runs
- Ice cream kiosk nearby (for you & them)
2. Holkham Beach, Norfolk
Part of a nature reserve, this beach is stunning, quiet and spacious. Dogs are welcome year-round, though leads are asked for (in some areas) during bird nesting season.
Why we love it:
- Sweeping dunes and shaded woodland walks nearby
- Ideal for a quieter visit
- Beautiful views throughout
3. Westward Ho!, Devon
Some restrictions apply to parts of the beach in summer, but the Northam Burrows end is open to dogs all year round, and it's a lovely spot.
Why we love it:
- Long tidal stretches
- Nearby cafés with dog treats
- Rock pools to explore
4. Embo Beach, Sutherland (Scotland)
Looking for somewhere quiet and beautiful? Embo Beach offers gentle waves and a real lack of summer crowds.
Why we love it:
- No restrictions, ever
- Cool coastal breeze on hot days
- A calm option for dogs who prefer peace over crowds
5. Cemlyn Bay, Anglesey (North Wales)
Tucked away on the Isle of Anglesey, this hidden gem suits nature-loving dogs and owners alike. Expect a shingle beach, rock pools and the odd seal sighting.
Why we love it:
- Sea breeze keeps things cool on hot days
- All-year dog access
- Wildlife and standout views
6. Formby Beach, Merseyside
Backed by pine woods and sand dunes, Formby is a National Trust site with plenty of trails and dog-friendly stretches of sand.
Why we love it:
- Woodland and sea in one walk
- Great space for fetch
- Dog-friendly all year round (keep an eye out in squirrel conservation areas)
7. West Bay, Dorset
A dog-friendly stretch of beach beneath the dramatic Jurassic Coast cliffs, with year-round access for dogs. It's also home to a Baboo Gelato kiosk, where with each Doggy Doggy Yum Yum ice creams come with a Caboodle chew ‘flake’. It's the perfect spot for a post-swim treat for both ends of the lead.
Why we love it:
- Dramatic cliff scenery along the Jurassic Coast
- Dog-friendly beach access all year round
- A Baboo Gelato kiosk on The Green, right by the harbour
Cool off inland: the UK's best dog-friendly lakes, reservoirs and rivers
A beach day isn't the only way to cool off. Inland lakes, reservoirs and rivers across the UK offer just as good a swim, often with fewer crowds and an easier drive. Here are six of our favourites, one from each corner of the country.
1. Fell Foot Park, Lake District, Cumbria (North West England)
A National Trust site at the southern tip of Windermere, with gentle lakeside access points and parkland to explore before or after a swim.
Why we love it:
- Peaceful lakeside setting
- Shallow, easy entry points
- Shaded woodland nearby for a cooler walk
2. Dovestone Reservoir, Peak District (Greater Manchester/Derbyshire border)
One of the most scenic inland swim spots in the North, with several shallow entry points and countryside trails around the water.
Why we love it:
- Easy access from Manchester
- Dramatic Peak District scenery
- A good mix of paddling and proper walking
3. Cotswold Water Park, Gloucestershire (South West England)
A network of former gravel pits turned lakes, with designated dog-swim zones and circular trails, right on our doorstep.
Why we love it:
- Calm, clear water
- Easy parking
- A lakeside café for a post-swim treat (for you and your dog)
4. Llyn Idwal, Snowdonia (Wales)
A mountain lake reached by a short, scenic walk, with clean, cold water and dramatic surroundings.
Why we love it:
- Genuinely stunning scenery
- Cooler water on the hottest days
- A proper walk built into the trip
5. Scottish lochs (Scotland)
Scotland has a real advantage here: swimming in lochs and reservoirs has been legal since 2003, opening up far more options than England and Wales, where most reservoirs are privately owned. Lochs around the Trossachs and Loch Lomond are popular with dog owners for their space and scenery.
Why we love it:
- Fewer access restrictions than further south
- Huge open spaces
- Some of the best scenery in the UK
6. Frensham Great Pond, Surrey (South East England)
A large, sandy-shored pond surrounded by heathland, popular with dog owners looking for a swim without heading to the coast.
Why we love it:
- Sandy entry points that feel beach-like, without the drive
- Heathland walks nearby
- Easy day-trip distance from London
Before you go
Whether it's coast or inland, a few basics apply everywhere:
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Always check tide times at the coast, and access rules or seasonal restrictions inland.
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Bring plenty of fresh water and shade, even at the water's edge. Dogs shouldn't be drinking from the sea, lakes or rivers.
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Watch out for strong currents at the coast, and check for blue-green algae warnings at inland lakes and reservoirs in warm weather. If the water looks discoloured or has a scummy surface, keep your dog out.
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Rinse sandy paws and salty fur after a beach visit, and dry thoroughly after any swim, paying attention to ears, paws and skin folds.
And don't forget a frozen Caboodle stuffed bone for the journey home. Got a favourite dog-friendly swim spot we missed? Tag us @caboodlers and let us know.
