Looking for the perfect place to take your furry friend for a day out in Weymouth? Look no further! We’ve rounded up the top 10 best dog-friendly beaches in Weymouth, complete with their restrictions and facilities. Whether you’re looking for sandy stretches or rugged coves, we’ve got you covered. So grab your leash and let’s explore some of the most beautiful spots in Dorset that both you and your four-legged companion can enjoy!
Best Dog Friendly Beaches in Weymouth -Top 10 With Their Restrictions
1. Weymouth Beach
Weymouth Beach is the ultimate destination for a family day out, and luckily it’s also one of the most dog-friendly beaches in Weymouth. With plenty of facilities and fun seaside activities, both you and your furry friend will have a blast here. Dogs are allowed to walk with you on this beach for much of the year, except between Easter and October when there are restrictions in place.
Even outside these seasonal restrictions, be sure to bring some warm clothing as the coastline can get chilly during quieter seasons. But don’t let that put you off – this sand and shingle beach is perfect for dogs who love exploring different terrains.
Plus, its proximity to Weymouth town centre means there’s no shortage of amenities nearby. From food and drink options to family attractions like arcades and playgrounds, everything is within easy reach for both you and your four-legged companion.
So after taking a scenic walk along the Jurassic Coast, head down to Weymouth Beach for some well-deserved relaxation time with your pup by your side. And with lifeguards on duty throughout peak season, safety won’t be an issue either!
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2. Bowleaze Cove
Bowleaze Cove is a unique dog-friendly beach in the Weymouth region that offers stunning views for miles ahead. Although it’s located a couple of miles away from the town centre, this pebbly cove is definitely worth checking out with your furry friend. It’s considered a cult hit among dog owners because of the history surrounding the area, such as the Roman ruins nearby Jordan Hill.
This beach connects close to the River Jordan and has plenty of family-friendly spots, making it an ideal destination to explore with your four-legged companion. You can enjoy rock pooling or even try out some watersports while taking in the beautiful surroundings.
Bowleaze Cove dogs are some of the happiest pups around! This bright and breezy beach walk is sure to put any grumpy dog in a good mood. Don’t forget to pack a lead just in case and check out other great dog walks in Weymouth like Highcliffe Castle and Mudeford Quay.
The best part about Bowleaze Cove? There are no seasonal restrictions on bringing your pup along – they’re welcome all year round! While there are no lifeguards on duty, there are facilities nearby including cafes, toilets, and car parks for convenience. So why not head down to Bowleaze Cove for an unforgettable adventure with your furry friend?
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3. Lulworth Cove
Lulworth Cove is a great spot for dogs and their owners to enjoy the beauty of nature. This horseshoe-shaped beach is surrounded by rugged cliffs, providing a serene and peaceful atmosphere that’s perfect for walking your furry friend. The sand and shingle beach has plenty of nooks and crannies to explore, making it an ideal destination if you’re looking for somewhere quieter than Weymouth Bay.
Dogs are welcome at Lulworth all year round, which is fantastic news for those seeking dog-friendly beaches in Dorset. It’s also an excellent starting point for exploring Mupe Bay via boat trips.
Although not as crowded as some other Weymouth beaches, Lulworth Cove still boasts several facilities like toilets, pubs, boat launches and car parks nearby. You might even consider renting a beach hut or house to extend your stay on this stunningly gorgeous beach.
We love how picturesque Lulworth looks with its clear waters contrasting against the surrounding cliffs – it’s one of our favourite spots in the region! While there are no seasonal restrictions imposed on dogs here, keeping them on leads may be safer due to the terrain.
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4. Church Ope Cove
Church Ope Cove on the Isle of Portland is a must-visit beach for dog owners looking for an adventure. Accessible via a steep set of stairs, this beautiful beach has crystal-clear waters that are perfect for snorkelling and diving. Visitors should be aware that there is no lifeguard service here due to strong currents, so it may not be suitable for swimming, especially with children.
One of the best things about Church Ope Cove is that dogs are allowed all year round! This makes it an excellent choice if you’re struggling to find beaches in Dorset where your furry friend can run around off-leash.
The walk along the surrounding hills to get to Church Ope Cove is also a memorable experience for both dogs and their owners. Along the way, make sure to stop by Rufus Castle and explore the ruins of old St Andrew’s Church. Don’t forget your camera or phone – this photogenic site will have you snapping away!
Facilities near the beach include a cafe, caravan park, beach huts for hire, and toilets. So pack some snacks and drinks before heading out with your pup!
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5. Lyme Regis
Lyme Regis Beach is a must-visit destination for dog owners and their furry friends. With its sand and pebble beach, it’s the perfect place for a stroll with your dog while taking in stunning views of the green hills surrounding the area.
Aside from being one of the best beaches in Dorset, Lyme Regis also has a rich history dating back to the 8th century. It’s famous among fossil hunters and was once home to Mary Anning, one of the world’s most renowned palaeontologists.
The beach offers plenty of activities for families including kayaking, canoeing, fishing, diving, sailing, swimming, and water skiing. The Lyme Regis Beach is also one of the best Surfing beaches in Dorset. It’s also known as the setting for ‘The French Lieutenant’s Woman’, making it an ideal spot if you enjoy culture alongside walking your dogs.
As this dog-friendly beach is located directly next to town centre facilities such as cafes restaurants shops are easily accessible. However during peak season from May to September, there are restrictions on where dogs can walk so ensure you bring a lead along!
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6. Ringstead Bay
Ringstead Bay is a hidden gem tucked away on the coast near Weymouth. With dogs allowed all year round, it’s an ideal spot to take your furry friend for a walk along the beach. The breathtaking cliffs and rolling farmland overlooking Ringstead Bay provide a stunning backdrop to your stroll.
From the National Trust car park on the cliffs, you can take a one-mile trail leading down onto the beach. This peaceful walk offers unobstructed views of boats, kite flyers, and even the Isle of Portland in the distance.
As you make your way onto this long sweeping beach made up of sand and shingle, let your dog explore their surroundings. They’ll love sniffing around pebbles, rocks, and grasses on this unspoilt stretch of coastline.
Keep an eye out for fossils while walking with your dog as Ringstead Bay is part of The Jurassic Coast. Fossils are often found dotted among the sand here!
Ringstead Bay is an idyllic location where you can enjoy the beautiful scenery with a man’s best friend by your side.
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7. Preston Beach
Preston Beach is one of the hidden gems among the many dog-friendly beaches in Weymouth. Situated just a little way along from the town, it’s easily accessible and offers a quieter experience than some of its more popular counterparts.
Locals love bringing their furry friends here year-round because of its peaceful atmosphere. It’s perfect for those looking to enjoy a relaxing walk with their pooch without too much noise or crowds.
Getting there is easy too as designated parking is available right by the beach, with a promenade that provides plenty of space for strolling alongside your pup.
If you’re into fishing, then Preston Beach makes for an excellent spot to cast your line. The area is well-known for beach fishing and boasts shallow waters as well as a reef that comes up quite close to shore – making it ideal for doggy paddles!
Preston Beach may be small but it has everything you need for an enjoyable day out with your four-legged friend. So why not head down and discover this hidden gem today?
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8. Smallmouth Bay
Smallmouth Bay is a hidden gem that’s just waiting to be discovered by dog owners in the Weymouth area. This partially grassy beach offers plenty of sand and shingle, with its gentle slope making it an ideal location for leisurely walks with your furry friend.
The beautiful view of the Isle of Portland only adds to the charm of this beach, which is tucked away next to the road that joins Portland to Weymouth. While there are a few houses overlooking Smallmouth Bay, long grasses and rocky terrain help keep it hidden from plain sight – perfect for those looking for a quiet stroll.
If you’re feeling up for more than just a walk on the beach, you can always follow the Rodwell trail right behind Smallmouth Bay. The trail follows a disused railway line that has since been paved, making it easy for dogs on leads to join in on all the fun.
However, one thing to keep in mind when visiting Smallmouth Bay is tide times. At high tide, much of this idyllic spot disappears beneath the water! So make sure you plan accordingly if you want your furry friends to enjoy their time here.
All in all, Smallmouth Bay is definitely worth checking out if you’re looking for something off-the-beaten-path while still having access to picturesque views and tranquil surroundings.
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9. Osmington Mills Beach
Osmington Mills Beach is a hidden gem that’s perfect for dog walking all year round. The rocky beach terrain and the water’s edge make it an exciting place for pooches to explore. Dogs can sniff around the boulders, plants and little nooks while you take in the beautiful scenery.
To get there, you can take the steps down onto the beach from the car park outside Smuggler’s Inn at the top of the hill or come off one of many trails that snake around this area of Dorset including South West Coast Path. And when you’ve finished rambling over boulders and tufts of wild grasses, stop off at Smuggler’s Inn for a hearty plate of food – dogs are rewarded with dog biscuits and a refreshing bowl of water!
Osmington Mills is famous for its smugglers’ roots, so if you’re interested in history, don’t miss visiting Smuggler’s Inn which tells many stories about darker pasts. But even if history isn’t your thing, Osmington Mills Beach itself is worth exploring.
This beautifully rugged area boasts stunning views overlooking pretty countryside dotted with buildings. It’s also home to lots of varied and rare insects, animals, and plants making it an ideal spot to immerse yourself in nature while walking your furry companion.
Osmington Mills Beach offers something unique compared to other beaches in the South West region on our list – a mix between natural beauty and local lore!
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10. Gore Cove
Gore Cove is a hidden gem that both you and your furry friend will absolutely love. This pebbly cove forms part of The Fleet Lagoon, which is a protected area behind Chesil Beach. While the water may not be ideal for doggy paddles, there are plenty of stones, plants, and little nooks perfect for inquisitive sniffs.
One of the best things about Gore Cove is its picturesque surroundings. The cove overlooks the pretty countryside and buildings dotted around the landscape. It’s also home to lots of varied and rare insects, animals, and plants – making it an excellent spot for nature lovers.
If you’re up for more adventure after exploring Gore Cove itself, don’t worry – there’s more! The South West Coast Path runs right behind the cove so it’s easy to stop and enjoy from here. Or if you want to extend your dog walk further along the coastline, pick up the trail after your visit to Gore Cove.
All in all, Gore Cove is definitely worth checking out if you’re looking for a unique place to take your furry friend on a tranquil walk along Dorset’s stunning coastline.
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Conclusion
To conclude, Weymouth is a fantastic destination for those with furry friends. With so many dog-friendly beaches to choose from, you and your four-legged companion are sure to have an unforgettable time exploring the stunning coastline of Dorset. From sandy stretches like Weymouth Beach to rocky coves such as Church Ope Cove, there’s something for every type of beach-loving pup out there. Just remember to check seasonal restrictions and keep your dogs on leads where necessary, respect the local environment and enjoy all that this beautiful part of the UK has to offer!
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