Dog Friendly Beaches on the English Riviera

With 22 miles of coastline, long sandy beaches and hidden coves, there are plenty of places to enjoy the seaside at the English Riviera, but what about your four-legged friend? Use this guide to discover the best places to enjoy a beach dog walk and understand the summer restrictions for dogs on beaches.

Year-round dog friendly beaches

There are many English Riviera beaches where dogs are allowed all year round. In the traditional fishing town of Brixham, you can find dog friendly secluded coves. In the seaside town of Paignton, there is a year-round dog friendly long sandy beach. In Torquay, there are wonderful dog-friendly beaches nestled in woodlands. The following beaches are dog-friendly all year round.

Brixham

Fishcombe Cove and Churston Cove: Wander through the dog-friendly park Battery Gardens which will lead you to the secluded Fishcombe Cove and onwards through Churston Woods to finish at Churston Cove. Both coves are sheltered by high cliffs decorated with green trees on either side and offer beautiful views over their sparkling turquoise water. They are shingle beaches with shallow waters, perfect for letting your pet (or you!) cool off in the waters. Keep an eye out for local seals here – and if you do spot one, please respect the wildlife and make sure that both you and your dog keep your distance.

Elberry Cove: Follow the Coast Path through the woodlands from Churston Cove round to Elberry Cove – or walk from Broadsands Beach over the large green to Elberry Cove. Elberry Cove is a stunningly beautiful pebble beach, with the ruined remains of Lord Churston’s bathhouse at one end. It is a favourite for dog walkers as it is adjacent to woodlands on one side and a large seafront green on the other, providing plenty of space for dogs to run around whilst their owners enjoy the spectacular sea views. The shoreline at Elberry Cove is quite steep and the water gets very deep very quickly so be sure to keep an eye on your furry friend here.

St Mary’s Bay: On the other side of Brixham, you will find St Mary’s Bay – a long sandy beach surrounded by interesting rock formations and cliffs. A favourite for dog walkers all year round, this beach is accessed via the South West Coast Path from Berry Head or Sharkham Point. It is not for the faint hearted though as it is found at the bottom of a steep set of stairs and accessed by a narrow footpath.

Paignton

Fairy Cove: At the South end of Paignton Sands, over the harbour wall is a hidden, largely unknown beach named Fairy Cove. The sand has an unusual red tinge due to the red sandstone cliffs surrounding the beach. At low tide there are many rock pools which are great for discovering the local wildlife. This beach is popular with divers due to the clear water visibility, vast array of marine life, intriguing caverns and the remains of three shipwrecks.

Oyster Cove and Saltern Cove: Nestled in between Goodrington Sands and Broadsands are Oyster Cove and Saltern Cove. Accessed via the South West Coast Path, these two secluded coves are a little-known secret. Both coves are dog friendly all year round, and a great place to escape the summer crowds. Saltern Cove is a key site in the UNESCO Global Geopark, a local marine nature reserve and the only underwater Site of Specific Scientific Interest in the UK.

Goodrington Sands: The North Side of Goodrington Sands is dog friendly all year round. The long sandy beach is a favourite for dog walkers as the soft sands and shallow waters are a perfect place for your pooch to play. Adjacent to a promenade, large open green and manmade lake, Goodrington Sands is a great place to bring the family. Please be aware that there is a nature reserve next to the lake where many wild birds, including swans, call home. Dogs are not allowed in this nature reserve to protect the local wildlife.

Torquay

Anstey’s Cove: Off the beaten track in Torquay, you’ll find a peaceful and beautiful shingle beach called Anstey’s Cove. Accessed via the South West Coast Path, and at the bottom of a steep hill, Anstey’s Cove is dog friendly all year round. This idyllic beach is surrounded by thick woodlands, providing a great place for you and your pet to explore.

Babbacombe Beach: Accessed via a very steep hill through woodlands, you’ll find Babbacombe Beach next to the boutique hotel Cary Arms. The sand and shingle beach is surrounded by thickly wooded cliffs. A car park next to the beach makes it great for dog walkers – beware though, the single-track road down to the car park is incredibly steep and features a lot of bends so it is not for the faint hearted!

Maidencombe Beach: The north eastern part of Maidencombe Beach is dog-friendly all year round. A quiet retreat from the hustle and bustle of larger beaches, Madiencombe Beach can be found in the rolling countryside of Maidencombe, near Babbacombe. Surrounded by towering red stone cliffs, this sandy beach has spectacular views. Car parking is available in the small pay and display car park, and a steep set of steps lead to the beach.

Livermead Beach: is dog-friendly all year round. This beach is popular with water sports, and has many rockpools for your four-legged friends to explore. Be aware that there is no sand at high tide.

Beacon Cove: This rocky, shingle beach is dog-friendly all year round. Protected by the high cliffs, Beacon Cove is mild on even the coldest of days. There is a ramp down to the beach from road level, and a short ramp from the pavement down to the promenade. Steps with a handrail lead to the sea.

Winter only dog friendly beaches

From 1st May until 30th September each year, dogs are not allowed on certain beaches. During this period dogs must also be kept on a lead on promenades adjacent to the beaches where dogs are not allowed. However, this means that for over half the year, dogs are allowed on all beaches on the English Riviera. In addition to those above, the following beaches are also available for dog walks between 1st October – 30th April.

Brixham

Breakwater Beach: Just a short walk from Brixham Harbour, Breakwater Beach has one of the cleanest waters on the English Riviera. The pebble beach has adjoining car parking and a ramp for wheelchair access. A favourite with holiday makers in the summer, the winter months provide a haven for dog walkers to enjoy the white pebbles and the clear turquoise water with fantastic views towards Torquay.

Paignton

Broadsands Beach: In between Paignton and Brixham is the long sandy Broadands Beach. With soft sand, rockpools at either end and shallow waters, it is a great place for your dog to play during the winter months. Behind the beach is a long promenade and green parkland. On the other side of the beach, is a large seafront green that leads to Elberry Cove. These places are all dog-friendly too.

Goodrington Sands: During the winter months, dogs are allowed at the south sands between the cliffs at the southern end and the signs at Middlestone to the north. The long sandy beach with safe swimming conditions, and next to the green is a great place for the whole family, including your pets to enjoy during the off-peak season.

Paignton Sands: From 1^st October – 30^th April, you and your four-legged friend can enjoy the long sandy beach and safe swimming waters of Paignton Sands. With a long promenade, ramps and car parking close by, Paignton Sands provide an accessible place for all.

Preston Sands: A short walk from Paignton is Preston Sands, another long sandy beach with shallow waters. Along the back of the beach there is a promenade lined with colourful beach huts. There is a dog exercise area on the green.

Torquay

Torre Abbey Sands: The main beach for Torquay allows dogs during the winter months. This long sandy beach is just a short walk from the harbour. Across the road is Torre Abbey Meadows – a large green space next to beautifully manicured Italian Gardens.

Oddicombe Beach: Near to Babbacombe Downs, Oddicombe Beach is accessed via a steep road or the easier Babbacombe Cliff Railway who accept well behaved dogs in the carriages. The sandy beach is an English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark Key Site with evidence of limestones having been dramatically twisted and turned by geological forces.

Meadfoot Beach: The south western part of the beach between notices displayed on the foreshore is dog friendly during the winter months. A mile from Torquay harbour, this beach offers stunning views across the Bay. Walk the coastal path from Torquay harbour past the Imperial Hotel entrance, on to Daddyhole Plain and then down to Meadfoot.