If you've got a dog, you'll know that a trip to the beach isn't just a walk, it's an event. The excitement when they first clock the sea. The zoomies across the sand. The obligatory roll in something questionable. Pure joy, for them and for you.
As summer arrives on the East Yorkshire coast, you might have spotted that some beaches introduce seasonal exclusion zones to keep things comfortable for everyone during the busiest months. Totally understandable, but if you're a dog owner it can feel a bit deflating.
Here's the good news: East Yorkshire has some genuinely brilliant beaches where your four-legged companion is welcome all year round. And even at the beaches that do have seasonal restrictions, there are still stretches where dogs are welcome throughout the summer. So instead of focusing on where you can't go, let's talk about all the amazing places you absolutely can.
What are the exclusion zones all about?
Seasonal dog restrictions are common on busy UK beaches during the summer months, typically running from around May to September. They're designed to keep designated areas of the beach family-friendly during peak season, particularly where small children are playing in the sand.
It's worth checking the latest rules for specific beaches before you set off and signage on site will always make the current boundaries clear. But rather than let it put a dampener on your plans, use it as a nudge to explore some parts of the East Yorkshire coast you might not have visited. Trust us, there are some real gems waiting for you and your dog.
Dogs are still welcome at Bridlington, Withernsea and Hornsea
Just because a beach has seasonal restrictions doesn't mean it's completely off limits for dogs. At Bridlington North Beach, Bridlington South Beach, Withernsea and Hornsea, exclusion zones apply to certain sections of the beach between May and September but there are still designated stretches at each of these beaches where dogs are welcome even during the summer months.
The key is knowing exactly where those stretches are before you arrive, so you can head straight to the right spot. There are maps for each beach clearly showing which sections remain open to dogs throughout the season. A quick look before you set off means no confusion and a much more relaxed day out for everyone.
So if Bridlington, Withernsea or Hornsea is your go-to, don't write them off this summer. Just check the map, head to the right stretch, and enjoy.
East Yorkshire's year-round dog-friendly beaches
Fraisthorpe Beach
Fraisthorpe is a bit of a hidden treasure, and honestly, it's all the better for it. This long, relatively quiet stretch of sand sits just south of Bridlington and rarely gets the same crowds as its more famous neighbour, which makes it absolutely ideal for a dog walk. There's loads of space to let your dog run free, and the wide open beach means you can keep a good eye on them while they do their thing. It's a wonderful spot for an early morning or evening walk when the light over the North Sea is something else.
After all that fresh air and sand, The Cowshed at Fraisthorpe is the perfect place to refuel. This dog-friendly café and takeaway sits close to the beach and serves quality food made with locally sourced ingredients - things like burgers, freshly baked cakes and scones, and great coffee. There's indoor and outdoor seating, open Tuesday to Sunday from 9.30am to 3.30pm. In summer, the adjacent Calf Shed takeaway is also open for ice creams and drinks to take down to the beach. And there's a Woofy Wash self-service dog wash station here too. For just £5 you can get your sandy, salty dog cleaned and dried before the journey home, which your car seats will be very grateful for!
You'll also find a private car park with space for around 100 cars close to beach. The beach is accessed via a short track and is best suited to those happy with a short walk to reach the sand.
Flamborough North Landing
North Landing is one of East Yorkshire's most dramatic and atmospheric spots, a sheltered cove tucked into the chalk cliffs at Flamborough Head. It's the kind of place that genuinely takes your breath away the first time you see it, and it never really gets old. Dogs are welcome here year-round, and they tend to love the combination of sea, rock pools, and interesting smells (the seabirds nesting on the cliffs are very much of interest to most dogs. Keep yours on a lead near the cliff edges). It's a shorter beach than some on this list, but what it lacks in length it more than makes up for in character.
There's a good sized car park at North Landing with space for around 150 cars, just bear in mind that parking charges apply during the summer months. Near the car park you'll find toilets (open in summer), a café and a shop, so you're well catered for before you head down to the beach. Access is via a steep slope, so we wouldn't recommend it for those with mobility considerations, wheelchair users or pushchairs, though most dogs will absolutely fly down it. Halfway down you'll find a takeaway called Boathouse, serving drinks, snacks and locally landed seafood including lobster, which is a pretty special thing to enjoy while you take in those dramatic chalk cliff views.
Mappleton Beach
Mappleton is a small village on the Holderness Coast with a wide, sandy beach that dog owners absolutely love, and it's easy to see why. At low tide in particular, the beach really comes into its own, opening up into a vast expanse of sand that's ideal for a proper off-the-lead run. There's bags of space, very few crowds, and that rare feeling of having a beautiful stretch of coastline almost entirely to yourself.
It's also a fantastic spot for anyone who loves a bit of history with their walk. Mappleton sits on one of the fastest-eroding stretches of coastline in the whole of Europe, with the sea reclaiming land at an astonishing rate and you can genuinely see and feel that sense of the landscape being shaped by the sea. Keen fossil hunters will find it particularly rewarding, as the eroding cliffs regularly reveal ancient treasures. Just be sure to keep well away from the cliff edges, and be aware that the beach is occasionally used by the military for clearing old armaments from its former MoD bombing range days any metal objects on the beach should be left well alone.
It's not the flashiest spot on this list, but sometimes that's exactly what you want - somewhere to park up, let the dog have a good run, breathe in that North Sea air, and just enjoy the space.
There's free parking for around 20 cars at the top of the cliffs, with toilets on site open all year round. Access to the beach is via a long, steep slipway which is worth bearing in mind if you have limited mobility, but most dogs will think it's brilliant. The beach to the left at the bottom of the slipway is generally flat and sandy; the right-hand side can be rockier depending on sand levels. There's a café nearby, and Hornsea is just a short drive away if you fancy more facilities after your walk. Given the parking is limited it's worth arriving early, particularly in summer.
Thornwick Bay
Thornwick Bay is a real showstopper - a secluded cove framed by magnificent white chalk cliffs that genuinely looks like it belongs on a postcard. It sits just north of Flamborough and sees far fewer visitors than the more well-known beaches nearby, which makes it feel like a proper find when you arrive.
There are actually two beaches here: Thornwick Bay itself, and the smaller Little Thornwick tucked in beside it. Both are stunning in their own right, and the combination of dramatic cliff scenery, rock pools to investigate and crystal-clear water that's often calmer than the open sea makes it a sensory paradise for dogs. If yours is a fan of a supervised splash, this is a great spot for it. And the nesting seabirds overhead? Absolutely riveting viewing for any dog with a lively interest in wildlife, so it's worth keeping a close eye on excitable ones near the cliff edges.
It's also a wonderfully peaceful spot which makes it a particularly good choice for nervous dogs or those who get overwhelmed by busier beach environments. There's space to breathe, explore and just enjoy the surroundings without the crowds.
Parking is via a seasonal private car park with charges applying in summer. A café and toilets are located next to the car park at the top of the cliff, though both have seasonal opening times, so it's worth checking ahead if you're visiting outside peak season. Access to the beach is via a fairly steep and uneven path and the final section involves metal steps leading directly onto the sand so it isn't suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs. Good footwear is definitely recommended, especially after wet weather when the path can get muddy and slippery. Keep dogs on leads on the cliff-top paths before heading down, particularly if they have a tendency to chase seabirds.
Wilsthorpe Beach
Wilsthorpe sits just a couple of miles south of Bridlington, nestled between the bustle of the town and the quieter sands of Fraisthorpe. It's a long, sandy beach that slopes gently into the sea and is backed by grassy dunes and very low cliffs. A gentle, easy-going stretch of coastline that makes for a thoroughly enjoyable dog walk at any time of year.
At low tide the beach really opens up, revealing a wide expanse of sand that's ideal for a proper run around. The water quality here is rated excellent, which is good news if your dog is the sort who can't resist a paddle. It's also popular with sea anglers and wind surfers, so there's usually a relaxed, outdoorsy vibe about the place that feels very East Yorkshire.
Like Mappleton, there's a fascinating bit of history hiding in plain sight here too. This stretch of coastline was heavily defended during the Second World War, and you can still spot the old anti-tank blocks along the shoreline near where the medieval village of Wilsthorpe once stood.
It's also a really practical choice if you're based in or visiting Bridlington. You get the peaceful, uncrowded feel of a quieter beach while still having all the amenities of the town just a short distance away.
Parking is at the Bridlington Park and Ride, with access to the beach via a steep slipway so care should be taken as the surface can be uneven. Once on the beach itself it's largely flat with soft sand, making it a comfortable walk. Toilets are available all year round, with a café open during the summer months. Wheelchair users can access the beach via beach wheelchairs available to hire, just call the Coastal Services Office to book ahead. Bridlington town centre is also easily reachable from the Park and Ride by bus or land train along the promenade if you fancy extending your day out after the walk.
Danes Dyke
Danes Dyke is more of a nature reserve experience than a traditional beach trip. A wooded valley leads down to a pebbly beach, and the walk through the trees is lovely in its own right. Dogs tend to go absolutely wild for it.
One tip that makes a real difference here is to check the tide times before you visit. At high tide the beach is narrow and pebbly, which is still a perfectly pleasant spot, but at low tide it's a completely different experience. A generous stretch of beach opens up that's brilliant for a proper run around. It's the same beach, but the tide really does transform it, so a bit of planning goes a long way.
And the setting itself is just lovely. There's a real sense of peace and quiet here that's hard to find at busier spots, the kind of place where you can actually hear yourself think, and where you'll find yourself standing still for a moment just to take it all in. The views of the chalk cliffs are beautiful, and on a clear day you can see across the water to Bridlington. It's a genuinely special spot.
This is also a brilliant option if your dog loves variety as they get woodland, open grassland, and the coast all in one visit.
There's parking for around 80 cars at Danes Dyke, and the site has toilets open all year round. A café opens up during the summer months, and there are picnic benches if you fancy bringing your own supplies and making a proper afternoon of it. As a nature reserve, please keep your dog under close control around the wildlife.
Tips for a great dog-friendly beach day in East Yorkshire
Before you head off, a few bits of practical advice to make sure the day goes smoothly -
Check the tides. Some of these beaches, particularly the smaller coves around Flamborough, are much better visited around low tide when there's more sand to explore. A quick look at a tide timetable before you go is always worth it.
Bring fresh water. Dogs will absolutely want to drink the sea water and it'll absolutely make them poorly. Always bring a bottle and a travel bowl.
Pack a towel (or two). A wet, sandy dog in your car is a fact of life. Embrace it, but be prepared.
Keep your dog on a lead near cliff edges. The Flamborough cliffs are stunning but they're also very real. Keep your dog close in these areas, particularly if they're excitable around seabirds.
Pick up after your dog. It goes without saying, but it's genuinely what keeps these beaches dog-friendly. Bins are provided at most of the spots on this list so use them, and carry a bag just in case.