8 Dog-friendly beaches to visit this summer in Lancashire

There’s something wonderful about a trip to the beach in summer. Feeling the soft warm sand between your toes, the smell of the fresh sea air, and the taste of delicious ice cream, especially if you can bring your four-legged friend along too.

Although some of Lancashire’s beaches impose restrictions during the summer months, there are still plenty of great dog-friendly beaches waiting to be explored.

If you choose to walk your dog on a beach in Lancashire this year, please remember to be a responsible dog owner and pick up after your pet. Dog walkers are also advised to follow any information notices which can be found at the beach.

1. Bispham Beach
    FY2 9JJ

Bispham Beach, located between Blackpool North Shore and Cleveleys has been one of the UK’s top 50 dog friendly beaches in the annual guide by Vets Now.

Known locally as “the Cliffs” the beach offers beautiful views along the coastline and out towards the Irish Sea. The beach is accessed via steps so unfortunately is not ideal for those with mobility problems, however the upper and lower promenades are accessible and used regularly by wheelchair users, pushchairs and cyclists.

No seasonal restrictions are enforced at this beach and dogs are allowed all year.

2. Blackpool North Beach
    FY1 4QU

Blackpool North Beach is not only pet-friendly but is also one of Blackpool’s award-winning clean beaches. Enjoy golden sands all year round between the North Pier and Anchorsholme, just before Cleveleys Beach.

The rest of Blackpool’s coastline is free to enjoy until 1^st May. However, between 1^st May and 30^th September, dogs are not allowed to be exercised on the beach between North Pier and the Mirror Ball, opposite the Solaris Centre.

For further information on these restrictions click here

3. St Annes Beach
    FY8 1SJ
 

Located between the mud flats of the Ribble Estuary and the bright lights of Blackpool, St Annes is just one of Lancashire’s classic seaside resorts.

Although we can’t always guarantee the sun will make an appearance, you can be sure to find a beautiful Victorian pier, which dates back to 1885, an iconic windmill and miles of golden sand.

Dogs are allowed on the majority of the beach all year around, however there is a seasonal restriction for the central section, which is located between the lifeboat station and the pier. This seasonal ban runs annually from Good Friday – 30^th September.

For further information on these restrictions click here

4. St Annes North Beach
    FY8 2RN

Located along the Fylde Coastline between Lytham and Blackpool, St Annes North Beach is popular with families, kite flyers and dog walkers. A range of facilities including shops, cafes and takeaways can be found in the small town of St Annes, just a short stroll from the beach.

St Annes North Beach does have some restrictions in place, dogs are not allowed in the section between old pier and the cinema from 29th March – September 30^th. However, dogs are allowed all year beyond the Northern end of the promenade.

For more information on these restrictions click here

5. Rossall Beach
    FY5 1JD

Located to the North of Blackpool and close to Cleveleys, Rossall Beach is dog friendly all year round. Although the pebbly beach isn’t classed as a bathing beach, this small beach is popular with many dog walkers, it’s also a great place to watch the sunset and admire the fabulous views of the Lancashire coastline.

6. Fleetwood Beach ( Marine Beach )
    FY7 6RA

Marine Beach is the seaside part of Fleetwood seafront and is located near Marine Hall. You can expect to see sandy beaches, seafront pathways and pretty beach huts, the perfect place to escape with all the family.

There are restrictions in place between 1^st May - 30th September, from the East side of the slipway opposite Promenade Road, eastward to the west side of the former Fleetwood Pier site.

However, dogs and their owners are free to enjoy from the Ferry and RNLI and along the Esplande to the other side of the former Fleetwood pier. Or another popular route with dog walkers is from the Kite Club which is opposite the Mount, past the boating lakes and down to Rossall beach.

For more information on these restrictions click here

7. Heysham Sands ( Half Moon Bay) 
    LA3 2XY
 

Half Moon Bay stretches from the wall of Heysham Harbour up the coast to the Heritage Centre at Lower Heysham. This small yet beautiful beach has views across Morecambe Bay and towards the Lakeland Fells.

Closer to the area you will be able to discover numerous archaeological sites including St Patrick’s Chapel and some stone graves which were once used for the cover of an album by Black Sabbath.

Half Moon Bay Beach, which is also known as Heysham Sands, is dog friendly and allows dogs all year round.

8. Silverdale Beach
    LA5 0TP
 

Situated within Morecambe Bay and Arnside and Silverdale AONB, Silverdale beach a true hidden gem.

This idyllic spot full of natural beauty tends not to be as busy as other areas, and with its sandy beach, cliffs with caves and rockpools to explore, it is a great place for a family day out. Even better, dogs are allowed all year round!

Caution: This area of Lancashire beach has sinking sand, mud and fast tides. It is recommended to not leave children and dogs unattended and to stick to the shore and pools.

A day at the beach can be tiring work! Why not make the most of your visit to Lancashire by booking into one of the county’s dog-friendly restaurants or accommodation providers, or visiting one of our other dog-friendly attractions.

We can’t wait to welcome you to Lancashire this summer.