Alnmouth Beach in Northumberland has been named the UK's most dog-friendly beach, according to a new guide from Inspiring Vet Care. The beach welcomes dogs all year round, making it a top choice for autumn walks as seasonal restrictions end at more than 600 UK beaches within the next week.
Top 10 list revealed
Inspiring Vet Care compiled a top 10 list of dog-friendly beaches across the UK, with Alnmouth Beach taking the number one spot. The beach sits at the mouth of the River Aln within the Northumberland National Landscape.
Crosby Beach in Merseyside came second, followed by Dornoch Beach in Scotland in third place and Fraisthorpe Beach in Bridlington, East Yorkshire, in fourth.
Safety and amenities at Alnmouth
Swimming is not generally advised at Alnmouth Beach, as conditions can become hazardous near the estuary mouth during a dropping tide. Warning signs are posted around the area, advising against paddling too close to the river's mouth.
Toilets are located behind the beach near the golf course, with more facilities available in the village, a 10-minute walk away.
Visitor feedback
One recent TripAdvisor review praised the beach: "Lovely, clean and sandy, each with lots of space for fun and relaxing. Car parking is right on the beachside and run by a wonderful volunteer team. Well worth the £3.50 for a full day of parking. At last the council have spent some cash on the toilets and they are now clean and tidy having been recently refurbished from floor to roof."
Another visitor wrote: "I love Alnmouth beach, I used to come here regularly with my mother as a child for beach walks, chips and ice-creams, so a stroll back down memory lane with the better half and the dogs. It hasn't changed too much, it's still a very pleasant place."
David Martin, Group Director of Animal Welfare at Inspiring Vet Care, commented: "Coastal walks are a brilliant way for dogs to stay active during the summer. The shoreline, sand and cool water all offer a mix of exercise and sensory stimulation, giving dogs the chance to stretch their legs and enjoy a sense of freedom that's different from a normal walk."
