In perfect time for families and their four-legged friends to enjoy some sunny weather, a new survey has picked out a top 10 list of coastal areas which have the most pet-friendly beaches.
There are rules at several beaches across the region governing which parts of the year dogs are allowed on the sands while others allow them a free stretch to use at any time. Everyone loves a trip to the coast and the new research reveals top spots to visit following analysis of Google reviews as well as water quality ratings, ocean temperatures, facilities, accessibility and parking costs in coastal towns across England and Wales.
The results, drawn up by outdoor clothing company Millets, revealed Northumberland to be in top spot, beating the likes of the Shetland Islands and Scottish Highlands, with 31 of its 33 beaches - a whopping 93.94% - being deemed dog-friendly. The company said there are great options here for pet owners and added: "One pet-friendly beach is Beadnell Bay beach, a quiet and tranquil horseshoe shaped sandy beach on the Northumberland coast."
Read more: Dog-friendly pubs around the North East
And County Durham features at number 10 in the list, with 73.33% of its beaches (11 out of 15) welcoming dogs. Ranked in between, from second place to ninth, are Pembrokeshire; Anglesey; Lothian; Grampian; Carmarthenshire; Shetland Islands; Cumbria and Highland.
According to the research, Tynemouth in North Tyneside is the best coastal destination; scoring 8.49 out of 10 points. The company singles out Longsands Beach for its "long stretches of golden sand" and its "powerful waves which make it ideal for surfing".
It says the beach has an overall rating of 4.8 out of five on Google Reviews which was "the highest of any beach we looked at" and added: "The Environment Agency gave this particular beach a rating of three out of three, making it ideal water for people to swim in."
It went on: "However, the warmest temperature recorded for the water is just 15.6 degrees. The average price of parking is around £3 for four hours, making it one of the cheapest of the beaches we looked at, and, in terms of facilities and accessibility, the beach offers deckchair hire as well as designated disabled parking and ramps leading to the beach for wheelchairs."
There was good news for south of the region too, with Hartlepool sea front boasting the lowest parking price in England and Wales, averaging £2 for up to four hours; compared to the highest cost at Bournemouth beach which averages £9.20, it said. For the full study see here.
Read Next:
