Scarborough is one of the most accommodating places in the UK for dog owners - this page will help you and your canine companion get the most out of your visit.
You'll find lots of useful info including off-lead walking areas, info on the beach ban, dog-friendly places to visit, things to do, eateries, attractions, and more.
Don't forget to explore our walking trails, all located in dog friendly areas of Scarborough.
Our trails are a perfect excuse to get out and about with your dog. Give your pup some exercise while you explore our fantastic town - click the paw-print for more info.
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Scroll down to check out the areas you can let your dog off lead (but please do your own checks to make sure it is safe beforehand).
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Useful Resources & Links
Dog Taxis & Services
Dog Beach Guide
The beaches on both North and South Bay have dog friendly sections all year around, and in the off-peak season (1st October to 30th April) the entire stretch of both beaches allow dogs. See the map below:
BE AWARE OF TIDE TIMES: The sections of the beach where dogs are allowed all year round, are the first ones to disappear when the tide comes in. This ensures the doggy areas get a good clean twice a day by the sea. But it also means on certain days the dog beach vanishes very quickly. If there's no beach, try one of the other suggested off-lead areas, or try one of our walking trails.
Nearby beaches with no dog restrictions:
Holbeck Beach
The next beach heading South from the Spa, it is usually much more quiet than South Bay, and great for collecting sea glass. Either walk past the Spa at low tide, or park in Cliff Road car park and walk down the hill (heading North).
Cornelian Bay
The next bay heading south after Holbeck Beach (just before Cayton Bay). It can only be accessed at low tide by walking through the woods, and isn't really suitable for swimming or paddling. It has great rock pools, stunning views and is known for being secluded. One for the adventurers!
Jackson's Bay
Another very quiet, almost secret beach, it is the next bay north of North Bay beach. You can either walk along the beach past the Sealife Centre and Scalby Mills at low tide (be careful on the rocks!), or drop down the hill from the Cleveland Way. Access from Cleveland Way can be difficult, it is a steep path and at risk from coastal erosion - so please be extra careful.
Cayton Bay
3.5 miles drive from South Bay (along A165)
3.3 miles walk along the Cleveland Way, passing Cornelian Bay - allow a couple of hours each way.
A firm favourite with surfers and swimmers (although be aware of the rip tides, and there are no lifeguards on duty). Has a little cafe, and surf school at the top of the hill. Free roadside parking, as well as a car park by the surf school.
Beach Rules
To ensure you and your pooch have an enjoyable visit, please stick to the following guidelines:
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The number one rule on any dog beach - PICK UP AFTER YOUR DOG
We can't stress how important this is. Yes, the tide might come and take it away, but there is already enough sewage in the bathing areas of our beaches, we don't need any more. The more often that inconsiderate dog owners leave mess on the beach, the more chance there is that the council will just ban dogs altogether. Please think about the future consequences of leaving dog poo on the beach.
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Dogs do not have to be kept on the lead on the beach. However, please be courteous when it comes to sharing the beach with families and anxious dogs. If you see another dog on a lead, give them a wide berth or put your dog on a lead just incase they are dog reactive. If you see nearby families building sandcastles, having picnics and playing, consider leashing your dog until you have passed them (no-one likes it when dogs wee on sandcastles, bags, towels, or steals sandwiches). If you have a super giddy, bouncy pup please consider using an extender lead, or training lead to keep them from causing a nuisance to anyone else.
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HAVE FUN - the beach is usually packed with happy dogs having an amazing time, we hope your dog can join them.
Full details on the dog ban rules in Scarborough, Whitby & Filey can be found on the North Yorkshire Council's website here:
Off-lead walking areas
Here are some of our favourite walks to take our dogs when we want them to run off a bit of steam. There are no restrictions, so you can take them off lead and explore safely.
COMING SOON
Dog friendly THINGS TO DO
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