Torquay Crowned the UK’s Most Dog-Friendly Seaside Town

The dog is now deciding where Britain goes on holiday. According to Tripadvisor’s 2026 Trendcast report, dog-friendly destinations are one of the defining travel trends of the year, with a 260% increase in bookings for dog-friendly experiences for 2026.

So, which coastal towns are best equipped for you and your pup?

To find out, leading dog food brand Fish4Dogs has studied which coastal towns have the highest number of dog-friendly beaches where dogs are allowed year-round. The study also considered the number of dog-friendly rooms, restaurants and green spaces, as well as the number of pet shops and veterinary hospitals per town.

Torquay takes the top spot as the UK’s most dog-friendly seaside town, boasting 114 dog-friendly facilities.

It has the UK’s highest number of unrestricted dog-friendly beaches, with 14 for pet owners to walk their dogs all year round. One such beach is Beacon Cove, a shingle beach famous for being a favourite bathing spot of author,

Agatha Christie. Alternatively, dog walkers can venture a steep incline down to Anstey’s Cove, one of Torquay’s best-rated beaches with a Google Review score of 4.7. Or you can enjoy Devon’s dramatic coastline at Babbacombe beach, where dogs are even allowed to ride Babbacombe’s Cliff Railway for free.

But it’s not just Torquay’s high number of dog-friendly beaches that make it a top destination for pet owners. It has the highest number of dog-friendly green spaces too, with 45 areas for pooches to visit. Cockington Country Park, for example, is a 450-acre estate that allows dogs to roam its grounds off lead, provided no livestock is present. Brunel Woods also has a designated off-lead area for dogs to roam freely.

The Devon town also has a high density of dog-friendly accommodation, with 23 nearby pub rooms welcoming dogs for overnight trips. Dog owners also have ample choice when eating out, with 27 dog-friendly eateries in Torquay, as well as four veterinary hospitals should four-legged friends need to see a vet.

In second place is the North Wales town of Llandudno, with 86 dog-friendly facilities.

Llandudno is home to two unrestricted dog-friendly beaches, including the sandy stretches of Conwy Morfa. While

North Shore is Llandudno’s primary beach, dogs are banned between 1 May and 30 September between the pier and paddling pool. Instead, West Shore beach offers a quiet place for dogs to run all year round, provided you don’t take your dog between the two stone groynes while summer restrictions are in place. Dogs are, however, allowed on Llandudno’s pier all year round so long as they are kept on leads.

While Llandudno may have fewer dog-friendly beaches, it has no shortage of cafes, pubs and restaurants that welcome pups, with a whopping 58 nearby dog-friendly eateries. For example, Ormo Lounge allows dogs inside the restaurant and promises treats for four-legged visitors. Or take a stroll off the promenade to Dylan’s, housed in an iconic Grade II listed 1920s building, where dogs are welcome inside.

The town also has one of the highest densities of dedicated pet shops of all the seaside towns analysed. Llandudno is home to The Pet Shop, a highly rated independent pet shop, with an average Google Review score of 4.7. Dudley and George’sgeneral store is the ideal destination for dogs and their humans to buy a gift while also grabbing a coffee. Finally, strolling along Llandudno’s pier with your pup, you’ll also discover the charming Pets on the Pier gift shop – a tiny pet shop offering natural treats, toys, gifts and even doggy ice cream.

Taking third place is Newquay, Cornwall, with 82 dog-friendly facilities.

With six beaches for dogs to visit all year round, it’s no surprise the Cornish town is a firm favourite among dog owners for a staycation with your pooch. As the hub of UK surfing, the sandy stretch of Fistral Beach is one of Newquay’s most popular places to take your dog no matter the time of year. Great Western Beach is also a popular dog walk destination during the summer months, with no restrictions for four-legged friends.

Dog-friendly eateries in Newquay are also plentiful, with 32 pubs, restaurants and cafes to choose from. Located on Fistral Beach, Rick Stein’s Fistral Bar & Kitchen is the ideal dog-friendly destination to grab fish and chips with your dog in tow. Or for a smaller bite to eat, head to Lakeside Café, overlooking the River Gannel.

Away from beach fronts, Newquay also has 21 dog-friendly green spaces, including the sub-tropical Trenance

Gardens, just a short walk away from Newquay town centre, or take a forested walk through St Mawgan Woods.

Scarborough, North Yorkshire, and Ryde, Isle of Wight, complete the top five most dog-friendly seaside towns, with 77 and 72 dog-friendly facilities, respectively.

Ryan Whitman, Dog Expert at Fish4Dogs, commented: “Dogs are family, and it’s fantastic to see so many coastal towns recognising that – owners no longer have to choose between a summer break and leaving their dog behind.

“While you and your dog should have fun exploring what the UK has to offer this summer, it’s important to avoid the temptation of giving in to every whim when it comes to feeding. Doggy ice cream, for example, is a staple among most dog-friendly seaside restaurants and cafes, but too much can be harmful to your dog.

“Don’t forget to pack plenty of

You can view the full study findings here.