Another iconic British beach that welcomes dogs with open paws. Dogs are allowed throughout the year, but must be kept on a lead. A small price to pay to see the natural arch of limestone rock which overlooks the cove with its popular sand and shingle beach. The beach is reached along a popular 2km cliff-top walk from the car park.

Directions: Lulworth Cove is clearly signposted from the A352 between Dorchester and Wareham.

5. Calgary Bay, Isle of Mull, Scotland

If your hound craves a break from life in the big city, a day at this beautiful rural beach will have him feeling revived and ready for the postman in no time. There are no restrictions on dogs using the beach, but consideration should of course be shown to other beach users and local wildlife. This beach is considered by locals and visitors to be the finest beach on the island – and one of the most beautiful in Scotland.

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Directions: From Tobermory on the Isle of Mull, follow the winding B8073.

6. Camber Sands beach, East Sussex

This vast expanse of south coast sand is real favourite with Kentish canines. Dogs are restricted to certain parts of the beach but there’s no shortage of space. This well-managed beach has plenty of parking, an ice cream kiosk, toilets and dog bins. At low tide it’s a bit of a journey to the sea, so plan your arrival time with care if you’ve got a poodle that likes to paddle.

Directions: Signposted from the A259. Follow the coast road to Camber.

7. Branscombe, Devon

This is a beautifully unspoilt shingle beach in a peaceful natural setting. It had its 15 minutes of fame in the winter of 2007 when it briefly became a BMW motorbike showroom, following the grounding of the container ship MSC Napoli.

It’s located at the end of a long and winding country lane which passes through the picturesque village of Branscombe with its pub and two National Trust properties, The Old Bakery and Manor Mill. Dogs are permitted off their leads 50 metres in either direction of the car park and café. Popular coastal walk are also accessible from the beach.

Directions: Branscombe is located between Exeter and Lyme Regis and is sign posted from the A3052.

8. St Bees, Cumbria

St Bees is one of Cumbria’s most popular beaches. It’s a great family beach which welcomes dogs too. Like Camber Sands, at high tide there’s a long sandy beach, but far less at low tide. And to take a dog for a walk of epic proportions, simply join the famous Coast to Coast Walk which stretches from St Bees on the west coast of England to Robin Hoods Bay on the east coast.

Directions: Follow signs for St Bees from the main A595 road. The beach is to the west of the village and is 3 miles from Whitehaven and Egremont.

9. Whitstable, Kent

This picturesque seaside town famed for its tasty oysters also has an extra special beach. Not only is the beach dog friendly, but the popular pub, The Old Neptune, is situated right on the beach and welcomes dogs too.

10. Lepe, Hampshire

Should dog owners need any further encouragement to head to the coast, the Kennel Club has organised a "Barking Beach Bonanza" event at Lepe Country Park and beach, near Southampton. The event is taking place on September 6 to raise the awareness of the importance of beaches for dog walking and promises lots of fun for Fido.

Directions: Head west out of Southampton on the A35 then follow the A326 towards the country park and the coast.

Dog-free beaches

It would of course be unfair not to mention those who prefer their beaches dog-free. For you I would recommend the Isle of Wight or Jersey, as both islands have dog bans at the majority of beaches during the summer months...

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