A survey has revealed that Durdle Door in Dorset is thought to be Europe’s best beach by some dog owners.
In light of this we've taken a look at what pet owners think of west Dorset beaches.
Four other British beaches ranked in the top 10 of the survey carried out by ferry operator and travel expert DFDS: Penzance beach, St George’s Well Cove, Bamburgh Castle Beach and Rock Beach.
To find the best beaches that are dog-friendly, DFDS analysed 1,160 beaches across Europe against 10 key metrics. Coming second and third in the survey were Playa de la Rana Adra in Spain and Cala de Mijo, Spain.
But for many of us in Dorset who want to get away from the tourist crowds with our four-legged friends, Durdle Door isn’t the only option.
Here’s what some dog owners had to say on Tripadvisor about what it’s like taking their beloved pets to Durdle Door and some much loved west Dorset beaches.
Chesil Beach
‘Waves can be frisky’
This dog owner - in their two star review of the beach - recommended caution if you have dogs that play near the sea.
“The waves, (as may be expected if you know this sort of thing?) can get a bit frisky when the wind gets up a bit so if you venture in the water or have dogs that play in it, be cautious I would suggest. Standard advice I know but potentially useful,” they said.
‘So peaceful’
For those wanting some quality time with their pet, the tranquility of 18 mile long Chesil Beach couldn’t be better.
“It was practically empty with just a few fishermen and dog walkers. The beach seemed to stretch to the horizon in both directions giving a serene sensation as we lay on the shingle. The perfect end to a perfect day,” one reviewer giving the beach a four star rating wrote.
‘Not really dog friendly’
The pebbles put off this dog owner but they still gave the beach a five star review: “Beware though, it's not really dog friendly. It's all pebbles, ranging in different sizes the further you travel up the beach.”
Within Chesil Beach...
West Bay - East Beach
This beach in the popular resort of West Bay doesn't seem to have quite as much appeal for dog owners.
Just one reviewer, giving East Beach a five star review, recommended it for dogs.
They said: "A great beach and stunning cliffs with great walks. A very popular place for dog walkers at this time of year."
Hive Beach, Burton Bradstock
From 1st June to 30th September, dogs are not permitted on Hive Beach directly in front of the café.
The National Trust says: "If you wish to access the beach with your dog, please put them on a lead and walk along the beach east past the wooden chalet towards Cogden and Portland.
"You may stop with your dog once you have passed the wooden chalet on the beach front."
Dog owners seem to appreciate Hive Beach for its mostly sandy terrain.
'Happy it wasn't another pebbled beach'
This pet owner, in a five star review, wrote: "Stopped here by accident and really glad we did.
"Dogs were really happy it wasn’t another pebbled beach and the geology is so different to anything we’d seen before."
'Pretty unspoilt'
This dog lover, in their five star review, recommended the food and drink options nearby.
"A lovely unspoilt beach. Dogs allowed and they enjoy it as much as we do! Hive Beach Café is excellent."
'Recommended to us and did not disappoint'
In their five star review, this dog owner wrote: "Recommended to us and certainly did not disappoint.
"Perfect for exercising dogs and then a lovely swim in sea.
"Bonus being the good food at the café. But keep it quiet don't want it to be too popular."
Monmouth Beach, Lyme Regis
Monmouth Beach seems to be the go-to beach for many dog owners in west Dorset, with four-legged friends allowed on the beach year-round.
'Our dogs loved running around'
This reviewer, giving a four star rating, wrote: "We visited this beach as it was dog friendly.
"Our dogs loved running around. There is no sand here mind, but it's a beach full of rocks. As strange as it sounds thought, the rocks and pebbles are actually really nice, like they had all been cleaned and polished."
'Tons of people leaving out water for dogs'
A five star review from this dog lover waxes lyrical about Monmouth Beach.
"Staying with our three labradors and tons of cafes and pubs along the sea front are dog friendly, tons of people leaving out water for dogs.
"Human beach areas but huge dog friendly beach areas and great for fossil hunting. Bring sturdy boots as massive rocks to climb over if fossil hunting.
"Ours dog loved it and the place is full of dogs. So nice to see."
'Difficulty walking'
This dog owner, giving Monmouth Beach a three star rating, said it isn't such a good beach to take your dog to.
They wrote: "The beach is quite rough to walk on, so strong shoes or good trainers are advisable.
"This is not a good beach to take your dog, even though dogs are permitted, as it will have difficulty walking and could even be injured!"
Durdle Door
And finally, here’s what dog owners themselves had to say about Europe’s best beach for dog owners – Durdle Door.
‘Very dog friendly place, but…’
A four star reviewer said: “Large pay car park, very dog friendly place but be warned.
“The walk down is a steep slope with lots of stones at the bottom you have fantastic views so it is worth it but then to get down to the shingle beach you have to navigate a lot of steps with no handrails and remember you then have to walk back up!”
'Intimidation by many'
And there was a shocking review from this one star reviewer and dog owner who said: “Intimidation by many. Rubbish everywhere. Several people were rude. One group of young lads told me to throw my dog over the cliff.”
‘Fantastic views’
This four star reviewer and dog owner wrote: “There are steps down to each beach just be careful walking down.
“Great for all ages and great for walking the dog. Not good for prams or wheelchairs.”
‘Welcome back trip'
This four star reviewer making a nostalgic return to Durdle Door wrote: “Moderately able people can make the walk one way in 30 minutes with ease.
“Path is loose and stormy but all sorts made the trip, children, dog lovers and some hardy elders. Just watch your step and footing. Busy as the days goes on.”
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