Dog Friendly Zones

About Us

We love to see dogs enjoying our spectacular stretch of coastline, whether getting plenty of fresh air on a clifftop walk or playing at the water’s edge in our designated dog zones. Here’s some information about where your four-legged friends can stretch their legs and how to make their visit to the area as enjoyable as possible.

Dogs are allowed on all beaches from 1 October to 30 April. At all times you must clean up after your dog.  Failure to comply risks a fine of up to £1000. 

From 1 May to 30 September dogs are not allowed on any of our Blue Flag or Seaside Award beaches and dogs must be kept on the lead on all promenades, piers, zig zags and footpaths at all times. 

The beaches that can be used for dog walking all year round are: 

Bournemouth beaches

• Western side of the Alum Chine Beach Office to Branksome Chine Beach Office, Poole
• Middle Chine to Durley Chine 
• East of Fisherman’s Walk beach to Southbourne
• Hengistbury Head. 

Christchurch beaches

• Mudeford Sandbank 
• Gundimore Beach  
• Friars Cliff Beach (only between the wave wall and Groyne H4 at Highcliffe Beach) 
• Highcliffe Beach (no dogs between groynes H4 and H8 from 1 May to 30 September). 

Poole beaches 

• Eastern side of Branksome Chine beach office to the Western side of the Alum Chine Beach Office, Bournemouth 
• Western end of Sandbanks promenade to Haven Point by the chain ferry 
• Hamworthy beach.   

Download our dog friendly beach map for Bournemouth and Poole and Christchurch. 

Guide dogs   

Guide dogs are allowed on all our beaches all year round but only when working, in a harness and controlled by a lead.