At the end of a day at the beach, when families have packed up and the ice cream queues have disappeared, the beaches become blissfully quieter. For dog owners, it’s often the best time to head out. Cooler temperatures make longer walks much more comfortable, and there’s something hard to beat about watching your dog race along the shoreline as the sky turns pink and orange.
Whether you’re planning a weekend away or a longer coastal escape, these are some of the UK’s favourite sunset beaches for an evening walk. From dramatic Cornish cliffs to wide sandy bays in Dorset and Northumberland, they’re all places where the scenery somehow feels even better as the sun starts to dip below the horizon.
Holywell Bay, Cornwall
Few places capture a classic Cornwall beach sunset quite like Holywell Bay. Backed by rolling dunes and overlooked by Gull Rocks, it’s one of the county’s most photogenic beaches and easily one of the best beaches for sunset in the UK.
It’s one of Cornwall’s dog-friendly beaches, so dogs are welcome all year, making it ideal for an evening stroll whatever the season. As the tide retreats, the beach stretches out for what feels like miles, giving energetic dogs plenty of room to burn off steam before bedtime.
After your walk, head just outside nearby Crantock for a drink at The Bowgie Inn, where dogs are welcome and the terrace looks straight across the coastline.
Stay nearby: There are plenty of dog-friendly hotels in Cornwall – perfect if you’re after rooms with beach views after a long day outdoors.
Porthmeor Beach, St Ives
Ask locals about the best places to watch the sunset in Cornwall and Porthmeor Beach is usually near the top of the list. Facing west, it’s perfectly positioned for an uninterrupted sunset on the beach, with the light reflecting off the Atlantic and the granite headlands around St Ives.
Spend the afternoon wandering around Tate St Ives or the narrow streets lined with independent galleries before heading down to the sand for a relaxed evening walk. Dogs are welcome outside seasonal restrictions, making it a brilliant option in autumn and winter.
Stay nearby: St Ives is a doggy heaven, with quality dog-friendly cottages available nearby so you can make the most of walks straight from your front door.
Sandbanks Beach, Poole
When people ask where to see the sunset in Poole, Sandbanks is usually the first answer.
The beach faces towards the entrance of Poole Harbour, creating spectacular evening light across the water. It’s one of Dorset’s most popular sunset spots, especially during summer when locals gather along the promenade with fish and chips as the sun drops behind Brownsea Island. Dogs aren’t allowed on the main beach in peak seasons, but are allowed on the promenade.
Take a walk around Sandbanks Peninsula or continue onto the South West Coast Path towards Studland if your dog still has energy left.
Stay nearby: Stay as close to Poole itself as you can to minimise any faff of taking your dog down to the beach.
Saunton Sands, Devon
Stretching for more than three miles, Saunton Sands offers some of the finest beach views anywhere in the south west. The vast expanse of sand means it rarely feels crowded, even during busier months. A clear evening here delivers a memorable Devon sunset, with the light slowly fading over Braunton Burrows and the Atlantic beyond.
Afterwards, drive a few minutes to Braunton, where you’ll find several dog-friendly pubs and cafés serving everything from seafood to wood-fired pizzas.
Stay nearby: North Devon is awash with dog-friendly cottages so you’ll be able to find the perfect spot to stay for your needs near Saunton Sands itself.
Bamburgh Beach, Northumberland
With Bamburgh Castle towering above the dunes, this is one of those beaches that feels cinematic at any time of day. Arrive an hour before dusk and you’ll understand why it’s become one of the UK’s favourite best sunset spots.
The combination of wide sands, historic scenery and relatively peaceful surroundings makes it ideal for a long evening walk with your dog. Plus, Northumberland itself is jam-packed with fantastic dog walks for other times of the day.
Afterwards, stop at The Victoria Hotel or explore Bamburgh village before heading back to your accommodation.
Stay nearby: Staying at a dog-friendly property around Bamburgh means you just have to get up and go, but there are also countless stunning homes around Northumberland that love hounds too.
Rhossili Bay, Gower
Regularly listed among Britain’s best beaches, Rhossili somehow becomes even more impressive towards sunset. The long sweep of sand catches the evening light beautifully, while the view towards Worm’s Head creates one of Wales‘ most photographed places to watch the sunset.
The walk down from the National Trust car park is steep, but the reward is one of the country’s most memorable sunset at the beach experiences.
Stay nearby: Staying at any dog-friendly property on the Gower Peninsula means you can make the most of the stunning scenery this part of the world has to offer.
West Wittering, West Sussex
West Wittering is often associated with summer, but early evening is arguably when it’s at its best. As the crowds thin out, the beach becomes much quieter and the soft evening light creates beautiful reflections across the wet sand. It’s one of the south coast’s most relaxing sunset spots, particularly on calm evenings.
Nearby Chichester Harbour offers excellent waterside walks if you’re extending your stay.
Stay nearby: There are lots of villages dotted around West Wittering that are great for a short break or extended stay that your dog will adore.
Tips for making the most of an evening beach walk
A little planning goes a long way when heading out for sunset on a beach.
Check restrictions and tide times before setting off, especially if you’re visiting beaches backed by cliffs or coves where access can disappear at high tide. Bring a lead, even if your dog usually walks off lead, as wildlife becomes more active during the evening. A torch is also worth packing during autumn and winter, as it gets dark surprisingly quickly once the sun has gone down.
If you’re hoping to photograph the sunset, arriving around 45 minutes beforehand usually gives you the best light. You’ll also have time to settle in before the sky begins to change.
Stay close to the coast
From a glowing Cornwall sunset over the Atlantic to a peaceful Devon sunset across wide sandy beaches, there’s no shortage of memorable coastal evenings waiting to be enjoyed. Sometimes the best part of the day isn’t spent on the beach in the sunshine – it’s those final golden moments, when the tide is rolling in, the air has cooled and your dog is still happily leading the way.
Whether you prefer a cottage a few minutes from the sand or a hotel offering rooms with beach views, Dog Friendly Retreats has accommodation close to many of the UK’s finest beaches.
