Hondvriendelijke stranden in en rond Whitby

A small, sheltered sandy cove tucked below the East Cliff and the abbey headland, right by the old town and the harbour mouth. It is the town beach that stays open to dogs all year, with calm shallow water good for a paddle and boats to watch, though it is on a lead in the busy summer season under the council's order.

A long, broad sweep of sand backed by dramatic jurassic cliffs, three miles north-west of Whitby and linked to it by the coastal path. The outer stretches are dog-friendly year-round, giving miles of running room at low tide, but the main section near the village amenities is closed to dogs from 1 May to 30 September, so head away from the centre in summer.

A postcard-perfect crescent of sheltered golden sand beneath a cluster of red-roofed cottages, one of the prettiest bays on the Yorkshire coast. It is dog-friendly all year round with no seasonal ban, making it the go-to summer beach when Whitby and Sandsend's main sands are closed to dogs. The bay is great for rock-pooling and gentle paddling.