🐾 Beach restrictions lift on 1 October — all Dorset beaches welcome dogs again•🐾 Charmouth Beach: dog-friendly year-round — fossil hunting season in full swing•🐾 Purbeck heathland: keep dogs on leads near ground-nesting birds (April–July)•🐾 Shell Bay, Studland: dog-friendly year-round — no restrictions at the north end•🐾 Damory Vets Blandford: 24/7 emergency service — 01258 452626•🐾 Vets Now Bournemouth: out-of-hours emergency — 01202 859933•🐾 Blue-green algae alert: avoid still water in hot weather — check EA website•🐾 Brownsea Island: dogs on leads at all times — red squirrel conservation area•🐾 RSPB Arne: dogs on leads — Dartford warblers nesting on heathland•🐾 Golden Cap: steep clay paths — slippery after rain, bring paw wax•🐾 Corfe Castle: National Trust car park — dogs welcome on the earthworks•🐾 River Frome at Moreton: excellent swimming — chalk stream, cold and clear•🐾 Hod Hill: National Trust free car park — dogs welcome on the hillfort•🐾 Cranborne Chase: International Dark Sky Reserve — best stargazing in October•🐾 Weymouth beach: seasonal restrictions 1 May–30 September on central section•🐾 Sandbanks Beach: seasonal restrictions 1 May–30 September•🐾 Abbotsbury Swannery: NO dogs permitted — not even guide dogs•🐾 Monkey World: dogs not permitted inside — free kennels available on site•🐾 South West Coast Path: entire Dorset section is public footpath — free access•🐾 Maiden Castle: free access at all times — English Heritage site•🐾 Beach restrictions lift on 1 October — all Dorset beaches welcome dogs again•🐾 Charmouth Beach: dog-friendly year-round — fossil hunting season in full swing•🐾 Purbeck heathland: keep dogs on leads near ground-nesting birds (April–July)•🐾 Shell Bay, Studland: dog-friendly year-round — no restrictions at the north end•🐾 Damory Vets Blandford: 24/7 emergency service — 01258 452626•🐾 Vets Now Bournemouth: out-of-hours emergency — 01202 859933•🐾 Blue-green algae alert: avoid still water in hot weather — check EA website•🐾 Brownsea Island: dogs on leads at all times — red squirrel conservation area•🐾 RSPB Arne: dogs on leads — Dartford warblers nesting on heathland•🐾 Golden Cap: steep clay paths — slippery after rain, bring paw wax•🐾 Corfe Castle: National Trust car park — dogs welcome on the earthworks•🐾 River Frome at Moreton: excellent swimming — chalk stream, cold and clear•🐾 Hod Hill: National Trust free car park — dogs welcome on the hillfort•🐾 Cranborne Chase: International Dark Sky Reserve — best stargazing in October•🐾 Weymouth beach: seasonal restrictions 1 May–30 September on central section•🐾 Sandbanks Beach: seasonal restrictions 1 May–30 September•🐾 Abbotsbury Swannery: NO dogs permitted — not even guide dogs•🐾 Monkey World: dogs not permitted inside — free kennels available on site•🐾 South West Coast Path: entire Dorset section is public footpath — free access•🐾 Maiden Castle: free access at all times — English Heritage site•
Friars Cliff Beach, Christchurch
All beaches
Seasonal banmixed beach

Friars Cliff Beach

Christchurch · East Dorset

Dogs banned May 1 – September 30

Dogs banned 1 May–30 September.

Year-round alternative: Mudeford Sandbank is dog-friendly year-round

About Friars Cliff Beach

Friars Cliff Beach is a picturesque shingle and sand beach offering magnificent views of the Isle of Wight and Christchurch Bay. It's ideal for families and dog walkers, with a dedicated water sports area. The beach holds a Blue Flag award, signifying high standards of cleanliness and water purity.

Notable features: Magnificent views of the Isle of Wight and Christchurch Bay, short walk from Steamer Point nature reserve, concrete wave wall, Blue Flag award.

🐾 Dog Information

Dog Tips

Dogs are allowed on the beach from 1 October to 30 April. From 1 May to 30 September, dogs are not allowed on the main beach but must be kept on a lead on promenades, piers, zig zags, and footpaths. Dog owners must clean up after their dogs, with fines up to £1000 for non-compliance. Dog waste bins are available in the car park.

Hazards to be aware of

Cliff instability, storm surges, ground instability

Parking

Steamer Point car park (BH23 4TA) is nearby, offering 160 spaces. It is a paid, long-stay car park with seasonal charges (e.g., £2.40 for 1 hour, £13.30 for 12 hours from March to October; £1.10 for up to 12 hours from November to March). Payment by card, phone, cash, or app. The car park is closed between 9pm and 9am, with charges applying from 10am.

Postcode for sat nav: BH23 4TA

Facilities

Café (The Beach Hut Cafe), accessible toilet, toilets, showers. Lifeguard service during July and August. Dog waste bins are in the car park.

Accessibility

The beach is reached via sloping tarmac paths at either end. Level access can be gained by accessing the promenade from the beach level car park at Avon Beach and walking eastwards.

Nearby Dog-Friendly Pubs

The Beach Hut

Right on the cliff top overlooking Friars Cliff Beach. Licensed cafe/restaurant, famously dog-friendly. Large deck with some of the best views of the Solent.

The Sandpiper

5-minute walk (0.3 miles) from beach car park on Bure Lane. "Warm and Waggy Welcomes" — dogs in bar and large garden.

The Noisy Lobster

~10-minute walk. Dogs welcome on the lower outside terrace.

The Nelson Tavern

~15-minute walk or 3-minute drive. Large garden with outdoor booths. Very popular with locals and their dogs.

Nearby Cafés & Restaurants

The Beach Hut Cafe

on the promenade, dog-friendly (outside)

Location

Google
Map data ©2026 Google
Map data ©2026 Google

Postcode: BH23 4TA

Beach restriction information provided by BCP Council. Always check local signage on arrival as restrictions can change.
Back to all beaches