This Covid thing has been good for us doggies in more ways than one. The humans have been at home a lot more and we've had extra walkies as they need an excuse to stop working!
More good news for us pooches this year is that the humans are not so keen to get on those noisy flying things and leave us for a week this summer. Instead, they are looking for somewhere in the UK where they can go to relax and that means we can go too!
We don't know about you but we love the beach. There's nothing better than feeling the sand between your toes and the wind in your fur as you chase a ball or run with one of your pals. The humans always seem much happier too when they are by the sea.
So here are some great beaches to visit on your staycation, personally recommended by Nacho and me.
I have to start with my all time favourite, Cornwall. I have been here many times and the humans love it so much they even bought a house there!
Many Cornish beaches are dog friendly all year round and the coastline is so varied, you could go for years and years and still discover something new. Here's a few of my favourites:
Porthcurnick, which has a lot of steps to navigate to get to but so worth it because it's a lovely quiet cove and then you can head back up for lunch at The Hidden Hut. For those dogs that want more space, Crantock Beach has a vast expanse of golden sand and is close to bustling Newquay if you also have small humans to entertain.
This is me on my local beach at Par, from where you can visit the lovely nearby harbour village of Fowey, where most shops, pubs and restaurants are dog friendly. It is also close to Looe and Polperro which are equally dog friendly.
I have so many tips and recommendations for Cornwall, I can't fit them all in one blog so please contact me if you are thinking of visiting and would like more information.
There is a huge selection of dog friendly places to stay (including my house) at Sykes Cottages.
If you live in London and are not so keen on long car journeys, then I recommend a visit to West Wittering, which is under 2 hours away.
This is another beach I have visited many times and has a large section which is dog friendly all year. It's a great place to spend the day because you can find your own secret spot in the dunes and hide away. The humans will have to pay to park here as it is a private estate, but there are toilets and a couple of cafes which usually have dog treats if you've forgotten yours.
There is also a huge grassy area
where you can picnic if you prefer
your sandwiches without the sand. BBQ's are allowed here and on the beach.
I like to paddle but am a bit scared of waves so I particularly like this beach because the shore is very calm and gentle. Perfect for getting your paws wet and cooling down on a hot day.
There are shops and cafes to enjoy in nearby East Wittering.
Our friends The Cavdashians recently moved to Seaford and Nacho was lucky to go and visit with some of our pals.
The beach is shingle which doesn't suit all paws but there is a paved walkway running alongside the beach with some pretty beach huts selling local arts and crafts.
You get great views of Seven Sisters Cliffs from the beach and it is an easy walk towards Newhaven as it is completely flat.
Nearby Lewes is a lovely town to visit with plenty of dog friendly places to eat and drink. It's also not too far from Brighton which is super dog friendly too!
Dean's Place Hotel in Alfriston which has very pretty grounds and dogs are welcome in the restaurant. Nacho and his pals enjoyed a fabulous Afternoon Tea with the humans.
Another favourite of mine, for obvious reasons, is Norfolk and Wells-next-the-Sea is particularly dog friendly. The beach is dog friendly all year round and is very wide with lovely soft sand. It is overlooked by pretty, colourful beach huts and is surrounded by a wooded area if you need a walk in the shade.
One of the best things about this beach is The Beach Cafe which has plenty of outdoor seating. The humans can enjoy food and drinks while us pooches can enjoy a delicious Pupsicle or treats that are on sale in the cafe along with some other essentials for visiting dogs.
Wells itself has plenty more dog friendly places to eat and drink and is a good base from which to explore the rest of North Norfolk such as Cromer and Brancaster - which has another favourite beach of mine.
You can find plenty of dog friendly places to stay with Norfolk Hideaways.
Another great beach that's only a couple of hours from London is Camber Sands. You have to climb up and over the steep sandy dunes, but it's worth the effort to see this stunning stretch of beach which has been used in several films, including Dunkirk.
I can highly recommend staying at The Gallivant which is opposite the beach and super dog friendly. If you don't stay, then do go for lunch!
There is plenty to explore nearby, including the quaint harbour town of Rye with a good selection of dog friendly pubs and cafes.
I can also recommend a visit to Dungeness. There's nothing there but the strange landscape
makes for some great photos and it's a good place for bird spotting if you like that kind of thing.
You can find more dog friendly places to stay at Canine Cottages.
Last year the humans and I took a staycation on the Isle of Wight and I highly recommend it. It's so easy to get there from London, even if you don't have a car and there are some great beaches to explore.
There is plenty of variety on the island from the wide sandy beach at Ryde to the fascinating rocks at Alum Bay and the pretty harbour in Cowes.
The island has many dog friendly places to stay, eat and visit. We are even allowed in the model village where even small dogs like us look like giants next to the tiny people!
Check out my IOW blog from 2020 with more details of places to visit.
If you'd rather not leave London at all this summer, then you can still enjoy all the benefits of the beach at Neverland London, you just have to swap the sea for the Thames!
This fabulous space on the river in Fulham welcomes pooches of all sizes to join in the fun and even throw some shapes like me if you'e up for it! Probably best not to take us pooches on Friday and Saturday nights as it gets very busy.
The space is redesigned every year but they always offer good food, cocktails and entertainment.
Visit their website for booking details and follow them @neverlandlondon
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