A beach in Tyne and Wear has been named among the best dog-friendly beaches in the UK, new research has discovered.
Long Sands, North Tynemouth was ranked tenth place in ‘the top 10 best rated dog-friendly beaches in the UK’ by bath retailer Showers to You. The beach was given a score of 7.90 out of 10.
The company revealed the list after analysing Google ratings and reviews for 148 beaches with no dog restrictions.
In first place with a score of 8.85 out of 10 is Durdle Door beach, located in Dorset.
Showers to You described it as “a perfect seaside getaway for dogs and their owners, the famed limestone arch makes a dreamy backdrop to a game of fetch with your four-legged friend.”
Long Sands, North Tynemouth named one of the best UK dog-friendly beaches
According to UK Beach Guide, the website describes the beach as “a stunning stretch of golden sand, backed by low dunes.”
It says: “In summer, it is one of the most popular spots on the North East coast. People come from far and wide to build sand castles, sunbathe or splash about in the clean waters.
“In winter it is an ideal destination for a bracing walk and is also one of the areas best surfing beaches. The powerful waves here have made it a popular destination for surfing, and the national surfing championships have been held here.
“Adjacent to the beach, on the other side of Grand Parade is Tynemouth Park, a family fun park, with a boating lake, crazy golf and themed children’s play areas. The Blue Reef Aquarium, also nearby, has a good variety of interesting sea-life. Whatever time of year you come here, there’ll be lots to keep children entertained.
“At either end of the beach, ramps provide good access onto the sand.”
On Tripadvisor, Long Sands beach has been rated 4.5/5, from 680 reviews.
One person wrote: "We love taking our dog to Tynemouth most weekends. When the tide is out, the beach is huge. (Check tide times before walk).
"There are usually lots of people with their friendly and sociable dogs on this beach at weekends.
"The beach is very clean. There are always lots of surfers in the sea. A restaurant at either end too."
The top 10 best rated dog-friendly beaches in the UK
The list also includes a dog-friendly score out of 10 for each beach.
1. Durdle Door - Dorset
Dog friendly score: 8.85
=2. Man O'War Beach -Dorset
Dog-friendly score: 8.30
=2. Three Cliffs Bay - Glamorgan
Dog-friendly score: 8.30
4. Marloes Sands - Pembrokeshire
Dog-friendly score: 8.20
5. Cuckmere Haven Beach - East Sussex
Dog-friendly score: 8.06
6. Freshwater West - Pembrokeshire
Dog-friendly score: 8.03
7. Seacliff - Lothian
Dog-friendly score: 7.99
8. Porth Joke - Cornwall
Dog-friendly score: 7.96
9. Gwynver beach - Cornwall
Dog-friendly score: 7.93
10. Long Sands, North Tynemouth - Tyne And Wear
Dog-friendly score: 7.90
Martin Smith, owner of bath retailer Showers to You, said: “The beach is synonymous with sunny UK weather, just like BBQs and Pub Gardens.
“Though for families, a trip to the beach requires some planning, especially if there is a pet in tow!
“Being able to bring your furry friend to the beach with you means they get some exercise, and the healing properties of the salt water can improve their coat, restoring it to its natural shine.”
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