It can be a slight inconvenience when you want to head to the beach with your dog, only to find your favourite place doesn’t allow them to roam free.

However, residents in County Durham don’t need to worry about that as the county has been named among the best coastal spots in the UK with the most pet-friendly beaches.

It comes as outdoor clothing and equipment brand Millets researched the top 10 coastal destinations that have the most pet-friendly seaside areas.

To do this, the experts analysed Google reviews, water quality ratings, ocean temperatures, facilities, accessibility and parking costs to figure out the most recommended pet-friendly coastal places as well as the best coastal towns in England and Wales.

@theseaglasspickers Which was your favourite? #fyp #seaglass #rareseaglass #seahamseaglass #seaglassjewlery #dejavu #rare ♬ ghost town (voice memo) - Chloe George

Top 10 UK coastal destinations with the most pet-friendly beaches

Here is the full list as researched by Millets, along with the percentage of pet-friendly beaches:

1. Northumberland, North East England –

31/33 pet-friendly beaches - 93.94%

2. Pembrokeshire, South Wales

81/88 pet-friendly beaches - 92.05%

3. Anglesey, North Wales

42/47 pet-friendly beaches - 89.36%

4. Lothian, South Scotland

20/24 pet-friendly beaches - 83.33%

5. Grampian, North Scotland

23/28 pet-friendly beaches - 82.14%

6. Carmarthenshire, South Wales

7/9 pet-friendly beaches - 77.78%

7. Shetland Islands, North Scotland

7/9 pet-friendly beaches - 77.78%

8. Cumbria, North West England

23/30 pet-friendly beaches - 76.67%

9. Highland, North Scotland

35/46 pet-friendly beaches - 76.09%

10. County Durham, North East England

11/15 pet-friendly beaches - 73.33%

The Northern Echo: County Durham and Northumberland both made the list for UK coastal spots with the most pet-friendly beachesCounty Durham and Northumberland both made the list for UK coastal spots with the most pet-friendly beaches (Image: Getty)

Northumberland, another North East location claimed the top spot with 31/33 pet-friendly beaches.

The experts added: “Northumberland, in the North East of England, has come out on top for the coastal destination with the most pet-friendly beaches.

"Of the 33 beaches in the area, 31 of them are pet-friendly, meaning that 93.94% are great options for pet owners.

“One pet-friendly beach is Beadnell Bay beach, a quiet and tranquil horseshoe shaped sandy beach on the Northumberland coast.”