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Dog running along beach

Whether you’re exploring big cities, intimate towns, rolling hills or knotty forests in Dorset, there’s one thing we can all agree on – it’s better when you’ve got your dog by your side.

Every holiday is improved when our best friends are by our side, eagerly pulling us through our adventure and enjoying every single second along the way.

Here in Lyme Bay, our dog-friendly cottages are the perfect base from which to explore the very best of what Lyme Regis, Dorset and nearby Devon have to offer without having to panic about the kennel experience or the fees you’re racking up.

It’s an exceptionally dog-friendly part of the world, with endless attractions, pubs, beaches and parks open to both you and your four-legged friend, but what are the best dog-friendly days out in and around Lyme Bay? Here are a few of our favourites:

 

Lyme Regis’ Dog-Friendly Beaches

For dog-friendly fun right on your doorstep, Lyme Regis’ gorgeous beaches offer plenty of fun for pup and person alike.

Monmouth Beach, Cobb Gate and East Beach all welcome dogs throughout the year, however, Lyme Regis’ main beach is only accessible to dogs between 1st November and 31st March. Dogs should be kept on a lead at all times, of course.

There’s a great variation of surface at Lyme Regis’ beaches, which dogs adore, and with pleasant waters throughout the year, they can go for a swim too!

 

Forde Abbey

Just to the north of Lyme Regis is Forde Abbey, located in an area noted for its varied and outstanding natural beauty. This ancient abbey is a family home, as well as a working estate that welcomes visitors throughout the year to over 30-acres of gardens, forest and landscaping.

Dogs are welcome throughout the grounds, provided they’re on a lead, and can even join you in the tearoom and gift shop. However, it’s worth noting that they aren’t allowed in the house itself, given its status as a working household.

Forde Abbey is a glorious way to spend a day and its dog-friendly nature is just another reason to visit.

 

Cogden Beach

Found along the coast to the east of Lyme Regis is Cogden Beach, a lesser-known beach which has recently been taken over by the National Trust thanks to its outstanding beauty and unspoilt nature.

Located on the coast road between Burton Bradstock and Abbotsbury, it’s a steep shelving, shingle beach with dramatic views down the coast. Best of all, it welcomes dogs throughout the year and is the perfect spot to grab a pair of binoculars, pack a picnic and sit for a spell.

 

The Dinosaur Museum

Found less than an hour drive from Lyme Regis, the Dinosaur Museum is a Dorchester treasure and is the UK’s only museum dedicated to dinosaurs! It’s an amazing spot which combines life-sized reconstructions of dinosaurs with real-life skeletons and fossils to help illuminate this fascinating era of the history of the earth.

Perhaps best of all though, the Dinosaur Museum welcomes friendly and well-behaved dogs – just try to keep them away from those big, juicy pre-historic bones!