While plenty of people consider their four-legged friend to be one of the family, many others aren't as keen on dogs.
Whether you suffer from allergies, are scared of them, or would just prefer to not have poorly trained dogs stealing your football, you don't need to share a dog-friendly beach with them if you don't want to.
Many UK beaches implement seasonal dog bans, which often run from May to September. We've rounded up some of the best beaches with seasonal dog restrictions – including one that has a dog-free section all year round – so you can enjoy a walk or a game of rounders in peace.
Best dog-free beaches in the UK
Broad Haven Beach, Pembrokeshire
Over 600 metres of compacted sand is revealed at low tide on Pembrokeshire's Broad Haven Beach, and it’s entirely dog-free from 1 May to 30 September. It’s great for beach cricket or testing out your bodyboard.
Camber Sands, East Sussex
Dogs are welcome year-round at Camber Sands in East Sussex but they’re not permitted in the central and eastern zoned areas between 1 May and 30 September.
Croyde Bay, North Devon
Around the peninsula from the dog-friendly Saunton Sands lies gorgeous Croyde Bay, one of the UK's best surfing beaches, but one that’s closed to dogs from 1 May to 30 September.
Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, Northumberland
Dogs aren’t allowed on a section of Newbiggin-by-the-Sea’s beach, from the breakwater at Church Point to the beach access from Sidney Crescent promenade, from 1 May to 30 September.
Achmelvich Bay, near Lochinver, Sutherland
Achmelvich Bay in Sutherland has white sand and a Caribbean-worthy sea. There are restrictions on dogs in peak summer and both campsites are dog-free too. It's a great spot for porpoise, dolphin and even whale watching.
East Strand and West Strand Beach, Portrush
The cheerful seaside town of Portrush, County Antrim, has two white-sand beaches. Both the East and West Strands here are dog-free from 1 June to 15 September.
Porthtowan Beach, Cornwall
On Cornwall’s north coast between St Ives and Newquay, vast Porthtowan Beach has a summer dog ban in place from the Easter weekend to October.
Southport Beach, Sefton
Southport Beach has sand that slopes down from its promenade. Dogs are banned from the stretch between the pier and Pleasureland from 1 May to 30 September.
Llanddwyn Beach, Anglesey
The western end of the gorgeous golden sands at Llanddwyn Beach is off-limits to dogs from 1 May to 30 September, offering a beautiful place to retreat in peace in summer.
Colwyn Bay Beach, Colwyn Bay
Colwyn Bay Beach in north Wales has an all-year-round ban on part of its beach. Dogs aren't allowed to enter the area of beach between Colwyn Bay pier and Porth Eirias, with this being marked out on clear (yet slightly controversial) signs.
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Main image: 'No dogs' sign on a beach/Getty