Being a surfer and a dog owner can be a bit of a balancing act. Your dog just wants to go surfing while you want to take a quiet walk on the beach, eat someone’s picnic and dig a few holes. We have created this dog friendly surfing beaches guide to help you and your fluffy friend decide where to hang ten and hang out.
Some of the dog friendly surfing beaches in Bude are dog friendly all year round. However, some beaches have seasonal dog bans and some beaches have dog bans at certain times of the day. It’s always worth finding out which beaches allow dogs before you head off so you don’t end up chasing your tail!
Instead of listing every beach in Bude, we have listed just the ones that have RNLI Lifeguard cover. For any beginner surfer, we would always recommend surfing on a lifeguarded beach or taking a lesson with a surf school. For more info about when the RNLI Lifeguards patrol our Bude beaches check out our post RNLI Lifeguard Patrol Dates & Times on Bude Beaches 2024
Dogs on Crackington Haven Beach
Dogs – There is a seasonal dog ban on the beach between the 15th of May – 30th of September. During this time dogs are NOT allowed on Crackington beach between 10am – 6pm. Dogs are welcome on this beach at all other times.
Beach – Crackington is a beautiful little beach that has a large cliff called Penkenna to the north and rolling cliffs/hills to the south. There is a pebble ridge at high tide and a sandy mid and low tide. The beach is narrow with rocks either side to explore.
Surf – The surf can be good from low to mid tide. Due to the narrow beach space can be limited and there are rocks to be aware of. Check with a lifeguard before entering the water.
Facilities – There is a small car park, toilets, a couple of cafes, a shop and a pub.
Dogs on Blackrock Beach
Dogs – Dogs are allowed on Blackrock Beach all year round. For this reason, Blackrock is a very popular beach for dog owners
Beach – Blackrock is a large open beach that makes up one half of Widemouth Bay. The north side adjoins with Widemouth Beach and has sand from low through to high tide. The south side is made up of a bed of rocks and the large protruding ‘Blackrock’ that dominates the south end of the beach.
Surf – It is a popular spot for surfers due to the quality of the waves, the space and the black and white flagged area of Widemouth Beach. If you are taking surfing lessons with us (Freewave Surf Academy) and you have a dog then we can alway surf on the Blackrock side of the beach. Just mention it to your surfing instructor on arrival. Check with a lifeguard before entering the water.
Facilities – There is a large car park, toilets, a cafe, surf hire and a shop.
Dogs on Widemouth Beach
Dogs – There is a seasonal dog ban on Widemouth Beach between the 15th of May – 30th of September. During this time dogs are NOT allowed on the beach between 10am – 6pm. However, dogs are allowed on the north end (Salt House) and the south end (Blackrock) of Widemouth Beach. You are able to park at Widemouth Beach Carpark and walk to these other areas of the beach with your dog. Dogs are welcome on the main beach at Widemouth at all other times.
Beach – Widemouth Beach is a large open beach with a sand/pebbles at high tide and sand all the way down to low tide. The beach has a rocky outcrop on the north side with a rock that looks like a camel (Camel Rock). There are a few low lying rocks on the south side which adjoins to Blackrock (dog friendly all year) Beach.
Surf – Widemouth Beach is a popular spot for surfers due to the good quality of waves, the designated surfing area and the amazing surf school (Freewave Surf Academy) that is located here (Click here to book your surfing lessons!). The waves break throughout the tide but there are better times to surf and time to avoid. Check out our Guide to Surfing Widemouth Bay
Facilities – There are three carpark areas, toilets, a cafes, an amazing surf school and surfing equipment hire. There is also a pub, restaurant and campsite near by.
Dogs on Summerleaze Beach
Dogs – There is a seasonal dog ban on the beach between the 15th of May – 30th of September. During this time dogs are NOT allowed on Crackington beach between 10am – 6pm. Dogs are welcome on this beach at all other times.
Beach – Crackington is a beautiful little beach that has a large cliff called Penkenna to the north and rolling cliffs/hills to the south. There is a pebble ridge at high tide and a sandy mid and low tide. The beach is narrow with rocks either side to explore.
Surf – The surf can be good from low to mid tide. Due to the narrow beach space can be limited and there are rocks to be aware of. Check with a lifeguard before entering the water.
Facilities – There is a small car park, toilets, a couple of cafes, a shop and a pub.
Dogs on Crooklets Beach
Dogs – There is a seasonal dog ban on the beach between the 15th of May – 30th of September. During this time dogs are NOT allowed on Crackington beach between 10am – 6pm. Dogs are welcome on this beach at all other times.
Beach – Crooklets is a great beach with quick access to the facilities around it. There is a small cliff to the north and some low lying rocks to the south. At mid and low tides you can walk around to Summerleaze Beach and the Bude Sea Pool. There is a pebble ridge at high tide and a sandy mid and low tide.
Surf – The surf can be good throughout the tide however the beach can be a challenge for beginner surfers. If unsure, always heck with a lifeguard before entering the water.
Facilities – There are three car parks, toilets, a couple of cafes, a pub and a skate park!
Dogs on Northcott Beach
Dogs – Dogs are allowed on Northcott Beach all year round.
Beach – Northcott is a beautiful beach which lies slightly outside of Bude town. To the north there is a large crumbling outcrop of rock called Menachurch point (aka The Dragons Head). Closer to the beach an unusual long rock known as Curtis’s Rock creates a wall in which the sand part of the beach is framed. Stunning cliff lines roll to the south. At high tide there is little beach to explore and the sea is less inviting. At lower tides, there is much more beach to explore and the sea is a more attractive place to swim.
Surf – The surf can be good from low to mid tide. Due to the narrow beach space can be limited and there are rocks to be aware of. Check with a lifeguard before entering the water.
Facilities – There is a small car park and a small cafe. There are no toilets at Northcott Beach
Dogs on Sandymouth Beach
Dogs – Dogs are allowed on Sandymouth Beach all year round.
Beach – Sandymouth is a beautiful beach.. There is a pebble ridge at high tide and a sandy mid and low tide. The beach is wide with rocks either side to explore.
Surf – The surf can be good from low to mid tide. Check with a lifeguard before entering the water.
Facilities – There is a car park, toilets and a cafe.
