Five best dog-friendly beaches within two hours of Hereford

If you're planning on taking advantage of the mini-heatwave this weekend is supposed to bring and give your pets a chance to enjoy the sun, sea and sand, here are some of the best beaches within a two-hour drive of Hereford city centre. All of these are dog-friendly at this time of year.

Clevedon

Clevedon Beach, Somerset (Image: Creative Commons)

Clevedon in Somerset is one of the closest beaches to Hereford.

The Visit Somerset website says: “Clevedon is a seaside town in north Somerset, part of the ceremonial county of Somerset. Clevedon radiates calm and a traditional seaside experience from its prominent place on the Somerset coastline looking out on the Severn Estuary.

“Once a farming village, its proximity to Bristol meant that it developed during the Victorian era into a seaside town.”

Clevedon is a popular filming location, having featured in ITV’s Broadchurch, and the band One Direction’s music video for their song You and I on the town’s famous Victorian pier found at one end of the beach.

With half a mile of beach stretching as far as the eye can see, there’s plenty of space to enjoy with the dogs, which are allowed from October to April.

Like many beaches, there is a seasonal dog ban, which has been lifted for October for dog-owners to enjoy autumnal walks along the shore.

Weston-super-Mare

Weston-super-Mare, Somerset (Image: Creative Commons)

This Somerset destination is a popular one with visitors from Hereford.

There’s plenty to keep the family busy after the drive, which takes just under two hours.

A fair and amusement park means there is a variety of things to get up to, as well as spending some time walking the dog on the sandy beach.

The Visit Weston-super-Mare site says: “Weston is located on the channel coast at the second highest tidal range. From the sea wall that runs alongside our level promenade, there are many entrances on the sand, including ramps and steps.

“Tourists flock to the golden sands and in the winter, the beach is still popular. Those who wish to brave outdoor water sports and kite surfing can enjoy all sorts of wind-sports at Uphill Sands at the end of the beach.

“Many events and music concerts are held on Weston beach and seafront. On beach lawns across a small road from the beach and promenade, there’s a busy schedule of annual events.

“The great thing about the beach is that nothing is too far away, so if you need anything, there’s not far to go.”

Most of the beach is open to dogs at this time of year, all except for the Marine Lake.

Sand Bay

Sand Bay, Somerset (Image: Creative Commons)

This Somerset beach is another potential trip for people from Herefordshire with dogs, if you would prefer a quieter location than the touristy Weston-super-Mare. It is so close to Weston that you could even combine both beaches into one trip.

The Visit Weston-super-Mare website says: “Sand Bay is a long, expanse of sand and shingle, lying just two miles north of Weston, and across from south Wales.

“Just a few minutes away from busy Weston, this is the perfect place to visit with family and dogs while in Weston. It can be easily visited on the open-topped buses taking the scenic coast road. All buses are fine with dogs.”

It is described as popular with both beachcombers and horse riders as it is so long and flat.

The beach is dog-friendly all year round, so you can even return in the summer months without having to worry about a fine.

Rest Bay

Rest Bay, Porthcawl (Image: Creative Commons)

Rest Bay, near Porthcawl in Wales, is a Blue Flag beach and boasts miles of sandy beach.

“It is one of several beaches from Sker Point through to Ogmore by Sea to the west,” says Visit Wales. “A new state-of-the-art sports centre overlooks the beach. Local experts use the new centre as a base to offer surf lessons and hire as well as kayaks, stand-up paddle boards and bodyboards.

“The centre also acts as a training centre for lifeguards and surf instructors and as the base for the Welsh Coast Club.”

The beach is dog-friendly in the off-season, perfect if you want to take your pet with you.

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Sugar Loaf

Sugar Loaf Beach, Somerset (Image: Creative Commons)

Our fifth and final suggestion is yet another Somerset offering. This beach near Portishead is not far from Bristol, and around 90 minutes away from the city of Hereford.

Dogs are welcome at all times of year, and as one of the closest dog-friendly beaches to Hereford, this one is well worth the drive.