Whether you’re house sitting as a pet sitter in Essex or you’ve got a pooch of your own, follow our ultimate guide to dog-friendly Essex below. We explore the dog-friendly beaches Essex has to offer, plus walks, attractions and places to eat - all perfect for planning a pet-friendly day out in the county.
Dog-friendly beaches in Essex
Below find a list of beaches in Essex that welcome dogs to get you started - remember, there are heaps more across the county, so explore for yourself and always double check the rules.
Irlam’s Beach
This beach in north east Essex is popular with local dog owners as dogs are welcome all year round on its golden sands.
Location: Harwich CO12 5JW
St Osyth Beach
This beach is a popular holiday destination and dog walking spot as dogs are welcome all year round on its sand, shingle and pebbles.
Location: Beach Rd, St. Osyth, Clacton-on-Sea CO16 8SG
Brightlingsea Beach
This beach is ideal for local dog owners and pet sitters during the winter months - take a stroll down the beach and capture the moment outside the colourful beach huts!
Location: Brightlingsea, Colchester CO7 0HH
Mersea Island beaches
West Mersea Beach and Cudmore Grove Beach welcome dogs all year round, but it could be worth keeping your dog on a lead during busier months.
Locations:
- West Mersea Beach, 401 Victoria Esplanade, West Mersea, Colchester CO5 8AT
- Cudmore Grove, The Leys, Broman's Ln, East Mersea, Colchester CO5 8UE
Jaywick Beach
Wander Jaywick beach with your dog all year round - just be aware of the one restriction on this sandy beach that dogs are not allowed any further north than the West Road Outfall Pipe when you get to Clacton.
Location: 8 Sea Glebe Way, Jaywick, Clacton-on-Sea CO15 2EL
Thorney Bay Beach
Grab an ice cream and walk your dog in Canvey Island at Thorney Bay Beach, where dogs are welcome all year round. And no worries if you need to drive to this spot to walk your dog - there is a car park just north of the beach.
Location: 9 Cleveland Rd, Canvey Island SS8 0AU
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Mersea Island, Essex
Popular places for dog walks in Essex
It’s easy to plan a dog-friendly day out in Essex with so many dog walking destinations to choose from. Below, find a few popular places to walk your dog to get you started.
Wivenhoe Nature Park
Captured in the well-known oil painting by John Constable in 1816, Wivenhoe Park is certainly one of the most scenic places to walk your dog in Essex. Explore over 200 acres of parkland and marvel at Wivenhoe House (which also features in the painting).
Location: Colchester CO4 3SQ
Weald Country Park
Explore this 500-acre park with your furry friend, and keep your eyes peeled for fallow dear.
Location: Weald Rd, Brentwood CM14 5QS
Hylands Park
If you live nearer Chelmsford, head to Hylands Park and explore over 500 acres of land - just keep your eyes peeled for any signs asking dogs to be on the lead.
Location: 10 Meadgate Terrace, Chelmsford CM2 8FS
Danbury Commons
Another great dog walking spot in Chelmsford is Danbury Commons - a lowland heath and ancient woodland with scenic views from Danbury ridge (which is Essex’s highest point).
Location: Penny Royal Rd, Chelmsford CM3 4JJ
Blakes Wood
Explore Blakes Wood in spring for the stunning display of bluebells, or stop by any time of year to discover the ancient woodland popular with dog walkers.
Location: Little Baddow, Chelmsford CM3 4AU
Epping Forest
If you live in Loughton and you’ve recently welcomed a dog into your life, Epping Forest will be your new hangout. With over 300km² to explore and multiple dog-friendly routes, it’s no wonder the Forest is a favourite amongst locals.
Location: Loughton IG10 4AF
Hatfield Forest
If you’re looking for yet another ancient forest to explore with your canine companion, look no further than Hatfield Forest in Stortford. Stop at the lake area for tranquil views and Shell House - a stunning Georgian pavilion.
Location: Bush End Rd, Takeley, Bishop's Stortford CM22 6NE
Tollesbury Wick
This nature reserve is a must see for any local - especially dog walkers. Explore for yourself for views across the Blackwater Estuary, and keep your eyes peeled for birds of prey.
Location: Woodrolfe Rd, Tollesbury, Maldon CM9 8SB
Epping Forest, Essex
Dog-friendly pubs in Essex
Like other English counties, Essex is brimming with dog-friendly pubs steeped in history and complete with a cosy atmosphere. Below are just a few to give you an idea of the types of pubs you could visit with your canine companion.
The Kind’s Head, Epping
Enjoy 450 years of history, a pint and the company of your canine companion at The King’s Head in Epping - the perfect end to a day exploring Epping Forest.
Location: High Rd, North Weald Bassett, Epping CM16 6BU
The Cricketers
With all the charm of a country inn and a menu that celebrates local produce, The Cricketers is a must-try if you live near Saffron Walden.
Location: Wicken Road, Saffron Walden CB11 4QT
The Eight Bells
For classic pub food done well and timbered interiors, find a pub like The Eight Bells in Saffron Walden - the perfect place to enjoy a cosy meal with your canine companion.
Location: 18 Bridge St, Saffron Walden CB10 1BU
The Black Horse
This 16-century pub - like many of the dog friendly restaurants in Essex - is popular for its historic charm and please-all menu. Stop by and relax in the bar area or garden with your furry friend, and keep them on a lead.
Location: 420 Ongar Rd, Pilgrims Hatch, Brentwood CM15 9JN
The Plough and Sail
If you’re looking for somewhere to relax alongside log fires, wooden beams and hearty comfort food, head to The Plough and Sail with your pooch if you’re anywhere near Rochford.
Location: Eastend, Rochford SS4 2EQ
Tollesbury Wick Nature Reserve, Essex
Dog-friendly attractions in Essex
There are countless dog-friendly places in Essex to explore with your canine companion - the county is brimming with history and attractions both locals and visitors love. Find a few dog-friendly attractions the county offers below, and always double check the rules before visiting.
Hadleigh Castle
Take a step back into the 13th century at Hadleigh Castle, and keep your dog on a lead to explore the ruins of this epic historical building that overlooks the Thames Estuary.
Location: Hadleigh, Benfleet SS7 2AP
Audley End House and Gardens
Explore the grounds and the walled gardens of Audley End House, and marvel at the 17th-century building on a walk with your pooch.
Location: Audley End, Saffron Walden CB11 4JF
Colchester Castle Park
Explore the Lower Park that surrounds Colchester Castle and find a river and grassy areas for your pooch to play - just be sure to keep them under control, especially around the local wildlife.
Location: High St, Colchester CO1 1UG
Prittlewell Priory & Priory Park
Take a trip back to the 12th century and explore this former monastery that’s now a museum in Southend. Explore the expansive park with your furry friend for an active and historic day out.
Location: Victoria Ave, Southend-on-Sea SS2 6NB
Hedingham Castle
On the England-Suffolk border is the stunning Hedingham Castle - one of the most well-preserved Norman keeps in the country. Explore the grounds with your dog for the most scenic dog walk of your year yet.
Location: Halstead CO9 3DJ
Hadleigh Castle, Essex
Tips for pet parents
- Find a dog-friendly beach. Essex is surrounded by a stunning coastline - and much of it is dog-friendly all year round, so be sure to have a day out by the coast for ocean breeze, an ice cream and sand between your toes.
- Explore your local history. You don’t have to miss out on your local attractions - just double check for dog-friendliness beforehand and bring your pooch along for a walk with a castle or historic garden for your backdrop.
- Plan ahead for your holiday. So it’s safe to say that your new pooch will be happy with their lot living in Essex, but what’s your plan for your next holiday? Well as vets agree pets are happiest at home, why not consider welcoming an in-home pet sitter to take care of your pets in their favourite place while you’re away? Click below to find out more.
Connecting with pet sitters in Essex
Tips for pet sitters
- Stay local. You really don’t have to travel far in Essex for ancient woodlands, country pubs or somewhere epic to walk your furry friends.
- Dine with your canine companion. If pet parents permit, find a cosy spot to take your new furry friend out for lunch between walkies - Essex is filled with dog-friendly places to eat.
- Explore Essex through house sitting. So, how does exploring the stunning county of Essex with a furry companion to show you around sound? Click below to find out how to get your house sitting adventure started.
House sitting in Essex
More dog-friendly travel guides near Essex
Thinking about house sitting near Essex, visiting a nearby town with your canine companion, or welcoming a pet sitter soon? Explore our travel guides below for dog-friendly places to visit, along with local tips and advice.
Dog-friendly Essex: FAQs
Can I take my dog on public transport in Essex?
Yes, dogs are allowed on trains and buses in Essex, but taxis are down to the driver’s discretion.
What are the rules for dogs on Essex beaches during summer?
Dogs are welcome on many of Essex’s beaches over the summer months, but some have a dog ban in place during the peak season on certain sections. Check each beach’s dog rules on a case by case basis to make sure you’re following local, seasonal restrictions.
