It’s the highlight of their day, so why not treat your four-legged friend to a refreshing walk by the sea? We round up some dog-friendly coastal spots that your pet will want to make friends with - and you can take him there all year round.

1. Abbot’s Cliff

Well known among the naturist community, this time of year it’s more a case of wrapping up warm if you’re taking your four-legged friend. Set below the cliffs between Samphire Hoe Country Park and the Warren Country Park, it is mostly shingle with a natural feel, although it is reached down a steep cliff path – and, of course, a steep walk back.

2. Dumpton Gap

This beach is sandy and is a good spot to get away from it all, although is not far from nearby cafes and toilets. The beach is not far from Ramsgate, but be sure to check the tide before you set out, or you could get cut off.

3. Dungeness

Windswept but picturesque, the shingle beach is flat and has a wealth of wildlife. With lots of parking available, it’s a great spot if your dog likes to run free without fear of running into many other dogs – there’s so much space he should be able to let off plenty of steam undisturbed.

TV property presenter Phil Spencer explores Faversham and surrounding areas with his dogs.

4. Fulsam Rock Margate

The beach doesn’t reveal itself much, but it’s a nice spot when you catch it at the right time

5. Hampton Pier – West

A mixture of sand and shingle, the beach is a good spot, with a promenade and slipway, plus is not far from pubs and other facilities.

6. Isle of Grain

Don’t be put off by a looming power station, this is just down the coast from the better known Allhallows beach, looking out on the Thames and the North Sea. It’s a great open space to let your dog off and has open fields near the beach and paths. You don’t have far to walk to find a pub and a shop either.

7. Kingsgate Bay

This sandy beach is a popular family beach and is close to Joss Bay and Botany Bay. Parking is a short walk away and you haven’t far to walk to find the Captain Digby pub.

8. Lydden Spout

A mixture of sand and shingle, this secluded beach is under the famous White Cliffs. At low tide you might spot some rockpools.

9. Palm Bay

If your dog likes company, this is the beach for him. A sandy one, it’s not far from Margate town centre, but doesn’t get as busy as Walpole and Botany Bay beaches. It’s also popular with water sports fans.

10. Reculver Beach

A shingle beach near Dover, it’s a small, tranquil spot.

11. Shakespeare Beach

A shingly spot. Make sure you’re prepared to take your dog’s doings away with you as there are no bins nearby.

12. Tankerton Beach

With some breathtaking views, this old fashioned shingle beach is backed by the promenade and grassy slopes which are popular with families. At low tide some rockpools reveal themselves.

13. The Warren Folkestone

Sandy and rocky, this is one for the hardy dog walkers, with cliffs on one side and the sea on the other.

14. Whitstable West Beach

A long stretch of shingle, there are beach huts, weatherboard cottages and fishing boats, plus pubs and places to sit and enjoy the view. West facing, it’s a great spot to catch a sunset.

For the Marine Conservation Society's beach guide, visit thebeachguide.co.uk