Aberdeen’s long sandy beach has excellent bathing water, but part of it is a dog exclusion zone. The North Sea is cold even in summer, so we have kept this guide short and sourced from the council and SEPA. Where we could not confirm a rule, we say so.
1. Aberdeen Beach – Esplanade
Address: Esplanade, Aberdeen AB24 5QA
Google rating: 4.5 (1,449 reviews)
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Aberdeen City Council’s Aberdeen Beach and Queen’s Links page says there is a dog exclusion zone on the sea shore between groynes 6 and 13. It gives no dates, so we could not confirm whether it is seasonal, nor exactly where those groynes sit; check the signs on arrival. SEPA rates the Aberdeen bathing water “Excellent” for 2026, describes a sandy beach of about 4 km, and advises against bathing during and for one to two days after heavy rain. Its profile asks dog owners to clear up any fouling, and the council’s dog fouling page lists an £80 fixed penalty.
2. Donmouth Local Nature Reserve – Bridge of Don
Address: Aberdeen AB24 1XP
Google rating: 4.6 (1,126 reviews)
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This is a walk by the water, not a swim. VisitAberdeenshire’s listing describes seals and birdlife where the Don meets the sea. We found no official dog or swimming rule for the reserve, so keep your dog close and give wildlife space.
Parks and ponds
The council’s Parks and Outdoor Areas Management Rules ask for close control in any park, and for care near young farm animals and at the seashore at nesting time (April to July). Another rule prohibits swimming or wading in ornamental ponds or water bodies managed for horticulture or wildlife, so please do not let dogs into the Duthie Park ponds unless the council says otherwise. We could not confirm rules for Footdee, Balnagask, Nigg Bay, Cove, Loirston Loch, or the Dee and Don.
Safety
The Scottish Outdoor Access Code asks for dogs to be under proper control. Speak to your vet about whether your dog is fit and suited to swimming.
Before and after your outing
Rinse and dry your dog. If you are looking at everyday extras, Calmshops has a range, but speak to your vet first. See our Aberdeen vets guide, the Aberdeen City dog services hub and our UK dog swimming guide. Details come from Google and the council and can change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are dogs allowed on Aberdeen Beach?
Partly. Aberdeen City Council’s Aberdeen Beach and Queen’s Links page says there is a dog exclusion zone on the sea shore between groynes 6 and 13. It gives no dates, so we could not confirm whether it is seasonal, or exactly where those groynes sit. Check the signs on arrival.
Is the water at Aberdeen Beach clean enough to swim?
SEPA rates the Aberdeen bathing water ‘Excellent’ for 2026. It advises against bathing during and for one to two days after heavy rain, and the North Sea is cold even in summer.
Can my dog paddle in the ponds at Duthie Park?
Please do not let it. The council’s parks rules prohibit swimming or wading in ornamental ponds and water bodies managed for horticulture or wildlife, so keep dogs out unless the council says otherwise.
What are the dog rules at Donmouth Local Nature Reserve?
We found no official dog or swimming rule for the reserve. It is a walk by the water where the Don meets the sea, so keep your dog close and give wildlife space.
Written by Georgiana & Figo.
