For many of us, the unprecedented heat of the summer just gone was alleviated by only one thing: a cool sea breeze, a refreshing dip, or an afternoon spent sunbathing on the sand. There's just no beating a day at the beach.

But for those with furry, four-legged friends, a trip to the seaside is not always a simple affair.

Many UK beaches are partially closed to dogs during the summer months - a matter that prompted some owners in Rhos-on-Sea, Conwy, to take to the streets to protest, the BBC reports.

What a relief, then, that as of October 1, most UK beaches will welcome dogs back once more.

Some are great for coastal walks, while others have wonderful seafront cafes for a shoreside stop.

As restrictions lift across the country, read on to discover the UK's best dog-friendly beaches.

West Wittering, Sussex

Treat your pooch to a long walk over West Wittering's vast stretch of dreamy golden sands. 

While dogs are not permitted on the main swimming area from May 1 to September 30, the advent of autumn brings with it the easing of restrictions.

So why not head to the West Sussex coast and take advantage of its resplendent views, peaceful atmosphere and family-friendly environment - with your pooch in tow? 

Rhossili, Gower

Four-legged friends can walk along three miles of golden sand at Rhossili Bay Beach in Wales. 

Surrounded by panoramic coastal views and countryside, the scenic spot has been named the perfect destination for a long trek.  

The beach has also been recognised for its beauty, having twice been named Britain’s Best Beach by TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice.

Dogs are allowed on the shores all year, with no seasonal restrictions in place.  

Saunton Sands, North Devon

Treat your pooch to a visit to Saunton Sands beach in North Devon, where dogs are welcome to run around all year. 

Set in a beautifully natural location, the beach is also backed by the UNESCO-protected Braunton Burrows Biosphere Reserve.

There are some seasonal restrictions to be mindful of during the summer, however, with dogs expected to be on leads in front of beach huts, for example.

Kynance Cove

Tucked away on the western side of the Lizard Peninsula, Kynance Cove is a Cornish tidal beach that boasts pristine white sand, turquoise waters, dramatic rock stacks and lush green surroundings. 

It's open to dogs for 10 months of the year, with a seasonal ban in place from July 1 to August 31, 10am to 6pm. They are welcome on the surrounding footpaths during this time, however.

Outside of the ban, the beach is a great place to come and stretch your legs with your pooch.

And, when you're done for the day, Kynance Cove Café, located on the nearby cliff, is a perfect pitstop for a Cornish tea with coastal views. 

East Beach, Littlehampton

East Beach in Littlehampton is a popular spot with a sandy and pebbled shore. 

It's dog-friendly for most of the year, with restrictions only in place from May 1 to September 30, between the pier and beach huts. During this time, pooches are welcome to walk along the promenade on a lead. 

After a long stroll along the coast, the nearby East Beach Café makes for an ideal pit stop. Dogs are welcome here on the outside decking. 

Mawgan Porth, Cornwall

A sheltered spot to enjoy with your beloved pooch, dogs on Mawgan Porth beach are permitted all year round. 

The Merrymoor Inn is situated along the coast and is a dog-friendly establishment serving up locally sourced food.

Low Newton Beach, Alnwick

Low Newton Beach provides a wonderful spot for you and your four-legged friend to enjoy a stroll. 

It's dog-friendly all year, with no bans in place even during the summer months. 

It is important to be mindful, however, of any local restrictions in place during bird breeding season, when owners might be asked to keep their dogs on leads. 

The Ship Inn is located beside the beach and is the perfect place to stop for a pint after a long walk, and is dog-friendly - providing your pooch behaves!

Whitstable Beach, Kent

Dogs are welcome on Whitstable Beach all year, making it a great destination for owners to take their pets.

There are restrictions in place for a section of the shore: from May 1 to September 30, pooches are not permitted from the area in line with Pier Avenue West to The Street, according to The Beach Guide.

However, they are free to enjoy the central and west sections of the sand. 

After a picturesque walk along the beach, the Old Neptune provides a good stop-off point. 

The Victorian pub is located on the shore and is dog-friendly.

Fistral Beach, Newquay

Though some beaches only have dog restrictions in place for part of the year or certain areas, there are spots that are completely open to pooches for the full 12 months. 

Fistral Beach in Newquay is one, with its wide stretch of sand well loved by four-legged friends. 

Don't leave this award-winning spot - recognised as the British home of surfing - off your dog walking list. 

Sandwood Bay, Sutherland, Scotland

Located in Sutherland on the north-west coastline, Sandwood Bay welcomes pooches all year. 

It is a remote spot that is often peaceful, only accessible by a four-mile walk from a car park in Blairmore, according to Wildpack Collective. 

Dogs are very much welcome here, provided they are kept on a lead.

Milford on Sea, Hampshire

In Hampshire, Milford on Sea is dog-friendly all year, The Beach Guide says.

Visitors can stroll along the pebbled shore with their dogs and take in views of the Isle of Wight. 

For a particularly scenic route, head from Hurst Spit to Hurst Castle.

Hunmanby Gap, North Yorkshire

A less-crowded option than some of the more popular spots, Hunmanby Gap welcomes dogs all year round. 

It's a long stretch of shore, perfect for scenic walks by the sea with your canine companion. 

Woolacombe Beach, Devon

Looking for something that is guaranteed to be soft on your dog's paws? Head to the golden sands of Woolacombe Beach.

Dogs are allowed to enjoy the shore all year. 

The only restriction is that dogs are not permitted between the rocks at the northern end of the beach and the stream from the earlier of Good Friday and April 1 to September 30.

Summerleaze Beach, Bude 

Another sandy spot to take your beloved pet is Summerleaze Beach in Bude. 

Here, dogs are allowed all year round, but there are some restrictions in place over the summer months. 

Pooches must be kept on leads between 10am and 6pm from May 21 to September 30. 

Cayton Bay, North Yorkshire

Sat between Scarborough and Filey, Cayton Bay has a rugged and untouched feel – with four-legged friends permitted all year round, with no restrictions. 

It's perfect for an afternoon mooch with your pooch.