[Sunnybank]

hi everyone, 
we live near Hereford and now the summer holidays are with us would like some advice as to the best and nearest beach for children and dogs that is easy to get to - ie no steep cliffs. I lived most of my life near the east coast and was only ever 40 min drive from a beach. we love living here in herefordshire but am missing the coast and walks along the beach. dont need amusements and everything that goes with a large resort, just a sandy beach where dogs are welcome.
look forward to your replies xx 

[plumseverywhere]

Not a beach as such but have you been to Symonds Yat at all? its a nice day out     Otherwise I guess its Weston-super-donkey, we are worcestershire and we go there or Brean

[Sunnybank]

hi Plums, thanks for your reply. Never been to Symonds Yat - whats there??
thanks for the tip about weston, hoping to go there soon 

[plumseverywhere]

Its like the fairground/pier attractions you get at the beach. Its monmouth (which I *think* is near to you?) geography not my strong point!


http://www.symondsyatleisure.co.uk/index.html




We've been to Weston a few times, always rains when we go. All 4 of my children went on a trip with their primary school 2 weeks back and had a ball though! in the sea, sandcastles, donkey rides...

[Lesley Silvester]

I'm not sure whether dogs are allowed on Weston beaches though.  You might be better looking for a quieter beach just along the coast or heading across Wales.  Can't suggest anywhere though as I'm not a beach person.
 
Symonds Yat is wonderful.  You definitely should visit there.

[FiB]

yes Symonds Yat  if fab and if you go to SY east (SY west has a funfair etc) it is a lovely little villiage - few pubs, hand drawn ferry, canoe hire... if you hire a canoe and go up river a bit there are some great little 'beaches' on the wye where you can land, picnic, and swim.  Directly west though I d be thinking Aberdovey? (Not sure if too far), but it goes for sucha long way (up to Harlech), you must be able to take dogs?

[Sunnybank]

thanks to you both, going to visit both places, will let you know when we've been 

[deepinthewoods]

i grew up in hereford and on the rare beach days we had, we went to wales, borth and the gower peninsula
the gower is stunning.

[Sunnybank]

Hi everyone,
just wanted to say thank you so much for suggesting Weston Super day out 
we finally made today the day for our trip to the beach and what a wonderful day we had. Parked on south beach, wonderful flat sand, easy access, could tie the dog up on the posts by the car and kids could walk down to the sea, not too crowded, Matthew was not to sure off the sea but it was his first time on the beach, he did enjoy a donkey ride on Fred. 
Just like i remember days out at the seaside and only 2hrs away. definitely  go again