IT’S the turn of the season, and that means a change in rules which is good news for beachgoers.
Starting October 1, dogs will be allowed back on most beaches in the UK again after a five month long summer ban.
Dogs are stopped from going onto most beaches in the UK during the height of summer to keep beaches clean and safe during the busier period.
These dates tend to be May 1 to September 30.
But now the peak summer season has ended and most beaches across the UK have ended the ban meaning pooches can run along the sand once more.
For example, on the popular beach of Brighton & Hove, dogs are allowed on all beaches from October 1 until April 30.
Many beaches in Devon have lifted the seasonal ban including areas of Sidmouth Beach, the North Sands at Salcombe, parts of Goodrington Sands, Exmouth, and Bigbury-on-Sea.
Beaches in Devon that have lifted the dog ban from October 1 include Broadsands Beach, Corbyn Head and Paignton Sands.
There are some that allow dogs there all-year round like Fairy Cove, Maidencombe Beach and St Marys Cove.
In Hampshire, dogs are now allowed on beaches in Southsea, Hayling Island, West Wittering, Hill Head and Lee-on-the-Solent.
Over in Wales, dogs will be allowed on the beaches in Anglesey, including Beaumaris and Llanddona.
Dogs can also run free on the beaches in Bridgend, Carmarthenshire, Denbighshire, Gwynedd and Pembrokeshire.
Some beaches still have restrictions on sections of the beach and the promenades though.
This is the case for the beaches at Benllech, Cemaes Bay, and Trearddur Bay where dogs have to be on a lead on the promenade.
Up north in Yorkshire, lots of beaches have ended its seasonal bans, like in Bridlington, Hornsea, and Withernsea.
But there are some beaches like Robin Hood’s Bay and Runswick Bay have no restrictions and are always dog-friendly throughout the year.
The no dog on beaches rules are usually in place from May to September, with fines between £100 and £1,000.
The ban is enforced to reduce dog poo on the beaches, as well as to keep children safe.
To check if you can take your dog on the local beach, check with council websites and check for signs near the coast.
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