A seasonal ban on dogs on beaches will come into force next week. The restrictions come into effect on Monday (May 1) as the visitors flock to the West Country to enjoy our stunning scenery.
While there are a few places where pooches are welcome all year round, it is wise to check before you head to the coast whether your pet can come with you or not.
The major of the resorts are based along the Bristol Channel, below Somerset Live has rounded up the places that should be avoided with our furry friends.
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Weston-super-Mare
In Weston-super-Mare, four-legged friends are prohibited from using the beach between the Grand Pier and Royal Sands from May 1 to September 30. They're also banned from the beach at Marine Lake during the summer months.
Here is a list of all the places dog owners will need to avoid - as well as a few where pooches are welcome year-round.
- Uphill
Uphill Beach is an excellent beach walk. It is dog friendly all year round, borders scenic Uphill Hill Nature Reserve and is close to a lovely friendly dog cafe.
- Sand Bay
Sand Bay beach is dog friendly all year round.
Clevedon
The beach in Clevedon prohibits dogs at all times, unless it is a registered guide dog.
Burnham-on-Sea, Berrow and Brean
In Burnham-on-Sea, dogs are banned year-round on the beach, jetty and Esplanade steps between the jetty and the Pavilion. Between May 1 and September, that ban increases to include the beach and Esplanade steps between the jetty and Yacht Club and the Pavilion and Maddocks Slade.
Meanwhile, dogs are permitted throughout the year on all the beaches north of the sea wall at Maddocks Slade in Burnham all the way to Brean Down, which includes both Berrow beach and Brean beach.
Minehead
The only beach in Minehead with a restriction on dogs is the main Minehead Beach. This lasts from May 1 to September 30.
Portishead
Sugar Loaf Beach is a small pebble beach in Portishead with a tidal pool. It’s great for dogs, especially when the pool has filled up and they can have a little swim. Dogs need to be kept on leads at all times if walking along the Esplanade at Portishead.
St Audries Bay
Dog friendly all year round.
What happens if you're caught violating a ban?
Dog walkers who are caught ignoring the ban can be fined up to £75.
Find out more here.
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