There’s a rather special thing about taking your dog to the beach in the autumn.
The crowds have thinned.
The summer busy period is now over.
It could still be bright and quite warm.
Above all other things, the seasonal bans for dogs at the beach are going to end for a large number of dog owners.
In most of the UK, beaches with restrictions on dogs during the summer months tend to reopen at the end of September; in many locations, the restrictions end on 30 September, so dogs can be back from 1 October.
One of my favourite times of year for going on a coastal adventure is this.
When can dogs return to UK beaches?
The simple answer is that it all depends on the beach.
No single rule applies to all the beaches in the UK, the dog restrictions are generally determined by the local council, the landowner or some other authority, and thus the dates and conditions can vary a great deal.
It is important to remember 30 September.
For example, the seasonal restrictions imposed by Thanet District Council cover some beaches from 1 May to 30 September, after which dogs may return on 1 October.
The same pattern is found on many of the beaches in Dorset, and the existing dog-related Public Spaces Protection Order bans dogs from certain beaches between 1 May and 30 September.
In Cornwall, a number of well-known beaches have restrictions which continue until 30 September; these include Carbis Bay, Polzeath, Porthmeor, Porthminster, Sennen and Widemouth.
Therefore, if you’ve been patiently waiting for autumn, 1 October should be entered in your diary.
Why autumn is PAWfect for a beach day
There are many reasons to enjoy taking your dog to the coast outside the main summer period.
In October,, the atmosphere is generally more tranquil, which can make a big difference when your dog finds busy beaches overwhelming; instead of moving between sunbathers, children, buckets, and windbreaks, you can often enjoy a much more relaxed walk.
Autumn also brings its own kind of beauty to the coast. The light changes, the evenings draw in, and those bright summer blues can give way to dramatic skies and crashing waves.
The weather is not always perfect.
That’s part of the enjoyment of it, since a brisk walk followed by having a warm drink somewhere that’s friendly to dogs can be just as pleasant as spending a day on the sand in the sun.
It’s not only about the beach
One of the reasons I enjoy going on coastal adventures in the autumn is that there’s no need to spend the entire day on the sand.
Imagine the beach as the starting point.
You might combine your visit with a coastal walk, take a look at a local nature reserve, stroll through a seaside town or eat lunch at a pub that is friendly to dogs.
Some beaches are particularly good for this sort of day out because they connect with longer walking routes.
That’s precisely where MyPAWfectPlace comes in.
Our interest goes beyond simply locating a place where your dog is officially permitted.
We want to help you find places where you can really enjoy spending the day together.
Remember: not every beach changes on 1 October
This is important.
It would be a mistake to suppose that just because a beach has a summer dog ban it immediately becomes dog-friendly on 1 October.
Certain beaches have different dates.
Others have rules that apply only during certain hours.
Some require dogs to be kept on leads.
Some have no dog access at all, including certain beaches or wildlife areas where restrictions apply year-round.
For example, in Cornwall, a number of beaches have seasonal restrictions ending on 30 September, while protected wildlife areas ban dogs year-round.
Dorset has beaches that are open to dogs year-round, along with others that have seasonal limitations; for instance, Kimmeridge Bay, Lulworth Cove and Worbarrow Bay are listed as dog-friendly all year, whereas other beaches have restrictions from 1 May to 30 September.
Make sure you check the specific beach before you go.
There’s a reason why the sign at the entrance is in place.
The October beach walk
If your local beach opens up to dogs on 1 October, why not make a day of it?
Pack the lead.
Take plenty of poo bags.
Place a towel in the car.
Bring some fresh water.
Make sure you get something warm for yourself too.
Then head to the coast and see where the day takes you.
Your dog might race straight into the sea.
It’s possible that they could take an hour looking at each rock, every piece of driftwood and each mysterious smell on the beach.
You might come across a new coastal walking route that you have never tried before.
Or maybe you’ll sit down together and watch the waves.
A huge plan isn’t necessary.
A simple stroll along the seashore can be sufficient.
A little reminder about responsible dog ownership
The more beaches that allow dogs, the more we need to do to keep that going.
It involves cleaning up after your dog, keeping it in check when near wildlife and other people who use the beach, and obeying any local signs and restrictions.
It is particularly important in areas with coastal wildlife.
Beaches, dunes, marshes and cliffs can all serve as important habitats for birds and other animals, and a dog having fun on the beach needn’t disturb the wildlife.
A little consideration goes a long way.
If each of us makes an effort, then we will be able to help in preserving these wonderful places for everyone.
What is your first destination going to be?
For many dog owners, the end of September feels like the beginning of the real dog-friendly beach season.
The beaches are quieter.
The walks are cooler.
The landscape feels wilder.
As a result, there are fewer people vying for that ideal stretch of sand.
Well, if you’ve been looking forward to it all summer, it will be here soon.
From 1st October, thousands of dogs in the UK will start heading back onto previously restricted beaches
And Mazie and I will be joining them.
We at MyPAWfectPlace will keep exploring beaches, walks, pubs, cafes, and places to stay with our dogs, and share useful advice to help you plan your own adventures.
A beach that is dog-friendly isn’t just a place where your dog is permitted.
It’s a place where you can share experiences together.
Then take the lead, pack the towels and get ready for a few autumn adventures by the sea.
The beach is ready!
On MyPAWfectPlace, from October, you don’t need to worry about the separate tags “Year-Round Dog Beaches,“ “Seasonal Beaches”, but just use our “Beaches” tag.
After your trip, why not leave a PAWprint review, or, if we don’t list the location, add it to help fellow dog owners.
