Dog owners in the North West of England can take their pets back onto many beaches from the start of October, as seasonal restrictions are lifted. During the summer months, several councils enforce bans on dogs walking on beaches, but most of these restrictions end on 1 October. While the majority of beaches will now allow dogs, owners are advised to check for signs before heading onto the sand, as some restrictions may remain.
Lytham St Annes and Blackpool
In Lytham St Annes, Lancashire, the dog ban on St Anne's beach runs from Good Friday until 30 September every year. Fylde Council says the exclusion zone covers the amenity beach between the slipway for St Annes Lifeboat Station and the northern end of North Promenade Car Park, extending seaward to the mean low water mark. A seasonal dogs-on-leads restriction also applies to the Promenade and Promenade Gardens between Fairhaven Car Park and North Promenade Car Park for the same period. All year round, dog walkers can use a vast stretch of beach towards Squires Gate northwards and Lytham Quays southwards.
In Blackpool, dogs are allowed along the promenade all year, but must be kept on a lead at all times between the North and South Piers, and in any area where there is no physical barrier between the highway or tram track and the promenade. On the beach, a seasonal dog ban is in place between the North Pier and the Mirror Ball opposite the Solaris centre from 1 May to 30 September each year. These restrictions do not apply to guide dogs, which are allowed at all times. All year, dogs are welcome from the Solaris, Mirror Ball to Squires Gate (South) and from North Pier to Anchorsholme (North).
Fleetwood, Cleveleys and Morecambe
Wyre Council enforces a seasonal dog ban from 1 May until 30 September, which has been in place since 2012. The ban covers the designated bathing areas at Fleetwood Marine Beach and Cleveleys Beach, including Cleveleys beach between FBKafe and the Wyre/Blackpool boundary, and Marine beach in Fleetwood opposite the beach huts near the slipway and Central car park. Signs and flags mark the banned areas. The council adds: "There is still plenty of beach that you can enjoy with your dogs and the restrictions do not include the promenade, although all dogs on the prom must be on a lead."
In Morecambe, dogs are excluded from South and North beaches every year from 1 May until 30 September, and those who break the rules could face a £100 fine. Lancaster City Council says the restriction helps maintain water quality during the busiest period. Dog owners are also asked to keep pets on the lead while on the promenade and in the adjacent gardens and Sunny Slopes.
Southport, Formby and Crosby
In Southport, dogs are allowed on most of the beach all year, but there are two seasonal exclusion zones from 1 May to 30 September: Southport beach from the Pier south towards Pleasureland (for 555m) to the tide line, and Ainsdale Beach for 200m either side of the main beach entrance to the tide line. Sefton Council encourages owners to exercise pets here but says you must clean up any mess and keep your dog under control.
Formby Beach, on the Merseyside coast between Liverpool and Southport, is dog friendly throughout the year. Visit Southport says: "Formby Beach is a stunning, family and dog-friendly spot along Southport and Sefton's coastline." Crosby Beach, just south of Formby, is also dog friendly all year with no restrictions.
