Dogs on Beaches in Blackpool

There are restrictions during the season on taking dogs on beaches in Blackpool. A dog ban is in force each year on the main amenity beaches, from 1 May to 30 September.

Dog Control Orders are the rules about when and where you can take your dog throughout the year, and where they should be on a lead.

You’ll see standard signage at the access points to all bathing beaches in Blackpool. It’s the same type of signage that’s also in use at beaches all around the UK. Here’s a quick run through –

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Ban on Dogs on Beaches in Blackpool

You are NOT allowed to take your dog on any of the main beaches in Blackpool, between 1st May and 30th September.

This includes all of the main Blackpool beach.

• From North Pier
• to the Mirror Ball at the Solaris Centre on New South Promenade.
• Plus all the slopes and staircases leading to the beach.
• Owners who take their dogs into these areas will be liable to an on-the-spot fine.
  The fine is up to £100, rising up to £1000 if fined in court.

You CAN take your dog onto the beach –

– from the north (right hand side) of North Pier to the boundary with Wyre at Cleveleys

– from the area opposite the Solaris Centre southwards (left) to Squires Gate Lane where the big tramshed is.

Dogs on Leads on the Promenade

In Blackpool, any dogs on the Promenade area between North and South Piers must be kept on a lead.

Plus, any area specified where there is no physical barrier between the highway and or tram track and the promenade.

Why is there a Ban on Dogs on Beaches in Blackpool?

Most UK resorts don’t allow dogs on beaches during the summer season. Rules do vary from place to place and it’s usually to do with whether the area is classed as a bathing beach or not. Always check first if you are in doubt.

If it’s classed as a bathing beach the sea water will be tested throughout the season. The results of the tests determine the quality rating of the beach for the following year.

• The Marine Conservation Society rates bathing waters for the Good Beach Guide, which helps you to find a clean beach around the UK.

• Keep Britain Tidy rate facilities and the overall environment at beaches around the UK for their Seaside Award. This identifies beaches that are clean, safe, attractive and well managed. Both systems help you to know whether facilities are good and the environment is clean and safe.

Looking after Bathing Beaches

‘Bathing beaches’ are the popular, well used ones. There are of course many other miles of beaches which aren’t classified within this system, where you can enjoy walking, sports or other beach activities.

Dog fouling is particularly a problem on bathing beaches not only because it’s revolting but because it pollutes the sea water. Huge amounts of work has been done, not just in Blackpool but all round the UK, to clean up our shores. It prevents sewage and other types of contamination (for example run-off from farmland etc) from entering the sea water.

It’s important that you always pick up after your dog, whether it’s a designated bathing beach or where there aren’t any restrictions on dogs. Please bag it, pick it up and bin it.

• More about dogs and the rules in Blackpool here

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