Dogs on the beach

Burnham-on-Sea

At Burnham-on-Sea beach, there are restrictions and byelaws in place for dogs. The rules depend on which part of the beach you are using.

Summary of beach restrictions

• Beach area 1 (between the jetty and the pavilion) – Dogs are banned all year round on the beach, jetty and esplanade steps
• Beach area 2 (between the jetty and the yacht club) – Dogs are banned on the beach and esplanade steps from May to September each year. Outside of these dates dogs are permitted on this area of the beach.
• Beach area 3 (between the pavilion and maddocks slade, north end of the sea wall) – Dogs are banned on beach and esplanade step from May to September each year. Outside of these dates dogs are permitted on this area of the beach.

Burnham-on-Sea Beach areas and dog bans map

Remember, it is against the rules to take your dog onto a beach where dogs are banned. Beach Wardens and Dog Wardens patrol these areas. They can give fines or even take legal action if you do not follow the rules.

North of Burnham, Berrow Beach and Brean Beach

Dogs are allowed all year on the beaches north of the sea wall at Maddocks Slade in Burnham up to Brean Down. This includes Berrow beach and Brean Beach. Dogs need to be under control or on a lead.

Minehead

You can find information about Minehead beach on the Visit Exmoor website.

Dog fouling

Remember to clean up after your dog. It is an offence to let your dog mess and not clean it up. Dog Wardens patrol the area and can give fines or take legal action if you do not clean up after your dog. For more information on Dog Fouling, please see Dog Fouling.

Guidelines for horse and pony owners on Sedgemoor beaches

Many people use the beach and foreshore for different activities. That is why there is byelaw that says riders should not race, drive, or train horses in a way that could be dangerous to others.

Excerpt from the rule: “No person shall, on the foreshore, break-in any horse or other animal or ride or drive any other animal in a race or so as to cause danger or annoyance to any person using the foreshore.”

There are specific areas for horse or pony riding. Please do not use any slipway or entrance to Burnham-on-Sea beach or the beach area along the sea wall from the Yacht Club to Maddocks Slade for horse or pony riding, or horse and trap. If you are not sure, ask the Beach Safety Wardens.

Other things to note

• The gates to the beach are open from (times may vary if a very high tide)Easter (holidays) to September 10am to 6pm and October 10am to 5pm. Berrow Beach – November to Easter 10am to 3pm daily, Brean Beach weekends and Bank Holidays. Please check, tide times before setting off on your journey.
• During the Summer, April to October, we charge for parking of horse boxes and trailers. These charges off-set the cost of beach safety staff.  Car with horse box £11 per day or £80.50 per annum. Horse Transporter £17.50 per day or £96.50 per annum.
• We strongly advise riders who are using the beach for the first time, that you choose a day when the tide is fully out. This is so you can identify all obstacles such as posts or shipwreck.
• Be aware of all other beach users, especially as the beach is a family area where there will be small children playing, and a lot of dog walkers, and vehicles moving on the beach.
• Collect and remove horse manure, and do not let your horse foul in the water.
• At high tide, when entering the water please make sure that you are away from fishermen and other water users.
• Do not canter or gallop on the beach in the car park areas of the beaches or where there is a high amount of people.
• Consider your insurance in case you injure yourself or others. You may be asked to show your insurance particulars.
• The Berrow dunes are designated as Site of Special Scientific Interest. The sand dune system at Berrow is rare, both on a national and local scale and contain a wide variety of coastal habitats which support a diverse range of flora and fauna. Please respect this special landscape and do not ride in the preservation area of dunes.
• Listen to the advice offered by Beach Safety Wardens and comply with any instructions given. This is for your own, and others, safety.
• Make sure that you have a mobile phone with you if possible. In the event of an accident the nearest phone is some distance away; and due to the nature of the beach not all areas are accessible to ambulances.
• Carry boards with you, so that you can put them under the wheels, if requested by the Beach Safety Warden. This may be requested after heavy rainfalls and high tides.

If you have any queries, please contact the Berrow Beach Safety Warden on 07385 038947 or  Brean Beach Safety Warden 07385 514540.