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Dogs and other animals on beaches

Restrictions and bylaws for animals on beaches

Dogs on the beach

Burnham-on-Sea

On Burnham-on-Sea beach, there are restrictions and byelaws in place for dogs on the beach. The restriction is dependent on which Burnham-on-Sea beach area you are using.

In summary the beach area and restrictions are:

  • 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.

For a map showing the dog control areas on the beaches, please see this document:  Burnham-on-Sea Beach Dog Ban Areas [849.07KB]

Please note it is an offence to take your dog onto a beach where there is a dog ban in force. Beach Wardens patrol these areas. In addition, Dog Wardens also undertake patrols and will issue fixed penalty notices or may prosecute those who do not comply with dog bans.

North of Burnham, Berrow Beach and Brean Beach

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. Due to other users they need to be under control or on a lead.

Minehead

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

Dog fouling

Please remember to clean up after your dog, it is an offence to allow your dog to foul and for you not to clean up afterwards. Dog Wardens undertake patrols and will issue fixed penalty notices or may prosecute those not cleaning up after their dogs.

For more information on Dog Fouling, please see Dog Fouling.

Guidelines for horse and pony owners on Sedgemoor beaches

  • The beach and foreshore are used by many different people for different purposes, that is why there is a byelaw that says that riders should not race, drive or train horses which may cause danger to others. Thank you for your consideration. Excerpt from the byelaw: “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 designated areas for horse or pony riding. Please do not use any slipway or entrance to Burnham-on-Sea beach or area of beach the length of the sea wall from the Yacht Club to Maddocks Slade for horse, pony riding or horse and trap. If you are unsure, please ask the Beach Safety Wardens.
  • The gates to the beach are open from (times may vary if a very high tide)
  • Easter (holidays) to September 10am to 6pm 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.  Beach Charges – 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 they choose a day when the tide is fully out, so they can identify all obstacles such as posts, shipwreck etc.
  • Please 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.
  • Please collect and remove horse manure, and DO NOT let your horse foul in the water.
  • At high tide, when entering the water please ensure that you are away from fishermen and other water users.
  • Please 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.
  • Please listen to the advice offered by Beach Safety Wardens and comply with any instructions given. This is for your own, and others, safety.
  • Please make sure that you have a mobile phone with you if possible. In the event of an accident the nearest telephone is some distance away; and due to the nature of the beach not all areas are accessible to ambulances.
  • Please 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 07385 038947 or  Brean Beach Safety Warden 07385 514540

Last updated: March 28, 2024

Next review due: September 28, 2024

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