Many rules are council PSPOs, but on some beaches (for example Saunton Sands, Woolacombe, Crow Point, Putsborough, Blackpool Sands and Bantham) the landowner sets its own dog controls, which are not part of a council PSPO. This guide explains how the system works, which council covers where, and how to find the rules for each beach. For a plain-English explanation of the legal framework, see our guide to how UK beach dog bans work.
Under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, councils can issue PSPOs to restrict dog access in public spaces. For beaches this typically means:
PSPOs usually run for three years before renewal, so they can change. Councils generally review them before the main summer season. For what the legal terms mean, see our PSPO rules explainer.
Every beach has its own rules, but the common pattern across Devon is:
The headline points by area, checked against our beach data. The regional guides have the full detail.
Saunton Sands: dogs are allowed all year, on leads in front of the beach huts (Christie Estates). Westward Ho!: from 1 May to 30 September, no dogs on the beach south of Sandymere Bridge and dogs on a lead on the promenade; the northern end to the estuary is open all year (Torridge District Council). Croyde Bay: no dogs 1 May to 30 September, and dogs must be on leads in the dunes. See our North Devon guide.
Many beaches are year-round, including Slapton Sands and Salcombe North Sands. Blackpool Sands is closed to dogs from 1 May to 30 September. Bantham's main beach has no dogs from 1 June to 1 September; the River Beach (estuary side) stays open all year. See our South Devon guide.
Exmouth and Budleigh Salterton have seasonal summer restrictions, with year-round zones at several beaches such as Sidmouth's Port Royal and Beer's eastern half. See our East Devon guide.
Torbay Council lists more beaches as dog-friendly all year (16, including Babbacombe, St Marys Bay, Livermead, Maidencombe and Anstey's Cove) than as closed 1 May to 30 September (11, including Torre Abbey Sands, Paignton Sands, Oddicombe and Broadsands). See our Torbay guide.
Breaking a PSPO restriction can mean a fixed penalty notice, typically up to 100 pounds and often reduced for prompt payment. In serious cases, prosecution is possible with a fine of up to 1,000 pounds. Failing to clean up after a dog can also bring a fixed penalty.
Devon Dog Beaches