Dogs on the Beach 2020
Most of us enjoy a day beside the seaside on holiday and to include the whole family that often means dogs on the beach too. Many Cornish businesses like Helsbury Park welcome dogs and their owners which helps make Cornwall a top destination for dog-friendly holidays. We’re delighted to say this year it is going to get even better.
After a public consultation, Cornwall Council has decided to allow our furry friends even more time on the beach. From April 2020, a fabulous 41 Cornish beaches will be open to dogs for ten months of the year!
It demonstrates how much both locals and tourists care about this issue that this consultation received the council’s largest ever response. With over 13,000 replies and a roughly 80/20 split between residents and visitors, the council now has a much clearer understanding of the needs of a wide variety of beach users.
More time on more beaches for your dog
Previously the dog restrictions came into effect at Easter but this summer they will only apply in July and August from 10:00 to 18:00 hours daily. The exceptions will be Blue Flag beaches which will have the same time restrictions, but they will be in place longer (15th May to 30th September) still providing plenty of opportunity for morning and evening walkies.
We all need to be on our best behaviour though as these regulations will initially apply for three years but will be assessed at the end of the 2020 summer season. Cornwall Council is piloting Keep Britain Tidy’s ‘We’re watching you’ anti-dog fouling campaign and Civil Parking Enforcement Officers can now issue Fixed Penalty Notices (FPN) for littering, dog fouling and dogs on beaches, as well as for parking offences. Research by Keep Britain Tidy does recognise that 9 out of 10 dog owners do pick up – well done everybody – and we are happy to support Cornwall’s #Litterless campaign.
The key impacts on the beaches local to Helsbury are that:
- all beaches are accessible for dogs before 10am and after 6pm
- only 2 blue flag beaches near us are restricted between May 15th and September 30th (Polzeath and Widemouth)
- 2 beaches have had their restrictions reduced to July and August only (Bude Crooklets and Crackington Haven)
- All the rest are fully accessible as before
So even more beach time for your and your dogs! Grab your leads and buckets and spades and come on down.
Here’s a handy guide to the local beaches which is contained in our visitor guide in each cottage.
