With warmer weather approaching, beachgoers are being reminded of rules that could catch them out.
As temperatures start to climb, many people will be heading to North East beaches, to soak up some rays and enjoy ice cream at the seaside.
However, they maybe breaking beach rules and not even realise it as many are often overlooked.
One of the biggest pitfalls is dogs.
From May 1 to September 30, dogs are banned from certain beaches to keep them tidy during the summer months.
This includes stretches of Roker and Seaburn beaches, covered by Sunderland’s Public Spaces Protection Order - ignoring these rules can lead to a £100 fine.
Similar restrictions apply to Hartlepool’s Block Sands, Fish Sands, and Seaton Carew, with Redcar and Saltburn also having marked zones barring dogs during the same period.
Barbecues and fires can also cause problems.
South Tyneside Council does not allow fires on any of its beaches, which can catch out those who light fire pits or even disposable barbecues.
Redcar and Cleveland Council go further, with a Public Spaces Protection Order banning all fires and barbecues in the Cowbar area.
Metal detecting is another activity that can be restricted.
National guidance allows detecting on Crown Estate foreshore, but council-managed and protected beaches often require explicit permission.
National Trust coastal sites generally ban metal detecting unless part of an approved archaeological dig.
Even seemingly harmless activities like collecting natural materials can fall foul of the law.
Under the Coast Protection Act 1949, it is illegal to remove sand, shells, and pebbles from public beaches, with fines of up to £1,000.
While picking up sea‑glass that has been washed smooth is widely tolerated at places like Seaham, removing larger amounts of shingle, driftwood or rocks without permission can breach the same coastal protection rules.
Read more:
- This North East beach has been named among the cleanest in the whole of the UK
- North East beach dog bans return in May - Here’s where dogs can't go this summer
- Alan Carr hails North East’s ‘best beaches ever’ as star reunites with Bob Mortimer
Camping and overnight stays are also tightly controlled.
Pitching a tent or sleeping overnight on many British beaches is prohibited, and councils may treat it as unauthorised camping or even "vehicle nuisance" if done in a campervan on seafront car parks.
Littering and other antisocial vehicle behaviour can also lead to fines under local Public Spaces Protection Orders.
If unsure of any local rules, beachgoers are advised to check with their local council.
