Dogs on the beach

Coronavirus (COVID-19): change to service

We temporarily eased restrictions on dog walking at the beach in May. As of 23 May, we are enforcing the normal rules again.

See further information about changes to services.

You can use the designated beaches all year round:

• eastern side of Branksome Chine beach office to the Poole Bournemouth boundary
• western end of Sandbanks beach to Haven Point by the chain ferry
• Hamworthy beach

Winter

Dogs are allowed on all Poole beaches from 1 October to 30 April every year.

Summer

Between 1 May and 30 September every year dogs are not allowed on any of Poole's Blue Flag beaches:

• Sandbanks
• Shore Road
• Canford Cliffs
• Branksome Chine

Always keep dogs on a lead on the promenade. 

Guide dogs

Guide dogs are allowed on Poole beaches all year round. 

Guide dogs have rights of access to public venues, but only when they are working. This means they are in harness and controlled by a lead.