As the days grow longer and the weather improves, many residents and visitors will be looking forward to spending more time outdoors, including trips to the beach. With this in mind, Torridge District Council is reminding people that seasonal dog restrictions will be in place on parts of Westward Ho! beach and the promenade from 1 May to 30 September 2026.
These restrictions play an important role in ensuring that everyone can continue to safely enjoy Westward Ho! during the busiest months of the year, while also helping to meet the strict criteria required to retain the prestigious Blue Flag Award. This is an internationally recognised mark of quality for beaches, valued by residents, visitors and the tourism industry alike. With only 78 Blue Flag locations across England*, maintaining this status is a significant achievement that reflects the high standards of the resort and supports the local economy.
As in previous years, the restricted areas will remain unchanged. Dogs are permitted at the northern end of the beach between Sandymere Bridge and the Taw/Torridge estuary. However, dogs are not allowed on the beach to the south of Sandymere Bridge and must be kept on a lead along the promenade. Clear signage will be in place throughout the area, and the restrictions allow for fixed penalty notices of £100 where owners fail to comply.
For our four legged visitors, the northern section of the beach provides an excellent space to exercise during this time of year. While this area is used by wading birds for feeding and resting during the winter months, many of these birds have now migrated north, allowing dog walkers to enjoy the space without disturbing wildlife. Despite the migration of certain species, dog owners are reminded to remain mindful when leaving the beach, particularly on the Burrows. Lambs, young birds and rabbits are common at this time of year, and owners are encouraged to keep their dogs on a lead to help protect local wildlife.
If the tide is in, there are plenty of alternative scenic routes to explore, including stretches of the South West Coast Path and the extensive network of footpaths between Northam and Bideford. A wide range of suitable dog walks can be found by visiting the South West Coast Path website: Top dog walks on the Coast Path – South West Coast Path
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