Dog Friendly Beaches in Skegness: Where You Can (and Can’t) Take Your Dog

If you’re planning a seaside day out with your furry friend, it’s important to know which parts of Skegness beach are dog friendly. While dogs are welcome for much of the year, certain areas have seasonal restrictions in place to keep the busiest parts of the beach clean and family-friendly.

Dog Ban Area in Skegness

From 1st May to 30th September each year, dogs are not allowed on Skegness Central Beach. This restriction covers the main stretch of sand between the Clock Tower Esplanade and North Parade, which is the most popular area for visitors during summer. Signs are clearly displayed at each entrance to the beach showing where the dog ban area begins and ends.

Avoid fines of up to £1,000 by avoiding the dog-free zone between May and September!

Outside of this central zone, you’re free to walk your dog on the beach all year round. The North Beach (beyond North Parade) and South Beach (towards Gibraltar Point) are both dog friendly beaches in Skegness, offering plenty of space for off-lead walks, paddles, and play.

Month-By-Month Dog Restrictions in Skegness

Understanding exactly when and where dogs are allowed can be a bit confusing, so here’s a simple month-by-month guide. The key rule to remember is that Skegness Central Beach has a dog ban from 1st May to 30th September, while the northern and southern stretches remain dog-friendly all year.

January

Fully dog-friendly. All areas of the beach — including Central Beach — are open to dogs. Great month for quiet walks.

February

Same as January. No restrictions anywhere along the coastline.

March

No restrictions yet. Dogs can roam freely before the Easter crowds arrive.

April

Still fully open. This is the last unrestricted month before the summer ban begins.

May

Dog ban starts (1st May).
Central Beach becomes off-limits to dogs until the end of September.
North and South Beach remain dog-friendly.

June

Restricted zone in full effect. Stick to the northern and southern sections for dog walking. These areas tend to be quieter and much nicer for longer walks anyway.

July

Peak summer, so the central stretch is busy and still restricted. Early mornings and evenings on the dog-friendly ends are usually the most peaceful times.

August

Restrictions continue. If you want quieter dog walks, head further south towards Gibraltar Point or north towards Ingoldmells.

September

Restrictions remain in place until 30th September.
The beach is still busy early in the month, but dog-friendly areas stay open as usual.

October

Dog ban lifts on 1st October.
From this date, all areas — including Central Beach — reopen to dogs. This is a brilliant time of year to visit with cooler weather and fewer visitors.

November

Fully dog-friendly with wide open, quiet beaches. Great for long, relaxed walks.

December

No restrictions. A lovely time for crisp winter strolls with your dog.

 

Why the Dog Ban Exists

The Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) managed by East Lindsey District Council helps maintain high standards of cleanliness and safety on the busiest parts of the coast. It ensures that families and children can enjoy the sand without worry, while still leaving large open areas for responsible dog walkers to enjoy nearby.

Tips for Visiting Skegness with Your Dog

• Always carry waste bags and clean up after your pet.

• Keep dogs on a lead in busy areas or near wildlife.

• Use nearby bins to dispose of waste — many are located along the promenade.

• Visit early in the morning or later in the evening for quieter walks.

Explore Beyond the Beach

If you’re looking for more dog friendly places in Skegness, the Gibraltar Point Nature Reserve just south of the town offers miles of peaceful trails, dunes, and marshes — perfect for adventurous pups. Many local cafes and pubs along the seafront also welcome dogs outdoors.

 

Frequently Asked Questions: Dog-Friendly Beaches in Skegness

Are dogs allowed on Skegness beach?

Yes — but only in certain areas and only at certain times of the year. The main Central Beach has a dog ban from 1st May to 30th September. You also need to keep your pooch on a lead on the promenade during these dates, even if you're not going onto the actual beach. Outside of these dates, dogs are allowed. Year-round dog walking is allowed on the stretches north and south of the restricted zone.

What part of Skegness beach allows dogs all year?

The dog ban rules are only in place between May and September. During the winter months, you're free to walk your dog wherever you like!

You can walk your dog all year on the beaches north of North Parade and south of Tower Esplanade. These quieter stretches are perfect for long walks and tend to be much less crowded than the central tourist area.

What months are dogs banned from Skegness Central Beach?

The dog ban on Skegness Central Beach runs from May 1st to September 30th every year. This includes the busiest part of the beach by the pier, amusements and promenade.

Is there a map of dog-friendly areas in Skegness?

Yes — East Lindsey District Council provides a seasonal dog restriction map (this is shown at the top of this page).

Do I need to keep my dog on a lead?

Most of the beach doesn’t require leads, but dogs should always be under control. In busy areas, near wildlife, or around other beach users, it’s good practice to use a lead if needed.

However, areas of the promenade do require you to keep your dog on a lead so it's worth checking the ELDC website just to be sure.

Are there dog waste bins on Skegness beach?

Yes — bins are available along the promenade and at most beach entrances. However, bin locations can sometimes be spaced out, so it’s worth carrying a bag with you until you reach one. The enforcement officers who patrol the dog-free areas often stop and check you are carrying bags to, so make sure you're stocked up to avoid any hefty fines of up to £1,000.

Is the beach safe for dogs to swim in?

Generally yes, but always check the tide times before heading out. The tide in Skegness moves quickly, and the beach can be very flat, meaning the sea comes in faster than expected. Avoid strong wind days, fast tides, and areas with sudden drop-offs or currents.

There are also areas of mud along some parts of the beach which some dogs can get stuck in. So just be extra cautious, especially if you're walking along more of a remote section of beach and check out our coastal safety tips to be extra safe.

Are there dog-friendly places to eat near the beach?

Several pubs, cafés and outdoor seating areas around Tower Gardens and the North Parade end welcome dogs. It’s always worth checking individual venues, especially in peak season when some have outdoor-only dog areas.

What dog-friendly beaches are near Skegness?

If you want quieter coastal walks, both Ingoldmells and Chapel St Leonards have dog-friendly sections, and Gibraltar Point offers brilliant nature walks (dogs on leads due to wildlife protection).

Can I take my dog to Skegness Pier?

You can’t take dogs inside the pier’s indoor attractions, but you can walk them outside on the surrounding promenade areas. For beach access, make sure you’re heading away from the central restricted zone during summer months.