It's easy to forget with everything else we've had to deal with of late, but from the beginning of May a number of popular Yorkshire beaches will close to dogs for the summer.
The seasonal restrictions, which stretch from 1st May to 30th September every year, see our four-legged friends banned from many of Yorkshire's largest beaches in preparation for the seasonal influx of tourists.
With staycations on the rise, we expect local authorities will be hotter on the rules than ever - so make sure you don't get caught out.
Many people have also got new puppies during lockdown, meaning there are more new dog owners in the area than ever before.
With this in mind, we thought it would be a good time to remind you of the Yorkshire beaches you can - and cannot - visit with your pooch this summer.
Which banned beaches do I need to avoid?
Banned beaches to avoid include Bridlington North and South, Filey, Hornsea, Sansend, Scarborough South and North Bays and Withernsea.
At Bridlington, dog walkers are not to cross the areas between the northern end of North Marine Promenade and the north-eastern face of the North Pier, or between the southern face of the South Pier and the eastern face of Princess Mary Promenade Sea Wall.
Filey, placed tenth last year on a list of the UK's favourite beaches, also bans dogs over the summer. Walkers need to look out for the northernmost side of the beach slipway, which separates the Coble Landing from the Promenade. Everywhere from here to the southernmost point of the sea wall at Royal Parade is out of bounds.
Hornsea, another popular Yorkshire beach included in the 2014 Good Beach Guide, excludes dogs between the concrete ramp at Headland View and the steps south of Sands Lane.
Everything at Sansend is out of bounds for pups, from the steps below the public conveniences below Sandhills to the slipway at the southern end of Bank Bottom car park. Similarly in Scarborough, both the North and South Bays are entirely off-limits to dogs.
At Whitby, dogs are allowed at Tate Hill if they are kept on a lead - but must avoid the West Beach, from the west Pier to the promenade from the east side of the beach steps adjacent to the western end of the beach chalets.
Which beaches can I take my dog to in Yorkshire?
Fortunately, not every beach is off limits to man's best friend this summer.
Hunmanby Gap - just 4 miles from Filey, this beach is absolutely massive and extends right along to Reighton Sands. A car park at the end of Sands Road charges £1 per hour up to 3 hours or £5 for all day, and there's also a dog-friendly beach cafe if you fancy a slice of cake afterwards.
Fraisthorpe Beach - part of Bridlington Bay, popular with dog walkers all year round. There's a private car park at the top of the beach, charges vary according to the season but even in summer it’s only £3.00 for the day. Sometimes you can also get dog lollies at the Cowshed Cafe (because ice cream isn't just for humans).
Runswick Bay - 9 miles north of Whitby, arguably one of Yorkshire's prettiest beaches. Parking available, dog friendly pub in the village.
Cayton Bay - 3 miles south of Scarborough. check out the WW11 pill boxes at the northern end of the beach. Surf shop in carpark sells coffees.
News
10 of the best graduation deals in Leeds this celebration season
You’ve spent over three years studying and now it’s time to say celebrate so we’ve rounded up some of the best places in Leeds for you to do so.
Those all-nighters in the library are now a distant memory.
It’s time to celebrate all the hard work you’ve put in over the years and what better way to spend it than eating delicious food and raising a toast to yourself.
Whether you’re celebrating with family, friends or a loved one. We’ve sorted you some of the best deals on offer, from free glasses of beer Prosecco, to 2 for 1 cocktails and discounted set menus.
Tattu
29 E Parade, LS1 5PS
Images: The Manc Group
The ‘Power of Wisdom’ set menus are available for £37.50 for lunch and £45.50 for dinner, with graduates receiving an ‘Elixir of Life cocktail’, or a complimentary glass of Prosecco.
Enjoy three courses with a glass of Prosecco on arrival for £55; you can even upgrade to the proper stuff and pay an extra tenner for Moët & Chandon Champagne for each person.
Fancy Italian? Freshly crowned graduates dining from the special set menu can enjoy a bonus Bellini to toast their success.
Flight Club
1-2 S Parade, LS1 5QL
Image: The Hoot Leeds
As a congratulations to the city’s graduating students, Flight Club has lined up a treat for the class of 2026. Any guest with a valid student ID or graduation certificate can raise a toast to the celebrations with a complimentary bottle of prosecco for the group when they book a game of Social Darts.
CrowdedHouse
Level 5 & 6, Trinity Centre, 70 Boar Ln, LS1 6HW
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Enjoy your celebrations whilst taking in jaw dropping panoramic views of the city at Leeds' newest rooftop hangout. Their set menu offering two courses for £26 or three courses for £30 is not one to be missed.
Book a table at one of Leeds' most celebrated restaurants and enjoy a free glass of prosecco as a cheers to you. Available until Sunday 16 July and you must mention graduation when booking.
Uyare
Victoria Gate 3rd Floor, Rooftop, George St, LS2 7AU
Image: The Hoot Leeds
As a graduate, you can enjoy 15% off your bill when you book with the code 'GRADUATESOF26'. Plus, you'll receive a complimentary glass of prosecco to toast the occasion.
Banksia
2 Lower Briggate, LS1 4AE
Images: The Hoot Leeds
At this Mediterranean-inspired restaurant, graduates will eat for free - now that is an offer. Enjoy the special graduate set menu priced at £39 for three courses, with graduates eating for free with two paying customers.
Enjoy Blackhouse Gastrobar's fabulous steaks and seasonal dishes with a free glass of prosecco for every graduate, plus if you're a table of six you'll get an entire bottle on the house. We'll cheers to that.
Sheffield sisters open second matcha cafe just months after launching their first
Clementine Hall
There's just no stopping these sisters, as The Matcha Spot announces second site.
Yes, it's another matcha story but we've got to say, we're very excited about this one.
Let's back track to last year when The Matcha Spot popped up in The Moor and made a name for themselves for selling the most wonderful green creations in the city.
Fast forward to February, they opened up their first permanent spot in the city centre on Campo Lane which was a resounding success.
Images: The Sheff
Their focus is serving good quality matcha in all shapes and sizes, our personal favourite being the blondie matcha that is the perfect afternoon pick me up.
It's become such a success, that The Matcha Spot sisters are now opening a second site in Sheffield just months after opening their first.
The Matcha Spot 2.0 will be located on Ecclesall Road and will be opening next month, so we really don't have long to wait.
Image: The Sheff
Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, The Matcha Spot said: "Our second home is here! Thank you SO much for all your support!! We’re so excited to be opening our second location for you to get your matcha fix…..
"281 Ecclesall Road. Coming soon."
We couldn't be happier for the girls, and we couldn't think of anyone more deserving of the success. We'll see you on the opening date ready and raring to get our hands on a white chocolate and raspberry matcha.
Georgina Pellant -
5th May 2021 
