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
A huge football fan zone with space for up to 1,000 fans has opened in Leeds
Trinity Leeds is transforming Trinity Kitchen into the ultimate space to watch all the World Cup 2026 action together.
Looking for somewhere to cheer on England in the 2026 World Cup? Don’t fret, we’ve got you covered.
Foodie hotspot Trinity Kitchen has been completely transformed into the ultimate fan zone with space for up to 1,000 cheering fans.
And they’ve made sure that nobody misses out on the action.
There are three super-sized 5x3m screens dotted around the space, so wherever you go you won’t miss out on a goal.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
There’s also a brand-new bar courtesy of local favourites Northern Monk named the ‘Northern Monk Trinity Tap’.
The tap will feature two, seven-metre bars with a whopping 20 beer taps to keep you refreshed and hydrated during the tournament, because cheering the lads on really can be thirsty work.
If you don’t fancy a beer there’s also cocktails, wine and soft drinks on offer as well - so nobody has to miss out.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Feeling peckish? Of course there’s 11 street food vendors serving match day meals and snacks to keep you fuelled through the games.
Choose from Caribbean jerk chicken from Jerk Junction, Indian street food from Rolawala and loads more.
Entry is completely free but if you’re after a reserved seat on a table, tickets cost just £10.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Josie Towning, Food and Beverage Manager at Trinity Leeds, said: “Trinity Kitchen will operate as normal during the day, transforming into a football fan zone in the evening.
“It will be one of the biggest World Cup venues in Leeds with three huge screens showing the games live and more dotted around Trinity Kitchen. There will be live roaming brass bands and DJs turning every England fixture into a true celebration.
“Fans can turn up and grab a space for free and we will also be offering table bookings for England games for those who want to guarantee the best spots to watch the drama unfold.
“Our line-up of street food vendors will serve bold flavours from around the world, while the all-new Northern Monk Trinity Tap will pour award-winning craft beers across 20 taps, making Trinity Kitchen the ultimate place to eat, drink and experience every unforgettable World Cup moment."
It’s all kicking off on Wednesday 17 June for England v Croatia. So rally your mates together, get your England shirts on and grab your tickets here.
Featured image - The Hoot Leeds
News
Dishoom announces official opening date for new Leeds restaurant
Clementine Hall
It's the moment we've all been waiting for, Dishoom is coming to Leeds.
The whispers of Dishoom's arrival in Leeds city centre have been going on for a while now, but over the past few weeks it has started to feel very real.
Taking over the beautiful old Flannel's site on the coveted Vicar Lane, signs started to pop up for Dishoom and work was cracking on fast.
Well now, we have an opening date - and we don't have long to wait.
Dishoom Leeds will open on Monday 3 August, with guests being able to enjoy 50% off food during an initial soft-opening period, ahead of the official opening on Friday 14 August.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
As with every Dishoom café, the Leeds restaurant begins with a story. This one takes inspiration from the extraordinary true events surrounding the explosion of the SS Fort Stikine in Bombay Dock in April 1944, a wartime disaster that sent gold bars flying across the city.
Legend has it that some of the missing gold was never recovered. Some was discovered embedded in walls and rooftops across Bombay. Other pieces quietly disappeared into the hands of lucky citizens, melted into bangles or hidden away in drawers.
Dishoom Leeds reimagines the fortune made from the gold bars and guests will discover subtle references to the glamorous mid-century details through the interiors and artwork, giving playful nods to Bombay’s golden age.
With all day dining available, guests can dine on the beloved breakfast right through to late evening feasting, with the café will serve a lovingly curated menu of Bombay comfort food inspired by the city’s cafés, grills, street stalls and family kitchens.
Shamil Thakrar, co-founder, also known as Head Babu, at Dishoom, said: “Leeds is a city with tremendous warmth, creativity and character, full of people who know the value of gathering together over good food and drinks. Bringing Dishoom here has long been a dream for us.”
"The story behind this café is rooted in one of Bombay’s most extraordinary moments – the day gold bars fell from the sky after the explosion of Fort Stikine in 1944. Amidst the tragedy and chaos, there were also tales of unexpected fortune, human resilience and hopeful reinvention. We were captivated by this, and we cannot wait to welcome Leeds into the café that pays homage to the heritage of Bombay.”
Georgina Pellant -
5th May 2021 
