BEACHES THAT ARE DOG FRIENDLY ACROSS THE UK

Now that lockdown restrictions have started to ease, it means we can finally start seeing loved ones again.

It also means that we may soon be able to travel once again and make the most of days out – but do not forget the dog.

Our colleagues at CheshireLive (who obviously love their dogs as much as we do!) have put together a handy guide of beaches you can visit with your pet pooch to enjoy the sea air and a little exercise with the nicer weather around the corner.

Perfect for those looking for a getaway for the whole family this summer.

West Kirby Beach

West Kirby may not be the biggest beach in the world, at just 300m long, but it is no less popular than its neighbouring beaches and your dog will love to run free there.

On a sunny day it’s jam-packed with sun-worshippers, windsurfers and people making the two mile trek to Hilbre Island.

The beach lies between a kilometre of sand dunes and a further 2 kilometres of vast sand flats exposed at low water towards Hoylake and the popular marine lake which is one of the best facilities of its kind in the north west and recently opened after refurbishment.

Next to the beach is Marine Lake; a 52 acre, five foot deep saltwater lake, enclosed by a walkway and home to the Wirral Sailing School.

There is free parking along the nearby promenade along the length of the marine lake and a pay and display car park closer to the beach at Dee Lane.

West Kirby Beach is on The Wirral and is 87 miles from Burton.

Crosby Beach

Crosby beach, in Liverpool, has become something of a tourist attraction ever since Antony Gormley’s Another Place installation was introduced, and the iron men statues standing proudly facing out to sea along the beach definitely make for some interesting photo opportunities.

As well as the iron men, Crosby beach is known for its beauty. It received Keep Britain Tidy’s Quality Coast Award in 2011, and the coastal path provides a relaxing walk, with views of Wirral and North Wales on a clear day.

The 22 mile Sefton Coastal Path starts here, allowing plenty of room for your dog to run free and a section of the national cycle path network runs the length of the park.

It is 92 miles from Burton.

Formby Beach

Formby beach, also in Liverpool, is perhaps a more distant selection, but it is definitely worth the extra few miles. Its golden sands seem to go on for miles, and the high dunes create a dramatic landscape perfect for pictures.

Ideal for families and dogs, this beach has picnic areas and waymarked paths to the beach, dunes and woods. The high dunes give some excellent views across the Irish Sea and on clear days after rain, even the mountains of Cumbria can be seen.

Enjoy a picturesque walk to the beach via the National Trust-protected Formby Pinewoods, which are home to red squirrels.

The National Trust does ask that dogs are put on a lead along the Squirrel Walk.

It is 96 miles from Burton.

Talacre Beach

Talacre near Prestatyn in North Wales is set beside miles of world famous golden sand dunes, a stunning beach, RSPB nature reserve and an iconic lighthouse. With miles of golden sand, Talacre has plenty of room for everyone.

The 870 mile Wales Coastal Path also runs through Talacre and was voted by Lonely Planet as the world’s greatest region in a best-in-travel 2012 guide.

It also a beach with no dog restrictions – meaning year-round walks are an option.

Talacre is a haven that has miles of unspoiled beach just waiting to be explored and incredible view across the River Dee and the Irish Sea.

It is 102 miles from Burton.

Rhyl Central beach

Rhyl, in Wales, is home to two miles of wide, sandy beach for you and your dog to discover.

It has a large tidal range and is very gently sloping from the low tide mark towards the high tide area, which is bordered by a promenade.

There are restrictions in place during the summer months on certain areas of the beach, including the promenade, so be sure to check before you go.

It is 112 miles from Burton.