The following list details beaches that welcome riders, along with any that have restricted times or other bylaws. For further information about beaches in your area please contact the Countryside Officer at your local County Council offices.
Blyth Valley
Horse riding is permitted on the beach between Blyth and Seaton Sluice. Contact Blyth Valley Borough Council on 01670 542542.
Copeland
Access to the beach for individuals or small groups of horse riders via the slipway is permitted. Contact Copeland Borough Council on 01946 598348.
Hartlepool
Horses are allowed on the beach at Hartlepool. Contact Hartlepool Borough Council on 01429 266522.
Northumberland
The whole length of the inter-tidal zone on the Northumberland coast has been declared a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) but horse riding is generally not a problem. However, at Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve bylaws exist which exclude horse riding on the inter-tidal area. Contact Northumberland County Council on 01670 533000.
Druridge Bay
Leased by Northumberland County Council who encourage horse riding on the beach. Contact Northumberland County Council on 01670 533000.
South Tyneside Marsden BayManaged by The National Trust. The beach is inaccessible for horses due to steep steps. However, horses are allowed on the grass area on the cliff tops, known as the Leas.
Sunderland
Horses are permitted onto the beaches during quieter periods. Contact Sunderland Resorts Office on 0191 553 2828.
Yorkshire Region East Riding of Yorkshire The exercising of horses/riders is permitted on all East Riding beaches other than Bridlington, Hornseam Withernsea and Sefton. Contact East Riding of Yorkshire Council, on 01262 678255.
Ainsdale
Permits required.
Formby
Formby can be accessed via the National Trust at Formby. There is a charge for parking and a horse riding permit system. There are certain areas that should be avoided, as there are Neolithic footprints. Contact The National Trust on 01704 878591.
Lancashire Blackpool Blackpool Beach is good for riding, but riding between North and South Piers is banned during the summer months. Contact Blackpool Borough Council on 01253 477477.
Lytham St Annes
Horses not permitted in designated bathing area of St Annes Pier to the Lifeboat Station. Contact Fylde Borough Council on 01253 658658.
Morecambe
The beaches at Morecambe and Heysham are accessible and the only restriction is that riders are not permitted to break in horses. Contact Lancashire County Council on 01772 534709.
Wirral
Wirral has 10km of coastline accessible for horse riding from Lower Heswall to Hoylake. There are areas that should be avoided because of deep mud and soft sand. Contact Wirral Metropolitan Borough Council’s Parks and Countryside Coastal Rangers on 0151 678 5488.
Norfolk Holkham National Nature Reserve There are no time, day or seasonal restrictions on this stretch on. Contact the Site Manager on 01328 711183.
Holme
While horse riding is allowed on most of the beach the sand dunes are protected. Contact Norfolk Wildlife Trust on 01603 625540.
Le Strange
Riding allowed on Le Strange beach all year round but there is no car parking. For more information call 01485 532137.
West Sussex
Sea Lane at Ferring is a favourite for horse riders because there is a local stables. Restricted Times: 10am-6pm between 1 May and 30 September. Contact Arun District Council on 01903 737500.
Goring
Restricted Times: 10am-8pm between 1 May and 30 September. Contact Worthing Borough Council on 01903 239999
Thanet
Restricted Times: 9am-7pm between 1 May and 30 September. Contact Thanet District Council on 01843 577000
Hayling Island
Restricted Times: 10am- 7pm between the Thursday preceding Easter Monday and 30 September. Contact Havant Borough Council, on 02392 474174
Cornwallย
Cornwall County Council website at www.cornwall.gov.uk provides an internet mapping site which shows all rights of way in the county, including all bridleways that run over beaches.
Exmouth
No restrictions. However the beach north of Exmouth is full of broken glass and rubbish and not recommended. The beaches south and east (Sandy Bay) are not used much by the public and are better for riding.
Torbay
Restricted times: 10am-6pm during the season.
Westward Ho!
Riding is not permitted on the beach outside of the restricted times below, with the exception of children riding ponies or donkeys led or attended by someone on foot. Restricted times: 9am-8pm between 1 June and 30 September. Contact North Devon District Council on 01271 327711.
Christchurch
No person shall, between the Saturday preceding Easter Monday and 30 September (both dates inclusive) between 10am and 9pm, ride, drive or take any horse on the seashore.
Riding on Beaches
Studland Beach and Nature Reserve
Owned by The National Trust. Permit required. Restricted times: Riders should be off the beach by 10am in the summer. For information call 01929 450259
Weymouth
Restricted times: 9am-7pm between 1 April and 30 September. Contact Weymouth and Portland Borough Council on 01305 838000.
Weston-Super-Mare
Restricted Times: 10am-6.30pm during July and August. Contact Weston-Super-Mare Tourist Information Centre on 01934 888800
Somerset Berrow
Restricted times: 10am- 6pm between July and August. Contact Sedgemoor District Council, on 0845 408 2540
WALES
Abertawe/Swansea
Restricted times: 9am-7pm between 1 May and 30 September. Contact Swansea City and Borough Council on 01792 635230.
Laugharne
No restrictions. Contact Carmarthenshire County Council, on 01267 234567.
Marros
No restrictions. Contact Carmarthenshire County Council, on 01267 234567.
Pendine
No restrictions, except when MoD is operational on their section of beach. Contact Carmarthenshire County Council, on 01267 234567.
Ceredigion
There are currently no bylaws in force restricting the use by horse riders of beaches managed by Ceredigion County Council. Contact Ceredigion County Council, on 01545 570881
Gwynedd
Horses are permitted on to all beaches in Gwynedd, provided that they adhere to the bylaws. Contact Gwynedd Council on 01286 672255.
Saundersfoot and Tenby (between Amroth & Giltar Point).
Restricted times: 10am-7pm between 1 May and 30 September. Contact Pembrokeshire County Council on 01437 764551
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