Dog walking restrictions have come into force on several Isle of Wight beaches for the Summer season – but there are still plenty of places where 4-legged friends can enjoy the and sea all year round.
Each year, restrictions are introduced between 1st May and 30th September to ensure everyone can enjoy the coastline during the busiest months.
A Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) prohibits dogs from certain areas of beaches in Colwell, Cowes, East Cowes, Freshwater Bay, Gurnard, Sandown, Shanklin, Springvale, Ventnor, Yaverland and Ryde during this period.
Maps of exclusion zones are available on the Isle of Wight Council website at www.iow.gov.uk, with signage also in place at affected locations.
Despite the seasonal restrictions, there are still many scenic stretches of coastline where dogs are welcome all year round.
Among the most popular is Yaverland, where dogs are permitted to the east of the car park. The wide sands at low tide offer excellent space for long walks.
In Ryde, dogs can be exercised year-round to the west of the pier and east of Appley Tower, although restrictions remain along the main esplanade.
Seagrove Bay also offers dog-friendly sections, particularly along its quieter outer edges, while Whitecliff Bay provides sheltered walking with sand exposed at low tide.
Priory Bay, accessed via woodland paths, remains a secluded option for those seeking a quieter setting, while Bembridge Beach offers a more relaxed, pebbly shoreline ideal for gentle exploration.
Chilton Chine is another hidden gem, remaining largely unspoilt even in peak season, while Colwell Bay welcomes dogs to the east of the slipway despite restrictions elsewhere.
Totland Bay has no seasonal exclusion zones, making it a reliable option throughout the year, with long stretches of beach available at low tide.
For those looking to escape the crowds entirely, Atherfield Bay and Rocken End provide remote and rugged coastal walks, while Brook Bay is popular for its peaceful atmosphere and fossil-rich shoreline.
Steephill Cove and Bonchurch also remain accessible to dogs year-round, although their smaller, quieter settings make them better suited to well-controlled pets.
Dog owners are reminded that, under the PSPO, animals must be kept on leads on all public roads across the Isle of Wight, including pavements and verges.
This also applies to access routes such as Appley Walk and Garden Walk along Ryde seafront.
Residents are encouraged to check signage and official maps before visiting beaches to ensure they remain within permitted areas.
Let’s hope dog walkers clear up any dogs mess, it is
amazing to see how many dog walkers walk far in front
of their dogs and don’t notice their dogs dropping one
behind them.
Pure filth!
Dogs should be banned from all publicly accessible areas. Have you seen the state of our island on isleofpoop.co.uk?
dont blame the dogs its the lazy owners who dont clean up.
Looking at some of the owners, they need keeping on a
lead.
I am surprised they haven’t had their dogs Tattoo’d
Lol
Lovely main photo.