Blackpool Beach Rules You Should Know Before Your Visit
- Friday 26th May 2023
- Blackpool Beach
Blackpool Beach Rules You Should Know Before Your Visit
All the Blackpool Beach facts you need to know before planning your visit, from rules about dogs and picnics to recommendations for safe swimming.
Blackpool is one of the UK’s most popular seaside locations
Can dogs go on the beach at Blackpool?
Blackpool is one of the UK’s most popular seaside locations
Blackpool became a popular tourist destination with the arrival of railway connections to the town in the 1840s. At first there was very little other than the beach and sea to attract people, but it developed quickly; soon the promenade was built, piers were added, more entertainment arrived and popularity boomed. Visitation rose from an estimated 3 million to 8 million by 1900. By 1930s it was achieving 17 million visits a year, a figure that remains to this day (only seeing dramatic dips in times of war, a slip in popularity in the early 2000s and the pandemic of 2020).
Blackpool Beach stretches all along the main tourist resort area coastline, with a promenade to walk this 6-mile stretch known as the Golden Mile. There are 3 piers to enjoy; North, Central and South Pier, with the beach area located near each pier referred to in the same geographical style. Blackpool North Beach surrounding the North pier stretches down past The Blackpool Tower to The Central Pier. The main area known as Blackpool Beach runs from the Central Pier to the South Pier, with the quieter Blackpool South Beach sitting in front of Blackpool Pleasure Beach theme park.
Blackpool Beach, including the South Section and the northern Bispham section has achieved Blue Flag status making it very popular with families enjoying the clean sand and blue sea on sunny days.
A handy way of checking how busy the central beach area is this live web cam showing the area from the Comedy carpet (in front of Blackpool Tower to the central Pier in real time!
Can dogs go on the beach at Blackpool?
We all know dogs love the beach as much as their human companions, but it is always better to check the rules before heading for a game of catch or getting their paws wet with a spot of doggy paddling. The Blackpool Beach rules on taking a dog to the beach vary with the time of year and the area of beach. This is due to a lot of the beach being a classed as bathing beach, and its Blue Flag status meaning regular testing for water and sand cleanliness takes place to protect it.
Dogs on the promenades
Dogs will need to be kept on a lead along the stretch of promenade from the north to the south piers. This is due to the high footfall, but also safety with the proximity of the walkway to the tramline and main road. Even if the area is quiet this rule must be obeyed for the pup’s safety.
Dogs on the beach
Dogs are not allowed on Blackpool Beach in the main season from 1st May to 30th September but are free to enjoy the area in the winter months. This includes the North and South areas of Blackpool beach from the North Pier to the landmark of the giant mirror ball located beyond the Pleasure Beach theme park on the south shore.
Dogs are welcome on the beach located a little further up the coast, just beyond the North Pier and on the south shore beyond the mirror ball art structure.
If you are in Blackpool and unsure, there are large signs displaying the rules at the main entry points to the beaches.
BBQs and picnics on Blackpool Beach
If you have tried to search online about taking food on to the beach in Blackpool you’ll undoubtably come across many articles on the food rules of Blackpool Pleasure Beach, the rollercoaster family theme park, rather than the beach itself. Don’t get these two locations confused! The theme park does not allow any food within their gates but the rules on the resort’s sandy beaches allow picnics and snacks, but please note, BBQs are banned.
Outdoor cooking is not permitted on the beach in Blackpool
Although a barbecue on the beach may be tempting, all cooking appliances including disposable BBQs are not permitted on Blackpool Beach or any area of sand and green spaces (parks etc.) across Blackpool and the Fylde area.
Picnics and eating on the beach are welcome!
Picnics are welcome on the beach in Blackpool! It can be a perfect spot to lay down a blanket and have a homemade sandwich in the sunshine. There’s also plenty of food outlets with an array of choices on the Promenade including the traditional choice of fish and chips. Watch out for seagulls though, they like to take their chances on a chip given the opportunity!
For anyone planning a picnic lunch on the beach, please be mindful of keeping the resort tidy and protecting the Blue Flag status. No glass items are allowed on the beach and please take all your litter away with you, ensuring the perfect spot for the next family and the protection of wildlife on land and in the ocean.
Can you drink alcohol on Blackpool beach?
Drinking alcohol on the beach is prohibited. There are plenty of licensed premises on the piers and the prom surrounding the beach for you to enjoy after spending a day on the sand though.
Soft drinks are permitted, but remember, glass is not, so ensure your containers are appropriate and take them away with you after.
Swimming at Blackpool Beach
Swimming is allowed in the sea at Blackpool beach, but with the tidal changes and weather conditions it is a good idea to plan before you set off to ensure it is a safe and a good time to swim there.
The central area of Blackpool beach has a 2-star (good) water quality rating. If you head a little further north to the beach towards Bispham, the quality rating is 3 (excellent), making both these areas great choices.
Blackpool is a tidal resort. At high tide times, the water comes all the way up to the beach walls, covering the entire sand. At low tide the beach can stretch out quite a distance. When planning a day at the beach, it is good practice to check the tidal times in advance to avoid the disappointment of arriving at a sea covered beach and to check of any risks of sea swimming at that time.
The usual beach safety rules apply, as always
There are signs about beach safety at the main entrance points and a helpful Beach Patrol team should you have any questions about all beach and swimming rules while you’re there. You can also plan in advance with this handy Beach Rules guide, which advises you don’t swim within 50 metres of piers and always swim with a buddy, amongst many other handy tips.
FAQs about Blackpool Beach’s rules
Is the sea at Blackpool clean?
Blackpool Beach has a Blue Flag status making it perfect for enjoying the clean sand and sea on sunny days. Blackpool’s central beach has a water quality rating of 2-stars ( which is classed as good) and If you go further north to the beach near Bispham, the quality rating is 3-stars (classed as excellent).
If you plan to go swimming, ensure you listen to safely advice and check the tide conditions first.
Is Blackpool Beach free entry?
Yes!
It is free for anyone to enjoy the beach areas in Blackpool. Bring along a towel or a nice blanket to sit on and enjoy the sun, sand and sea air.
There are many optional paid extras to enhance your day like spending your 2ps at the arcades on the piers or visiting the ticketed attractions on the promenade but soaking up the sun and building a sandcastle is free of charge (bucket and spade not included though).
Can you drink on the beach in Blackpool?
Soft drinks only please. Alcohol is prohibited. Glass is also not allowed so please ensure your soft drink is in an appropriate container and you dispose of it in a litter bin or take it home with you. Leave no trace.
Does Blackpool have a sandy beach?
Yes! Blackpool beach is miles and miles of golden sand, perfect for bringing along a bucket and spade to build castles and memories!
If you’re planning a trip, it is always best to check the tide information in advance though. Blackpool has changing high and low tides, and at high tide the beach can be completely covered by the sea. At low tide it reveals miles of glorious sandy beach!
