Can my dog go on Instow Beach?
Yes. There is no council ban, but Instow Parish Council, which manages the beach, asks you not to walk dogs between the Quay and the Boathouse from 10am to 5pm, from 1 July to 31 August.
The rules through the year
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
- Dogs allowed
- Please avoid exercising dogs
| Summer | A voluntary code asks dog walkers not to use the beach between the Quay and the Boathouse from 10am to 5pm in July and August, and to keep dogs on a lead on the upper beach there during those months. It is a request, not a ban. |
|---|---|
| Winter | Dogs allowed on the whole beach from 1 September to 30 June. |
Where to go instead
The beach north of the Boathouse stays open to dogs.
On the map
Nearest beaches: Crow Point (0.8 miles), Westward Ho! Beach (Sandymere Bridge to Northam Burrows) (2.3 miles), Westward Ho! Beach (south of Sandymere Bridge) (2.6 miles).
Where this comes from
These rules are set by the landowner, Christie Estates, not the council. Read them at the source: Instow Parish Council beach page.
Last checked: 17 October 2026. Seen a different sign? Tell us and we will check it.
Common questions
Can I take my dog to Instow Beach?
Yes. There is no council ban, but Instow Parish Council, which manages the beach, asks you not to walk dogs between the Quay and the Boathouse from 10am to 5pm, from 1 July to 31 August. In summer: A voluntary code asks dog walkers not to use the beach between the Quay and the Boathouse from 10am to 5pm in July and August, and to keep dogs on a lead on the upper beach there during those months. It is a request, not a ban. In winter: Dogs allowed on the whole beach from 1 September to 30 June.
Where can I take my dog near Instow Beach instead?
The beach north of the Boathouse stays open to dogs.