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Can my dog go on St Margaret's Bay?
Yes, but part of the beach is closed to dogs from 9am to 6pm, 1 May to 30 September.
The rules through the year
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
- Dogs allowed
- Part of the beach closed to dogs
| Summer | Part of the beach is closed to dogs from 9am to 6pm, 1 May to 30 September: no dogs from the south-west end of the slipway to Ness Point. Keep dogs on a lead on the promenade, car park and grassy areas all year. |
|---|---|
| Winter | Dogs allowed on the whole beach from 1 October to 30 April. |
| Fine | £100 fixed penalty (up to £1,000 if it goes to court) |
Where to go instead
The beach outside the zone stays open to dogs, and the whole bay is open before 9am and after 6pm.
On the map
Nearest beaches: Kingsdown Beach (2.6 miles), Dover Seafront Beach (3.6 miles), Walmer Beach (3.9 miles).
Where this comes from
These rules are set by Dover District Council. Read them at the source: Dover District Council dogs on beaches.
Last checked: 17 October 2026. Seen a different sign? Tell us and we will check it.
Common questions
Can I take my dog to St Margaret's Bay?
Yes, but part of the beach is closed to dogs from 9am to 6pm, 1 May to 30 September. In summer: Part of the beach is closed to dogs from 9am to 6pm, 1 May to 30 September: no dogs from the south-west end of the slipway to Ness Point. Keep dogs on a lead on the promenade, car park and grassy areas all year. In winter: Dogs allowed on the whole beach from 1 October to 30 April.
What is the fine for taking a dog on St Margaret's Bay during the ban?
Dover District Council can issue a £100 fixed penalty (up to £1,000 if it goes to court).
Where can I take my dog near St Margaret's Bay instead?
The beach outside the zone stays open to dogs, and the whole bay is open before 9am and after 6pm.