Five North East beach mistakes that could lead to fines

As many of us head to the seaside to enjoy the nice weather, there are five common habits that could lead to fines of up to £2,500.

These include illegal beach camping, pocketing pebbles, using disposable barbecues, allowing dogs to roam freely, and littering.

Camping on the beach

While appealing to many, camping remains illegal across much of England’s coastline without permissions.

This is enforced by major landowners such as the National Trust and the Crown Estate.

Visitors caught camping illegally could face fines of up to £1,000.

Taking pebbles

It seems like a small issue, but taking pebbles, rocks, or plants is also an offence under the Coastal Protection Act 1949, with similar fines in place.

Disposable barbecues

BBQs are banned by many coastal authorities because of the fire and environmental risks they pose.

Visitors who ignore the ban may receive a fixed penalty notice of round £100.

If you want to bring a picnic, experts recommend using ready‑made food, cold boxes and reusable containers instead of trying to cook on the beach.

Letting dogs roam freely

Dog restrictions are also in place on several beaches under Public Space Protection Orders.

On some beaches, including Roker and Seaburn in Sunderland, dogs are banned from designated sections between 10am and 6pm during the summer months.

Owners who breach these rules risk a fine of up to £100.

However, not every shoreline is off‑limits, with some stretches of Northumberland coast – such as parts of Bamburgh and Alnmouth – allow dogs all year, often off‑lead in designated areas.

Littering

The final warning on the list, carries the heaviest penalty, with fines reaching £2,500 in serious cases.

Prosecution is also possible for repeat or persistent offenders.

North Tyneside Council recently placed beach‑toy recycling boxes made from reclaimed pallets along parts of the seafront, encouraging visitors to donate old plastic toys instead of abandoning them on the beach.