As seasonal dog bans kick in, this seaside spot doesn’t have any restrictions
Talacre Beach in North Wales is dog-friendly all year round (Image: Ian Cooper/North Wales Live)
With spring well underway and summer fast approaching, a trip to the beach is a must-do when the sun is shining. You just can’t beat a day at the seaside strolling along the side, paddling in the sea and indulging in fish and chips.
There are lots of beaches within easy reach of Greater Manchester, all offering something a bit different. Blackpool is perfect for a traditional seaside resort experience, with its Victorian piers and thrilling rides, while Ainsdale is great if you want something more natural with its towering pine trees.
If you’re planning a family day out at the coast one thing which can be tricky is bringing the dog along. Many beaches introduce seasonal dog restrictions from Saturday May 1 lasting until September.
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While the rules are appreciated by beach-goers and can help keep beaches clean, as well as protecting sea waters, it can be frustrating for dog owners. But there is a beach near Greater Manchester which is dog-friendly all year round – and it happens to be gorgeous too.
Talacre is perfect for a day trip from Manchester (Image: Ian Cooper/North Wales Live)
Talacre Beach is located on the North Wales coast, opposite The Wirral at the mouth of the River Dee. It takes around an hour to 90 minutes to drive there from Greater Manchester, depending on where you live, so it’s ideal for a day trip.
The beach feels a stretch of golden sand, lined with grass-topped dunes. The focal point of Talacre Beach is the Point of Ayr Lighthouse, which stands at 18m tall.
It’s a striking sight, particularly at high tide when it’s surrounded by water, standing proud above the waves. At low tide you can walk right up to it, just be careful to not get stuck by the tide.
Fans of the TV show Skins may recognise the lighthouse from the final series of the drama, as it featured in an episode of the seventh series. The lighthouse dates back to 1776, although it was decommissioned in 1884.
You can pick up the Wales Coastal Path from Talacre(Image: Daily Post Wales)
The ghost of a lighthouse keeper is said to haunt it, and people have reported sightings of a figure wearing old fashioned lighthouse keeper clothes in the glass dome. So maybe another reason to not get too close.
There are no dog restrictions at Talacre Beach, even during the summer months, so it makes it the perfect destination to bring your four-legged friends. The village of Talacre has a handful of cafes and bars where you can grab a refreshment, and there is a pay and display car park there too.
If you fancy a challenging walk, you can pick up the Wales Coastal Path to Prestatyn, just under five miles away.
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