Minehead’s Dog-Friendly Guide

At Minehead Town Council, we know just how important your four-legged companions are – and how confusing it can be to figure out where they're allowed to roam. That’s why we’ve created this guide, alongside a helpful Dog Walk Navigator Map, to support stress-free walks and responsible pet ownership across our town.
Over time, there’s been some uncertainty around where dogs can go off-lead, where leads are required and where they’re not allowed at all. While we love seeing happy dogs and responsible owners enjoying our open spaces, it's also essential that all members of our community – pet lovers and non-pet lovers alike – feel comfortable using shared public spaces.
To clarify the rules, in 2024 Somerset Council reintroduced Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) in Minehead. These legally enforceable orders set clear expectations around where dogs can be walked, with or without a lead and where access is restricted. It's important to note that breaching these orders may result in a fine.
Here’s what you need to know:
● Dogs are welcome in many parts of Minehead, particularly on Town Council-managed land, where we encourage respectful use of our green spaces.● Some areas require dogs to be kept on a lead, especially in busy or sensitive locations.● Certain locations are dog-free zones, either permanently or seasonally (typically from 1st May to 30th September), to protect wildlife, young children, or other space users.
We’ve made it easy to understand which rules apply where. You can view (below) or download our Dog Walk Navigator Map, which highlights:
● Areas where well-behaved dogs are welcome● Locations where dogs must be kept on a lead● Zones with seasonal exclusions● Areas where dogs are not permitted
To support transparency, we’ve listed below the areas covered by dog control orders and the Town Council-owned sites where dogs are welcome:
Dogs not permitted (Dog Exclusion Areas):
● Blenheim Gardens● Irnham Road Recreation Ground● Childrens Play Area, Periton Playing Field● Cuckoo Meadow Play Area, Whitworth Road● Childrens Play Area Culvercliffe● Millennium Rose Garden (Marsh Common Opposite Tesco)● Childrens Play Area, Cross Farm Park, Alcombe
Seasonal Dog Exclusion (Dogs not permitted between 1st May 30th September)
● Minehead Beach from Golf Club Groyne to Jubilee Café Steps
Dogs on Leads Permitted:
● Lower Parks Walk (Between Parkhouse Road and Periton Lane)● The Esplanade (Along the Seafroont)● King George Playing Field, Alcombe● Cross Farm Park, Alcombe
MTC-owned Sites Welcoming Dogs (on or off a lead):
● Culvercliffe Open Space● Trinity Way walk (Between channel training and railway crossing)● The Lagoons/Lower Marsh Common (Opposite Mcdonalds)● Marsh Common (Bottom of Marshfield Road/Opposite Tesco)● Seaward Way Green (Opposite Rainbow Way/Snazaroo)● Ellicombe Open Space● Alcombe Common● Hyde Road/Top of West Street Green● Walkway between Parkhouse Road and Regents Way● Periton Playing Field● Woodcombe Walk● Bratton Walk● Mollys Patch
We kindly ask all dog owners to respect these rules, make use of dog waste bins provided, and help maintain the cleanliness and safety of our town for all residents and visitors. We will be investing in upgraded signage over the next few weeks to help our community better understand the dog restrictions that apply to our areas.
Thank you for helping us keep Minehead welcoming and well-cared for.