A five-month ban on dogs across hundreds of UK beaches is now in force, and owners are warned they face a £100 fine for falling foul of the rules. Many doggos relish a trip to the seaside, taking the opportunity to play with other dogs on the sand and scamper through the swash.

But not all beaches are open to canines all year round. Many impose a seasonal ban to reduce fouling on the sands and disruption for sunseekers at peak times of the year. They also help to uphold hygiene standards for visitors, safeguard water quality, and guarantee the safety of children, in line with Public Spaces Protection Orders. According to the Beach Guide, there are 883 dog-friendly beaches across the country (447 in England, 20 in Northern Ireland, 173 in Scotland and 243 in Wales).

As there are thought to be roughly 1,500 beaches across the four nations, that suggests some 600 operate some form of dog ban.

For example, dozens of beaches across Dorset and other parts of England with blue flag or seaside awards now don't allow dogs on them until September 30.

The rules are also being enforced in many coastal areas right across Scotland, Northern Ireland, and in Wales, from Conwy in the north down to Pembrokeshire in the south, WalesOnline reports.

Some dog bans on certain beaches are yet to come into force, coming in slightly later, from May 15.

Chris Maxted, director of front door dog gate company Dog-G8 said: "Many beaches allow dogs from 1st October to 30th April but enforce restrictions from May to September under Public Space Protection Orders.

"Some areas will implement complete bans, while others impose partial bans, such as requiring dogs to be kept on leads or limiting them to promenades.

"Guide dogs are the exception to these rules and are allowed on beaches at any time. Ignoring these rules can result in a £100 on-the-spot fine."

The penalty can rise to £1,000 if it remains unpaid and the matter is taken to court, he added. However, precise bylaw and ban dates may differ across councils, so it's best to check your local authority's rules online before setting off.

The rules almost never apply to guide dogs or other assistance dogs.