Can you camp on UK beaches or is it illegal? Rules to follow

South Wales Argus

2 days ago

With warm days, the idea of camping can be quite tempting but if you're planning to set up camp on a beach, you'll need to be prepared.
UK beaches are great places to spend family time, have fun and relax plus, if you get some nice weather, it gets even better.
But if you're looking for your next staycation spot with a place to pitch your tent, you might be surprised to know there are rules to abide by.
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To help you understand what you can and can't do, The Expert Camper website has laid out the rules – let's take a look.
Can you camp on UK beaches?
The Expert Camper explains: 'The short answer for England, Wales and Northern Ireland is sadly, yes, it's pretty much illegal. Exceptions to the rule are very few and far between and effectively boil down to the whim of private landowners.'
In Scotland, rules are different with beachgoers given rights to access most land thanks to the Land Reform Act of 2003.
The website adds: 'This includes more than 6,000 miles of coastline, give or take a thousand miles or so as nobody can seem to agree'.
If you do camp on a beach in Scotland though, you'll need to follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
There are three principles which are:
Respect the interest of others
Care for the environment
Take responsibility for your own actions
While you might think beaches aren't owned by anyone, they do have owners so it's important to remember that a day at the beach is a day on someone's property.
The website explains that beaches are owned by a group of bodies, including:
The Crown Estate
The Ministry of Defence
The National Trust
Local Authorities
Private landowners
You can find out more about camping on beaches in the UK and who owns them via The Expert Camper's website.
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Why can't you camp on UK beaches?
The UK puts such rules in place "to protect its coastal environments."
Wood to Water explained: "Unlike some countries where beach camping is widely permitted, the UK has stringent regulations to protect its coastal environments.
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"In general, camping on beaches without explicit permission from the landowner is not allowed. This includes most publicly owned beaches.
"However, some beaches do offer designated camping spots or have specific times of the year when camping is tolerated.
"It's crucial to check local council websites or contact local tourist information centres for guidance. This ensures you remain on the right side of the law while enjoying the unique experience of beach camping."