logo
Beautiful UK beach with crystal-clear water unleashes brutal £100 warning

Beautiful UK beach with crystal-clear water unleashes brutal £100 warning

Daily Mirror5 hours ago
A popular stretch of coast renowned for its sugar-like sand and cobalt waters is cracking down on two common tourist activities - which now risk fines of up to £100 or £1,000 if you're taken to court
A 'glorious' slice of the UK coast has unveiled a major tourist clampdown ahead of the busy summer holidays. Situated in the idyllic Dorset National Landscape, and boasting four miles of pristine beach framed by rugged dunes and lush cliffs, lies the acclaimed Studland Bay.

Often touted as a 'tropical paradise' due to its sugar-like sand and crystal-clear waters, the hotspot wouldn't look out of place if it moved over to the picturesque Caribbean. The bay comprises of four beaches: Shell Bay, Knoll Beach, South Beach, and Middle Beach, all of which have been managed by the National Trust since 1982.


But, earlier this year - the Mirror reported on how Dorset Council was mulling over two new Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) to tackle issues such as wildfires and anti-social behaviour.
Now, Dorset Council has confirmed the extension of its current PSPOs, which will be in place for another three years. These orders clamp down on drinking alcohol in public places, feeding gulls, overnight camping on beaches, lighting of fires and BBQs on open land, as well as 'aggressive begging'.
The council has also extended the overnight camping ban to include Studland Beach, in a move to 'protect the sensitive coastal environment'. Tourists found breaking this rule could be fined up to £100.

It has also expanded restrictions on lighting fires and BBQs to cover additional areas of heathland and forest across Dorset. Again, flouting this PSPO can result in a hefty penalty.
If you pay the fixed penalty notice, the offence is discharged and no further action is taken. However, if the fixed penalty notice is not paid, you may be liable on summary conviction in a Magistrates Court to a fine not exceeding £1,000.

"Renewing our existing PSPOs means continuing the important safeguards that have been in place for several years—protections our residents have told us they value," said Councillor Gill Taylor. "In addition to these renewals, we're introducing two new Orders: one to help preserve the natural beauty and tranquillity of Studland Beach, and another to protect our rare heathland habitats, which are home to some of the UK's most endangered wildlife.
"Dorset should be an enjoyable place for our residents and visitors alike. By working with our partners, these Orders help us to deal with a small minority of people who can spoil it for others."
Shaun Milton of Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, also welcomed the move - reminding Brits of the 'devastating' Wareham Forest fire in 2020 which destroyed more than 220 hectares of forest and heathland. This is the equivalent of more than 230 football pitches. "Preventing fires before they start is the most effective way to protect lives, property, and the environment," he added.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Europe's longest swimming pool is as big as a football pitch and it costs just £3.50 to visit
Europe's longest swimming pool is as big as a football pitch and it costs just £3.50 to visit

Scottish Sun

timean hour ago

  • Scottish Sun

Europe's longest swimming pool is as big as a football pitch and it costs just £3.50 to visit

And how to find the longest swimming pool in the UK SPLASH IN Europe's longest swimming pool is as big as a football pitch and it costs just £3.50 to visit Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE longest swimming pool in Europe is found in Spain - and it's a bargain to visit. Amurjo is a natural pool which is filled by the Orcera river during the summer, with four million litres of water. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Europe's longest pool is in Spain Credit: Google 4 More than 1,200 swimmers can be in at any time Credit: Tripadvisor Found in Jaén in Andalucía, it stretches 85m, and is 19m in width, making it nearly as big as a football pitch. The 1,500sqm pool can fit up to 1,200 swimmers, so you won't have to worry about finding space. The pool dates back to the 1970s when it was converted from an irrigation reservoir into the public swimming space. There is also a kids pool as showers, lockers and a bar serving snacks and drinks. Free aqua gym classes also run most days at the pool, otherwise outside there is a nearby hotel and restaurants. And due to its secluded nature, it means there aren't many crowds there even in summer either. Previous guests have raved about it, with one saying: "The pool is really big, perfect for swimming and enjoying without feeling cramped." Another said: "One of the best pools I've ever visited, and I'll definitely go back. Lots of shade and quiet. "Perfect for training and entertaining the kids." A third wrote: "I went in the middle of August, and it wasn't crowded at all." This Incredible Pool Is Inside A Former Church 4 The pool was converted in the 1970s Credit: Cultural Agenda of Andalusia Tickets cost €4 (£3.50) for adults or €3 (£2.60) for kids, and is open from 12pm to 9pm. Or you can book night-time swim sessions for an extra euro, as well as open air cinemas and live music events. A tourist train even runs from Orcera, the nearest city, during the busy season to prevent car park crowding. However, don't try and visit in the winter - the pool is only open from June to August, with the pool emptied after this. For Brits to get there, the nearest major airport is Murcia Airport, where flights from the UK take around 2hr45. The pool is then another 2hr45 by car. Also in Spain is Europe's longest infinity swimming pool. Swimming safety advice Experts have revealed some of their top advice for both adults and kids heading to the water this summer: How to stay safe at the beach Gareth Morrison, Head of Water Safety at the RNLI said: "If you find yourself being swept out to sea in a rip, try to relax and float until you are free from the rip and you can then swim to safety. "If you see someone else in danger, alert a lifeguard or call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard." How to stay safe at the swimming pool Tiny Hearts Education, former paramedic and CEO Nikki Jurcutz said: "Always put your little one in bright or contrasting colours that would be easy to find in an emergency. "It only takes 20 seconds to drown, little tips like this could save a life". An Auqabliss spokesperson added: 'Swimming toys such as noodles, dive rings, floaties and beach balls can be dangerous if left in the pool. 'Children may try to grab these from the pool's edge and fall in." How to stay safe at a waterpark Ali Beckman, Puddle Ducks Technical Director, said: "Never send a child down the slide on their own, not only are they going to be entering the slide pool area independently, they then have to exit the pool and wait for an adult. "And wave pools should be avoided until your child is really confident with water going over their faces and you know they are able to regain their feet independently. 'Waterparks are often very busy places and it's easy to lose sight of a child in a split second." In Tenerife is the Gran Melia Palacio de Isora Resort & Spa, which is home to a 400m saltwater infinity pool. Or here is here to find the UK's longest swimming pool.

Is it safe to travel to Greece? Tourist advice amid wildfires
Is it safe to travel to Greece? Tourist advice amid wildfires

South Wales Argus

time2 hours ago

  • South Wales Argus

Is it safe to travel to Greece? Tourist advice amid wildfires

More than 50 wildfires have erupted in the country in the last 24 hours, leading to a request to the EU for six firefighting planes. Residents of Kryoneri, 12.5 miles northeast of Athens, received three SMS messages to evacuate to safe areas yesterday (July 26). This comes as Greek authorities battle separate fires on Euboea and Crete, its two largest islands, as well as on the island of Kythera and in the south-west of the mainland. Firefighters battled wildfires across Greece and the Western Balkans as the south of Europe sweltered under the third heatwave of the summer — Reuters (@Reuters) July 26, 2025 Both areas are popular holiday destinations for Brits who are looking to fly out this summer. However, if you've got a trip booked over the coming weeks, the extreme weather could impact your plans. Is it safe to travel to Greece? As of July 27, the UK Foreign Office has not issued any "do not travel" notices for Greece. Although it does highlight safety advice due to a 'high risk of wildfires during the summer season from April to October'. The website recommends travellers register for the Greek government's national emergency alerts, stating: 'Wildfires are highly dangerous and unpredictable. The situation can change quickly.' Tourists are also urged to 'be cautious if you are in or near an area affected by wildfires,' and to call the emergency services on 112 if you're in danger. Greece experiences wildfires every year, but they are becoming more intense and frequent. Last year, Greece experienced its hottest June and July on record. What to do if your holiday is affected If you find yourself at the site of a wildfire while on holiday, follow instructions from local authorities and keep essentials with you at all times. If you're set to head out to Greece on holiday, then it's best to check with your tour operator or airline. For those preparing to travel, it may be possible to cancel your trip for a refund, but only under specific circumstances. 'For tourists concerned about travel disruptions due to wildfires, it's essential to understand the options available in terms of insurance and refunds," Travel and Tour World states. Recommended reading: 'In cases where the wildfire threat directly impacts the region you are visiting, travellers may be eligible for a refund or rebooking. 'However, if the situation is not deemed dangerous enough by authorities, or if no official travel advisory is issued, airlines and tour operators are generally not obligated to offer full refunds.' As it stands, there is no Foreign Office warning against travel, so it's best to continue to check for regular updates in case the situation changes in the coming hours and days.

Crete issues urgent warning for TODAY in Brit holiday hotspot
Crete issues urgent warning for TODAY in Brit holiday hotspot

Daily Mirror

time3 hours ago

  • Daily Mirror

Crete issues urgent warning for TODAY in Brit holiday hotspot

Brits in the popular holiday location of Crete, Greece, have been warned of a "very high risk" of wildfires today with emergency services mobilised and a list of banned activities Brit holidaymakers have been warned that there is a 'very high risk' of fires in Crete today with emergency services mobilised. ‌ Greece has been grappling with massive wildfires following a week-long heatwave that saw temperatures skyrocket above 45C, leading to thousands being forced to abandon their homes as flames engulfed villages near Athens and several Greek islands. ‌ Now a map has been issued by the General Secretariat of Civil Protection showing the areas of Greece which are most at danger. And Crete has been marked in orange which is category four and means that there is a forecast of a very high risk of fire. ‌ Under this category it means that a special civil protection mechanism has been put in place while there is a list of banned activities. The action plan means that all resources will be diverted to tackling the risk and there is a list of six banned actions. ‌ the burning and use of fire on crop residues, grasslands or other of smoking in beehives the performance of hot work (welding, cutting wheel, etc.) the use of outdoor barbecues the use of "Sky Lanterns" (airborne flying lanterns or balloons) the use of pyrotechnics Meanwhile, a significant fire ripped through a northern suburb of the Greek capital on Saturday, triggering urgent evacuation orders, as confirmed by the country's Fire Service. Residents in Kryoneri, situated about 12 miles northeast of Athens, received three SMS alerts urging them to relocate to safer areas, while the nearby village of Drosopigi was shrouded in smoke as explosions reverberated from factories storing combustible materials. ‌ Helicopters were dispatched to douse the area with water as a team of 65 firefighters, supported by 26 vehicles and two aircraft, battled the blaze. A spokesperson for the fire department revealed that at least 52 wildfires had erupted across the nation in the past 24 hours, with strong winds exacerbating the situation and necessitating further evacuations. On Evia, a force of 115 firefighters and 24 vehicles, aided by six aircraft and seven helicopters, strived to get the fires under control. Residents in the Triada region were put on alert for potential evacuation as wind conditions deteriorated. While the villages of Aroniadika, Pitsinades and Aryoi on the island of Kythera were evacuated, alongside Kryoneri and Sellas in Messinia, to the west of Athens. Areas in Crete affected by fires Azilakodasos, Municipality of Agios Nikolaos Vathi, Municipality of Agios Nikolaos Thriptis, Municipality of Ierapetra Kalo Chorio, Municipality of Agios Nikolaos – Meseleri, Municipality of Ierapetra Selakano, Municipality of Ierapetra Cypress forest of Kritsa, Municipality of Agios Nikolaos Krousta Forest, Municipality of Agios Nikolaos. Symi, Municipality of Viannos Rouva-Zaros, Municipality of Gortyna and Municipality of Phaistos Koudouma, Municipality of Gortyna Keris, Municipality of Malevizi, Fourni, Municipality of Archanes – Asterousia Yuuchta, Municipality of Archanes – Asterousia Reconstruction, Municipality of Archanes – Asterousia Evligia suburban forest Suburban forest of Prof. Elias Agios Ioannis suburban forest Reforestation area south of the Arkadi Monastery Alsilio area of Paradisos Armenoi Mills Gorge Kissos suburban forest Periurban forest of Agouseliana Periurban forest of Agios Ioannis

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store