Beach Campfires: Safe Tips, Legal Rules & Best Spots in the UK

If you picture a perfect evening on a UK beach, you probably see a crackling fire, the tide rolling in, and friends sharing stories. That scene is easy to imagine, but making it happen without a fine or a sink‑in‑the‑sand disaster takes a bit of know‑how. Below you’ll find the basics for lighting a fire on the beach, the rules you must follow, and a handful of spots where locals actually let you spark up.

Know the Rules Before You Light Up

First off, you need to check the local by‑laws. Most English and Welsh beaches fall under the Marine Management Organisation and local council regulations. In many places, open fires are banned outright, especially during the summer months when fire risk is high. Scotland is a bit different – the Scottish Outdoor Access Code gives you the right to camp, but you still have to follow any specific fire bans posted on signs.

What does that mean for you? Always look for signage at the car park or beach entrance. If you see a "No Fires" sign, respect it. Ignoring it can lead to fines up to £1,000 and a swift call from the local authority. If you can’t find any signs, call the council’s environmental team – a quick phone call can save you a lot of trouble.

Safety First: Gear and Practices

When you have the green light, bring the right gear. A small, portable fire pit or a metal fire ring works best on sand because it contains the heat and prevents accidental spread. Pack a bucket of water or a sand shovel to smother the flame quickly if the wind picks up.

Never use dry brush or driftwood that’s lying on the shoreline – that material often contains salt, which can create toxic smoke. Instead, bring clean, seasoned firewood or use a charcoal stove designed for beach use. Light the fire with a long match or a lighter, and keep a close eye on it at all times. When you’re done, extinguish the flame completely by dousing it with water, stirring the ash, and dousing again until no steam rises.

Remember to clean up. Pack out all rubbish, leftover food, and unburnt wood. Leaving a tidy site keeps the beach beautiful for the next family and keeps you out of trouble with the local "Leave No Trace" volunteers who patrol popular spots.

Top UK Beaches Where Campfires Are Usually Allowed

Finding a beach that welcomes fires can feel like hunting for a needle, but a few places have a reputation for being fire‑friendly when conditions permit:

• Studland Beach, Dorset – The council often allows small fires in the designated grassy area behind the dunes, provided there’s no fire ban in place.
• Weston‑Skirle, Cornwall – During off‑peak seasons, you can use a portable fire pit on the sand as long as you keep it under an hour and clean up thoroughly.
• South Tyneside Coast, Tyne & Wear – The local council runs a "Beach Fire Permit" system in the summer. Apply online, get the permit, and you’re good to go.
• Holkham Bay, Norfolk – The beach authority permits fires in a fenced fire pit area near the visitor centre. Check the signage for opening times.

Even at these spots, the rules can change with the weather, so double‑check the latest update on the council website before you set out.

Quick Checklist Before You Go

• Check local fire bans and signage.
• Bring a portable fire pit or metal ring.
• Use clean wood or charcoal – no driftwood.
• Have water or sand ready to douse the fire.
• Pack out all rubbish and leftover gear.

With these steps, you can enjoy the glow of a beach campfire without worrying about fines or safety hazards. So grab your friends, pack the right gear, and make those seaside evenings a memory you’ll want to repeat.