Many beaches in the UK have restrictions on dogs throughout summer, with potential fines of up to £1,000.

With this in mind, new research has revealed the UK’s top 10 most pet-friendly coastal destinations.

Cumbria - to no surprise - was listed as one of the best places in the entire UK for allowing dogs on beaches.

Experts at Millets analysed Google reviews, water quality ratings, ocean temperatures, facilities, accessibility and parking costs to reveal the best coastal towns in England and Wales, as well as the UK’s most pet-friendly coastal destinations.

From May 1 to September 30 each year no dogs are allowed on certain beaches in the UK.

A big reason why dogs are banned from beaches is because of beachgoers complaining about dogs exhibiting poor outdoor etiquette - although the onus should always be on the owner.

The bans are either fully enforced, or subject to a partial ban, which means dogs on leads are accepted.

Top 10 coastal destinations with the most pet-friendly beaches:

1 Northumberland - North East England - 31/33 pet-friendly beaches - 93.94%

2 Pembrokeshire - South Wales - 81/88 pet-friendly beaches - 92.05%

3 Anglesey - North Wales - 42/47 pet-friendly beaches - 89.36%

4 Lothian - South Scotland - 20/24 pet-friendly beaches - 83.33%

5 Grampian - North Scotland - 23/28 pet-friendly beaches - 82.14%

6 Carmarthenshire - South Wales - 7/9 pet-friendly beaches - 77.78%

6 Shetland Islands - North Scotland - 7/9 pet-friendly beaches - 77.78%

8 Cumbria - North West England - 23/30 pet-friendly beaches - 76.67%

9 Highland - North Scotland - 35/46 pet-friendly beaches - 76.09%

10 County Durham - North East England - 11/15 pet-friendly beaches - 73.33%

Northumberland, in the North East of England, came out on top as the coastal destination with the most pet-friendly beaches.

Of the 33 beaches in the area, 31 of them are pet-friendly, meaning that 93.94% are great options for pet owners. 

Many local councils have introduced restrictions which will remain in place from May through to September.

The bans are enforced under a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO), with complete bans introduced in some places and partial bans in others.

A partial ban could include things like dog owners having to keep their pets on leads, or only walking them on promenades rather than the actual beach.

Council officers can issue fines to individuals who don't comply with the order.