Beachgoers have been left raging after one particular tourist hotspot was labelled as being ‘overrun with too many dogs’ (Image: Getty Images)
Beachgoers have been left raging after one particular tourist hotspot was labelled as being “overrun with too many dogs”.

The popular Saunton Sands in North Devon stretches across three-and-a-half miles and, while it’s been the perfect place during this summer’s scorching weather, some visitors have been left less than impressed.

Its sandy dunes, mix of food outlets, toilets and beach shops, as well as easy disabled access, makes it an ideal spot for families and dog walkers.

It’s also popular with surfers – although the number of dogs has appeared to irk a number of people.

Writing on Tripadvisor, the person wrote: “Have been coming to Saunton to surf for a number of years, love it and yesterday surfed again. Problem is with too many dogs [it’s] now overrun. When I finished my enjoyable surf [I] was greeted with a dog s***ing in front of me. A new dog area needs to be formed further down the beach please so we can have a breathing space from dogs.”

The disgruntled beachgoers took to Tripadvisor to share their views ( Image: Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

Katie H, from Oxfordshire, said: “We’ve visited Saunton a few times over the years, the last time being around 2016. Since then it seems almost everyone has bought a dog, or two. We went aging today expecting a lovely day at the beach, but left after only one hour. Too many dogs!

“Barking at nothing, barking at each other, flicking sand everywhere. We watched one have a pee over a poor couple’s body boards before the owner called it away, and I had the pleasure of watching two dogs squat down and have a poo in front of me!

“I would not let a child play on this beach. Such a shame, we loved this beach, and it is still beautiful, but we won’t go again. We moved round the corner to Croyde. Had a fantastic rest of the day on a dog-free beach.”

One Tripadvisor reviewer said she ‘would not let a child play on this beach’ ( Image: Getty Images)

Another reviewer has warned fellow dog owners.

Bagpeel, from Bicester, added: “It’s a dog beach. Okay if you have a dog. Although be aware that all the other dog owners let their dogs run off the lead (and defecate everywhere of course). So if your dog is anxious, best avoid it and go to Woolacombe which has a dog beach (on the left) with better behaved owners.”

Of 981 reviews on Tripadvisor, 634 of them rate their trip to Saunton as ‘Excellent’ and another 223 as ‘Very good’. There are only 46 ‘Terrible’ reviews. Thankfully, most people sing Saunton’s praises.

The beach is popular with surfers all year round ( Image: Getty Images)

The North Devon beach was made famous by Robbie Williams when he filmed the music video for his 1997 smash hit Angels.

It’s sometimes overshadowed by Croyde and Woolacombe, although it’s an underrated spot for surfers, particularly during the winter where there are consistent clean waves with offshore winds.

However, last month, Saunton Sands was classified as unsafe to swim in due to pollution.

A pollution warning was issued by the Environment Agency on August 14, saying: “Bathing is not advised, due to pollution from sewage. Incident started August 14 2022 10:43, affected water: Saunton Sands.”

Other no go swimming spots due to pollution included Wildersmouth at Ilfracombe and Instow. Thankfully, the beach is now safe to swim at.