Come October many of the restrictions around dogs on beaches relax, making the first couple of months of autumn a great time to getaway for the day or a weekend with your dog in tow.

If you're looking to walk your dog on the beach around Essex, here are the best dog friendly beaches in the county. 

1 Clacton-on-Sea

From the start of May to the end of September, this quintessential British seaside jaunt and sandy beach has a no dog policy. From October, however, it's fine to bring your dog for a walk along the shore. Jaywick Sands, the next beach along welcomes dogs off the lead all year round.

2 Frinton-on-Sea

While no dogs are allowed on the beach during the peak months, come October you can let your dog loose at this quiet, family-friendly beach. This long stretch of sandy beach comes with Victorian-style beach huts, and once a seaside destination for Victorian-era aristocrats, royalty and Winston Churchill. 

3 Walton-on-the-Naze

To the left hand side of Blue Flag Walton-on-the-Naze's pier (the second longest in Britain), there is a dog ban during the peak season, however dogs are allowed all year round on the other side. It's a sheltered beach, so it's good for families and is a popular spot for fossil hunters. 

4 Shoebury East

This Southend beach runs long and sandy and has grassy hinterland, which is good for picnicking and fills up over summer. A Blue Flag beach, dogs are banned during peak season. 

5 West Mersea

Dogs are welcome here all year round, as they are at Cudmore Grove Beach, also on Mersea Island. West Mersea is a sand and shingle beach that looks out over the Blackwater Estuary. It has sweet beach huts, jetties and a laid back vibe.

6 Dovercourt Bay

A quiet resort beach in Harwich, Dovercourt Bay beach is sand and shingle that is popular with families. No dogs are allowed on the main beach May to September, however if you head to towards the beaches far end, or near the lighthouse, you'll find spots where dogs can run around all year around.

7 Brightlingsea Beach

A sandy, colourful beach hut lined beach, Blue Flag Brightlingsea Beach once was busy with fishing and shipbuilding, but now is a popular spot for families, and for yachting and water sports including canoeing, jet-skiing, and windsurfing. Dogs are welcome from October to April. 

8 Thorpe Bay

This Southend Blue Flag beach offers views of the estuary and plenty of opportunities for long strolls past charming beach huts. Dogs are allowed on the bech from October to April. 

9 Westcliff Beach

Another Southend beach, Westcliff is a Blue Flag awarded sand and shingle beach. There’s plenty of food options nearby including the Southend institution, the Rossie ice-cream emporium. As it's so popular, dogs are only permitted in the off season. 

10 Leigh Bell Wharf Beach

There are plenty of reasons to visit Leigh on Sea, including Bell Wharf Beach dubbed 'Essex's best kept secret', right near the Old Town. Dogs are welcome here from October.