As summer kicks in, more and more families are heading to the beach, whether for a day trip or a weeklong staycation. But there’s one little-known rule that could unexpectedly turn your fish and chip supper into a serious expense. In a number of coastal destinations across the country, feeding seagulls is actually punishable by law. Those found to be doing so could risk being fined well over £1,000.

Last year, a 97-year-old woman was threatened with a £2,500 fine and even court action after a neighbour complained she was feeding birds in her garden in Fylde, near Blackpool. With this in mind, Luxury Group Stay, one of the UK’s leading providers of premium holiday accommodation, is urging travellers to be aware of local by-laws that could scupper their plans for a well-earned break.

While down in Suffolk, visitors to Aldeburgh will be greeted with signs warning that anyone caught feeding gulls could face prosecution, enforced under public health and anti-social behaviour by-laws.

This rule was introduced in the coastal town back in 2009 to address rising complaints about the behaviour of the gulls, including swooping attacks, persistent begging, and damage to bins and property.

And it’s not just Fylde and Aldeburgh that have enacted these restrictions, with many councils up and down the country introducing Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs), or other methods hoping to clamp down on gull feeding.

A spokesperson from Luxury Group Stay said, “With more local fines and by-laws catching guests off guard, we’re seeing growing demand for private stays where families can relax, dine outdoors, and enjoy themselves without worrying about unexpected restrictions.”

With rules varying from town to town and signage often easy to miss, travellers are advised to check local guidance carefully — or risk turning their beach day into an expensive lesson.

They’ve also shared a list of the destinations where you could be risking fines if you are found feeding the gulls.