Cornwall is a haven for dog lovers. With its rugged coastline, golden sands, and breathtaking landscapes, it’s no wonder that this southwestern gem of England is a top destination for those seeking the perfect coastal getaway. Whether you’re after a peaceful cove, a wide-open bay, or a lively seaside town, there are exciting dog friendly beaches in Cornwall waiting to be discovered.
Dog Friendly Beaches in Cornwall
If you’re seeking a fantastic Cornish adventure, there’s lots to consider when travelling with your dog, from transport to packing to where to stay. However, once you’re there, you’ll want to explore the picturesque fishing villages and shandy shores along the coastline.
`These beaches provide a great mix of wide-open spaces and scenic views, making them perfect spots for a day out with your furry friend in Cornwall. But if you need a little more inspiration, there’s a holiday guide to Cornwall and Devon.
Did you know? The Cornish for a dog is “ki”, pronounced like a key.
List of Dog Friendly Beaches in Cornwall
Fistral Beach
Fistral Beach (half a mile from Newquay) is renowned as one of the best surfing beaches in the UK, but it’s also a favourite among dog owners. This sandy stretch is perfect for an energetic walk, with plenty of waves for water-loving dogs.
Time: 1 hour
Difficulty: Easy
Restrictions: Dogs must be on leads in July and August between 10am and 5pm.
Facilities: The Fistral Beach Complex offers top-quality food, drink, shops, and surf shops, ensuring you and your furry friend are well taken care of during your visit.
Porth Beach
Porth Beach, located just on the outskirts of Newquay, is a popular staycation destination. This long, sandy beach is perfect for dogs who love to run and explore, as the expansive shoreline offers plenty of space to roam. The beach is relatively flat, making it easily accessible for people of all ages and fitness levels. The beach is backed by sand dunes and has a small river running through it, which provides additional play opportunities for dogs.
Time: 30-minute walk
Difficulty: Easy
Restrictions: Between 1 July and 31 August, dogs are banned from the beach between 10am and 6pm.
Facilities: There are public toilets, a beach shop, and a few cafes nearby where you can grab a snack or drink after a day of beach fun.
Watergate Bay
Just a short drive north of Newquay, Watergate Bay is one of Cornwall’s most famous beaches. Spanning over two miles, this expansive beach is a dog’s dream. Watergate Bay is dog friendly all year round, so they can run freely across the golden sands, play in the surf, and sniff out the surrounding rock pools.
The beach can get busy during peak season, but with such a large area to explore, you and your dog will always find a relaxing spot. The beach is backed by towering cliffs, providing stunning views and a dramatic backdrop for your seaside adventures.
Time: 1-hour walk
Difficulty: Moderate
Restrictions: None
Facilities: Watergate Bay has public toilets, cafes, and restaurants. The beach is accessible via steps from the car park, so it may be slightly challenging for those with mobility issues.
Crantock Beach
Nestled between two headlands, the expansive Crantock Beach offers golden sands, rolling dunes, and plenty of space for your dog to run wild. The stunning coastal views here are sure to inspire you and your dog to explore every inch of this beautiful beach.
Time: 1-hour walk
Difficulty: Easy
Restrictions: None
Facilities: There are public toilets near the car park, and during the summer months, an ice cream van sells refreshments.
Harlyn Bay
Harlyn Bay is a family and dog friendly beach near the picturesque town of Padstow. This crescent-shaped bay offers soft, golden sands and shallow waters, ideal for dogs who enjoy a splash. Harlyn Bay Beach is dog friendly year-round, so there’s no need to worry about seasonal restrictions.
The beach is easily accessible, with a large car park just a short walk away. The Cornish beach is sheltered, making it an excellent spot for a relaxed day out, even on windier days. The bay is also popular for water sports, including surfing and kayaking, so you may find yourself sharing the water with more than just your dog!
Time: 1-hour walk
Difficulty: Easy
Restrictions: None
Facilities: There are public toilets near the car park, and during the summer months, you’ll find a small snack van selling refreshments.
Daymer Bay
Daymer Bay, located on the Camel Estuary, is a calm and sheltered beach ideal for swimmers and dogs who enjoy paddling in the water. The sandy dunes and grassy hills offer a variety of terrain to explore. There are steps from the car park to the beach, so it may not be accessible for those with mobility issues. The grassy Brea Hill mound is worth climbing for excellent views across the water to Padstow.
Time: 1 hour
Difficulty: Easy
Restrictions: None
Facilities: Public toilets, shop and cafe are next to the large car park.
Carbis Bay
Carbis Bay, located just a stone’s throw from the bustling town of St Ives, is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Cornwall with dogs. It is a stunning sandy beach perfect for a day out with your dog. The beach is known for its calm, turquoise waters, making it one of the safest beaches in Cornwall for swimming.
The beach in West Cornwall is a short walk from the nearby car park or train station. Its gentle slope makes it suitable for dogs and people of all ages and abilities, and the shallow waters are ideal for a refreshing paddle.
Time: 20-minute walk
Difficulty: Easy
Restrictions: Between 1 July and 31 August, dogs are banned from the beach between 10am and 6pm.
Facilities: A range of facilities, including public toilets, a beach shop, and a café. The South West Coast Path runs through Carbis Bay if you fancy exploring further.
St Ives
St Ives is one of Cornwall’s most popular destinations, known for its art scene, picturesque harbour, and beautiful beaches. The town has several dog friendly beaches, including Bamaluz Beach, Lambeth Walk, and Porthgwidden Beach. These beaches are all within walking distance from the town centre, making St Ives an excellent base for a dog friendly holiday.
Bamaluz Beach is dog friendly all year round, with no restrictions, making it a popular choice for locals and visitors alike. Lambeth Walk is a small, pebbly beach located near the harbour, also welcoming dogs throughout the year. Porthgwidden Beach, a small sandy cove, does have restrictions from July to August, making it a lovely spot for a winter walk.
Gorran Haven
Gorran Haven Beach is utterly charming, located near the fishing village of Mevagissey. This small, sheltered bay is surrounded by picturesque cottages and has a peaceful, laid-back atmosphere.
The beach is relatively easy to access, with a car park just a short walk away. The surrounding cliffs provide shelter from the wind, and the clear, calm waters are perfect for a paddle. Gorran Haven is ideal for a relaxed day out, especially if you want to escape the crowds.
Time: 1-hour walk
Difficulty: Moderate
Restrictions: None
Facilities: The village has a few basic facilities, including public toilets and a small shop. It also has a couple of cafes and a dog friendly pub.
Portreath Beach
Portreath Beach is a popular family-friendly beach on Cornwall’s north coast. This sandy beach is backed by steep cliffs and offers a large expanse of sand at low tide, making it ideal for dogs who love to run and play.
The beach is easily accessible. The steep cliffs surrounding it provide shelter from the wind, making it a great spot for a winter walk. Several coastal paths are nearby, offering stunning views and additional walking opportunities for you and your dog.
Time: 1-hour walk
Difficulty: Moderate
Restrictions: Between 1 July and 31 August, dogs are banned from the beach between 10am and 6pm.
Facilities: A range of facilities, including public toilets, cafes, and shops.
Summerleaze Beach
Summerleaze Beach in North Cornwall is one of Cornwall’s most popular dog-friendly beaches. With easy access from Bude town centre, this expansive sandy beach offers plenty of space for your dog to run freely. The iconic Bude Sea Pool is also a great spot to dip your toes after a stroll. You can explore Bude from Venn Farm.
Time: 30-minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Restrictions: Dogs must be on leads from 15 May to 30 September.
Facilities: Alongside beach huts, which can be hired daily or weekly, there are public toilets, cafes, shops, water sports, and a lifeguard station (usually manned from Easter to September).
Perranporth Beach
Perranporth Beach is a dog’s dream with its vast open spaces and fascinating rock pools. This beach is perfect for longer walks, with a three-mile stretch of sand to enjoy at low tide. The surf here can be strong, so always keep an eye on your dog if they like to swim. The Watering Hole, a bar on the beach, is also dog-friendly, making it an ideal pit stop.
Time: 1-2 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Restrictions: Dogs must be on leads in July and August between 10am and 5pm.
Facilities: The range includes public toilets, cafes, shops and parking.
Trebarwith Strand
Trebarwith, near Tintagel, is a more rugged, wild beach experience nestled between cliffs. This sandy and rocky beach is accessible at low tide, offering an interesting landscape for dogs to explore. They may find small crabs and fish in the rock pools. The cliffs provide spectacular views, but be cautious with your timing, as the beach can disappear entirely when the tide comes in.
The beach is known for its surfing, and there is a surf school with board and wetsuit hire. Competent swimmers can also swim out to Gull Rock in calm seas, but the sea has quite a swell.
Time: 1 hour~
Difficulty: Moderate
Restrictions: None
Facilities: Public toilets are available, along with a beach shop, café, and lifeguard service between May and September.
Whitsand Bay
Whitsand Bay, betweem Rame Head and Portwrinkle, is one of Cornwall’s hidden gems, offering a more secluded beach experience. The beach stretches for miles, providing ample space for your dog to roam. Accessing the beach involves a steep path, so it’s better suited for those up for a bit of a challenge. The effort is well worth it, with golden sands and clear waters awaiting you at the bottom.
Time: 1-2 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Restrictions: None
Facilities: There are no shoreside facilities alongside Whitsand Bay.
Readymoney Cove Beach
Readymoney is a picturesque, sheltered cove in Fowey, perfect for a quick stroll with your dog. While seasonal restrictions exist, it’s an idyllic spot with calm waters and a peaceful atmosphere in the off-season. The nearby south east section of the coastal path offers further walking opportunities with stunning views of the estuary. The 10-minute walk to St Catherine’s Castle, using the steps on the beach, is a must.
Time: 20-minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Restrictions: Dogs are not permitted on the beach from Easter until the end of September. Outside of these dates, dogs must be kept on a lead.
Facilities: The car park is a good 10-minute downhill walk to the beach. There are public toilets and a coffee shop, which serves drinks in plastic mugs for enjoying on the outdoor benches or beach walls. When you’re done, pop the mugs in the bucket, ready for washing and reusing.
Dog Friendly Places to Visit in Cornwall
Find perfect dog friendly places to go in Cornwall with Group Accommodation. See our top dog-friendly holiday houses in Cornwall to get you started.Enjoy breathtaking views, take scenic walks, and explore charming villages right from your doorstep. From farmhouses to chapels, dog friendly cottages to castles, create lasting memories in one of the most picturesque corners of the UK.
Related Posts
Stag Party Ideas: Picking the Perfect Venue
If you’ve recently been put in charge of organising a stag do & aren’t sure where to start, take a look at our guide to planning a legendary stag party.
8 Photography Tips For Creating The Perfect Family Portrait
Taking a good family photo can turn a fun occasion into a nightmare. These top tips will help you take the perfect family picture without all the stress
Planning Residential School Trips: A Guide for Organisers
Planning a residential youth group or school trip is a rewarding but often daunting task. As the organiser, you are responsible for ensuring everything runs smoothly – from securing the right accommodation to updating parents...
Discover the Splendours of Yorkshire: An Unforgettable Stay at Westfield Granary
Welcome to the glorious Yorkshire countryside, home to the charming Westfield Granary.
-620x320.png)
How To Create A Facebook Business Page For Your Holiday Rental
Thinking of setting up a Facebook page for your holiday rental? This step-by-step guide has all you need to know.