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20 dog friendly beaches in Cornwall
There are so many dog-friendly beaches in Cornwall that you just have to visit on your next Cornwall holiday. You can find plenty to suit your individual dog’s needs, so they can have the most fun digging through the sand!
Whether you want to visit more bustling beaches like Fistral Beach or more of the hidden gems like Portcothan Bay Beach, you can find plenty to visit and take your pooch for hours of fun. Whether you want to play endless games of fetch or discover South West Coast Path trails that are situated along many of these beaches, you can enjoy both beach days and walking trails. Completing your beach day back at a selection of holiday parks situated nearby in Cornwall is the perfect end to any beach day, making sure both you and your pup can relax comfortably after tiring each other out at the beach…
Let’s get into the top 20 list of dog-friendly beaches in Cornwall:
Carbis Bay Beach
Carbis Bay is a beautiful sheltered beach located just a short distance from the popular town of St Ives – you’d think you were in the Caribbean here! This golden sandy beach is perfect for dogs to run along and take a dip in the beautiful blue waters, plus there’s plenty of space for building sandcastles and enjoying a picnic.
Find out moreAs this beach is backed by a picturesque village, you can find refreshments for both you and your pup after a fun-filled day out at the beach!
Dog restrictions: Seasonal dog ban from 15th May – 30th September, between 10am – 6pm.
Sandymouth
For a remote and secluded beach, Sandymouth is a National Trust beach that is nestled within the cliffs of North Cornwalls coastline. This tidal beach has a lengthy stretch of sand that can be seen at low tide and is accessible only by a steep path, making it a peaceful retreat from the crowds, where you can take in the full experience of one of the best dog friendly beaches in Cornwall.
Find out moreYour pooch will enjoy the walks that can be had here, whilst you’ll be enjoying the stunning views – plus it's only about a 15-minute drive north of Bude!
Dog restrictions: Under control dogs are welcome all year round.
Porthcothan Bay Beach
This beach is a hidden gem located near the village of Porthcothan and sits between Newquay and Padstow. This sandy beach opens out at low tide to connect with small coves to the north and south. At high tide, Porthcothan Bay shrinks dramatically and then turns into a very sheltered beach due to the cliffs, making for some of the most beautiful sights.
Find out moreEnjoy discovering the coves with your pup, and you could even go on to the Beruthan Steps, which is close by and one of Cornwall’s most impressive sights!
Dog restrictions: Under control dogs are welcome all year round.
Daymer Bay
Daymer Bay is one of the best dog friendly beaches in Cornwall, and is a 30-40 minute drive from the dog-friendly Retallack Resort. At low tide, this beautiful beach forms long stretches of golden sand backed by dunes all the way around to Rock. Alongside this, you can witness some of the best views across the Camel Estuary.
Find out moreThis secluded and unspoiled beach makes it one of the best places to take a dip with your pooch in the brilliant waters. Plus, this remote location adds to its charm, offering visitors a tranquil escape from the crowds.
Dog restrictions: Under control dogs are welcome all year round.
Kynance Cove
One of Cornwall's most iconic and picturesque beaches, Kynance Cove, part of the Lizard Peninsula, is known for its dramatic rock formations and turquoise waters. This series of coves and islands is a true natural wonder, offering excellent opportunities for exploration and photography – your furry friend will especially love to explore!
Find out moreDog restrictions: Council-enforced dog ban from 1st July – 31st August, between 10am – 6pm.
Perranporth Beach
Perranporth Beach is a vast expanse of golden sand that stretches for miles along Cornwall's north coast, and is one of Cornwall’s most popular beaches that’s around a 10-minute drive from the Newperran Holiday Resort. This popular beach has something for everyone and is surrounded by tall cliffs, rolling dunes, and plenty of sand for your dog to run along.
Find out morePlus, it also won the Seaside Awards in 2022, so you just have to come and visit!
Dog restrictions: Allowed on the beach all year round. During July and August, dogs need to be on a lead from 10am - 5pm on the main beach area. However, there are still plenty of dunes and the remainder of the beach after flat rocks where they can explore unleashed.
Mawgan Porth
This picturesque village beach is an award winning sheltered cove on the north coast of Cornwall. Amid high Cornish headlands Mawgan Porth is a tranquil location between Newquay and Padstow with easy footpaths for both you and your pup to access. This sandy beach is one of the best dog friendly beaches in Cornwall and is backed by cliffs and offers excellent swimming and surfing conditions.
Find out moreThe village itself is charming, where you’ll be able to find places for refreshments with your dog to enjoy after an amazing day on the beach!
Dog restrictions: Dogs are welcome all year round.
Widemouth Bay Beach
Widemouth Bay is a vast and expansive sandy beach located just under three miles from the centre of Bude, and accessible along the South West Coast Path, which you can discover with your pooch. This beach is popular with families, surfers, and dog owners alike, with plenty of space for activities and powerful waves for surfing, plus your dog can take a dip too.
Find out moreThe beach is backed by dunes and offers stunning views of the rugged coastline for those picture-perfect moments.
Dog restrictions: Dogs are welcome at the southern end of Widemouth Bay Beach all year round. A seasonal dog ban is in place at the rest of the beach from 15th May – 30th September, between 10am and 6pm. Outside these hours and from 1st October – 14th May dogs are allowed.
Watergate Bay
The beautiful Watergate Bay has a two-mile stretch of golden sand and is located near the town of Newquay. This beach is a mecca for surfers, with consistent waves and a laid-back surf culture. The beach is also great for families with dogs, as there is plenty of space for games and activities, as well as several cafes and restaurants nearby.
Find out moreDog restrictions: Dogs are welcome all year round.
Harlyn Bay Beach
Harlyn Bay is a small and sheltered cove located near the town of Padstow – about a 20-minute from the Retallack Resort. This sandy beach is perfect for families, with calm waters ideal for swimming and paddling, and vast amounts of sand for your dog to sniff through – at low tide, it’s the perfect time for a game of fetch!
Find out moreThe beach is backed by dunes and offers stunning views of the surrounding cliffs and coastline, making for one of the best dog-friendly beaches in Cornwall!
Dog restrictions: Dogs are welcome all year round.
Crantock Beach
This long sandy stretch of beach located in North Cornwall is one of the best National Trust beaches around! This beach is popular with a wide range of different people, and the fact that Crantock Beach is backed by dunes and offers stunning views of the surrounding coastline makes it a must-visit destination with your pooch!
Dog restrictions: Dogs are welcome all year round.
Find out more
Fistral Beach
Fistral Beach is one of Cornwall's most renowned and popular beaches, located in the town of Newquay. This long stretch of golden sand is a surfer's paradise, with consistent waves and a lively surf culture. However, that isn’t all, as it’s also one of the best Cornwall dog-friendly beaches.
Find out moreWith plenty of space for activities and explorations to be had, why not add Fistral Beach to your next Cornwall holiday itinerary?
Dog restrictions: Dogs are welcome all year round.
Mother Ivey’s Bay
This secluded and unspoiled beach is located on the North Cornwall coast. This small cove is surrounded by towering cliffs and features a sandy beach and rocky outcrops – plus, it’s within one of Cornwall’s 12 areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Find out moreMother Ivey’s Bay can be accessed by the South West Coast Path, meaning that you can also enjoy plenty of coastal walks with your pooch, which could make for a peaceful and tranquil escape from the crowds.
Dog restrictions: Dogs are welcome all year round, but must be kept on a lead between 10am - 6pm.
Polzeath Beach
Polzeath Beach is a real Cornish gem and a long and sandy stretch of beach that neighbours Padstow. This beach is a popular choice for many and when you come and visit, you’ll see exactly why! This beach offers excellent waves and plenty of space for relaxation and activities with your furry friend
Find out morePolzeath Beach is backed by dunes and offers stunning views of the surrounding coastline, so remember to bring your camera!
Dog restrictions: Seasonal dog ban in place from 15th May – 30th September, from 10am - 6pm. Dogs are welcome at all other times.
Mullion Cove
Located within cliffs full of wildlife, this picturesque and sheltered National Trust cove is located on the Lizard Peninsula and is only around a 40-50 minute drive from St Ives Bay. This sandy beach is surrounded by towering cliffs and offers excellent opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and paddling with your pup, plus you can explore the numerous rock pools at low tide.
Find out moreDog restrictions: Dogs are welcome all year round at Mullion, on the beach when the tide is out and along the harbour wall when it’s safe.
Porthcurno Beach
Porthcurno Beach is a stunning and secluded beach with stunning white sand and turquoise waters, framed by dramatic cliffs, making it a popular and beautiful spot to visit. At this National Trust beach, you may even spot birds, basking whales, and dolphins! There are plenty of breathtaking views to be discovered from the winding coastal paths found around Porthcurno.
Find out moreNot only can you discover the beach with your dog, but you can discover the walks too, making for one of the best dog-friendly beaches in Cornwall!
Dog restrictions: Seasonal dog ban in place from 1st July – 31st August, between 10am – 6pm. At all other times, dogs are welcome.
Porthgwarra Beach
This beach is the perfect location for a lazy holiday beach day. This small and secluded cove is the best place to relax and enjoy the views, plus some scenes from the popular show Poldark were filmed here too. Porthgwarra Beach is accessed by a steep path and features a sandy beach surrounded by towering cliffs.
Find out moreYou can take a lazy paddle with your pooch while exploring the beautiful sights of the beach.
Dog restrictions: Seasonal dog ban in place from 1st July – 31st August, between 10am – 6pm. At all other times, dogs are welcome.
Gwithian Towans Beach
Gwithian Towans Beach is a vast expanse of golden sand located in Hayle. The beach is backed by dunes and offers stunning views of St Ives Bay, and at low tide large areas of rock pools are uncovered around Strap Rocks, just waiting to be explored - you might even witness the resident grey seals often spotted off the coastline!
Find out moreDog restrictions: Seasonal dog ban from 1st July – 31st August, between 10am - 6pm. Dogs are welcome outside of these hours and from 1st September – 30th June.
Nanjizal Beach
This secluded beach is mainly isolated due to it being less accessible – most of the people who visit Nanjizal Beach are walkers of the South West Coast Path, which you may choose to do parts of with your pooch. Therefore, it makes for a calm day out and around a 45-minute from St Ives Bay Holiday Resort.
Find out moreThis small cove features a sandy beach surrounded by towering cliffs and is known for its excellent rock pooling opportunities and peaceful escape from the crowds.
Dog restrictions: Dogs are welcome all year round.
Trebarwith Strand Beach
Trebarwith Strand Beach is a long and sandy beach located just two miles from the historic village of Tintagel. This beach particularly welcomes dog walkers to explore the stunning sights. Perfect for the nature lovers amongst you, the beach is backed by cliffs and offers stunning views of the surrounding coastline.
Dod restrictions: Dogs are welcome all year round.
Find out moreA Cornwall dog-friendly beach for everyone…
Have you already decided on which Cornish beach to take your dog to first? Will you be visiting a few from this list? If you didn’t already know, Cornwall has 400 beaches (we couldn’t squeeze all of them into this list), so there’s plenty more for you and your pooch to explore!
Book your next Cornwall holiday today so you can tick off some of these dog-friendly beaches in Cornwall on your bucket list…
Take a look at beaches by region:
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