Dog Friendly beaches in Cornwall

With its glorious landscape and outdoor lifestyle, Cornwall makes the perfect destination for a holiday with the hound. There are so many new places to explore, from clifftop paths and rugged moors to hidden coves and smooth golden sand.

Whilst many popular tourist beaches restrict dog access during the summer months, this is no reason to be put off. Cornwall has a wide range of dog friendly beaches. In fact, many of the best beaches in the region have no dog restrictions at all.

Here are our top 10 dog friendly beaches in Cornwall, which welcome dogs throughout the year:

Fistral Beach – Dog friendly beaches in Cornwall

Fistral Bay in Newquay

Famous for its fantastic surfing conditions, Fistral Bay is also canine friendly. The bay is just a short walk from Newquay town centre bordered on each side by windswept headlands. Surf lessons and surf hire are all available and there is plenty of space for the pup to let off steam. You can sample local cider and pizza whilst enjoying panoramic views of the sea at The Stable.

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Sandymouth Beach near Bude

Sandymouth Beach may seem small at high tide. But as the tide goes out, the sea pulls back to reveal a glorious expanse of sand, stretching two miles along the coast to Bude. The coastal path along the adjoining clifftop makes this a brilliant option for a circular walk.

The beach has its own waterfall as well as a café and toilets. There is a large car park at the top of the cliff. However, the path to the beach is steep with steps, making access difficult for less mobile visitors.

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Treyarnon Bay – Dog friendly beaches in Cornwall

Treyarnon Bay near Padstow

There are many popular beaches surrounding the town of Padstow and Treyarnon Bay is among its finest. Soft sand, rock pools and shallow water make the beach as family friendly as it is dog friendly. The beach is North-West facing and is sheltered and clean, with toilets and a café on hand.

Perranporth beach

Where the quaint high-street of the town of Perranporth ends, the beach begins. Most of the facilities are located close to the town and this part of the beach can get crowded on sunny days. However, further afield there is no shortage of space if you are keen to escape the crowds, with vast expanses of unbroken sand. And there is plenty to keep you busy – sand dunes, caves and rock pools to explore.

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Whitsand Bay near Looe

The South coast of Cornwall is quieter and less frequented than other parts of the coastline. And Whitsand Bay is one of the prettiest spots in the area. At low tide the sandy beach connects a range of smaller coves along 4 miles of coastline. The beach is accessed down a steep path from the cliffs above, and unfortunately swimming is risky due to rip currents. However, the bay are rich in history, including Tregantle Fort that dates back to Napoleonic times.

Gorran Haven Beach near Megavissey

Gorran Haven beach is, as its name suggests, a sheltered haven of sand protected by a stone harbour. It forms a pretty crescent and sits in front of a quiet fishing village which offers places to eat and public toilets. Easy to access, this beach is safe for swimming, although there is not lifeguard. And dogs are of course welcome throughout the year.

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Pedn Vounder Beach, near Porthcurno

Once a hidden treasure, Pedn Vounder has grown in fame among visitors to Cornwall in recent years. And it’s no surprise why. Stunning cliffs overlook turquoise waters and golden sands. Pedn Vounder is set within the cove of Porthcurno and can actually be accessed from this beach at spring low tide. Although beware of being cut off though as the tide rises.

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Mawgan Porth Beach

Mid way between Padstow and Newquay, Mawgan Porth is just remote enough to reduce the crowds. Facing the Atlantic Ocean, it offers rolling surf and wide flat sand. It is lifeguarded and so is great for a swim if your dog enjoys jumping the waves. There are ample facilities available too.

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Porthkidney Beach near St Ives

While many of St Ives’ beaches impose a seasonal ban on dogs, Porthkidney beach is an exception. Dogs are expected to be kept on a lead on the footpaths, but once on the sand they are free to roam. Porthkidney is located just two miles south of St Ives, spanning the shore between the mouth of River Hayle and Cabris Bay. The beach is vast, especially at low tide when the sea recedes far out, exposing acres of deserted sands.

Fishing Cove

This charming little cove is tucked away between Hells Mouth and Navax Point and is definitely for the more adventurous beach lover and their furry friend. The turquoise waters and golden sands are frequented by seals more than by humans due to the steep descent from the cliffs above. What’s more, this beach is a popular choice for naturists as much as nature lovers. So no need to worry if you forget your bathers!

In total there are over 200 beaches in Cornwall that are dog friendly in the colder months. And over half of these have no restrictions at all throughout the year. So you will have plenty of choice when it comes to days out with the dog. For more ideas about some of the best parts of Cornwall to explore, browse our suggestions of the top 20 places to stay in Cornwall.