11 dog-friendly beaches in Cornwall
Stopping at one of our dog-friendly cottages in Cornwall? There’s nothing better than spending time outdoors with our faithful four-legged friends - especially when you’re by the seaside. If you’ve been thinking about heading down to the golden sands of the south coast, then take a look at our guide of 11 of the best dog-friendly beaches in Cornwall.
1. Porthkidney Sands
Best for: Admiring the aquamarine shores of Porthkidney
Dogs allowed: All year, no seasonal dog ban
Car park: The closest car park is the Lelant Beach Car Park, just minutes from the beach
Just two miles from the popular town of St Ives in West Cornwall, Porthkidney Sands is a pretty golden beach on the Hayle Estuary. During low tides, the beach stretches a mile out to sea - great for long walks with your furry friends. In the summer months, Porthkidney Sands is stunning enough to rival its slightly more tropical competitors - the soft white sands and azure waters are an absolute sight to behold!
2. Harlyn Bay
Best for: Swimming, surfing, and paddling
Dogs allowed: All year, no seasonal dog ban
Car park: Harlyn Bay has a pay and display car park right by the beach
A family-friendly beach just outside the quaint village of Harlyn, Harlyn Bay is perfect for long walks with the pooch. Its calm and safe waters attract many surfers and swimmers to the area, so if you fancy taking a dip then this is the place for you! This popular bay can get very busy in the summer months - so if you prefer to escape the crowds, you may want to visit in the off-peak seasons.
3. Watergate Bay
Best for: Watching the waves roll in
Dogs allowed: All year, no seasonal dog ban
Car park: Watergate Bay has a pay and display car park right next to the beach
Around three miles from the bustling resort town of Newquay, Watergate Bay is a dog-friendly beach year-round. Spanning two miles, there’s plenty of space to stretch your legs as your pup splashed about on its shores. The massive waves that roll into the bay make it an excellent spot for surfing - or simply sitting and enjoying the view. Afterwards, why not head into Newquay and visit one of its many dog-friendly pubs and cafes? Ideal for a hearty brunch after a good walk on the beach.
4. Daymer Bay Beach
Best for: Getting your wetsuit on and heading for a swim
Dogs allowed: All year, no seasonal dog ban
Car park: There is a pay and display car park right by the sands of Daymer Bay
A lovely beach on the edge of Trebetherick, Daymer Bay offers gorgeous views across to the Camel Estuary. A beach of choice for both sunbathers and kite-surfers, there’s always plenty going on here. Its calm waters make it ideal for dogs (and owners) to swim safely. Once you’ve seen the coast glittering under the summer sunshine, you’ll be tempted to dive right in!
5. Bamaluz Beach
Best for: Letting the dogs off the lead to run wild
Dogs allowed: All year, no seasonal dog ban
Car park: The pay and display Digey Car Park is just a minute’s walk from the beach
Unlike many of Cornwall’s beaches, Bamaluz Beach is somewhat of a hidden treasure. This golden stretch is only really a beach at low tide, which makes it perfect for a peaceful stroll with your pup. Even during the summer months, you’re unlikely to bump into any other visitors - great if you prefer to let the dogs run wild off the lead. Located on the edge of St. Ives, it’s ideal for those stopping in the town. At high tide, this pretty beach becomes a secret spot once more!
6. Fistral Beach
Best for: Watching the surfing contents
Dogs allowed: All year, no seasonal dog ban
Car park: Fistral Beach has a pay and display car park right next to its sands
Fistral Beach is dog friendly all year, so you don’t need to worry about any seasonal restrictions. Half a mile from the town of Newquay, this long stretch of sandy beach is a renowned surfing destination. I-n fact, you might even see a competition or two as you stroll along! The north coast of Cornwall is a popular destination during the summer, so like many other beaches in the area, including Mawgan Porth and Holywell Bay, you may have to get there early to enjoy it to yourself.
7. Long Rock Beach
Best for: Letting your pooch make some new friends
Dogs allowed: All year, no seasonal dog ban
Car park: There is a large car park right next to the beach, with easy access onto the sands
A popular destination for dog walkers, Long Rock Beach is located just five minutes from the town of Penzance. Loved by locals and visitors alike, your pup is bound to meet some new four-legged friends as they explore this scenic coastline! If you’d prefer to leave the car on the drive, it’s around a 30-minute walk from the centre of Penzance. Great for sunny days when you want to make the most of your surroundings!
8. Lansallos Beach
Best for: Sunbathing in the peace and quiet
Dogs allowed: All year, no seasonal dog ban
Car park: There is a small car park in the village of Lansallos, about half a mile from the beach
A quiet and sheltered bay in the south of Cornwall, Lansallos Beach is around 40-minutes from the popular town of St. Austell. Yet another fairly hidden gem among Cornwall’s many beaches, this is a great option for those who only want to listen to the calming sounds of rolling waves and the calls of seabirds above. If you’ve got time afterwards, why not pop into the pretty village of Lansallos - you’ll find a choice of dog-friendly pubs to enjoy a well-earned and tasty lunch.
9. Porthluney Cove
Best for: Visiting the historic castle grounds nearby
Dogs allowed: All year, no seasonal dog ban
Car park: There is a pay and display car park by the beach for visitors of both Caerhays Castle and Porthluney Cove
A spacious beach along the stunning Roseland Heritage Coast, Porthluney Cove is ideal for letting the dogs run and play in its shallow shores. Less than a ten-minute walk from the historic Caerhays Castle, you could even do a spot of sightseeing after a fun day on the sands! If you’re staying in St Austell, you’ll find Porthluney Cove just a 20-minute drive away. Be sure to check out the rest of the South West Coast Path while you’re in the area!
10. Crantock Beach
Best for: A good hike over the steep dunes
Dogs allowed: All year, no seasonal dog ban
Car park: There is a pay and display car park next to Crantock Beach, which also has public toilets available
With its sand dunes as tall as steep cliffs, Crantock Beach is a popular destination for dog walkers. Once you’ve tackled the dunes, you’ll be rewarded with glorious sea views and miles of golden sand - perfect for your pup to run laps around! If you’re planning on staying at Newquay in North Cornwall, you’ll find this excellent beach less than a 10-minute drive away.
11. Mexico Towans Beach
Best for: Enjoying a stroll before heading into St. Ives for lunch
Dogs allowed: Dogs allowed on the main beach; some restrictions on the southern end
Car park: There is a pay and display car park on the neighbouring Sandy Acres beach, just a short walk from Mexico Towans
A little further down from the gorgeous Godrevy Coastal Path, Mexico Towans Beach boasts over three miles of glorious sands. Popular year-round with dog walkers, swimmers, and beach bathers, this dog-friendly beach is a must-see for anyone stopping in St Ives. There are some restrictions near the estuary on the southern end of the beach, although this is well sign-posted. Visitors are also advised not to swim near the estuary, as there are dangerously fast currents.
