Dog friendly beaches in Cornwall

Chapel Porth, near St Agnes

At low tide the rocky cove transforms into a sandy beach where dogs can run free, and explore the rockpools and numerous caves. Or enjoy a lovely walk over the cliff towards St Agnes head, and discover the remains of Wheal Coates engine mine on the way! Reward yourself with an infamous Hedgehog ice cream from Chapel Porth’s beach café. From the beach you can walk up and over the cliffs towards Porthtowan‘s Blue Flag beach, which is dog friendly all year round and home to cafes, shops and a pub! The perfect pit stop!

The beach is dog friendly from 1^st October to Easter, with no dogs permitted from Easter Sunday to 30^th September. St Agnes Head and the coast path are dog friendly all year round.

Crantock, Newquay

At low tide explore Crantock beach and the Gannel Estuary where you and your pooch can walk miles of sandy estuary. Just remember to check the tide times before setting off! Newquay‘s Crantock is another great example of the north coast’s vast sandy beaches and towering dunes. Wander back towards the village and stop off for a refreshing tipple at one of the local pubs or a warming coffee from Jam Jar Kitchen (we recommend checking the opening hours before visiting).

The beach is dog friendly beach all year round.

Fistral Beach, Newquay

Doggie heaven, Fistral beach in Newquay is a dune-backed beach, great for sandy games of fetch and long walks on the shoreline. At the North end you’ll find plenty of beachside shops and restaurants that welcome dogs! Tuck into fresh pizzas at The Stable, tasty fish and chips at Rick Steins Fish & Chips and toast your holiday with a Cornish cider at Fistral Beach Bar. From the beach you can walk around the headland on the coastal path, where you’ll find awe-inspiring views.

The beach is dog friendly all year round.

Great Western Beach, Newquay

Another of the many dog friendly beaches in Newquay, Great Western is a sheltered cove along the north coast, with caves, rockpools, and great surf. Home to the Great Western Beach Cafe, a dog friendly beach bar serving great burgers, it is the perfect sundowner spot for catching the sunset with a drink or two.

The beach is dog friendly all year round.

Holywell Bay, Newquay

Holywell boasts a wide beach with golden sand, huge grass-tufted sand dunes, and the iconic Gull Rock out at sea. Found along the South West Coast Path route, you’ll find majestic coastal scenes for miles! Pack a picnic and spend the day exploring the rolling dunes, the perfect adventure playground for your pooch! Just across the road

The beach is dog friendly all year round.

Lusty Glaze, Newquay

Another sheltered cove accessed down a very steep flight of steps, a sandy beach sits below the cliffs. The restaurant and cafe welcome well-behaved dogs all year round.

The beach is dog friendly from 1^st October to 30^th May. No dogs are permitted from 31^st May to 30^th September.

Perranporth

At low tide, three miles of sandy beach are perfect for a refreshing beach walk with your four-legged friend. You can wander along the sands or take a stroll through the magnificent dunes and along the coastal path. On the beach, The Watering Hole is dog friendly inside and out! Moments from the beach, Seiners Arms, and the garden at The Waterfront are all dog friendly pubs, offering a warm Cornish welcome. Perranporth beach is a dogs dream; miles of sand, dunes and shoreline to play in!

The beach is dog friendly all year round however, dogs must be kept on a short lead on the main beach from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. throughout July and August.

Porth Beach, Newquay

Just outside of Newquay’s main town centre is the beachside village of Porth. Take your dog for a walk along the lovely, family-friendly beach and around Porth Island, and then stop by Roo’s Beach, a clothing and homewares boutique with a dog friendly coffee shop or step from the sand and into The Mermaid pub, where the bar and restaurant are dog friendly too!

The beach is dog friendly from 1^st October to 30^th April. No dogs are permitted from 1^st May to 30^th September.

Portreath

Portreath beach is a large sandy beach, popular with families and surfers, with a café and restaurant on the beachfront and shops and a pub overlooking the harbour. Stroll the sands or head across the coastal paths taking you towards Porthtowan, enjoying far-reaching views along the way!

The beach is dog friendly from 1^st October to Easter and before 7 a.m. and after 7 p.m. between Easter and 30^th September.

Porthtowan

A blue flag award winning beach, Porthtowan boasts soft sand, great surf, and a children’s park at the top of the beach. The dog friendly Blue Bar is a great pit stop for food and drink if you heading along the the coastal paths, where you’ll find far-reaching views and miles of rugged landscapes for you and your pooch to explore.

The beach is dog friendly from 1^st October to Easter and before 8 a.m. and after 7 p.m. between Easter and 30^th September.

Tolcarne Beach, Newquay

A crescent shaped bay located in Newquay, Tolcarne is popular with families and great for body boarding. Steps take you down to the sandy beach from the town centre, it can also be reached at low tide from neighbouring Towan beach (always check the tide times before heading out). Overlooking the shoreline is Tolcarne Beach Village and The Colonnial restaurant, both dog friendly.

The beach is dog friendly from 1^st October to 30^th April. No dogs are permitted from 1^st May to 30^th September.

Towan Beach, Newquay

Towan beach is home to the iconic house on the island, great for family days on the sand and learning to surf! At low tide the beaches at both Great Western and Tolcarne can be reached along the sand. Towan beach is home to several coastal eateries and located in the heart of Newquay, many dog friendly bars and cafes are close by, all just a couple of minutes’ walk away.

The beach is dog friendly all year round.

Trevaunance Cove, St Agnes

A family favourite, this sand and pebble beach has clear water, a surf break, and plenty of rock pools perfect for little explorers. Many of the local bars, cafes and pubs are dog friendly, including Schooners beachfront restaurant and The Driftwood Spars, a traditional Cornish pub and seafood restaurant.

Dogs are allowed on leads all year round.

Watergate Bay, Newquay

Watergate Bay is a two-mile beach in a valley tucked between Newquay and Padstow. A hub for water sports, and with several dog friendly beachside restaurants and bars, it’s an ideal day out for you and your doggo! Take a walk along the sand, or head up the coastal path towards Porth Island for stunning views.

The beach is dog friendly all year round.

If you’re venturing further afield and looking to explore more or Cornwall, see more dog friendly beaches across the county here.

If you fancy a getaway with your four-legged friend, take a look at our dog friendly holiday cottages to find the place for you!