Porthcurno Beach Guide | Cornish Cottage Holidays
Located on the south west coast of Cornwall, Porthcurno Beach is considered to be one of the UK’s finest....
by Justine King / Dog Friendly
With its jaw-dropping beaches and stunning countryside, Cornwall is famed for being a popular destination for both humans and their four-legged friends. There are over 250 miles of coastline and well over 150 coves and bays just waiting to be explored.
All these choices can make it hard to know where’s best to go, especially when you’ve got a pup in tow. So, to help you out, we’ve compiled a list of the 15 top dog-friendly beaches in Cornwall.
Looking for something specific? Use our quick links below or read on for our comprehensive guide to dog-friendly beaches in Cornwall:
Cornwall is bursting with dog-friendly beaches. While some are seasonal, many others welcome dogs all year round. From tourist hotspots and famous bays to secluded coves with waterfalls and crystal-clear waters, you and your pooch will be bounding through the waves in no time.
Here are our top picks of the best dog-friendly beaches in Cornwall:
Postcode: TR6 0JN
Parking: Car Park on the Promenade, TR6 0JN
Lifeguards: Yes, 1st April – 1st November daily, 10am-6pm
Toilets: Located in the main car park.
Perranporth Beach is a great place for surfing, snorkelling and swimming – at low tide it also connects with neighbouring Perran Sands to make an even larger expanse. It welcomes dogs all year round, though in July and August, dogs must be kept on short leads between the promenade and the Flat Rocks steps, between 9am and 5pm.
For the super energetic pets, there is the Penhale dune system sitting at one end of the beach, where dogs can roam freely and burn off energy all day long, any time of year. Plus, the river running through the beach into the sea provides a wonderful option for your pooch to cool off on a hot day!
The beach backs onto the village which offers an array of shops and cafés for a bite to eat. Alternatively, The Watering Hole is the perfect place for a pint on the beach. If scallops are on the menu, we highly recommend trying them. To find out more about Perranporth Beach, read Visit Cornwall’s full guide.
Postcode: PL28 8PD
Parking: Harlyn Bay Car Park, PL28 8PD
Lifeguards: Yes, Easter holidays, selected weekends, and daily 2nd May – 27th September. Check the RNLI website for confirmation.
Toilets: Public toilets are available near the car park.
Considered one of the best family-friendly beaches in Cornwall, and dog-friendly year-round, Harlyn Bay Beach offers perfect waves for a good day’s surfing or bodyboarding. It’s a wide expanse of yellow sands and pebbles with plenty of rock pools for your kids and four-legged friends to explore.
The combination of rocky shoreline, sand dunes, and tidal pools, along with the beautiful bay, offer an unbeatable location to try your hand at sea kayaking. For walkers and dog lovers, you’ll find plenty of delightful walking routes from the beach to Mother Ivey’s Bay and Trevose Head.
Postcode: EX23 9HW
Parking: National Trust Sandymouth Bay Car Park, EX23 9HW
Lifeguards: Yes, 16th May – 27th September daily, from 10am-6pm
Toilets: Yes, in the National Trust car park
Sandymouth Bay, located near Bude in North Cornwall, is a dog-friendly destination open to canine companions year-round. Managed by the National Trust, the beach offers a vast expanse of sand at low tide, ideal for long walks and exploration.
Visitors should be aware of the steep path leading from the car park to the beach, which may be challenging for those with limited mobility. After extreme weather there can be a drop between the beach steps and the beach itself. Consult the National Trust website for more information.
As always, it’s important to keep dogs under control, especially near cliffs and grazing livestock.
For delicious food, a stop at the Sandymouth Beach Café is a must – you can also hire watersports equipment here.
Postcode: PL34 0HB
Parking: Yes, there are two car parks within walking distance, PL34 0HB
Lifeguard: Yes, 16th May – 27th September daily, from 10am-6pm
Toilets: Located at the top of the beach
A gem on North Cornwall’s coast, and just a stone’s throw from Polzeath and Port Isaac, this long golden stretch of sand is a dog paradise. Pet friendly year round, the beach has rock pools accessible at low tide, as well as towering cliffs and caves – meaning shelter as well as dramatic scenery. Just be careful at high tide when the beach becomes inaccessible – the beach is closed for 2 hours either side of high tide, as the water meets the cliffs during that time.
For a bite to eat, the popular Port William Pub overlooks the beach. They even serve beer for your pooch, called Proper Dog, so everyone can relax with a well-earned beverage after a day at the seaside!
Whether you’re looking for golden sands or pebbled coves, we have a guide featuring plenty more dog-friendly beaches in North Cornwall, so you and your pooch can enjoy a fun-filled day.
Postcode: PL26 6JJ
Parking: Gorran Haven Car Park, PL26 6JR
Lifeguard: No
Toilets: Beside the beach, just a short walk from the harbour.
Gorran Haven Beach is a small, sheltered beach near St Austell. The quaint seaside village of Gorran Haven is close at hand for all your needs, offering cafes, restaurants, toilets, and shops. It’s the perfect family-friendly beach and welcomes dogs year-round too!
The stone pier forms a small harbour which adds to the sheltered nature of the beach, making the waters calm and safe for a swim. Here, you’ll be able to let your pooch happily splash about in the sea. Just be mindful, it is a working harbour, so take notice of the signage and buoys.
Whilst dogs can run free throughout the winter months, they must be on a lead from Easter until the end of September.
Gorran Haven is also a fantastic starting point for a number of great coastal walks – a wonderful way to see the scenery and stretch your dog’s legs at the same time. Vault Beach and Dodman Point are two places easily accessible via the South West Coast Path. For more great walk recommendations, read our list of the best walks in Cornwall.
Postcode: TR19 6JX
Parking: Porthcurno Car Park, TR19 6JX
Lifeguard: Yes, from 16th May – 27th September, 10am-6pm.
Toilets: Yes, in the car park.
Located in the far South West of Cornwall, Porthcurno Beach is a beautiful natural haven, with stunning white sand, turquoise waters and high cliffs on both sides. While the beach is dog-friendly for most of the year, during the peak months of July and August, dogs are not permitted between 10 am and 6 pm.
Owned by the National Trust, dog owners are encouraged to keep dogs controlled on a short lead, especially near wildlife, and to abide by signage.
This large expanse has won many awards and is very popular with families. There’s a stream that flows down one side which is great for kids and pooches to paddle in. The cliffs are also home to one of Cornwall’s famous landmarks and most popular places to visit, the Minack Theatre, making Porthcurno Beach the perfect place for a varied family day out. For more things to do in Cornwall read our insider’s guide.
Postcode: TR7 1HY
Parking: Fistral Beach Car Park, Newquay, TR7 1HY
Lifeguard: Yes, from 1st April – 1st November, 10am-6pm
Toilets: Multiple public toilets available
One of the more famed dog-friendly beaches in Cornwall is Fistral. Backed by cliffs and sand dunes, there’s a wealth of places for you and your pooch to explore before taking a refreshing dip in the sea. Dogs are welcomed here all year round.
World famous as one of the best surfing spots on earth, Fistral Beach is a must for any outdoor and water sports enthusiasts. Be sure to check out the annual surfing events, where you can watch both pros and beginners showing off their skills on the epic swirls. And if you are particularly looking for a surfing break with your dog, we’ve compiled a guide on the Best Beaches for Surfing in Cornwall.
Don’t worry if you’re not a watersports fan… the long stretch of golden sand, and the great choice of seafront cafes and restaurants make it a superb option for all. Why not head to the Fistral Stable Pizza & Cider House – a stylish beachside eatery that welcomes well behaved dogs.
Postcode: TR7 1DU
Parking: Forestreet Car Park, Newquay TR7 1HD
Lifeguards: Yes, Great Western is patrolled 16th May – 27th September, 10am-6pm. Towan is patrolled daily from 2nd May – 27th September, with some additional holidays and weekends also covered. Check the RNLI website for full details.
Toilets: Yes, by the Great Western Hotel or in the Newquay town centre.
Towan Beach sits in the heart of Newquay, nestled at the bottom of a steep hill. There are several car parks nearby, making it easy for a full day out. If you arrive early, you might even snag some on-street parking.
This dog-friendly beach in Newquay welcomes pups of all sizes year-round. Take a wander over to Great Western at low tide for an extended sandy stroll—just be sure to check the tide times so you don’t get cut off!
Postcode: PL13 2DG
Parking: West Looe Quay Car Park, PL13 2ES
Lifeguard: No
Toilets: Yes, located at Hannafore Point
Hannafore Beach offers spectacular views of Looe Island and is easily accessible by car. This shingle beach is dog-friendly year-round and at low tide offers some stretches of sand. It’s perfect for rock pooling with the kids, and dogs will love splashing in the shallow pools to cool off after an energetic walk. What’s more, it’s notably quieter than its neighbour East Looe beach, where dogs are banned.
We’d recommend completing your day with a bite to eat in one of the two seasonal cafés, Hannafore Kiosk and Island View Café. The latter actively welcomes dogs, and both offer a fantastic selection of local food – from hearty breakfasts to cake and cream teas – all best enjoyed directly by the sea.
This dog-walking beach makes a wonderful starting point for a stroll along the South West Coast Path to Polperro, where you’ll see stunning views out to sea all the way along.
Postcode: PL11 3LD
Parking: Seaton Car Park, PL11 3JF
Lifeguard: No
Toilets: Yes, near the car park
Downderry Beach is a mix of grey sand and shingle, so cleaning your dogs after a day at the beach will be a little bit easier.
At low tide, the beach reveals several rock pools filled with small marine life. You and your four-legged companions will love the walk to Seaton at low tide, but be sure to check the tide times so you don’t get cut off on the way back.
While the main Downderry Beach is easy to get to, the eastern end is a little more challenging and involves climbing a steep cliff path. As it’s naturally secluded, it makes the perfect place for a peaceful swim with your furry friend.
For the perfect end to your day at the seaside, head to Inn On The Shore, the pub located on Downderry beach. Dogs are welcome, so grab a table and enjoy delicious local food and drink. From hearty roasts to seasonal classics, the whole family is well catered for.
Postcode: PL13 1LF
Parking: Millendreath Beach Car Park, PL13 1PE
Lifeguard: No
Toilets: No
Plaidy offers the perfect summer getaway spot, a short distance from Looe. Dog-friendly year-round, the mix of sand and shingle makes it great for our four-legged friends. At low tide, the sand gives way to flat rocks which provide a variety of rock pools to explore and splash around in.
While there is no designated parking for the beach, you may find some on-street parking in the nearby residential area. Alternatively, you can find parking in Millendreath, along with a café. The sheltered nature of the beach provides the perfect conditions for a relatively safe swim.
As a quiet, smaller beach, this is definitely one for pets who prefer a more chilled space.
Postcode: PL11 3JT
Parking: Seaton Beach Car Park, PL11 3JF
Lifeguard: Daily, 16th May – 27th September, 10am-6pm
Toilets: Near the main car park
Sitting between Looe and Downderry, this family-friendly beach is at the foot of the wooded Hessenford Valley, and like its neighbours, offers grey pebbles. The River Seaton meanders across the beach and acts as a focal point for adults, children, and dogs to play safely in the water, during any season.
The seawater surrounding the beach is fairly safe for swimming due to the shelter of the high cliffs to the West. Dog-friendly year-round, you and your pooch can run across its vast expanse and take a dip in its cool waters. For refreshments, head to The Beach House café, just a few steps from the sea. The ground floor is dog-friendly, offering hot and cold meal options, not to mention cakes and snacks to eat in or take away.
Postcode: TR26 3DY
Parking: Porthkidney Sands , Wharf Road, Lelant TR26 3DU
Lifeguard: Daily from 18th July – 6th September, from 10am-6pm
Toilets: No
Just three miles from St Ives, sits this large sandy beach. Given its location, it’s often quieter than the main beaches in St Ives, making it perfect for those looking for a peaceful dog walk in breathtaking surroundings, without restriction. At low tide, the beach stretches a long way out to sea. Just be wary that there are strong currents here, for those thinking of taking a dip with their dog.
Postcode: TR26 1PR
Parking: The Island Car Park, TR26 1SY
Lifeguard: No
Toilets: No
Lying between the harbour and Porthgwidden beach, Bamaluz Beach often goes unnoticed, making it the perfect quiet spot for a bit of relaxation and fun with your dog. The beach itself is fairly sheltered, though the high walls around it often block out some of the sun.
Bamaluz Beach is one of the only beaches nearby that welcomes dogs year-round with no restrictions.
Here at Cornish Cottage Holidays, we have a great range of holiday cottages in our portfolio, many of them pet-friendly.
From coastal cottages to romantic boltholes, choose your ideal break today and explore the many delights Cornwall has to offer.
No, they aren’t. However, many have seasonal restrictions, only preventing dogs at certain times of day, during the summer months. To help you plan your visit, Cornwall Council provide a list of their beaches that are restricted. It’s worth noting that beaches with a Blue Flag awarded status have longer restrictions than some of the others.
There are many beaches where you can allow your dog to roam free, unrestricted. A lot are listed in this blog, ranging from the popular surfing beach of Fistral Bay, to the quiet unspoilt Porthkidney Sands. Don’t forget many, like Seaton and Hannafore Beaches, also have dog-friendly eateries easily accessible.
It varies from beach to beach, but most bans cover the Summer. Some beaches like Copperhouse Pool and Carnsew Pool ban dogs all year round, 24 hours a day, whilst others like Carbis Bay ban dogs from 15th May -30th September. There are also some that ban dogs just from 1st July-31st August. Most of these seasonal bans are from 10am-6pm, giving dog owners the opportunity to visit outside of these hours. For more information, check the Cornwall Council beach guide.
For year-round availability, Porthkidney Sands and Bamaluz beaches are hard to beat. Bamaluz is perfect for those wanting to be in the heart of St Ives, close to the restaurants and shops, whilst Porthkidney is the ideal spot for relaxing away from the hustle and bustle. Your dogs can really stretch their legs on the dunes here.
by Justine King / Dog Friendly
I’m Justine, a Freelance Travel Writer with over 4 years’ experience writing about UK travel. I’ve lived in the South West f...
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