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Dog friendly beaches north cornwall

North Cornwall is known for its epic waves, Arthurian legend and rugged scenery; but it also makes a great destination for a dog-friendly getaway.

Not only does North Cornwall offer a variety of dog-friendly attractions and places to eat, it also has a wealth of dog-friendly beaches.

We have compiled a list of our favourite dog-friendly beaches in North Cornwall, read on for our top ten.


1. Fistral Beach, Newquay

Dog Friendly Beaches North Cornwall

Fistral Beach is one of the best surfing beaches in Cornwall and is known internationally for its excellent surf, but it also makes a great beach for a families and dog owners.

The long stretch of golden sand faces West, and is backed by sand dunes and cliffs. There are plenty of facilities; cafes, takeaways, shops and places to hire surf gear or book lessons.

Post Code: TR7 1HY

Parking: There is a car park at Fistral Beach for 250 cars.


2. Crantock Beach, Crantock

Dog Friendly Beaches North Cornwall

Crantock Beach can be found just 4 miles from bustling Newquay, offering a quieter alternative. It is a great beach for dogs, with no restrictions throughout the year.

The beach is popular with families due to being calmer and partially sheltered by Pentire Point West.  It also offers a beach kiosk serving refreshments and shop in the car park.

Post Code: TR8 5RN

Parking: There is a beach car park in Crantock or parking on Pentire Head.


3. Mawgan Porth Beach, Mawgan Porth

Dog Friendly Beaches North Cornwall

Mawgan Porth is a sheltered beach situated just 4 miles from Newquay.

This is a great beach for dogs and families with plenty of facilities, as well as lots of rock pools, a stream and caves to explore.

Post Code: TR8 4BA

Parking: There are two car parks by the beach (capacity 140 and 190+).


4. Sandymouth Beach, Bude

Dog Friendly Beaches North Cornwall

Sandymouth Beach is a National Trust-owned beach, located just under 6 miles from Bude.

The 2km long beach is mainly stone and shingle at high tide, with low tide revealing a great expanse of sand. At low tide Sandymouth connects with others of Bude’s beaches such as Summerleaze and Duckpool.

Post Code: EX23 9HW

Parking: There is a National Trust a couple of minutes walk from Sandymouth Beach.


5. Summerleaze Beach, Bude

Dog Friendly Beaches North Cornwall

Summerleaze Beach is situated within easy walking distance from Bude town centre. It is a popular beach for both families and dog owners due to its wide expanse of sand and plenty of facilities.

Dogs are permitted on Summerleaze all year round, however they are required to stay on a lead from late May to the end of September.

Post Code: EX23 8HN

Parking: There is a large car park on the beach, as well as in Bude.


6. Watergate Bay Beach, Newquay

Dog Friendly Beaches North Cornwall

Watergate Bay is an incredible expanse of golden sand, backed by high rocky cliffs. It is a popular spot for both surfing and extreme sports.

There are no restrictions on dogs throughout the year at Watergate Bay and the open space makes a great spot for playing fetch.

The beach has plenty of facilities; including a beach side cafe, restaurant, shop and toilets.

Post Code: TR8 4AA

Parking: There are two car parks close to the middle of the beach.


7. Holywell Bay Beach, Holywell (near Newquay)

Dog Friendly Beaches North Cornwall

Holywell Bay Beach consists of over a mile of golden sand backed by dunes and a beautiful rural setting. It is located 6 miles from Newquay, a little further along the coast from Crantock.

It can be a slightly busy over the summer months, due to it being a popular beach with families and dog owners.

Post Code: TR8 5DD

Parking: There is a car park right next to the beach.


8. Port Isaac Beach, Port Isaac

Dog Friendly Beaches North Cornwall

Port Isaac has become a popular spot in Cornwall after featuring in the recent ITV series Doc Martin, as the village of Portwenn. It surrounds a historic harbour and sheltered beach.

At low tide a stretch of sand is revealed that reaches out towards the twin piers. A small stream runs across the beach, much to the delight of the children and dogs that enjoy playing in it.

Port Isaac Beach is dog friendly all year round. Due to its central location, it has easy access to facilities such as public toilets, shops and places to eat.

Post Code: PL29 3SG

Parking: There is a small amount of parking on the beach and a village car park located 10 minutes walk away.


9. Bedruthan Steps Beach, Trenance  (near Mawgan Porth)

Dog Friendly Beaches North Cornwall

Bedruthan Steps Beach is one of Cornwall’s most beautiful. It stretches for over a mile along the coast at low tide, making a great open space for dogs that love to charge about in the sand.

Close to the beach are Carnewas Cliffs with a National Trust owned cafe and toilets.

Post Code: PL27 7UW

Parking: There is a large, private car park near the cliff tops.


10. Whipsiderry Beach, Newquay

Dog Friendly Beaches North Cornwall

Whipsiderry Beach is a peaceful and sheltered beach, enclosed by cliffs and accessed by a steep set of stairs on the cliff side.

The beach is dog friendly all year round and when the tide is out, provides a wealth of open space perfect for four-legged friends.

Whipsiderry Beach is just a short distance from Newquay, but feels a lot more wild and isolated. There are no facilities, but there is a range of great amenities at nearby Porth Beach.

Post Code: TR7 3LX

Parking: The nearest car park is at Porth Beach, which is just a short walk away.


Planning a trip for you and your four-legged friend? Take a look at this collection of over 500 dog-friendly Cornwall cottages.