Cornwall, with its stunning coastline, picturesque villages, and charming seaside towns, is a top destination for travellers seeking sun, sea, and sand. But what if you’re not traveling alone and have a furry friend in tow?
No worries because Cornwall offers a paw-some experience for dogs and their owners at any time of the year. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the most dog-friendly beaches in Cornwall, where your four-legged companion can frolic in the surf, dig in the sand, and bask in the salty breeze.
Gwithian is a vast, sandy beach encircled by sand dunes and dramatic cliffs and forms part of the Three Mile Beach.
Towan means sand dune in Cornish and these rolling dunes, tufted with wild grasses, protect the neighbouring wetlands from the powerful Atlantic Swell. It was the power of these swells that gave Gwithian Beach these sandy mountains.
Dogs are welcome all year round at this beautiful stretch of golden sand. There’s plenty of parking right next to the beach, including a National Trust car park and a few spots to stop off for a coffee or cake nearby.
As part of the Three Mile Beach, from Gwithian you can walk along to Mexico Towans, another dog friendly beach and a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) or head up towards Godrevy Lighthouse but do take care at Godrevy as this is an area where seals and their pups come to rest.
There is a viewing point at the crest of the hill where you can observe the seals from a safe distance but do be sure to remain quiet as they can be disturbed by loud noises. Best to avoid this end if you have a rather chatty pup that like to make their presence know to all.
A vast sandy beach surrounded by a 5000-year-old dune system with breathtaking of Penhale Point and Kelsey Head and featured in the fantasy drama, House of the Dragon, as the beach at Driftmark, the seat of House Velaryon.
There’s a National Trust car park just over the road and a pretty walk along the sand dunes and shallow streams before you reach the expanse of Holywell Beach.
Our dogs had great fun exploring the stream running along the edge of the cliff face though it was a little deep in parts and took Bowen by surprise! So little dogs beware!
Watergate Bay is a popular spot for dog owners, boasting vast stretches of golden sand and plenty of space for your pup to play and splash in the sea when the tides out. There’s also a fair few large rock pools and little caves to splash and sniff about in. The beachfront is home to a number of dog-friendly restaurants and cafes, making it a fantastic destination for a full day out.
Parking is located right on the beach, but it can get busy very quickly when the weather is good. So, plan to leave early if you’re heading down to Cornwall in holiday season.
If you find yourself in Falmouth, head to Gyllyngvase Beach, a great choice for dog owners outside of the main holiday season.
Dogs are welcome on this pristine beach out of season. A dog ban is in place from 15 May – 30 September between 10am – 6pm. Before or after these hours, you’re fine to visit and explore the beautiful coastal paths, investigate the rock pools, and enjoy the view of Pendennis Castle while your furry friend roams freely.
When the tide is out you can walk along the rocks to Castle Beach where you’ll find Castle Beach Café. They do a lovely coffee, a great selection of breakfasts, light lunches, and homemade cakes.
We particularly like the homemade granola! Yum!
Perranporth Beach is one of Cornwall’s most popular dog-friendly destinations. Its vast expanse of golden sand and gentle waves provides an excellent playground for dogs.
At low tide you can explore some truly spectacular caves, rock pools and tunnels. And while you’re there why not take a little saltwater dip yourself in the man-made tidal pool.
Once you’ve explored the beach you can retire to Alcatraz café on the rocks or head to The Watering Hole – a dog-friendly beach bar sits right on the sand, where you can enjoy a drink and a meal with your pup by your side.
Cornwall is a place of enchanting beauty, and its dog-friendly beaches allow you to share the magic with your furry best friend. From the wild and remote to the bustling and popular, there’s a dog-friendly beach in Cornwall for every taste. So, pack up your beach essentials, leash up your dog, and head to Cornwall’s shores for a tail-wagging adventure where you’ll make memories that you both will cherish forever.
Come enjoy the sun, surf, and sandy paws in this idyllic corner of the UK!
You can check details of all the dog ban across Cornwall via the Cornwall Council website here.
