Holiday inspiration & travel tips

Dog Friendly Beach

5 dog friendly beaches in Cornwall

A holiday in Cornwall is enjoyable for the whole family – furry friends included. The following five beaches are unmissable for everyone, but especially for those with dogs, as they are kitted out to ensure you have a day of uninterrupted fun and bonding. 

Porthkidney Beach

Porthkidney Beach

Travel just two miles from St Ives’ harbour and you hit the breathtaking Porthkidney Beach. It sits at the mouth of the Hayle Estuary National Park, with far-reaching sandy space perfect for four-legged frolicking. There are bins provided, because let’s face it, nobody wants to keep little dog-waste bags with them on the beach all day. There are also fresh water taps, so your dog is not consuming copious amounts of sea water. There is no restriction other than that dogs are required to remain on a leash on the footpath from the parking area by St Uny Church to the beachfront. 

Constantine Bay Beach

Constantine Bay Beach

Not far from Cornwall’s civil parish and fishing port of Padstow, you will find Constantine Bay Beach sparkling on the coastline. Between the rock pools, the large arch of sandy beach with light dunes and greenery, and the views out to sea. This dog-friendly beach has no seasonal restrictions, but is very popular with surfers, so it is advised that you keep an eye on your dog when it is time for a salty cool-down. Take a dog bowl for water, as there are bathroom facilities where you can collect fresh water for drinking. There is also access to a Coast Path for walks. 

Holywell Bay Beach

Holywell Bay Beach

Holywell is a National Trust area near Newquay, meaning it has been maintained to ensure your enjoyment. Here, you and your dog are amongst the grassy dunes, a sweeping expanse of sandy beach which waves crashing onto the shore, the beauty and significance of Gull Rock and the grotto-like Holywell Cave. When it is high tide, you will be blown away by how much room there is for activity and enjoyment for you, your family and your dog. Swimming, exploring and admiring the views are just some of the many exciting features of this dog-friendly beach – there is also a fun park nearby.

Watergate Bay Beach

Watergate Bay Beach

There are no seasonal restrictions on having your dogs at the sandy haven that is Watergate Bay Beach in Newquay. It is one of the finest of Cornwall’s seemingly never-ending selection of beaches and worthwhile visiting spots. It is a European Designated beach, vouching for the top quality of its bathing water. It is not just the space for running along the stretch that is great for dogs, but the beach is scattered with delightful rock pools from them to sniff, explore and roll about in. The walks include views of the sweeping valleys and the option to hike up hills that are mildly strenuous but with such rewarding views. 

Duckpool Beach

Duckpool Beach

Bude’s Duckpool Beach, in Duckpool Bay, is a National Trust area that has been treated with the utmost care and fostered to be the perfect spot for you and your dog to enjoy. The only requirement is that your dogs be well-behaved and fully under control – that is not to say they can’t enjoy themselves, but just make sure you take their leash and maybe some treats with you. There are plenty of well-maintained facilities to ensure the whole day is enjoyable and goes smoothly – from bins and bathrooms to taps and a car park. From there, you can stroll through the wild-flower covered ground, admiring the rock pools and allowing your pets opportunity to frolick. 

Looking for more dog friendly beaches in Cornwall?

Visit Cornwall

Visit Cornwall, the official tourist board website, contains a comprehensive guide to lots of beaches in Cornwall, including up to date information on which council run beach’s have dog restrictions.
Click here to view the Visit Cornwall website

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