Top 10 Dog friendly beaches in Cornwall

Porthkidney

The golden sands of Porthkidney Beach stretch for miles between Lelant to Carbis Bay near Newquay. This beautiful beach welcomes dogs all year round and is often empty, making a perfect spot to let the dogs run wild whilst on holiday in Cornwall. The beach is accessible from the dunes at the Lelant end or via a cliff path at the Carbis Bay end, there are no facilities and very little parking so be sure to take a bottle of water and a snack if you’re planning a long walk.

Loe Bar Beach

Loe Bar is situated at the mouth of the River Cober which runs from Helson to the sea. The beach is famous for its natural fresh-water pool “The Loe”. There is a half-mile shingle beach which separates the Loe from the beach. The beach is dog friendly all year round and there are lovely walks either side of the beach along the coast path to Porthleven.

Constantine Bay

Whilst this beautiful stretch of golden sands looks tempting and it is a great place to walk the dogs, the waters can be treacherous. The lifeguards are on patrol in the Summer but the rip currents are deadly, so be warned or better go to Harlyn Bay or Booby’s Bay which are slightly more sheltered. Dogs are welcome all year round and there are accessible toilets and a surf shop perfect for some holiday shopping while enjoying your coastal holiday in Cornwall.

Kennack Sands

This lovely stretch of sand sits on the sheltered side of the Lizard Peninsular. The beach gets divided by a rocky outcrop called the Caeverracks which provides loads of rock pools for the kids to explore. Dogs are allowed on the Eastern side of the beach all year round and are not allowed on Western side from July to the end of August.

Crantock Bay

The beach is sheltered by the two headlands; Pentire and West Pentire and provides a vast expanse of golden sand. Given that you are only 15 minutes outside Newquay, it offers a wonderful haven away from the bustle of the large town. Dogs are welcome all year round and the beach can be accessed via the dunes that run down from Crantock Village.

Mawgan Porth

This beach is very popular in the Summer and luckily dogs are allowed all year round. It is only 4 miles from the busy towns of Newquay and Truro, so is popular amongst the locals. The beach offers golden sands, safe swimming and is sheltered by high cliffs, so great for families and dog lovers alike whilst on holiday in Cornwall. There is also disabled access.

Gwithian

Situated on Cornwall's North Coast, Gwithien is a popular surf beach but as its golden sands stretch for miles and there are Coastguards on patrol between May and September it is also popular with families. Dogs are allowed all year round and there are some great beach cafes selling food and drink up on the dunes, plus a large car park.

Treen Beach

The beach at Porthcurno is one of the most beautiful and strangely mystical beaches anywhere in the world. Porthcurno is also home to the famous Minack Theatre carved in the rocks above the beach. The beach is a nudist beach so that could make it interesting for any intrepid dog walkers who scramble down the path to the beach. The beach welcomes dogs all year round.

Lantic Bay

If you're prepared to do some exploring and track along the coast path between Fowey and Polperro, finding Lantic Bay is well worth the effort. It is easiest to reach by boat but if you fancy a walk with the dog, this stunning beach is a rare gem and welcomes dogs all year round.

Helford Passage

The beach at the Helford Passage is best known for being the beach at The Ferry Boat Inn, which overlooks the beach and offers great food and drink all year round. There is also a passenger ferry which takes walkers across the Helford River to Helford village and all the beautiful walks along the Helford River such as Frenchman’s Creek. There are plenty of smaller coves along the coast path either side of the pub.

‍