Cornwall is renowned for its incredible beaches with golden sand and azure waters. In the summer months, the water glistens in the sunlight, and the beaches fill with tourists and locals alike, all wanting to catch a glimpse of the beauty on offer in these seaside spots. Unfortunately for dog owners, seasonal dog bans can prevent access to many of these fantastic spots.
Luckily though, several of Cornwall’s 300 beaches are dog-friendly, even in the summer months! We take a look at some of the best dog-friendly beaches in Cornwall, where you can walk your four-legged friend year-round!
Perranporth
One of the biggest and most popular beaches in Cornwall, Perranporth is open to dogs all year round – and there is certainly plenty of room for them to run around! Perranporth beach also boasts the UK’s only bar on a beach, in the form of The Watering Hole. Also dog-friendly, you can pop into The Watering Hole after your walk for a rest and a bite to eat.
Marazion
Marazion is perhaps best known for being the beach opposite St Michael’s Mount. At low tide, a stone causeway emerges between the beach and the Mount, allowing for a safe crossing. In addition to its iconic views, Marazion beach is also well-loved for being a dog-friendly spot, offering a mile of beach for pups to explore. Curving round from the town to the Station House pub, the beach continues for another couple of miles as Longrock Beach and Eastern Green Beach, both of which are also dog-friendly, offering you plenty of space for a hearty walk.
Mawgan Porth
At low tide, the beach area is huge, offering ample space for dogs to run free. Even at high tide, there is still plenty of sand for your pup to stretch their paws. A stream runs down the beach into the sea, and dogs love to splash about and play in the shallow waters here. Compared with many of the north coast beaches around Newquay, Mawgan Porth is fairly quiet. After your walk, there are plenty of quality fish and chip shops nearby to enjoy a delicious nibble on-the-go!
Fistral
Fistral is one of the most popular beaches in the UK for surfing and is widely considered one of the best spots for the sport. The beach is also dog-friendly, and also boasts a connection to the coast path, which offers some great treks for you and your pooch to follow towards Crantock. The beach can get a little crowded during the summer months, when surfers come from far and wide to reach the waves that break here, so these coast path walks can provide a great alternative walk if you find that the sandy strip is too packed for your pup.
Porthluney Cove
Nestled into the Roseland Peninsula, Porthluney Cove is a sandy beach perfect for a relaxing stroll. Backing onto Caerhays Castle, the beach is also known as Caerhays Beach. Dogs are allowed on the beach year-round; however, there is a ban on motorised watercraft, making the sea safe for swimming and splashing in this area! The beach is easily accessible, with level access from the large car park that accompanies the beach, making this spot suitable for disabled visitors. The beach also features a café, shops and toilet, providing you with all you need for a good day at the beach.
At The Valley, we understand that when you go away on a family holiday, you don’t want to have to leave a key member of the gang behind – your dog. That’s why we offer dog-friendly cottages in Truro, Cornwall; providing the perfect getaway for the whole family! Are there any other dog-friendly beaches or places to visit in Cornwall you love that we haven’t mentioned? Leave us a comment below with your recommendations.