Cornwall is a paradise for dogs and their humans, with hundreds of beaches to explore. Whether you’re after long sandy stretches, hidden coves or scenic cliff walks, you’ll find the perfect spot for tail-wagging adventures.
However, seasonal restrictions can apply, so it’s worth planning ahead. The beaches we’ve picked out for you offer the chance to experience what is truly at the heart of Cornwall’s appeal. These exceptional places to visit are right on the doorstep of our dog-friendly holiday cottages in Cornwall, which means you have one less thing to worry about prior to your arrival!
Jump to:
- Dog Friendly Beaches on the North Coast of Cornwall
- Dog Friendly Beaches on the South Coast of Cornwall
- Dog Friendly Beaches Near Truro
- Dog Friendly Beaches Near Falmouth
- Dog Friendly Beaches on The Lizard Peninsula
- Dog Friendly Beaches on the West Cornwall Coast
- Dog Friendly Beaches Near St Ives
- Beaches in Cornwall Where Dogs Are Banned
Dog Friendly Beaches on the North Coast of Cornwall
From Newquay to Bude, the north coast boasts some of Cornwall’s most iconic surfing beaches, many of which are surprisingly dog-friendly year-round.
Mawgan Porth
🐕 Dogs welcome all year
☕ Facilities: Shops, cafe, toilets, car park
🐾 Best for: Family friendly beach days with your pup
Just north of Newquay, this charming beach is tucked between cliffs and is less crowded than the town’s main spots. It’s ideal for families with dogs, thanks to its welcoming atmosphere and year-round access.
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. After your walk, there are plenty of quality fish and chip shops nearby to enjoy a delicious nibble on the go!
Watergate Bay (Near Newquay)
🐕 Dogs allowed all year
☕ Facilities: Car park, toilets, café, dog-friendly restaurants
🐾 Best for: Long walks, surfing, doggy beach runs
With its vast expanse of golden sand and dramatic cliffs, Watergate Bay is a fantastic all-year-round dog-friendly beach. It’s hugely popular with surfers and dog owners alike, thanks to the open space and easy access.
Trebarwith Strand
🐕 Dogs welcome all year
☕ Facilities: Toilets, pub, parking
🐾 Best for: Dramatic scenery and cliff-top walks
Good surf, golden sands and rockpools galore: a great afternoon awaits you and your family with pup in tow. There are some fantastic coastal walks nearby, so you can work up an appetite before a well-deserved lunch at the Port William, which is also dog-friendly and looks out over the beach.
Perranporth
🐕 Dogs allowed all year (on lead 10 am–5 pm in July & August)
☕ Facilities: Toilets, cafés, shops, parking, bar
🐾 Best for: Big beach walks, surf-watching, and dog-friendly pubs
Perranporth is one of Cornwall’s most loved beaches, and dogs are welcome too – with just a summer lead restriction in place. At low tide, this beach stretches for over two miles, backed by dunes and cliffs, offering plenty of sniff-worthy adventures.
A spectacular soft sand beach renowned for great surfing conditions and family friendly atmosphere. The beach is based by a pretty coastal town which attracts many tourists in the summer but benefits from facilities and parking nearby. There’s also ‘The Watering Hole’ boasting as the UK’s only on the beach bar.
Penhale Sands, Perranporth
🐕 Dogs allowed all year
☕ Facilities: Toilets, parking
🐾 Best for: Sand dunes, swimming, long walks
You can find Penhale Sands located behind Perran Sands. Along with Perranporth Beach (Village End), they make up a healthy three-mile stretch of golden sandy beach with good surfing conditions. The beach is located on the award-winning South West Coastal Path and is also backed by a dune system, which is ideal for tiring an excited pup out!
If you don’t fancy laying the towel down and relaxing, this beach also offers visitors the perfect conditions for swimming, surfing, snorkelling, fishing and sea canoeing. Additionally, you will find that there is zoning in place for water sports.
A pleasant walk with your dog can be taken through the dune system above the beach to St. Piran’s Cross and the ruins of St. Piran’s Oratory.
Fistral Beach
🐕 Dogs allowed all year
☕ Facilities: Car park, toilets, café, bars, restaurants, surfboard & wetsuit hire
🐾 Best for: Long walks, surfing, beachfront restaurants
A large west-facing sandy beach located between Pentire Point and Towan Head. Fistral is world renowned in surfing circles as probably the best surfing beach in the UK. The waves break from east to west from the Cribbar Rocks, and the beach is one of the busier spots.
At low tide, there are vast expanses of golden sand for dogs to run across. There are also good coast path walking opportunities southwest towards Pentire Point East and Crantock.
Trevaunance Cove, St Agnes
🐕 Dogs allowed all year (must be on leads in summer)
☕ Facilities: Car park, toilets, shop, pub
🐾 Best for: Rock pooling, cave exploration and surfers
Trevaunance Cove, near St Agnes, is a small, north-facing beach located within a scenic cove. Its sandy but slightly shingle-peppered shore becomes completely covered at high tide. It’s enclosed on both sides by cliffs, rocks and an old harbour wall. At low tide, you’re treated to rocky areas on either side of the beach, which are revealed as the water lowers.
Trevaunance is a popular family beach, which includes your pooch, of course. The beach also lays claim to being a popular surfing venue due to its good waves. There are also some lovely local coastal walks for visitors to experience.
Dog Friendly Beaches on the South Coast of Cornwall
More sheltered and often less crowded, the south coast features charming coves and peaceful bays perfect for relaxing days with your dog.
Vault Beach, Gorran Haven
🐕 Dogs welcome all year
☕ Facilities: Limited – bring your own supplies
🐾 Best for: Remote walks and tranquil swims
A hidden gem on the south coast, Vault Beach offers peaceful seclusion with sweeping views. The nearby cliffs rise to an impressive 110 metres. It’s ideal for dogs who prefer a quieter setting.
Vault Beach is popular for being a safe beach for children, offering gently shelving sand. The beach is used for swimming and surfing by more experienced surfers. There is no zoning in place for water sports activities, so you should be aware of your surroundings when taking a dip to cool down.
Hemmick Beach
🐕 Dogs allowed all year
☕ Facilities: None – pack snacks and water
🐾 Best for: Peaceful paddles and cliffside exploring
This small and secluded cove is a short walk from the Dodman Point headland. It’s wonderfully secluded and perfect for nature-loving dogs and their owners.
The nearest parking is around a 10-minute walk away across a field, which is enough to put many visitors off, leaving the beach fairly quiet all year round! It’s a perfect spot for a quieter dog walk.
Porthluney Cove, Gorran Haven
🐕 Dogs allowed all year
☕ Facilities: Parking, toilets, shop
🐾 Best for: Peaceful paddles and cliffside exploring
Porthluney is a sheltered sandy cove beach situated in the shadow of Caerhays Castle, also known as Caerhays Beach. It is a south-facing, sandy beach which sits in a sheltered cove near Dodman Point in South East Cornwall. The beach is uncovered at all states of the tide.
Why not take a stroll to the Caerhays castle and its gardens while you’re there and stretch those legs – both you and the doggy will appreciate it, we’re sure!
Dog Friendly Beaches Near Truro
Just a short drive from the city, these beaches on the Roseland Peninsula and north coast offer a welcome break from town life.
Porthcurnick Beach
🐕 Dogs allowed year-round
☕ Facilities: Car park. Toilets, shop and cafe summer only.
🐾 Best for: Nature spotting and coastal walks
Close to the coastal village of Portscatho, Porthcurnick is an isolated sandy beach backed by cliffs. The beach can be reached by a footpath through fields and then steep zigzagged steps. There is a seasonal café with outdoor seating, which is ideal for grabbing some refreshments after keeping your pooch entertained on the beach.
You can also make the most of the good rock pools located here. Explore the possibility of seeing basking sharks in the spring (not in the rockpools) as well.
If you fancy embarking on a nice walk, then hop on to the coastal footpath to Portscatho around St Anthony Headland (west) or to Carne/Pendower beaches (east). Keep your eye on the sea for whales and basking sharks along the way.
Pendower Beach (Roseland Peninsula)
🐕 Dogs allowed year-round (on leads 9am to 6pm, 1st May to 30th September)
☕ Facilities: Toilets, car park, cafe
🐾 Best for: Gentle walks, sea swims, and nature watching
A south-facing sandy beach backed by fields and low cliffs, Pendower is a favourite with locals for walking and wildlife spotting. It’s a great place for dogs to explore.
Carne Beach
🐕 Dogs allowed (on lead in summer months)
☕ Facilities: Seasonal toilets, nearby cafés
🐾 Best for: Laid-back outings and scenic strolls
Located just next to Pendower, Carne offers the same stunning scenery and a mix of sand and shingle with a slightly more sheltered vibe.
Dog Friendly Beaches Near Falmouth
Buzzing with life, Falmouth’s beaches vary in dog rules, but there are still some great spots to enjoy with your furry friend.
Gyllyngvase Beach
🐕 Seasonal dog ban 15th May to 30th September / 10am to 6pm
☕ Facilities: Café, toilets, showers, parking
🐾 Best for: Winter seaside strolls and paddleboarding
Gylly is Falmouth’s main beach, a popular stretch of sand that’s great for swimming and sunbathing. It’s a great spot for paddleboarding and kayaking. Dogs aren’t allowed during the day in summer, but it’s lovely in the off-season.
Towan Beach (South Coast)
🐕 Dogs allowed year-round
☕ Facilities: Car park and toilets
🐾 Best for: Quiet days out and doggy dips
Not to be confused with Newquay’s Towan, this south coast gem is peaceful and tucked away, perfect for dogs who prefer a slower pace. It is a sand and pebble beach with rock pools at low tide.
Castle Beach
🐕 Seasonal dog ban 1st July to 31st August (10 am to 6 pm)
☕ Facilities: Toilets, shop, cafe
🐾 Best for: Rock pooling and castle views
Smaller and rockier, Castle Beach is great for low-tide exploring and is close to town for easy access. At low tide, it is an excellent spot for rock pooling. As the name suggests, you can easily spot the historic Pendennis Castle, built for Henry VIII, from the beach.
Dog Friendly Beaches on The Lizard Peninsula
The Lizard Peninsula is the southernmost part of the UK, standing out for its unique geology and rock formations. There are some fantastic opportunities for dog walks in the most stunning settings here.
Kennack Sands
🐕 Dogs allowed on east side all year
☕ Facilities: Large car park, shop, café and toilets.
🐾 Best for: Family days and beach games
This sandy beach is divided into two zones – one where dogs are welcome year-round and one with seasonal restrictions. Head to the east side for walks with your dog any time!
At low tide, there is masses of sand, a stream and rock pools aplenty to explore!
Kynance Cove
🐕 Seasonal dog ban 1st July to 31st August from 10am to 6pm
☕ Facilities: Café, toilets, parking
🐾 Best for: Scenic beauty and winter walks
Famous for its turquoise waters, white sand and serpentine rocks, Kynance Cove is one of Cornwall’s most photographed beaches. While dogs are restricted in summer, it’s a magical place to visit in the off-season.
Dog Friendly Beaches on the West Cornwall Coast
From the golden arc of Mount’s Bay to the wild headlands of Land’s End, the far west of Cornwall is home to some of the most breathtaking beaches in the UK. Think turquoise waters, dramatic cliffs, and wide open sands, all with a relaxed, dog-friendly vibe. While some beaches have seasonal restrictions, there are still plenty where your four-legged friend is welcome year-round.
Gwenver Beach
🐕 Dogs welcome all year
☕ Facilities: Car park at top of cliff
🐾 Best for: Off-lead adventures, surfing vibes, and peace away from crowds
Tucked below rugged cliffs near Sennen, Gwenver is a hidden gem that stays dog-friendly all year round. The beach is popular with local surfers and walkers looking for a wilder experience. It’s a bit of a climb to reach, but it’s well worth the effort for peaceful walks and stunning views out to sea.
Praa Sands
🐕 Seasonal dog ban 1st July to 31st August from 10am to 6pm
☕ Facilities: Toilets, café, beach shop, car park
🐾 Best for: Beach games, surfy energy, and scenic walks at low tide
Set in a sweeping bay with soft white sand and rolling waves, Praa Sands is a family favourite with a lively atmosphere. It’s ideal for long walks when the tide is out, and the shallow waters are great for paddling pups. In summer, there are dog restrictions during the day, but it’s still worth visiting early morning or in the evening.
Porthcurno Beach
🐕 Seasonal dog ban 1st July to 31st August from 10am to 6pm
☕ Facilities: Toilets, seasonal café, car park
🐾 Best for: Dramatic scenery, quiet off-season strolls, and photo-worthy moments
Arguably one of Cornwall’s most iconic beaches, Porthcurno is a dazzling crescent of white sand and turquoise sea, framed by high cliffs. While it gets busy in summer, it’s a stunning spot in the shoulder seasons, especially for a peaceful walk below the Minack Theatre. Note that dogs are not allowed in peak summer months.
Porthleven Beach
🐕 East of Blue Buoy steps, dogs are allowed all year. Seasonal dog ban 1st July to 31st August from 10 am to 6 pm from the clock tower to Blue Buoy steps.
☕ Facilities: Toilets, café, restaurants, shops and car park in Porthleven town
🐾 Best for: Harbourside strolls
On the south-west coast of Cornwall, close to the market town of Helston, Porthleven is a charming traditional harbour town. Set in the middle of a huge sweeping bay, Porthleven is ideal for families. It has one of the most impressive harbours in Cornwall, with fishing boats landing their daily catch in Porthleven. The beach can be reached via a 15 minute walk from the harbour front around the peninsula to a 3.5 mile stretch of open coast and sand.
Wherrytown Beach (Between Penzance and Newlyn)
🐕 Dogs allowed all year
☕ Facilities: Parking, nearby shops and cafés
🐾 Best for: Everyday walkies, flat paths, and close-to-town convenience
Wherrytown is a shingle and pebble beach that’s ideal for a gentle seaside stroll without straying far from town. At low tide, an expanse of firm, flat sand is revealed, perfect for daily dog walks. It is usually quiet, with easy access from the promenade that runs between Penzance and Newlyn.
Longrock Beach
🐕 Dogs allowed all year to the Penzance side of the car park. To the left of the car park there is a seasonal ban in the summer months, except between 6 pm and 10 am.
☕ Facilities: Parking, toilets, shop, pub
🐾 Best for: Accessible seaside walks and off-lead play
This stretch between Marazion and Penzance is a favourite for dog walking, with shallow waters and fantastic views of St Michael’s Mount.
Dog Friendly Beaches Near St Ives
With its crystal-clear waters, golden sands, and arty, laid-back atmosphere, St. Ives is a coastal haven for both humans and hounds. While some of the town’s main beaches have summer restrictions, there are still a few fantastic year-round options where your dog can run free and soak up the salty air
Porthkidney Sands
🐕 Dogs welcome all year
☕ Facilities: Limited – access from Lelant
🐾 Best for: Freedom to roam and big beach adventures
One of the most dog-friendly beaches in all of Cornwall, Porthkidney offers a vast expanse of open sand backed by dunes. The beach lies on the western bank of the Hayle estuary. The nearby village of Lelant offers refreshments.
A deceptively large stretch of white sand with a huge expanse of sand at low tide. Unfortunately there is only limited road parking. There is a recommendation for No Swimming here due to strong river currents.
Bamaluz Beach
🐕 Dogs allowed all year
☕ Facilities: All amenities in St Ives town centre nearby
🐾 Best for: Secluded paddling
This hidden spot between the harbour and Porthgwidden is a tiny treasure for dog owners. It’s accessible at low tide and offers fantastic views across the bay.
Beaches in Cornwall Where Dogs Are Banned
While most beaches in Cornwall allow dogs for at least some of the year, there are a handful of beaches with an outright dog ban. These beaches have dog bans all year:
- Charlestown
- Looe
- Polruan Back
- Polruan Quay
Dog Friendly Accommodation in Cornwall
With so many stunning beaches to explore, Cornwall truly is a paradise for dogs and their humans. But to really make the most of it, you need a place to stay that welcomes your pup with open arms, and that’s where The Valley comes in.
Tucked away in the Cornish countryside near Truro and Falmouth, The Valley is a gated holiday village offering stylish, dog-friendly cottages that feel like a real home-from-home. With a dedicated dog paddock for off-lead play and private woodland walks right on your doorstep, it’s the perfect base for beach days, countryside strolls, and plenty of tail-wagging fun.
After a day of salt, sand, and sea, you and your four-legged friend can return to a peaceful, secure setting where dogs are genuinely welcomed. So whether you’re chasing waves at Watergate Bay or pottering through the Roseland’s hidden coves, make your beach escape even more special with a stay at The Valley.
Explore our dog friendly cottages in Cornwall and start planning your Cornish coastal adventure today.