Coming to Cornwall can be fun for all the family, whether you have two legs or four. With this in mind, we thought that we would look at five of the Marine Conservation Society (MCS) recommended beaches for water quality that also allow dogs to come and play on them in the Truro area. The beaches we’ve picked out for you offer the chance to experience what is truly at the heart of Cornwall’s appeal, and the allure of having these exceptional places to visit right on the doorstep of our dog-friendly holiday accommodation, Cornwall means you have one less thing to worry about prior to your arrival and therefore will be in holiday mode sooner than you think!
- Perranporth Penhale Sands, Perranporth
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.
- Porthcurnick, Portscatho
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 rockpools 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 the basking sharks along the way.
- Trevaunance Cove, St Agnes
Trevaunance Cove, near St Agnes, is a small, north-facing beach cited 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 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 too.
- Porthluney, Gorran Haven
Porthluney is a sheltered sandy cove beach situated in the shadow of Caerhays Castle, additionally 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 part of the Caerhays estate.
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!
- Gorran Haven (Vault), St Austell
Gorran Haven beach is a popular for being a safe beach for children, offering gently shelving sand. The nearby cliffs rise to an impressive 110 metres.
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.
Image: Jaime Walker under Creative Commons.