Dog Friendly Beaches in Cornwall

Our pick of the beaches where dogs are allowed all year round.

Cornwall, with its rugged coastline, golden sands, and crystal-clear waters, is a haven for beach enthusiasts. But what if you want to enjoy these beaches with your four-legged friend in tow? Fortunately, Cornwall boasts lots of dog friendly beaches where you and your dog can soak up the sun together. Most of the busiest beaches in Cornwall have restrictions during the summer months where dogs are not allowed on the beach between 10 am and 6 pm.  But here's our pick of twelve of the best beaches in Cornwall where dogs are free to roam at any time of the day or year.

Watergate Bay

Stretching for two miles along Cornwall's north coast, Watergate Bay is a vast expanse of golden sand. This dog friendly beach welcomes four-legged friends year-round, offering plenty of space for them to run and play. With its stunning coastal scenery, easy access and good facilities, Watergate Bay is a top spot for dogs and their owners alike.

Watergate Bay - Cornwall © Find Me a Beach

Towan Beach on the Roseland

Located on Cornwall's picturesque Roseland Peninsula, Towan Beach is a hidden gem. This secluded, sandy beach offers peace and tranquility, allowing you and your furry friend to relax and unwind. With rock pools to explore at low tide and gorgeous coastal walks, Towan Beach has plenty to keep you and your dog busy. There's a National Trust cafe and parking only a 5 min walk away too.

Towan Beach © Find Me a Beach

Gwynver

Tucked away near the village of Sennen, Gwynver Beach (also known as Gwenver) is a dog friendly destination with plenty of charm. Dogs are always welcome to roam and play on this secluded stretch of sand, providing plenty of opportunities for you to enjoy the stunning views. With its rugged cliffs, thundering surf and crimson sunsets Gwynver Beach feels a long way away from the rest of the world. Parking and facilities are available in Sennen about a 20-30 mins walk away along the coast path.

Gwynver Beach from the coast path © Find Me a Beach

Holywell Bay

Another gem on Cornwall's north coast, Holywell Bay is a dog friendly beach with lots to offer. At low tide explore the fascinating cave to the north of the beach with its natural spring and colourful rock formations. It's this spring which gave the beach its name. There's also a National Trust car park and a pub about 10 mins walk away. With its towering sand dunes, rolling waves and wide sandy beach, Holywell Bay is a slice of paradise for dogs and their owners.

Holywell Bay © Find Me a Beach

Kennack Sands East

Situated on Cornwall's Lizard Peninsula, to the east of the main beach, Kennack Sands East provides plenty of space for dogs to run and play. Dogs are welcome on this stretch of sand year-round, although it needs to be accessed from the car park via a footpath during July and August, when there are dog restrictions on Kennack Sands West. Whether you're taking a leisurely stroll along the shore or enjoying a game of fetch in the waves, Kennack Sands East provides endless opportunities to explore and enjoy the natural beauty of this stretch of coastline.

Kennack Sands East © Find Me a Beach

Par Sands Beach

Situated near the town of St Austell, Par Sands Beach is a spacious stretch of sand that welcomes dogs year-round. With its shallow waters and gentle waves, it's perfect for dogs to paddle and play. Behind the beach are sand dunes and a nature reserve, including a lake with many birds, so its best to keep your dog on a lead when walking through this area. Parking and a cafe are near at hand on the road behind the beach.

Par Sands from the South West Coast Path © Wayland Smith (cc-by-sa/2.0)

Daymer Bay

Located between the villages of Rock and Polzeath, Daymer Bay is a dog friendly beach with plenty to offer. At low tide an expanse of golden sand is revealed, stretching along the coastline to Rock Beach. There's a car park, beach shop and cafe just a short distance from the beach. Climb the headland above the beach for its stunning views of the Camel Estuary or visit the beautiful little church of St Enodoc nestled in the dunes.

Daymer Bay © Find Me a Beach

Long Rock Beach West

Situated near Penzance, Long Rock Beach has plenty of space for dogs to run and play. Dogs are welcome on this expansive stretch of sand year-round (although the eastern end of the beach is restricted through the summer months), providing ample opportunities for you to take in the stunning views towards St Michael’s Mount.

Long Rock Beach © Find Me a Beach

Whitsand Bay

To the west of the Rame Peninsula on the south east coast of Cornwall, Whitsand Bay is a stretch of remote, rugged coastline, with several sandy beaches including Freathy, Sharrow, Tregantle, Wiggle Beach and Tregonhawke. It's not the easiest to access, but at low tide the coves that line the bay join together and you're rewarded with a three mile stretch of sand. Dogs are welcome on all the beaches year-round, making it the perfect destination for a day out. 

Whitsand Bay © Philip Halling (cc-by-sa/2.0)

Sandymouth Beach

Situated in North Cornwall towards the Devon border, Sandymouth forms part of this wild, rugged stretch of coastline. It's just a rocky strip of beach at high tide but at low tide a long stretch of golden sand is exposed. There's a National Trust car park and a cafe on the cliffs above the beach a short walk away. With its towering cliffs, powerful waves, and stunning coastal views, Sandymouth Beach is a favourite among dog owners.

Sandymouth © Find Me a Beach

Treyarnon Bay

Not far from Padstow, Treyarnon Bay welcomes dogs all year round. At low tide a large stretch of sand is revealed to run and play on. When your dog has had enough of lying in the sunshine or digging in the sand, stroll around the headline to beautiful Constantine Bay Beach, also dog friendly. Facilities at Treyarnon Bay include parking close to the beach and a small cafe with outdoor seating.

Treyarnon Bay © Ian S (cc-by-sa/2.0)

Crantock Beach

Just a short distance from Newquay, Crantock Beach is a stunning stretch of golden sand backed by high dunes, with dramatic cliffs framing the north and south ends. Dogs are welcome on the sands here all year round, there's plenty of room at low tide for them to run around and splash in the sea. The River Gannel flows right through one end of the beach and there's a watersports centre offering paddleboarding (SUP) and surf lessons and equipment hire. River currents can be strong here however and there are rip currents. The beach is managed by the National Trust and there's a car park and toilet block just behind the beach, accessed through Crantock village. Take care around the dune system and take notice of the signs place there by the National Trust as it's recently become unstable. 

River Gannel - Crantock  Beach at low tide © Derek Voller (cc-by-sa/2.0)

Main photo by Elisa Kennemer on Unsplash

Cornwall boasts a wealth of dog friendly beaches where you and your furry friend can enjoy the sun, sand, and surf together. Whether you prefer rugged beauty or sheltered coves, there's something for everyone in Cornwall's dog friendly beaches. So pack up your pup and head to Cornwall for a beach adventure you'll never forget!

Don't forget to download the Find Me a Beach app to search for more dog friendly beaches in Cornwall for free and purchase a monthly or annual subscription for detailed beach profiles including access, parking, cafes, tides and more.

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