18th December 2025

Best dog-friendly beaches in Cornwall

When it comes to a dog-friendly day at the beach, you simply can’t beat the beautiful charms of Cornwall, where 150 beaches welcome dogs throughout the year. Oh yes, from the softest sand you can’t help but snooze on to sprawling beaches perfect for a mooch with your pooch on a wintry day, Cornwall’s collection of dog-friendly beaches really are the pick of the litter.

Discover hidden coves you can enjoy all to yourselves, pretty beaches with toothsome cafés for a post-swim pick me up, and surfing hotspots where you can watch people ride the waves as you stay nice and dry on the shore. And with the South West Coast Path linking each and every sand-strewn haven, you can combine an epic dog walk with a relaxing picnic on the beach - a winning combo if ever there was one. 

Itching to get started? Here are some of our favourite dog-friendly beaches in Cornwall to get your pup-approved beach day started…

Fistral Beach, Newquay

Of the 10 beaches in and around Newquay, a tail-wagging seven of them welcome dogs throughout the year, making it one of the best dog-friendly beach destinations in Cornwall. Boasting epic surf and golden sands, Fistral Beach has more than earned its place in the beach hall of fame - and the fact that it’s dog-friendly throughout the year is the cherry on top! You’ll find some excellent pup-approved restaurants overlooking the beach, serving up everything from ocean-fresh seafood to wood-fired pizzas.

Crantock, Newquay

We told you Newquay reigns supreme for dog-friendly beaches! The powdery sands at Crantock were made for zoomies, with a mile of golden beach to race across and undulating dunes full to the brim with interesting sights and smells. The beach sits at the mouth of the River Gannel, giving dogs and children alike the opportunity to splish and splash in the shallow waters of the ebbing river. During the spring and summer months, a lovely coffee van makes its home on the sands, ensuring thirsts are quenched at the skip of a pebble. 

Porthkidney Beach, St Ives

A ball’s throw from the beautiful charms of St Ives, Porthkidney Beach is a haven of sprawling sands perfect for dog walks and family-friendly days out. At low tide, a massive expanse of beach is revealed, ensuring there is plenty of space for all types of beachgoers. At one end of the beach, dunes dip and duck above the soft sands, while the other offers paddling opportunities aplenty as the mouth of the Hayle Estuary flows into the sea.

Hayle Towans, Hayle

On the opposite side of the bay, Hayle Towans beckons for even more sandy fun along one of the most dog-friendly stretches of coast in Cornwall. The reason this sweep of sand and sea is so popular with dog walkers is that it links up with Gwithian Beach, forming a spectacularly long line of sand for Sunday strolls. And when the tide is low, even the most energetic dog can have their fill of zooms.

Gwenver Beach, Sennen

This beautiful beach might require a bit of effort to reach, but the powdery white sands and azure waters more than make up for the steep ascent back to the car park. There are lifeguards in the spring and summer months, making it a great beach for families, while surfers flock for the consistent surf in a spectacular setting. Neighbouring Sennen might have restrictions between May and the end of September, but the connecting coast path gives easy access to the pretty coastal village, where a superb dog-friendly pub with sea views awaits. 

Lantic Bay, Fowey

Another of Cornwall’s beaches to trade a hearty walk for a spectacular setting, Lantic Bay is a haven of golden sands and clear blue waters worthy of the Mediterranean. There’s no car park at the beach, but the coastal walk from nearby Polruan is well worth the effort, and perfect for curious noses to sniff and snuffle along the way. Of course, with such a remote setting, picnics are a must. We recommend popping into the idyllic waterside village of Fowey to pick up some treats from one of the local farm shops. From piping hot pasties to freshly-baked cakes, it’s the perfect fuel for your Med-venture in Cornwall. 

Summerleaze Beach, Bude

Famed for its sea pool and consistent surf, Summerleaze Beach in Bude has something to keep every member of the family entertained. The sprawling beach is ideal for sandcastles and zoomies (children, dogs, or adults - we don’t judge), while the big tidal pool is excellent for some relaxed swimming/ Dogs are welcome on the beach throughout the year, but must be kept on a lead between the 15th of May and the 30th of September. With so much space on offer, though, and the South West Coast Path a ball’s throw away, Summerleaze is a great spot for a sandy stroll at any time of year. 

Kingsand Beach, Kingsand

Rame Peninsula is one of Cornwall’s hidden gems - and boy, does it deserve more hype. The idyllic headland is a National Landscape, which means it offers natural beauty by the camera load, from rugged, heather-topped cliffs to sweeping beaches dotted with rockpools. One of our favourite beautyspots around Rame Head has to be the twinned villages of Kingsand and Cawsand. Packed with colourful cottages, character, and two pretty beaches, it’s the perfect place to forget about time for a while. Cawsand’s little cove operates under seasonal dog restrictions, while Kingsand invites you and the pooch to lollop in the gentle waters throughout the year. Pair your visit with a walk around Rame Head or the lovely gardens at Mount Edgcumbe for a truly memorable time in South Cornwall.

Porthcurnick Beach, Portscatho

Moving down the coast to the tranquil charms of the Roseland Peninsula, Porthcurnick Beach is another sandy haven the hounds will love. The beach is, of course, beautiful, and the walk around St Anthony Head is an unhurried delight, but the real draw to the dog-friendly beach is the café that sits above its sandy shores. Oh yes, famous across Cornwall and beyond, The Hidden Hut is the place to go for a proper feed. In the summer months, giant feast nights invite you to tuck into a hearty mound of food with like-minded folk, while the winter promises warming hot chocolates you can enjoy while watching the pooch play in the waves. 

Long Rock, Marazion

A long, pebbly beach beloved by dog walkers, Long Rock holds a special place in the hearts of locals. Not only does it boast spectacular views across the iconic silhouette of St Michael’s Mount, but there’s a charming café in the car park, ensuring your walk can end in a hot chocolate or ice cream, depending on the season. The beach to the right of the car park (towards Penzance) is dog-friendly throughout the year, giving you 365 opportunities to watch them sniff their way across a sea of pebbles and shingly sand.

Prussia Cove, Praa Sands

One of the most beautiful dog-friendly beaches in Cornwall, Prussia Cove is a little slice of paradise that sits right on your doorstep (if you’re in West Cornwall - and we highly recommend that you do find yourself here). The picturesque cove still bears traces of its former smuggling days, alongside fascinating rockpools and miniature canyons carved into the rocks, creating the perfect place for curious eyes and noses to explore. The beach itself is on the smaller side, so it’s best to time your visit for low tide, or perch on the rocks to watch the waves roll in at high tide - you might even spot one of the seals that live in the area!

Ready to pack up and enjoy a pup-tastic day at the beach? Explore our dog-friendly holiday cottages in Cornwall and discover these fetching spots for yourself.