Calling all surf dogs – if you’re looking to get salty fur, sandy noses and hang ten (or should that a few more?) by the beach, Newquay is one of the best places to visit. Not only are there plenty of beaches that welcome dogs all year round, there are plenty more dog-friendly places in Newquay to explore too – whether you want to devour some delicious pizza, take a ride on a steam train or enjoy a windswept walk sniffing the fresh breeze from the wild Atlantic Ocean.
If you’re looking for a guide to pet-friendly Newquay, we’ve rounded up the best beaches, places to eat and things to do in this popular seaside town in Cornwall, plus we’ve picked out some of our favourite dog-friendly cottages to snooze in after the day is done. Read on to discover dog-friendly Newquay or click the button below to browse our accommodation.
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🏖️ Top dog-friendly beaches
🐾 Top walkies
🐶 Top days out
🍴 Top dining spots
🏡 Top places to stay
Brilliant dog-friendly beaches in Newquay
Fistral Beach
Newquay’s most famous beach, Fistral is a huge stretch of golden sand with some of the best surf in the country, and hosts many of the UK’s most popular surfing competitions. As such, it’s sought out by surfers of all levels from all around the country. However, we think its very best feature is that it’s dog-friendly all year round! Whether your pup is a wannabe wave rider or is keen to keep his four paws on dry land, this is one of the best dog-friendly beaches in Newquay for coastal walkies.
Towan Beach
Close to many of the dog-friendly places to eat in Newquay, Towan Beach is a short stroll from the town centre and is another of Newquay’s brilliant beaches that welcome dogs all year round. The sheltered beach is home to the iconic Jago’s Island at the eastern end and boasts a big sandy stretch at low tide – you can walk all the way round to Great Western Beach, which is also dog-friendly all year round. However, at high tide the beach looks more like a cute cove. As it’s sheltered, it’s a popular place for families too so pack your buckets and spades!
Crantock Beach
This National Trust-owned beach at the southern end of Newquay will certainly set tails wagging due to its picture-postcard appearance and the fact that dogs are welcome under control all year round. At the mouth of the Gannel estuary and backed by sand dunes, this beach has plenty of scents for your pup to sniff out, as well as the turquoise sea for dipping paws in. If your pup isn’t worn out by a day at this beach, there are also plenty of walks nearby along the Gannel or via the South West Coast Path.
Wonderful dog-friendly walks in Newquay
Pentire Headland
Pentire Headland is a picturesque headland that juts out into the wild Atlantic Ocean between the River Gannel and Fistral Beach; it’s a unique destination for a truly epic walk whether you’re hound or human! It’s easily accessed from the town centre or you can park up by the headland itself. Save this one for blowy days – the scent of the salty air will have your pup’s nose twitching and you’ll find the exposure to the elements truly refreshing!
The Gannel
As mentioned above, the Gannel is a river that separates Newquay with Crantock. The peaceful scenery is a great salve for the hustle and bustle of Newquay town and is a must-visit if you and the pup are needing a little time out. The estuary is teeming with wildlife and the scenery looks different every time you visit, depending on what point the tide is at – although, as it’s tidal, make sure you check the times to ensure you don’t get caught out! You can walk along the river to Crantock and back again, which is about 2.5 miles in length and perfect for giving any size dog a good run.
A little further out of Newquay, and the other side of the headland from Crantock, is Holywell Beach where a walk across golden sands and up big dunes will tire out any pup! This 1-mile route begins at the Holywell National Trust car park and heads along to the beach – you might have a hard time keeping your hound out of the shallow stream on the way! Walk along the dunes and across the main beach, sniffing the salty air, before taking the coast path back to where you began.
Tail-wagging dog-friendly days out near Newquay
Just 4 miles out of town, this family-friendly attraction is one of the best dog-friendly things to do in Newquay. Take a ride on the 15-inch minimum gauge steam railway aboard Zebedee, Muffin, Ruby or one of the rest of the fleet. The trains travel between Benny Halt and East Wheal Rose and take in one of the largest remaining Cornish engine houses in the country. Dogs are welcome on board for £1 and can also ride on the canoe boats and explore the many nature walks around the park, while kids will also love the play areas dotted around the site.
You might think that dogs wouldn’t appreciate a visit to a cider (sorry, cyder) farm, but here’s why you’re wrong! Your pup can go everywhere you can go at this fun farm, with a few sensible restrictions in the production areas, so that means they can ride on tractors, meet friendly farm animals, wander around the museum, explore the cellars and enjoy a treat in one of the many places to eat. Only 9 miles away from the coastal town, this attraction should be on the list for all pet-friendly holidays in Newquay.
It’s a little bit of a drive, but the Eden Project is one of the best dog-friendly days out in Cornwall so it’s well worth the effort. Around 20 miles from Newquay, the Eden Project is perfect for a whole day of exploring the beautiful trails in and amongst the iconic biospheres at this famous attraction. While dogs aren’t actually allowed in any indoor spaces, there are miles upon miles of outdoor paths to sniff out, plus there’s an undercover dining area especially for canines too.
Mouthwatering dog-friendly places to eat in Newquay
Wet Dog Pizza Co.
If there’s a better-named restaurant in the whole of Cornwall, we’re yet to find it. And with a name like that, it would be a shame if it wasn’t paw-friendly; but no need to worry – Wet Dog Pizza Co. is one of the most dog-friendly places to eat in Newquay. Your hungry hound can chow down on his very own Lil Stinker pizza and quench his thirst with Meat Dog Beer, while there’s a whole menu of delectable pizzas for humans too, with gluten free and vegan options.
Overlooking Newquay’s spectacular Watergate Bay and just a stone’s throw from the shoreline, The Beach Hut has an understandably casual attitude towards sandy shoes and salty dogs, making this one of the most chilled-out dog-friendly restaurants in Newquay. Your thirsty pup can lap up a bowl of fresh water while you tuck into healthy breakfasts such as muesli, sourdough toast or Dutch pancakes, or dine on more decadent lunches and dinner. It’s a great place to watch the sunset too, as you sip the signature cocktail – Watergate Sunset – with rum combined with orange and pineapple juice.
The Cornishman
One of our favourite dog-friendly pubs in Newquay, this is the perfect place for a pitstop after a walk along Crantock Beach or the Gannel. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a traditional Cornish pub serving local real ale and hearty food, with pub classics like scampi, steak, burgers and chips all on the menu. The garden outside is a real suntrap too, so your pup can doze in the rays while you catch up with friends over drinks.
Cosy dog-friendly cottages in Newquay
Beach House | sleeps 1 dog and 4 humans
Perfect for a small family, this cosy house is mere metres away from Tolcarne Beach which welcomes four-legged visitors between October and April. Enjoy sandy walkies as the sun rises and then return to this dog-friendly cottage in Newquay to have coffee on the sunny patio. In the evening, you can fire up the BBQ on summer nights – don’t forget a sausage for your hounds! Or, in winter, you can all get comfy in the lounge and watch a film on Netflix before resting sleepy heads in the comfy beds.
Sandy Idyll | sleeps 1 dog and 3 humans
This first-floor apartment is in a brilliant position in Newquay, just a short walk walking the South West Coast Path from Watergate Bay. If coastal walkies haven’t tired your pup out, there’s also a shared patio area where he can stretch his legs. For humans, there’s stylish décor throughout and a balcony which boasts incredible coastal views – the perfect setting for a sundowner. And if you’re a keen surfer, you can store your boards and wetsuits in the handy garage, meaning it couldn’t be easier to take to the waves.
If tails start wagging at the prospect of dog-friendly holidays in Newquay, take a look at our full collection of dog-friendly cottages where you can find a place to stay that welcomes both human and hound. Whether you’re looking for a cosy cottage right by the coast or a large townhouse for the whole pack, you’ll find plenty of properties that are perfect for Newquay holidays with pets. Click the button below to browse our whole collection, or get more inspiration for your next holiday with our dog-friendly guide to Cornwall.
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.