If Cornwall’s a haven for humans, it’s heaven for dogs! And arguably nowhere in the county is more appealing to an outdoorsy pup than North Cornwall’s pet-friendly stretches of long, sandy beaches and stunning, unspoilt scenery.
Whether your pooch likes to get their paws wet or prefers to zip around chasing a ball on the sand, you’ll find a dazzling selection of dog-friendly beaches in North Cornwall, with no restrictions on when you can rock up with your pet.
Bundle up warm for an autumn or winter adventure, or pack all of the beach gear for a summer day on the sand in the sunshine. These are some of the best dog-friendly beaches in North Cornwall, arguably some of the best dog-friendly beaches in the UK, and close by you’ll find an array of welcoming dog-friendly holiday cottages where you and your pet can put your feet and paws up after your beach activities.
Scamper on ahead to:
Dog-friendly beaches in Port Isaac
The picturesque, sheltered beach of Port Isaac is well-known as the beautiful backdrop for the popular film Fisherman’s Friends, which tells the tale of an unlikely band of fishermen-vocalists whose shanties hit the bigtime. The beach and charming village were also the setting for the well-loved TV series, Doc Martin.
The shingle beach in the harbour is perfect for a stroll with your four-legged friend at low tide. At high tide, the beach is submerged and your best bet would be to seek out a spot in the Golden Lion pub on the harbourside, or one of the village’s other equally dog-friendly establishments.
The neighbouring beach of Port Gaverne is also dog-friendly and easy to reach from the car parks mentioned below.
For the satnav: PL29 3RG
Any restrictions?: None
Parking: Main Car Park (pay and display) – 0.5 miles, St Endellion Car Park (pay and display) – 0.3 miles
Accessibility: Narrow and steep streets within the village, slope down onto the beach.
Facilities: Pubs, cafes, shops and public toilets within the village.
Dog-friendly beaches in Newquay
Lively Newquay is a vibrant town with plenty going on, and if you’re looking for dog-friendly North Cornwall beaches, you’ll find not one but six here! Vast Fistral Beach is a playground for energetic pups, while Little Fistral, tucked away on the approach to the headland at the north end of the beach, is a smaller, more rugged option for a stroll.
Small Harbour Beach offers interest in the way of bobbing boats and fishing paraphernalia, while Towan Beach is arguably the most scenic, with its island connected by a small suspension bridge. While small at low tide, when the tide goes out, you can wander along to Great Western Beach, which is backed by high cliffs. A little further north is privately owned Lusty Glaze, which is also one of North Cornwall’s dog-friendly beaches.
As if that weren’t enough, around the small promontory at the end of Great Western Beach is Tolcarne, where dogs are allowed from October to April, and Porth Beach, also with seasonal dog restrictions, is just 1 mile from the main town.
For the satnav: Fistral – TR7 1HN, Towan – TR7 1DR, Great Western – TR7 1FE, Tolcarne - TR7 2FD, Lusty Glaze – TR7 3AD, Porth – TR7 3FG
Any restrictions?: No restrictions on Fistral, Little Fistral, Harbour Beach, Towan, Great Western and Lusty Glaze. Seasonal restrictions apply on Tolcarne and Porth.
Parking: Pay and display beach car parks at Fistral, Harbour Beach, and Lusty Glaze. Town pay and display car parks within 0.2 miles of other beaches.
Accessibility: Beach wheelchairs available at Fistral. Detailed information on accessibility of all beaches available here.
Facilities: Seasonal lifeguard cover at Fistral, Towan, Tolcarne, Great Western and Lusty Glaze.
Dog-friendly beaches in Rock
The pristine beach of Rock lies on the eastern side of the Camel Estuary and is backed by sand dunes, behind which sprawls St Enodoc Golf Club. The upmarket village is an idyllic destination for pampered pooches and their families, who will be in good company with celebrities such as Elton John, Kate Winslet, Jude Law and Orlando Bloom having holidayed there in the past.
The beach itself offers outstanding views towards Padstow in one direction, and the open sea in the other. You will surely be tempted to take a dip in the clear blue water, which is popular amongst swimmers and water sports enthusiasts, but beware of tidal currents.
For the satnav: PL27 6LD
Any restrictions?: None
Parking: Rock Quarry Car Park (pay and display) less than 100 metres from the beach.
Accessibility: There are steps down to the beach from the car park or alternative sloping slipways from the road to the beach.
Facilities: Cafe, beach shops, toilets and ferry to Padstow.
Dog-friendly beaches in Bude
Bude is a vibrant and welcoming seaside resort, which benefits from beautiful beaches, a scenic canal and lots of facilities for visitors. One of the best dog-friendly beaches in North Cornwall for families, central Summerleaze Beach offers a sandy play area, a large salt-water swimming pool and plenty of space to spread out. Dogs are welcome all year round, but must be kept on a lead from May to September.
A short walk across Summerleaze Down takes you to Crooklets Beach, where dogs are allowed out of season only. Here there are rock pools, beach huts and a play area – plenty of entertainment for the whole family.
For the satnav: EX23 8HJ
Any restrictions?: Dogs allowed all year round on Summerleaze, but must be on a lead between 10am and 6pm from 21 May – 30 September. Seasonal restrictions apply on Crooklets Beach.
Parking: Pay and display car parks at Summerleaze Beach and Crooklets.
Accessibility: Summerleaze – sloping sandy path from car park to beach (beach wheelchairs can be hired from the Beach Office in the car park). Crooklets – level access down onto the beach from car park.
Facilities: Beach cafes and toilets at Summerleaze and Crooklets, shops, eateries and town amenities close to Summerleaze.
Dog-friendly beaches in Padstow
If you’re looking for North Cornwall dog-friendly beaches with a characterful town to explore nearby, Padstow should be top of your list. The attractive town on the River Camel Estuary is packed with dog-friendly places to eat and local coves and beaches to discover.
Dainty St George’s Cove, just to the north, is closest, but with seasonal dog restrictions in place during the summer, you’ll probably want to head to the broad, sandy beach of Harbour Cove, where pups are allowed to lollop at their leisure all year round. A short walk along the coast path from here takes you to idyllic Hawkers Cove whose tiny high-tide beach grows to join up with Harbour Cove at low tide. Also easily accessible from Padstow is Rock Beach, via the dog-friendly passenger ferry. A short drive will take you to Harlyn (3 miles), another outstanding family beach where four-legged friends are welcome.
For the satnav: PL28 8BL (for Padstow)
Any restrictions?: No restrictions at Harbour Cove, Hawkers Cove, Rock and Harlyn. Seasonal restrictions at St George’s Cove.
Parking: South Quay Car Park (pay and display) – 0.7-mile walk from St. George’s Cove, 400 metres from ferry to Rock. Harbour Cove (pay and display) – 325-metre walk from Harbour Cove, 0.5-mile walk from Hawkers Cove. Harlyn Bay Car Park (pay and display) right next to beach.
Accessibility: St George’s Cove – via the coast path. Harbour Cove and Hawkers Cove – uneven narrow access via coast path. Access to Harlyn Bay over a sandy ridge from car park, or via a sloped slipway from the road.
Facilities: Seasonal tearooms above Hawkers Cove. Beach cafe and toilets at Harlyn. No facilities at Harbour Cove, or St George’s Cove.
Dog-friendly beaches in Perranporth
The spectacular stretch of beach at Perranporth is a haven for dogs and their seaside-loving owners. It’s undoubtedly one of the most popular dog-friendly beaches in North Cornwall, but with so much space, you don’t have to roam far to find yourself a solitary spot. Dogs are required to be on leads in July and August on the main beach area, but this still leaves a wide expanse of dunes and beach where they can be let off, particularly at low tide.
With rock pools to nose about in, waves to splash in, and lots of dog-friendly eateries to choose from, there’s more than enough to keep the whole family happy here.
For the satnav: TR6 0ND
Any restrictions?: Dogs are welcome all year round, but must be kept on a lead on the main beach in July and August.
Parking: Promenade Car Park (pay and display) right next to the beach. Droskyn Car Park (pay and display) – 250 metres. Wheal Leisure Car Park (pay and display) – 300 metres. Overflow car park near the Co-op (pay and display) – 450 metres.
Accessibility: Via concrete slope from the town.
Facilities: Pubs, cafes, shops, toilets and other village amenities.
Dog-friendly beaches in Polzeath
At the mouth of the River Camel lies Polzeath – a popular surfing beach of sand and shingle, backed by cliffs. You can explore to your heart’s content with your dog out of season, but from 15 May to 30 September, dogs are only allowed on the beach before 10am and after 6pm. If you’re itching to play fetch on the sand between those times, head for neighbouring Daymer Bay, whose sheltered beach is dog-friendly all year round.
The gently shelving sand makes it a great spot for a dip – and water-loving pups are sure to want to join you for a splash about!
For the satnav: PL27 6SS – Polzeath. PL27 6SA – Daymer Bay.
Any restrictions?: Polzeath – restrictions apply from 15 May to 30 September, 10am-6pm. Daymer Bay – no restrictions.
Parking: Polzeath Beach Car Park (pay and display) and Sea View Car Park (pay and display) both next to the beach.
Accessibility: Level access by Polzeath Beach Car Park.
Facilities: Shops, cafes, restaurants and toilets.
Dog-friendly beaches in Porthtowan
If you’re a surfer, this gorgeous beach is no doubt already on your radar. It’s a lovely beach to visit with your pup out of season, as restrictions apply from 15 May to 30 September between 10am and 6pm. But it’s also great if you’re on holiday nearby and want a beautiful spot for early morning walkies or an evening stroll.
Nearby dog-friendly North Cornwall beaches that welcome your canine pal year-round include Trevaunance Cove at St Agnes, Perranporth and the Godrevy end of Gwithian.
For the satnav: Porthtowan – TR4 8AW. Trevaunance Cove – TR5 0RT. Perranporth – TR6 0ND. Godrevy – TR27 5ED.
Any restrictions?: No restrictions at Trevaunance Cove, Perranporth and the Godrevy section of Gwithian. Porthtowan – restrictions apply from 15 May to 30 September.
Parking: Porthtowan Beach Car Park (pay and display) right by the beach. Pay and display car parks at Trevaunance Cove, Perranporth and Godrevy (National Trust Car Park).
Accessibility: Porthtowan – level access onto the beach from the car park. Trevaunance Cove – a fairly steep slipway from the road to the beach, may not be suitable for wheelchairs.
Facilities: Toilets in the car park, beach cafe.
Dog-friendly beaches in St Ives
An enduringly popular town, with a good selection of North Cornwall dog-friendly beaches, St Ives is an enticing destination at any time of the year. An eclectic array of boutique shops and eateries line its jumble of well-trodden streets, while galleries can be found tucked away in charming buildings – the perfect distraction for a slow afternoon.
The beaches themselves are a sight to behold, with year-round dog-friendly options being intimate Bamaluz, Lambeth Walk Beach (next to the Lifeboat Station) and the north side of Smeaton’s Pier. Harbour Beach and Porthgwidden only have dog restrictions in July and August between 10am and 6pm, while Porthmeor, Porthminster and Carbis Bay all have seasonal restrictions between 10am and 6pm. In the winter, all of St Ives beaches are ripe for bracing walks with your canine pal!
For the satnav: TR26 1DD – Trenwith Car Park
Any restrictions?: Bamaluz and Lambeth Walk Beach – no restrictions. Harbour Beach and Porthgwidden – restrictions apply in July and August, 10am-6pm. Porthmeor, Porthminster and Carbis Bay – restrictions apply 15 May-30 September, 10am-6pm.
Parking: Multiple pay and display car parks including Trenwith Car Park, Park Avenue Car Park, Stennack Laundrette Car Park, Barnoon Long Stay Car Park, Station Car Park and Porthmeor Beach Car Park.
Accessibility: Steep, winding, cobbled streets may prove difficult for users of wheelchairs and mobility scooters. Beach wheelchairs and buggies can be hired on Porthminster and Porthmeor beaches. Porthminster, Harbour Beach, Porthgwidden and Carbis Bay have sloped access, Lambeth Walk, Bamaluz and Porthmeor have steps.
Facilities: Pubs, cafes, shops, toilets and other town amenities.
Dog-friendly beaches – North Cornwall map
Here are the featured dog-friendly beaches in North Cornwall on a map.
All North Cornwall’s dog-friendly beaches
Click the tabs below for our full round-up of dog-friendly beaches in North Cornwall and read our guide to dog-friendly beaches in Cornwall for more options in the county.
Some of these dog-friendly North Cornwall beaches allow dogs all year round, while some have restrictions to read up on before you go. Restrictions can change year on year, so please double-check before visiting a new place with your dog.
Sandymouth
Northcott Mouth
Summerleaze (on lead 15 May-30 September)
Widemouth Bay (Black Rock/South Beach only)
Millook Haven
The Strangles
Rusey
Benoath Cove
Bossiney Cove
Tintagel
Trebarwith Strand
Port Gaverne
Port Isaac
Daymer Bay
Harbour Cove
Hawkers Cove
Newtrain Bay
Harlyn Bay
Mother Iveys Bay
Constantine Bay
Treyarnon Bay
Fox Cove
Porthcothan Bay
Pentire Steps
Bedruthan Steps
Mawgan Porth
Watergate Bay
Whipsiderry
Great Western
Towan
Fistral
Crantock
Porth Joke
Holywell Bay
Penhale/Perran Sands
Perranporth (on lead July and August, 9am-5pm)
Trevellas Porth
Trevaunance Cove
Bassetts Cove
Greenbank Cove
Fishing Cove
Gwithian
Mexico Towans
Hayle Towans
Porthkidney
Lambeth Walk
Bamaluz
Clodgy Point
Gurnards Head
Porthmeor
Portheras Cove
Crooklets
Crackington Haven
Tregardock
Port Quin
Lundy Bay
Epphaven
Polzeath
Greenaways
Rock
St George’s Cove
Trevone Bay
Porth
Lusty Glaze
Tolcarne
Chapel Porth
Porthtowan
Portreath
Godrevy
Black Cliff
Carbis Bay
Porthminster
St Ives Harbour
Porthgwidden
Porthmeor
Stay with your dog in North Cornwall
There are a plethora of North Cornwall dog-friendly beaches to choose from, sprinkled along the beautiful coastline, and with dog-friendly holiday cottages in North Cornwall close by, you’ll be well placed for explorations with your pup.
Choose from cute-as-a-button dog-friendly cottages for two, comfortable family homes for a seaside escape with your pup, and large group cottages to celebrate a special occasion with four-legged friends in tow.
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.