As a dog owner, I'm always on the lookout for the best dog-friendly beaches in North Cornwall. With miles of stunning coastline to explore, it's no surprise that North Cornwall's beaches are a popular destination for dog walkers and their four-legged friends. But not all beaches are created equal when it comes to catering for canine companions.
After much research and personal experience, I've compiled a list of the top dog-friendly beaches in North Cornwall. These beaches offer plenty of space for your dog to run and play, as well as facilities such as dog-friendly cafes and toilets. Whether you're a local or visiting on a dog-friendly holiday, these beaches are sure to provide a great beach day out for the whole family.
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Top Dog-Friendly Beaches in North Cornwall
North Cornwall boasts some of the most beautiful and dog-friendly beaches in the UK. The following beaches are where there are generally no restrictions on taking your dog on the beach at any time of the year, although some do require dogs to be kept on leads during peak season.
Sandymouth Beach, Near Bude
Sandymouth Beach, located in North Cornwall and just a stone's throw from Devon, is a true gem of the region. The beach boasts stunning cliffs, intriguing rock formations, and a vast expanse of golden sand that's perfect for a day out with your furry friend. For those who want to grab a bite to eat, Sandymouth Beach Cafe is perched above the beach and offers a range of delicious hot and cold food - make sure to try the Surf Burger when you visit!
As a National Trust managed site, Sandymouth Beach is well-maintained (with a dog waste bin) and has a dedicated car park nearby, ensuring visitors can park with ease. While the beach is accessible via a moderately steep path from the car park, it might be challenging for those with mobility issues or pushing a stroller. However, the stunning views and beautiful location make it worth the effort to get there.
📍Sandymouth Beach EX23 9HW
Summerleaze Beach, Bude
Located in Bude, Summerleaze Beach is a popular family destination thanks to its soft golden sand, intriguing rock pools, and unique sea pool that provides a safe and sheltered swimming environment for children. It's where all three of my children (as well as myself, 35 years previously!) learned to swim. However, visitors should be aware that during the peak season, from 15th May to 30th September, dogs are required to be on a lead on Summerleaze Beach between 10am and 6pm.
In addition to the beach's family-friendly amenities, visitors can also enjoy the reassurance of RNLI lifeguards during the peak season and Easter holidays. Bude's town centre is just a short stroll away, providing access to a variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants. If you're in the mood for a delicious meal, be sure to check out the top dining spots in Bude. And for a sweet treat, stop by Scoop ice cream shop on Lansdown Road, where you can indulge in authentic Cornish ice cream, as well as an extensive selection of dairy-free options (and even ice cream for your furry friend!). Despite the seasonal dog restrictions, Summerleaze Beach remains a great option for a family-friendly day out in North Cornwall.
📍Summerleaze Beach, Bude, EX23 8HJ
Trebarwith Strand
Trebarwith Strand is dog-friendly all year round, making it a great option for a day out with your furry friend.
The beach is a short walk from the car park, and the best time to visit is during low tide when the rock pools are exposed. For those who want to grab a bite to eat, the Port William pub offers a great selection of burgers, baguettes, wraps, and sandwiches at lunchtime
📍Trebarwith Strand, Nr Tintagel, PL34 0HB
Port Isaac Beach
Port Isaac Beach, located in the quaint fishing village of Port Isaac, is a small, picturesque beach that's perfect for a quiet day out by the sea. The beach is a mix of sand and pebbles and is sheltered by the surrounding cliffs, offering visitors a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The beach is dog friendly all year round with no restrictions.
Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the village and harbour while relaxing on the beach, or take a stroll along the coastal path for even more breathtaking scenery. There are also plenty of local pubs and cafes to explore in the village, as well as quaint shops selling local crafts and souvenirs.
📍Port Isaac Beach, Port Isaac, PL29 3RB
Daymer Bay
Daymer Bay, near Rock, is a sandy beach that is perfect for dogs who love to swim. It has miles of golden sand and calm waters, making it a great spot for a game of fetch or a paddle. At low tide, there are plenty of rock pools to explore and the sand dunes provide a great place for a walk. The beach is easily accessible and there are public toilets nearby.
📍Daymer Bay, PL27 6SA
Harlyn Bay
Harlyn Bay is a sheltered, sandy beach located on the north coast of Cornwall. The beach is known for its miles of golden sand, making it a great spot for a game of fetch with your dog. The beach also has a large car park, public toilets, and easy access.
📍Harlyn Bay, PL28 8SB
Constantine Bay
Constantine Bay is a beautiful sandy beach near Padstow. The beach is perfect for a game of fetch with your dog and is a popular spot for dog owners. During low tide, the beach offers a wide expanse of sand, making it a great spot for exploring with your furry friend.
📍Constantine Bay, Padstow PL28 8JJ
Treyarnon Bay
Treyarnon Bay is a great family-friendly beach destination. The beach offers a wide expanse of fine sand that's perfect for children to play and explore. It's also dog-friendly all year round.
📍Treyarnon Bay, PL28 8JS
Mawgan Porth
Mawgan Porth is a popular family beach nestled between Bedruthan Steps and Watergate Bay in Newquay, and offers the perfect mix of sand dunes, rock pools, and shallow waters.
The beach is easily accessible and has a large car park, making it convenient for families with young children and dog owners.
📍Mawgan Porth, Newquay TR8 4BL
Watergate Bay
Watergate Bay is a huge beach that is perfect for dogs who love to run around. It has a long stretch of golden sand that is great for playing fetch and the cliff edges provide spectacular views of the coast. The beach is easily accessible with a short walk from the car park and there are public toilets nearby.
📍Watergate Bay, Newquay, TR8 4AD
Fistral Beach
Fistral Beach is a great spot for dogs who love to swim. It has a long stretch of golden sand that is perfect for playing fetch. it;s also a popular spot for surfers.
📍Fistral Beach, Newquay, TR7 1HY
Crantock Beach
Crantock Beach is a beautiful sandy beach located on the west side of the River Gannel. The beach is perfect for a game of fetch with your dog and has plenty of space for your furry friend to run around.
📍 Crantock Beach, Newquay TR8 5RN
Holywell Bay
Holywell Bay is a popular spot for dog owners, offering a long stretch of sand and spectacular views of the cliffs. The beach also has plenty of sand dunes for your furry friends to explore.
📍Holywell Bay, TR8 5PG
Perranporth Beach
Perranporth Beach is dog-friendly, and dogs are allowed on the beach all year round, but must be kept on a lead in July and August.
📍Perranporth TR6 0BH
Seasonal Restrictions
Several beaches in North Cornwall have seasonal restrictions, including Widemouth Bay and Crackington Haven, where you can only walk your dog before 10am, or after 6pm.
As a rule the seasonal ban runs from 1st July to 31st August (or 15th May to 30th September on the most popular beaches) and generally only apply between 10am and 6pm. These restrictions are put in place to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all beach-goers, including those without dogs.
Widemouth Beach, Near Bude
Located just 2 miles south of Bude, Widemouth Beach is a much-loved family favourite of ours, offering the perfect blend of surfing and rock pooling adventures (and it's just a 5-minute drive from our house!). Visitors should be aware that dogs are allowed on Black Rock/ South Beach all year round, but on the rest of the beach, dogs are banned from 15th May to 30th September between 10am and 6pm.
Families will appreciate the ample space available for picnics, sandcastle building, and beach games, while the waves offer an ideal environment for swimmers and novice surfers. During the summer months, visitors can feel secure knowing that RNLI lifeguards are on duty, ensuring a safe experience for everyone. For those interested in exploring, the beach is bordered by lots of small rock pools, providing an opportunity to discover fascinating marine life.
📍 Widemouth Beach, Widemouth Bay, Bude, EX23 0AW
Crackington Haven
Crackington Haven is a sheltered shingle beach located on the north coast of Cornwall 10 minutes south of Bude. The beach is popular with dog owners, but during the peak season, there is a 10am-6pm dog ban on the beach.
📍Crackington Beach, St Gennys, Bude EX23 0JG
Polzeath Beach
Polzeath Beach, near Wadebridge, has a seasonal dog ban during the peak season (from Easter to 1st October), where dogs are not allowed on the beach between 10am and 6pm. Outside of these hours, dogs are allowed on the beach but must be kept on a lead.
📍Polzeath Beach, Polzeath, Wadebridge PL27 6TB
Rock Beach
The beach here is a long stretch of golden sand that follows the estuary towards the coast, and it's backed by sand dunes with the prestigious St Enodoc Golf Club situated behind them. Visitors should be aware that there is a seasonal dog ban in place.
📍 Rock Beach, Rock, PL27 6LD
Porthtowan Beach
The beach has a seasonal dog restriction between 15th May and 30th September between 10 am and 6 pm.
📍Porthtowan Beach, TR4 8AW
Portreath Beach
The beach has a seasonal dog restriction between 1st July and 31st August between 10 am and 6 pm. The ban also encompasses the harbour area.
📍Portreath Beach, TR16 4NR
Harveys Towans - Godrevy Point, Hayle
2 areas of this long stretch of sand, have dog restrictions in July and August, although Upton Towans and Mexico Towans (the middle section) allow dogs all year round.
Carbis Bay, near St Ives
The beach has a seasonal dog restriction between 15th May and 30th September 10 am to 6 pm.
📍Carbis Bay, St Ives TR26 2NP
Portminster Beach and Porthmeor Beach
Both of these beaches in St Ives have a seasonal a dog restriction between 15th May and 30th September 10 am to 6 pm.
Frequently Asked Questions
The best time to visit North Cornwall with a dog is during the off-peak season when the beaches are quieter and there are fewer restrictions on where dogs can go. April or October are good times to visit.
If you see someone not following the dog restrictions on a North Cornwall beach, it's best to report it to the local council or beach patrol. It's important to follow these rules to ensure that everyone can enjoy the beaches safely and responsibly.
Yes, dogs are allowed on most parts of the South West Coast Path in North Cornwall, but it's always a good idea to check the signs before heading out to ensure that dogs are allowed on the specific section you plan to walk. if your dog is not used to walking near cliffs, it's a good idea to keep them on the lead.
It depends on the specific beach and the time of year. Some beaches may have restrictions on dogs being off the lead during certain hours, while others may allow dogs to be off the lead all year round. It's important to check the signs and follow any rules in place to ensure that everyone can enjoy the beaches safely and responsibly.
It's always a good idea to bring plenty of water and a bowl for your furry friend, as well as poop bags to clean up after them. Depending on the weather and time of year, you may also want to bring a towel or blanket for your dog to rest on.
Dogs are allowed off the lead but should be kept under control.
North Cornwall's Dog Friendly Beaches: A Recap
North Cornwall is a great place to visit with your furry friends, and these are just some of the many dog-friendly beaches that the area has to offer.
Make sure to check the tide times and seasonal restrictions before heading out to ensure a safe and enjoyable day out with your four-legged friend.
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