Best dog-friendly beaches in north Cornwall

The best part of going on a staycation is that every member of the family can come, including our four-legged friends. With hundreds of dog-friendly beaches, it’s no wonder why dogs love coming down to Cornwall. Take a look at our favourite dog-friendly beaches welcoming dogs all year round.

Constantine Bay

Constantine Bay is the perfect dog-friendly beach, with a wide expanse of sand to really let your dogs get the exercise they need. At low tide you can walk the half a mile stretch to the neighbouring Booby’s Bay.

Parking can be limited at Constantine. We recommend parking at Treyarnon Bay to the south and taking your dog for a good walk along the headland coastal path to Constantine which takes around 10 minutes.

Holywell Bay

Holywell Bay is a diverse beach with plenty for your dogs to explore. From huge sand dunes reaching heights of 60 feet, to a large cave that can be entered at low tide and a shallow stream perfect for your dog to cool off in. 

For those dogs (and owners) who love long walks, the six mile walk over Cubert Common should do the job. Be caution of adders in the dunes, although rarely seen these snakes are poisonous if they bite. 

The dog-friendly pub, St Piran’s Inn, situated at the beginning of the path that runs to the beach, is a great place to grab a post-walk refreshment. With a large outside seating area you just watch the world go past whilst your dog relaxes.  

As Holywell Bay is owned by the National Trust there is free parking for National Trust members. Non-members do have to pay so remember to take some loose change.

Daymer Bay

Close to Rock and Polzeath, this sheltered bay on the Camel Estuary looking over Padstow features a good strip of soft white sand, even at high tide. Daymer Bay has a large car park with toilets and a cafe, so is a great family-friendly option.

Being protected by the estuary, the waters are generally calm and perfect for you dog to have a paddle. Enjoy the views during a walk from Rock to Daymer Bay via Brea Hill, or take a stroll over the cliffs of Greenaway.

Watergate Bay

Watch surfers make the most of the huge waves that frequent Watergate Bay and take in the dramatic cliff line as your dog runs along the two miles of smooth, tide-washed sand. It is easy to see why this beach is popular with both owners and their dogs.

There are a choice of dog-friendly venues to stop for lunch once you and your dog are worn out, including WAX and The Beach Hut Café which looks over the beach. The facilities at Watergate Bay are excellent with two large carparks as well as toilets.

Perranporth

When the tide is out, Perranporth beach and Penhale Sands join to create the longest stretch of unbroken sand in north Cornwall, so reach for your ball launcher and let your dog really stretch their legs.

The beach tends to be busier nearest the town, but gets quieter as you walk towards the dunes, giving you and your dog the space to have a proper play. Perranporth is home to the famous Watering Hole, a pub which doesn’t just look over the beach but is actually on the beach, and happily welcomes dogs too.