Dog-Friendly Beaches in Cornwall


Man walking his dog along the beach at St Michael's Mount at low tide in Cornwall

From tiny, deserted coves to huge sweeping expanses of golden sand and rugged shingle-covered shores, you’re rarely far from a beach in Cornwall.

Black labrador dog running on a cornish beach at low tide

Our four-legged friends love a trip to the beach just as much as we do. In the winter months, you might find you’ve got your favourite beach to yourself, but in the summer it can be a different story. Some beaches welcome dogs all year round; others during the off-season (usually before Easter and after 1st October).

Our top dog-friendly beaches (dogs welcome all year round)

1. Perranporth

A large sandy beach – over two miles long at low tide- with excellent views (you’ll need to plan your trip with the tides, as at high tide much of the beach is covered). The beach has seasonal lifeguards, and there are some stunning walks nearby along the coastal path. Shops, cafes and parking nearby.

2. Porthluney Cove (Caerhays)

A short drive from Bosinver will take you to Porthluney Cove, a lovely sandy beach which is part of the Caerhays Castle estate. There’s free parking available at the beach. Dogs on leads are welcome in Castle Gardens, and there are 120 acres of woodland walks to explore.

3. Lantic Bay

Lantic Bay is a small beach east of Polruan with pebbles, shingle and sand. Park in the National Trust car park at Polruan, then follow the path down to the beach through farmland and down the cliff path.

4. Gorran Haven

Another lovely beach right on our doorstep! Two miles south of Mevagissey lies Gorran Haven. It’s is a good starting point for walks along the cliffs – try heading south to Dodman Point. The beach is safe for swimming, making it popular with familities.

5. Daymer Bay

A sheltered, sandy beach on the Camel Estuary, bordered by dunes. You can park right next to the beach, making it easy for access. There are some lovely walks in the area, too. Don’t miss the beautiful St Enodoc’s Church, which is nestled in amongst the sand dunes where the poet John Betjeman is buried.

More dog-friendly beaches

Take a look at the Beach Guide for Dogs or download Visit Cornwall’s Visitor Guide for Dog Owners, which includes a map of all the beaches.

If you and your dog find any beaches you think other dogs and their owners would enjoy, let us know. You can contact us by email reception@bosinver.co.uk or post something on our Facebook page.

And if you’ve got any pictures of your dog on their favourite beach, we’d love to see them too!

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Action Nan and the rest of the team are always busy writing posts that we think you’ll like – from top tips on where to take the kids, to what’s likely to be going on in the local area when you stay – we’ve got it all in our blog!