Cornwall is made for dogs. Big skies, wild coastlines, salt air and endless space to run make it one of the best places in the UK for a beach day with your pup. The challenge is not finding a beautiful beach, it is knowing which ones are dog friendly and truly welcome dogs and when.
This guide focuses on dog friendly beaches in Cornwall where dogs are either welcome year round or have clearly defined dog-friendly areas, plus the practical details that matter when you are planning a proper day out. Think space to roam, nearby places for coffee or food, dog friendly facilities and that sense of adventure you only get by the sea.
Whether you are local or visiting, these beaches are ideal for stretching legs, sandy zoomies and slowing things down together.
Porthkidney Beach, Hayle
Porthkidney is one of Cornwall’s best kept dog friendly secrets. This long, wide stretch of sand sits between Hayle and St Ives and feels wonderfully open even on busier days.
Dogs are welcome all year round, which makes it a reliable choice whatever the season. At low tide there is a huge expanse of sand that is perfect for off lead walks, games of fetch and letting dogs explore at their own pace. The river Hayle runs along one end of the beach, giving dogs a chance to paddle and cool off.
Parking is available nearby, and Hayle itself has several dog friendly cafes and pubs within easy walking distance. There are also outdoor showers near access points which are useful for rinsing sandy paws before heading home.
Gwithian Towans, Near Hayle
Gwithian Towans is a favourite with locals and surfers, and for good reason. It offers dramatic dunes, rolling surf and a beach that seems to go on forever.
Dogs are allowed year round, although there are seasonal restrictions in some zones during the summer months. Even then, there is plenty of space for dog walkers, particularly if you head a little further along the beach away from the main access points.
The dunes behind the beach are great for varied walking, and there are dog friendly cafes nearby including beachside options where muddy paws are part of the scenery. Public toilets and seasonal food vans make this a solid choice for a full morning or afternoon out.
Perranporth Beach
Perranporth is one of Cornwall’s most iconic beaches and also one of its most dog friendly if you know where to go. This is a huge, open beach backed by cliffs and dunes, offering space even in peak season.
Dogs are allowed year round, with restrictions on certain central sections during the summer months. Outside those areas, dogs can enjoy long walks, paddling in the shallows and exploring rock pools at low tide.
There are dog friendly cafes, pubs and bakeries right in the town, and several places offer outdoor seating where dogs are welcome. Fresh water taps are available near some beach access points, which helps when your dog has had a little too much fun in the sea.
Harlyn Bay, Near Padstow
Harlyn Bay is a brilliant choice if you want a calmer beach that still feels adventurous. Sheltered and family friendly, it is also well suited to dogs who enjoy gentle paddling rather than big waves.
Dogs are allowed all year, though summer restrictions may apply to parts of the beach during the day. Outside those times, it is a relaxed and welcoming spot with plenty of room to walk.
There is a dog friendly cafe overlooking the beach and nearby coastal paths that link into longer walks. Parking is close by, making this an easy option if you are travelling with a dog who is not keen on long approaches.
Daymer Bay, Rock
Daymer Bay is a peaceful, sandy beach near Rock that is ideal for dogs who like calmer water and scenic surroundings. The estuary setting means the sea is often gentler, making it good for dogs who enjoy swimming.
Dogs are allowed all year, with seasonal restrictions during the summer months. Even then, the beach remains a popular choice for dog walkers early in the morning and later in the day.
The South West Coast Path runs directly above the beach, offering the chance to combine a coastal walk with a beach stop. Rock village has several dog friendly cafes and pubs, many with outdoor seating and water bowls.
Porthcurno Beach
Porthcurno is famous for its turquoise water and dramatic cliffs, and while it is not dog friendly all year, it is still worth including for off-season visits.
Dogs are welcome outside of peak summer months, typically from autumn through to spring. During these quieter periods, the beach becomes a stunning place to explore with your dog, especially at low tide when rock pools are exposed.
There are no facilities directly on the beach, so it is best suited to a planned visit rather than a spontaneous stop. Nearby cafes and the coastal path provide options for extending your walk once beach time is done.
Porthtowan Beach
Porthtowan offers a great balance between wild coastline and village convenience. The beach is wide and open, with good surf and dramatic cliffs framing the bay.
Dogs are allowed year round, with seasonal restrictions during the summer months. Outside restricted areas, there is plenty of space for dogs to run and explore.
The village has several dog friendly pubs and cafes, and there are often water bowls and treats on offer. Showers and toilets are available near the beach, which makes it a practical choice for longer visits.
Polkerris Beach
Polkerris is a smaller, sheltered beach near Fowey that works well for dogs who prefer calmer conditions. The sheltered bay means the water is often gentler, and the surrounding paths add variety to your walk.
Dogs are allowed outside peak summer hours, making it a good early morning or evening option in warmer months and fully accessible in the off season.
There are dog friendly cafes and pubs right by the beach, many with outdoor seating overlooking the bay. This makes it an excellent choice if you want to combine a relaxed walk with food and a view.
Godrevy Beach, Near St Ives
Godrevy is all about space and scenery. Backed by dunes and facing out towards the lighthouse, this beach feels remote and wild while still being easy to access.
Dogs are allowed year round, with seasonal restrictions near main access points during the summer. Walk a little further along the beach and you will find quieter stretches where dogs can roam freely.
The dunes provide shelter on windy days and offer a different terrain for dogs to explore. Facilities are limited, so bring water for your dog, but nearby cafes and car parks make this a manageable adventure.
Map of Dog Friendly Beaches in Cornwall
Explore these beaches in detail using our handy map below, simply click the pins to reveal more information about each beach and to get directions. You’ll be enjoying sand dunes and coastal waters together in no time.
Godrevy Beach is a dramatic stretch of sand backed by dunes and open coastline, facing out towards the iconic lighthouse. Dogs are allowed year round, with seasonal restrictions near main access points during the summer, but quieter sections are easily reached by walking further along the beach.
The dunes provide shelter and varied terrain, making this a rewarding place for dogs who enjoy exploring. Facilities are limited, so bringing water for your dog is recommended.
Restrictions: Partial Beach
Off Lead Potential: High
Polkerris Beach is a sheltered bay near Fowey that suits dogs who prefer gentler water and a quieter setting. Dogs are allowed outside peak summer hours, making it ideal for early mornings and evenings during warmer months.
Dog friendly cafes and pubs sit right by the beach, many with outdoor seating overlooking the bay. Coastal paths nearby add variety for longer walks.
Restrictions: Seasonal
Off Lead Potential: Moderate
Porthtowan Beach offers a blend of open coastline and village convenience, with a wide sandy bay framed by cliffs. Dogs are allowed year round, with seasonal restrictions during the summer months, but there is plenty of space outside restricted areas.
Dog friendly pubs and cafes sit close to the beach, and facilities such as toilets and showers make it a practical choice for longer visits with energetic dogs.
Restrictions: Partial Beach
Off Lead Potential: High
Porthcurno Beach is known for its striking scenery, clear water and steep surrounding cliffs. Dogs are welcome outside the main summer season, making it an excellent off season destination when the beach is quieter and less crowded.
Facilities are limited directly on the beach, so it suits planned visits rather than spontaneous stops. The surrounding coastal paths offer excellent walking once beach time is over.
Restrictions: Seasonal
Off Lead Potential: Moderate
Daymer Bay sits on the Camel Estuary near Rock and offers a quieter alternative to Cornwall’s Atlantic facing beaches. Dogs are allowed year round, with seasonal restrictions during the summer months, making it especially popular for early morning and evening walks.
The South West Coast Path runs above the beach, allowing you to combine sand and coastal walking. Nearby Rock has several dog friendly cafes and pubs, making it easy to extend your day.
Restrictions: Partial Beach
Off Lead Potential: Moderate
Harlyn Bay is a wide sandy beach with a more sheltered feel than much of Cornwall’s exposed coastline. Dogs are welcome all year, although summer restrictions may apply to certain areas during the day. Outside peak hours, it is a relaxed and welcoming place for dogs.
A dog friendly cafe overlooks the beach and nearby coastal paths link into longer walks. Easy parking and calmer water make this a good option for dogs who prefer a slower pace.
Restrictions: Partial Beach
Off Lead Potential: Moderate
Perranporth Beach is one of Cornwall’s most iconic beaches, backed by dunes and dramatic cliffs. Dogs are allowed year round, with seasonal restrictions applying to central sections during the summer, but there is still plenty of space beyond these areas for long off lead walks.
The town sits directly behind the beach, with dog friendly cafes, pubs and bakeries close at hand. Fresh water taps near access points make it easier to rinse dogs after a swim, making this a great option for a full beach day.
Restrictions: Partial Beach
Off Lead Potential: High
Gwithian Towans is a sweeping stretch of sand backed by rolling dunes and open coastline. Dogs are welcome all year, with seasonal restrictions in place across certain sections during the summer, but the sheer size of the beach means there is always space to find quieter areas.
The dunes add variety to walks and offer shelter on windier days. Dog friendly cafes and seasonal food vans nearby make it easy to turn a simple walk into a longer day out by the coast.
Restrictions: Partial Beach
Off Lead Potential: High
Porthkidney Beach is a long stretch of golden sand between Hayle and St Ives, offering one of the most consistently dog friendly beach experiences in Cornwall. At low tide the beach opens up into a huge expanse of sand, ideal for off lead walks, games of fetch and relaxed exploring. The river Hayle runs alongside the beach, giving dogs the chance to paddle and cool off.
Parking is available nearby and Hayle itself is within easy walking distance, with several dog friendly cafes and pubs. Outdoor showers at access points make it easier to rinse sandy paws before heading home, making this a practical and rewarding choice for a beach day with your dog.
Restrictions: None
Off Lead Potential: High
Explore even more points of interest across the UK with The Wildpack Map, our specially curated map of dog friendly points of interest, including hiking routes, campsites, beaches, road trips and more.
Things to Know Before Visiting Dog Friendly Beaches in Cornwall
- Always check local signage for seasonal restrictions, especially during summer months
- Early mornings and evenings are often the best times for dog friendly access in peak season
- Bring fresh water for your dog, particularly on long or remote beaches
- Be mindful of tides, as some beaches change dramatically between high and low tide
- Respect wildlife and keep dogs under control near dunes and cliff paths
Final Thoughts
Cornwall offers some of the best dog friendly beaches in the UK if you know where and when to go. From vast open sands to sheltered bays, there is something here for every type of dog and every kind of day out. If you have a van, we would highly recommend visiting some of these beaches as part of the Atlantic Highway Road Trip.
Cornwall offers much more than just fantastic dog friendly beaches, it’s also a hiker’s paradise with dog friendly walks throughout the region. Once you’ve enjoyed the beach, head inland and take in some of the exciting trails that Cornwall has to offer.
These beaches are about more than just access rules. They are places where dogs can explore, play and slow down alongside you. Salt air, sandy paws and shared adventures are what Cornwall does best, and these beaches deliver exactly that.