Portholland Beach

Portholland Beach is a small, twin-coved beach on the south Cornish coast west of Gorran Haven, divided by a small stream that runs down through the hamlet. The two coves, East and West Portholland, each have their own character: the western cove is sandier and more protected, while the eastern side has more pebble and is slightly more exposed. Both are backed by a tiny cluster of fishermen's cottages that make up one of the more unspoilt coastal settlements in Cornwall.

Dogs are welcome here year-round with no PSPO restrictions, and the sheer quietness of the location means this dog friendly beach rarely sees the crowds that affect more accessible parts of the coast. The small scale of the beach suits dogs that find busier beaches overwhelming, and the stream crossing provides reliable fresh water access. Rock formations and seaweed-covered stones at the edges provide excellent sensory terrain. The beach is best visited at low to mid tide, as the coves reduce considerably when the tide is in. There are virtually no facilities and the narrow lane approach puts off many visitors, which is entirely the point.