Our pick of Cornwall's best dog-friendly beaches year-round

Sandy stretches, rolling waves and not a seasonal dog ban in sight

Cornwall is the perfect destination for a holiday with your four-legged friends, combining stunning beaches and miles of coast path with some fabulous dog-friendly restaurants. And with plenty of dog-friendly beaches year round, the fun doesn’t have to stop once the seasonal dog ban comes into play. Most of our luxury beach houses welcome dogs too. Here’s our pick of the best:

Watergate Bay in North Cornwall

A beautiful sandy stretch on Cornwall’s thriving north coast, Watergate Bay is great for an early morning walk or a stroll through the shallows. Tuck yourself away into one of Watergate’s secluded coves and let the dogs run riot across the sand, or enjoy a seaside picnic as the sun goes down. A string of dog-friendly restaurants and cafés line the beach, making it a haven for socialising with your canine companion by your side.

There's nothing quite like warming up after a walk on the sand with a dip in Treyarnon Views' bubbling hot tub, just around the coast in picturesque Treyarnon.

Gorran Haven in South Cornwall

One of South Cornwall’s most peaceful beaches, Gorran Haven welcomes dogs all year round. While its striking harbour wall and sheltered cove make it a popular spot for sea fishing and swimming in the summer months, the springtime brings out a much quieter side to the beach, with boats gliding across the water and locals dotting the sand. Surrounded by flora and fauna on either side, Gorran Haven is ideal for a dog walk along the coast, with Dodman Point under an hour away to the west.
 

Daymer Bay near Rock and Polzeath

Backed by golden dunes, Daymer Bay is a relatively secluded beach located at the mouth of the Camel Estuary, sitting just across the water from Padstow. With the neighbouring Rock Beach also dog-friendly all year round, Daymer Bay is a great setting for a longer walk on the north coast. Climb Brea Hill and let the dogs run ahead across the dunes or follow the white sands along the shore, where four-legged friends are sure to be tempted by a paddle.
 
Two beautiful seaside boltholes in nearby Polzeath, Tregoose and Treasure House both welcome dogs, perfect for long beach walks followed by a holiday sundowner or two.

Hannafore Beach in West Looe

A great dog-friendly option if you’re holidaying in Looe, the long promenade and tranquil views at Hannafore make it a lovely spot for a quieter day at the beach. While Looe’s main beach operates a permanent dog ban, four-legged friends are welcome all year round at Hannafore, which sits just around the coast near Looe Island. Skim stones in the shallows for your four-legged friends to chase and watch them explore the network of rock pools along the seafront.

Harlyn Bay near Padstow

Famed locally for its surf school, the beach at Harlyn Bay is ideal for a family day out, with a sweeping crescent of yellow sand and a trickling stream providing plenty of interest for holidaying canines. A real dog’s paradise, Harlyn is one of Cornwall’s iconic Seven Bays, with Constantine Bay to the south linking the dog-friendly network with less than half an hour’s stroll along the South West Coast Path.
 
Made for family retreats in Harlyn Bay, Pentyak,  Trelawn and Tater Du sit just moments from Harlyn's sand, sea and incredible sunsets.

Long Rock near Mousehole

Stretching around Mount’s Bay towards Marazion, Long Rock’s safe dog-friendly beach is popular with both locals and visitors. With direct links from the town of Penzance leading you right onto the beach, dogs are welcome to explore the sand and sea, while a cycle path runs just behind, providing a great opportunity for a family bike ride. With panoramic views from its private coastline and the charming Mousehole streets just a short walk away, Porth Enys House has acres of grounds for four-legged friends to explore.

Downderry 

Located in the ‘hidden pocket’ of South Cornwall, Downderry’s large stretch of sand, shingle and rockpools are available for dogs to explore all year round. Backed by a sea wall that leads to the nearby village of Seaton, navigate the coast path with your four-legged friend and explore neighbouring fishing villages.

A seaside dog-friendly bolthole, Eden occupies an envious position overlooking the waters below. Complete with a resistance pool, warm up with a glass of fizz as you admire the last waves of the day.

For a little inspiration ahead of your next dog-friendly holiday in Cornwall, browse our collection of luxury holiday homes and let us take care of the details with our inclusive concierge service. From recommending the best dog-friendly restaurants to organising in-property dog sitting, we’re happy to arrange anything to make your stay extra special.