Dog-friendly Cornwall: beaches, attractions and activities

Want to get clued-up on everything that dog-friendly Cornwall has to offer? Look no further! Whether you’re house sitting as a pet sitter in Cornwall or you’ve got a pooch of your own, you’re spoilt for choice in the county. Below, find a list of the dog-friendly beaches Cornwall has to offer, along with pet-friendly tourist attractions, gardens and walks.

Dog-friendly beaches Cornwall

Looking for free things to do in Cornwall with your furry friends? Head to the beach! The county is famous for its stretches of golden sand that line the coast. So for a list of Cornish beaches for dogs, start with our list below.

Summerleaze Beach

If you’re on the lookout for dog-friendly beaches in Bude, Cornwall, head to Summerleaze - the town’s main beach. Pups are welcome all year round, but it’s dog on leads between 10am and 6pm between 21st May and 30th September.

Location: Summerleaze Cres, Bude EX23 8HN

Sandymouth Bay Beach

Want more of the dog beaches Bude has to offer? Head to Sandymouth Bay Beach - perfect if you’re after sandy beaches with coastal footpaths to follow and scenic views. There are no seasonal restrictions in place here, but keep in mind that there are cliff edges and grazing livestock in certain areas.

Location: Sandymouth, Stibb, Bude EX23 9HW

Black Rock Beach

Otherwise known as Widemouth Bay, this spot is dog-friendly all year round, and is loved locally for its black rocks and pebbles. If you’re in Bude, pop along at low tide to play in the rock pools with your furry friend. 

Location: S W Coast Path, Widemouth Bay, Bude EX23 0DF

Harlyn Bay

Just a 10-minute drive from the adorable town of Padstow, Harlyn Bay welcomes dogs on its golden sands with no seasonal restrictions.

Location: St Merryn PL28 8SB

Watergate Bay

Want to get to know dog-friendly Newquay better? Start at Watergate Bay - a two-mile stretch of sand that’s known for its upbeat atmosphere between surfers and dog lovers.

Location: Watergate Beach, TR8 4AA

Fistral Beach

Fancy a dog walk at Cornwall’s most iconic surfing beach? Head to Newquay’s Fistral Beach - whether you’re into water sports or you simply want a beach where dogs are allowed all year round.

Location: Fistral Beach, Newquay

Perranporth Beach

This three mile beach near Newquay welcomes dogs all year round, but pet parents are asked to keep their pups on a lead in the lifeguard-patrolled area during peak season.

Location: Perranport Beach, Perranporth

Mexico Towans Beach

After dog-friendly beaches in Hayle, Cornwall? Check out Mexico Towans Beach, where you’ll get to soak up incredible views from St. Ives to Godrevy Lighthouse. Dogs are allowed for most of the year, but some areas are subject to seasonal restrictions during July and August. Simply be sure to double check the signage if you’re visiting with your dog during the peak season. 

Location: Hayle TR27 5BH

Bamaluz Beach

Want to get to know dog-friendly St Ives in Cornwall a little better? There’s no better place to start than the beach, and Bamaluz Beach welcomes dogs all year long. While this small spot disappears at high tide, it’s well worth a visit during low tide.

Location: Wheal Dream, Saint Ives TR26 1PR

Gwenver Beach

On the lookout for dog-friendly beaches in Penzance? Check out Gwenever Beach - a popular spot with surfers and local pet parents.

Location: S W Coast Path, Penzance TR19 7BB

Gorran Haven Beach

After dog-friendly beaches in St. Austell? Explore this sandy beach that’s surrounded by an adorable fishing village - plus, there are no seasonal restrictions.

Location: 1 Church St, Gorran Haven, Saint Austell PL26 6JJ

Key considerations for taking your dog to Cornwall’s beaches

• Follow local signage. Rules can change around dog-friendly areas due to wildlife and weather, so always double check whether your pooch is allowed before walking.
• Check the tides. Some of Cornwall’s dog-friendly beaches completely disappear at high tide, so double check when planning your visit.
• Come prepared. Always bring a lead - even if you’re on a beach with no seasonal restrictions, and bring poop bags to help keep the area clean.

Attractions and things to do in Cornwall with dogs

To help plan your ultimate day out with your canine companion, we’ve collected a list of dog-friendly things to do in Cornwall. Below find an array of places to visit, including castles, steam railways, and gardens.

Tintagel Castle

If you’re looking for historic places to visit in Cornwall with dogs, look no further than Tintagel Castle if you live nearby. Steeped in Arthurian legend, these medieval ruins offer dramatic sea views and a glimpse into the past. Keep your dog on a lead to explore the outdoor areas of the castle, and be careful near the cliff edges.

Location: Castle Rd, Tintagel PL34 0HE

Healey's Cornish Cyder Farm

This is one of Cornwall’s places to visit if you appreciate local produce or you simply love a cider or two. Be aware that dogs are only allowed in the outdoor areas of the farm (which is also popular with families), so visit with another person if you’d like to take a look inside the production areas.

Location: Penhallow, Truro TR4 9LT

Lappa Valley Steam Railway

If you’re looking for places of interest in Cornwall that go beyond castles and cider making, check out Lappa Valley Railway to experience the county by steam. Dogs are welcome on the railway, and can hop aboard for £1 per dog.

Location: St Newlyn East, Newquay TR8 5LX

Bodmin & Wenford Railway

If you’re after fun things to do in Cornwall and Lappa Valley has given you a taste for heritage transport, look no further than Bodmin & Wenford Railway. This full-size steam railway takes you on an adventure through the Cornish countryside, and dogs are welcome at £2.50 per ticket.

Location: General Station, Bodmin & Wenford Railway, Harleigh Rd, Bodmin PL31 1AQ

Pencarrow House & Gardens

If you live in Central Cornwall, you might have heard of Pencarrow House and Gardens. Centered around a gorgeous Georgian house, dogs can roam free in the woodland, and are welcome on a lead in the formal gardens. And naturally, head to the cafe where you can choose from a selection of doggy ice creams.

Location: Washaway, Bodmin PL30 3AG

Minack Theatre

Did you know that Cornwall is home to its very own amphitheatre? This impressive open air theatre was carved into the clifftop in the early 1930s, and welcomes dogs during daytime visiting hours. If you’d like to see a show at this dramatic theatre location, you’ll have to leave your furry friend at home.

Location: Porthcurno, Penzance TR19 6JU

The Eden Project

Head to The Eden Project to experience plants from a variety of ecosystems around the world. Explore the 20-acre gardens with your furry friend, and visit with another (human) pal if you’d like to take a look inside the biomes, as dogs are not allowed inside.

Location: Bodelva, Par PL24 2SG

The Lost Gardens of Heligan

If you’re after unusual things to do in Cornwall, check out The Lost Gardens of Heligan - one of the most intriguing grounds in the UK. They’re home to unique structures, statues and plants that’ll have you wandering with your pooch for hours on end.

Location: B3273, Pentewan, Saint Austell PL26 6EN

Cotehele 

This iconic Tudor House is looked after by the National Trust, and dogs are welcome on the estate grounds where you can view the much-loved historic architecture. Explore for a walk with your furry friend, and stop at the Barn restaurant or Edgecumbe cafe, where well-behaved four-pawed guests are allowed.

Location: Saltash PL12 6TA

Pendennis Castle

If history is your thing and you live anywhere near Falmouth, be sure to visit Pendennis Castle - an English Heritage property that was once one of Henry VIII’s coastal fortresses. Explore for impressive views over the Carrick Roads estuary, and keep your dog on a lead as you take a look both inside and out.

Location: Castle Dr, Falmouth TR11 4LP

Key considerations for visiting dog-friendly attractions in Cornwall

• Stay local. It’s well known that our furry companions prefer exploring on foot over long car journeys, so try to explore nearby attractions if you can.
• Come prepared. While Cornwall is home to many dog-friendly attractions, it’s important to respect local sites by bringing a lead and a stash of doggy bags to clean up after your pup.
• Double check the rules. Rules around dog friendliness can change depending on the season or even recent incidents, so always call up before arriving with your pooch.

Dog-friendly walks in Cornwall 

Aside from its beaches, Cornwall is home to incredible woodlands, moors, reserves and estates that are popular with visitors all year round. So to help plan your day out with your furry friend, explore some of the most well known dog walks Cornwall has to offer below.

Cardinham Woods

If you’re after places to visit in Cornwall for free and you live anywhere near Bodmin, check out Cardinham Woods. They’re totally dog-friendly and home to a variety of trails that slope past the area’s ancient trees. Due to the livestock, it’s advised to keep your dog on a lead if their recall isn’t up to scratch.

Location: Bodmin PL30 4AL

Bodmin Moor

This iconic, rugged moorland is home to ancient stone circles and wide-stretching views across the Cornish countryside. Let your pooch run free for most of the year across Bodmin Moor, but keep them on a lead during ground bird nesting season (1st March - 31st July), and whenever livestock are nearby.

Location: Bodmin PL15 7TY

Lanhydrock 

This National Trust Estate is home to a Victorian mansion, and dogs are welcome to roam the acres of woodland. Find countless walking trails, including the path that follows the River Fowey. Be sure to keep your pooch on a lead when exploring the parkland, and stop at the Park or Stables cafe to refuel before exploring another trail.

Location: Bodmin, PL30 5AD

Tehidy Country Park

If you’ve explored your local beaches and you’d rather get into the countryside, check out Tehidy Country Park for meadows, lakes and ancient trees with your furry pal. Dogs are welcome in most areas of the park, but check the signage before exploring as some areas contain managed wildlife.

Location: Tehidy Country Park, Camborne

Kennall Vale Nature Reserve

Want a free activity in Cornwall that immerses you in both the county’s history as well as its nature? Check out Kennall Vale Nature Reserve in Truro where you’ll find the ruins of a gunpowder factory, as well as waterfalls, a woodland and a river. Be sure to keep your dog on a lead to help protect the fragile ruins and local wildlife. 

Location: Ponsanooth, Truro TR3 7HJ

Golitha Falls

Explore Golitha Falls that are home to a series of waterfalls as well as ancient oak woodland. Make sure you keep your dog on a lead near the waterfalls for their own safety.

Location: Liskeard PL14 6RX

South West Coast Path

It would be rude not to mention the miles of outdoor paths offered by the South West Coast Path. Wherever you live in Cornwall, you’ll be able to pick up a scenic, dog-friendly coastal walk. And the best part? Dogs are allowed on all 630 miles of the path - just be sure to keep them on a lead near livestock, around ground nesting birds, or near cliff edges.

Dog-friendly things to do in Cornwall: tips from locals

Want even more ideas on places to visit in Cornwall with your furry friends? Our Community Forum is on hand to help. Below, find advice and tips from local residents to Cornwall, and experienced house sitters who’ve visited the county many times. Notepads at the ready!

• “We did a sit in Newquay, and from there we were able to see everything on our list, such as Penzance, Port Isaac, Tintagel Castle, Padstow & Bude.” - @Nagy26
• “The Minack Theatre in Porthcurno, down near Penzance, is a real gem and you may be lucky to get tickets to a performance.” - @Temba
• “My favorite place is down in South Cornwall or the Exmoor, Lorna Doone Valley. Don’t miss out on cream tea!” - @Fatamorgana
• “I love the seaside village of Polperro near Looe in the south. Like Port Isaac on the west coast, it has become a tourist destination but it is just lovely. I was fortunate to hear the Fishermen’s Choir there” - @Temba
• “The roads in Cornwall are narrow and the hedges are unforgiving with some hiding old stone walls, so take care.” - @Goodboyjakey

Tips for pet parents

• Check out the dog-friendly restaurants in Cornwall. While there are far too many to mention here, explore your local area for dog-friendly pubs and places to eat - you won’t be short of choice.
• Check local signage. As a local resident in Cornwall, you’ll know the county is brimming with wildlife, so always follow the signage and keep your dog on a lead if asked to help protect it.
• Plan ahead for your holiday. It’s safe to say that your pup is all set for the ultimate staycation in Cornwall, so why not keep them happy at home during your next holiday, with an in-home pet sitter? Our animals are happier in their own environment - and vets agree, so click below to find out how connecting with a verified pet sitter works.

Tips for pet sitters

• Get to know the local pubs. If you’re new to Cornwall, stop by your nearby dog-friendly pub to experience local culture and cuisine.
• Follow the Countryside Code. To help protect local wildlife and keep your pooch safe, be sure to follow the Countryside Code when out exploring with your new furry friend.
• Enjoy a cream tea. House sitting in Cornwall isn’t complete without a Cornish cream tea - so find a nearby spot that welcomes your four-legged friend.
• Explore Cornwall through house sitting. So, want to roam the Cornish countryside and explore some of the UK’s best beaches, without paying a penny for accommodation? Swap in-home pet care for a place to stay, and have an unforgettable, fur-filled trip to this iconic English county. Click below to find out more about how it works.

More dog-friendly travel guides

Want to explore further afield? Whether you’re you’re house sitting as a pet sitter in Cornwall or you’ve got a pup of your own, explore these local travel guides to plan your dog-friendly day out.

• Dog-friendly Exeter: Things to do in Exeter with a dog
• Dog-friendly guide to Plymouth: Things to do in Plymouth with a dog
• Dog-friendly Totnes: things to do in Totnes with a dog
• Dog-friendly Poole: Things to do in Poole with a dog