In our opinion, the best dog friendly beaches in Cornwall are the ones with plenty of space for furry friends to run around, an option for sea swimming and a pub on the headland! Read on to find out our top Robie rated beaches for man’s best friend in the south west. 

Perranporth, nr. St. Agnes and Porthtowan 

At low tide you can walk along three miles of golden sand from Perranporth (Drosykn) to Penhale. The beach is dog friendly all year round, making it a hot spot for puppy playdates and local walkers. Perranporth is best enjoyed when the tide is out as this will give you and your woofer the most space to run, play fetch and enjoy the beach. 

We particularly love Perranporth as at low tide you’ll find a beautiful natural pool, refreshed each day by the incoming and outgoing of the tide. The pool is popular with children, sea swimmers and man’s best friend alike, offering a lake-like salty swimming environment. (There’s also an amazing sea pool at Porthtowan, a few miles down the coast, but the beach isn’t dog friendly during the summer season.) Perranporth is a popular location for the Blue Tits, a group of female sea-swimmers of all ages, who gather often to dip in the ocean and benefit from blue health.

There’s ample paid parking, a lifeguard service, a surf school and loads of facilties, plus a pub right on the beach! Grab a rattler at The Watering Hole with your toes in the sand and your furry friend at your feet.

Harlyn, Seven Bays 

Harlyn, situated within the Seven Bays area is dog friendly all year round and popular with walkers even on the windiest, wettest days. During the summer the sea is mostly flat, perfect for dogs that like swimming, and owners who are keen to join them! 

There are plenty of walks in all directions from Harlyn. Head south to picturesque Mother Ivey’s and Trevose Head or north towards Trevone where you’ll find a natural swimming pool amongst the rocks. Make sure you’ve got your Dry-Series for the walk back during winter, as the clifftops can be windy during the colder months. Also note that the sandy beach at Trevone isn’t dog friendly in the summer, but the Rocky Pool is a great place for you and your best friend to cool off in. 

There are 2 big carparks, a takeaway cafe, ice cream vans, a surf school and toilets on site. The beach is lifeguarded by the RNLI during summer and the school holidays. 

Crantock, nr. Newquay

Popular with surfers, dog walkers, beach goers, paddle-boarders and swimmers, Crantock offers something for everyone. The beautiful Gannel River snakes down the north side of the beach, offering a haven to paddle-board. You’ll also find people swimming here but be very cautious of the current. The river is a sanctuary for nature and is a lovely place to relax on the banks and watch the birds. 

As well as being one of the best dog friendly beaches in Cornwall, Crantock is also great for families. At low tide the beach is expansive with lots of parking, the famous Bowgie Inn, found on West Pentire headland, has an epic beer garden that is dog friendly and there’s plenty of rock pools and caves to keep kids entertained. 

Lifeguarded in the summer, facilities in the car park, a local surf school and dog friendly all year round.

Grebe Beach, Durgan 

Beautiful Grebe is situated on the south coast of Cornwall near Falmouth in Durgan. The beach is really popular with furry friends and their owners as it is the gateway to many walks across rolling fields, through dappled woodland and to hidden coves. Pack your rucksack with water and sarnies and make a day of it with your pupper in tow. 

You’re sure to meet a host of sea swimmers taking to the calm waters, dogs cooling off in the water after hot summer walks and picnic-ers from the neighbouring towns and villages. 

There is paid parking mid-way down the valley and access to Grebe is down a wooded track. Follow the coast path signage. 

Summerleaze Beach, Bude

Busy Summerleaze can be found in the heart of Bude, only 5 minutes walk from the town centre. The beach is popular with holiday makers and locals alike, and furry friends are always welcome. 

Famous for the enormous Bude Sea Pool, we encourage you to strip off and dive in, or take part in a #2minutebeachclean, as the initiative was born in Bude! The 2 Minute Foundation is a charity set on cleaning up our oceans 2 minutes at a time. Grab a litter-picker and bag from the litter-picking stations and set out on a beach clean accompanied by your pooch. You’ll exercise your dog, help save the planet and are guaranteed to feel great afterwards. 

There are loads of facilities such as toilets, eateries, parking, surf schools and beach shops. The beach is lifeguarded throughout the summer season. 

We hope you agree that these are some of the best dog friendly beaches in Cornwall. If you have another favourite that you’d like to share then tag us with your doggies and Robies on Instagram as we’d love to see!