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With a breath-taking coastline unfolding over 250 miles, Cornwall is a popular tourist destination, with no shortage of beautiful beaches and coves to tempt everyone from surfers to sunbathers. As an added bonus for families who like to take their four-legged friend on holiday, plenty of the beaches are also dog-friendly.
During the summer months, some Cornish beaches apply access restrictions, but a surprising number have no dog bans at all.
1. Mexico Towans
The sandy beach at Mexico Towans is dog friendly all year round. Located within Hayle’s famous “three miles of golden sand”, it’s backed by grassy sand dunes. A huge beach when the tide is out, it becomes cosy when the tide is in, but without ever feeling overcrowded.
Visitors can park up at the Sandy Acres car park and enjoy a beverage and a snack at the cafe. As a popular beach for families and water sport enthusiasts, the waves are suitable for surfers of all skill levels. There is RNLI lifeguard summer cover every day, from 19th May until 30th September.
2. Trevaunance Cove
Trevaunance Cove is dominated by lofty cliffs to the north and surrounded by fascinating reminders of the area’s mining heritage. This dog-friendly beach in St Agnes is particularly popular with families, as there are so many places to explore all year round. The old harbour and numerous caves are among the attractions.
Large areas of rocks and the associated rockpools are visible at low tide, with a fascinating array of marine life for children to study. It is also a popular beach among surfers, as there are various amenities in the vicinity including a pub, cafe and shop.
3. Bamaluz Beach
If you’re seeking a secluded, quiet beach, Bamaluz Beach in St Ives could fit the bill. It nestles between Porthgwidden beach and the harbour and goes largely unnoticed by the majority of visitors, so has a more intimate feel. It has been called the “secret beach”, because it is hardly noticeable at high tide.
This tranquil, sandy beach is overlooked by the remains of Wheal Dream tin mine, in an area steeped in heritage. It is also located directly below the St Ives Museum. Sheltered by high walls, the beach can be accessed by a set of steps leading from the museum. Dogs are welcome all year round.
4. Trebarwith Strand
The popular beach of Trebarwith Strand, two miles south of Tintagel, is an easily accessible beach owned by the National Trust. The long stretch of golden sand is set against a beautiful backdrop of flat rocks and tall cliffs. There are several caves set in the cliffs that are well worth exploring. With plenty of rockpools containing a wealth of marine life such as shrimps, crabs and small fish; there’s plenty to keep the kids occupied.
With plenty of family-friendly amenities, there are two car parks nearby, public toilets, a beach shop and cafes.
5. Summerleaze Beach
Located within walking distance of Bude town centre, Summerleaze Beach is popular for visitors, but because of its size, it never feels overcrowded. There are strong waves for surfers, and the Bude Tidal Pool is a sheltered attraction for all the family, including young children. There are also opportunities to go kayaking, sea fishing and climbing.
A large breakwater protects the small harbour, with scenery that includes the mouth of the Bude Canal and its majestic lock gates. There is easy access to the beach from the car park and visitors can hire deckchairs from the Summerleaze Beach Office. Facilities include disabled toilets.
6. Perranporth Beach
Perranporth Beach is particularly fascinating because, at low tide, it links with neighbouring Penhale Sands – both are dog friendly. When joined together, they form one of the longest stretches of sandy beach on the north coast. Perranporth is a traditional beach town that is ideal for all the family. The busy high street backs onto the sand.
En route to Penhale Point, enjoy the extensive network of sand dunes behind the beach, as it is designated a Special Area of Conservation. Perranporth has plenty of amenities, including the Watering Hole pub. There are caves, rockpools, a stream and Chapel Rock to explore, with a secluded bathing pool on the rock’s seaward side. From 5th May to 30th September, there is an RNLI Lifeguard service.
Globe Vale Holiday Park
Today, many people across the UK opt to take their pets on holiday – after all, they are a part of the family. The results of a survey of UK dog owners, published in November 2020, revealed 56% of holidaymakers regularly enjoy travelling with their canine companions. In fact, more than one-fifth (22%) of dog owners won’t travel without them, as they think their dog deserves a holiday too.
As a dog-friendly campsite, with 2 luxury holiday static homes that are pet friendly; Globe Vale welcomes one and all! Located beside the famous Coast to Coast Mineral Tramway Track, there are miles of dog-friendly walking opportunities for our two and four-legged guests. We also have our own dog exercise field onsite, along with a dedicated area for customers with pets who would like to eat at our restaurant – with great views onto St Agnes Beacon, Beacon Terrace is adjacent to our dining facilities.
We look forward to seeing you!
