Top 10 Dog and Family Friendly Beaches in Cornwall I 2025

The 10 Best Beaches for your 2025 Cornwall Holiday

Planning a memorable family getaway in Cornwall with your furry friend and family? Cornwall's coastline boasts an array of stunning beaches that cater to both families and dogs, and Cornwall's beaches are some of the most dog-friendly in the UK. There is a reason dog-owners flock here, both in and out of season- it's not just for the sandy, stunning beaches- but the cliff top walks and south west coast path views, plus dog friendly, beachside restaurants and cafes, too! From expansive sandy shores to secluded coves, here's our curated list of the top 10 dog and family-friendly beaches to explore in 2025.

1. Perranporth Beach

Why Visit: Perranporth is renowned for its vast sandy expanse, making it ideal for families and dogs alike. Children can build sandcastles and paddle in shallow waters, while dogs have ample space to run freely. 

• Amenities: Lifeguards during peak seasons, ample parking, clean toilets, and surf schools. Sea pool in the rocks. Town centre within 5 minutes walk of the beach. 
• Nearby Eats: The Watering Hole, the UK's only bar on the beach, offers family-friendly meals and doggy treats.
• Dog Rules: Dogs are welcome year-round; however, leads are required during July and August from 9 am to 5 pm.

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2. Watergate Bay

Why Visit: Located near Newquay, Watergate Bay is a popular haven for active families and their pets, with plenty to do nearby. The sensational two-mile beach is known for its wide sandy stretch and is a hotspot for surfing and bodyboarding. In the summer, Watergate plays host to Boardmasters Festival.

• Amenities: Toilets, parking, surf schools, and family-friendly restaurants.
• Nearby Eats: The Beach Hut and Zacry's offer delicious meals with stunning sea views, and there are lots of other places that are dog friendly.
• Dog Rules: Open to dogs all year, no seasonal restrictions.

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3. Fistral Beach, Newquay

Why Visit: Fistral Beach is one of the UK's most famous surfing destinations. Families can enjoy surf lessons, and the expansive sands are perfect for dogs to play. There are lots of year-round dog friendly beaches in and near Newquay, making it the perfect place for dog owners to holiday with their pups.

• Amenities: Surf hire, shops, lifeguards, toilets, and nearby family attractions in Newquay.
• Dog Rules: Dogs are welcome year-round.

4. Gwithian Towans Beach

Why Visit: Gwithian offers a mix of sand dunes and rock pools, making it a paradise for children to explore and dogs to roam. The beach is also a great spot for wildlife watching and offers spectacular views of Godrevy Lighthouse.

• Amenities: Lifeguards in summer, parking, and toilets.
• Dog Rules: Dogs are allowed year-round, but only during the hours of 10am - 6pm in July and August.

5. Polzeath Beach

Why Visit: Polzeath is known for its gentle waves, making it safe for children to paddle and ideal for beginner surfers. The beach is spacious, allowing dogs to enjoy off-lead fun. It's probably one of our favourites and top recommendations due to the amenities on offer- with beach side converted storage containers serving delicious food, and lots of ice cream parlours and fish and chips walkable from the beach!

• Amenities: Parking, toilets, and family-friendly restaurants and pop-up eateries.
• Nearby Eats: The Cracking Crab offers dog-friendly dining with ocean views.
• Dog Rules: Dogs are welcome most of the year, but are unfortunately banned between mid May and end of September between the hours of 10am and 6pm.

6. Porthcurno Beach

Why Visit: Porthcurno is often hailed as one of Cornwall's most beautiful beaches, with turquoise waters and dramatic cliffs. It's a quieter spot, perfect for families seeking a peaceful day out, but beware more peaceful spots often mean less amenities! Whilst checking out this stunning beach, do not miss the surrounding beautiful, rugged coastline and of course- the Minack Theatre.

• Amenities: Toilets, parking, and a seasonal café.
• Dog Rules: Dogs are allowed all year, except from 10 am to 6 pm from July 1st and August 31st.

7. Mawgan Porth

Why Visit: Mawgan Porth offers a tranquil setting with plenty of space for families and dogs, recently made famous on the ITV drama 'Playing Nice'. The beach is backed by cliffs and dunes and covers a long stretch, with waving streams in the sand and rockpools. It offers dramatic scenery, and it isn't a huge hike to Bedruthan steps and the Trescoe Islands.

• Amenities: Toilets, parking, shops, restaurants and pop-up eateries.
• Nearby Eats: Catch Seafood Bar & Grill is perfect for family dining and is dog-friendly.
• Dog Rules: Dogs are welcome year-round.

8. Harlyn Bay

Why Visit: Not too far from family favourite Padstow, Harlyn Bay is a wide and spacious beach known for its golden sands and gentle waves. It's ideal for families with young children and dogs.There's also a popular beach sauna pop up here.

• Amenities: Lifeguards during peak seasons, parking, and surf schools, outdoor cafes, toilets in car park.
• Dog Rules: Dogs are allowed year-round.

9. Porthkidney Sands

Why Visit: Located near St Ives, Porthkidney Sands is a vast, dune-backed beach offering plenty of space for dogs to run and children to play. In the summer, this beach can honestly look like the Caribbean. The beach remains quiet even during peak seasons, due to its more famous neighbours.

• Amenities: Limited facilities; plan accordingly.
• Dog Rules: Dogs are welcome year-round.

10. Gyllyngvase Beach

Why Visit: A short walk from Falmouth town centre, Gyllyngvase Beach is popular among families for its clean waters and nearby amenities. The beach is suitable for paddleboarding and other water activities and is usually very calm and still- perfect for a sunset swim.

• Amenities: Lifeguards during peak seasons, toilets, and a beachfront café with steps to the sand. Short walk to main town centre in Falmouth.
• Dog Rules: Dogs are not allowed from 10 am to 6 pm between May 15th and September 30th.

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Plan Your 2025 Cornwall Beach Adventure

Cornwall's diverse beaches offer something for every family and their canine companions. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, these beaches provide the perfect backdrop.

Looking for the perfect place to stay? Explore our range of dog-friendly holiday cottages to find the ideal base for your Cornish getaway with all your loved ones. For exclusive offers and monthly deals, sign up to our newsletter by clicking this link.