The Beach Hut
A relaxed, dog-friendly beachside restaurant at Watergate Bay, perfect for refuelling after a walk on the sand. Expect seasonal local produce, fresh seafood, burgers and classic favourites, all with beautiful …
Dog-friendly Holidays in Cornwall
Cornwall is surrounded by sea on three sides, and that makes it one of the best places in Britain for a holiday with your dog. There are wide sandy bays on the North Coast, sheltered coves on the Lizard and the South Coast, miles of coast path in between, and open moorland inland for when you fancy a change from sand.
We’ve spent years getting to know dog-friendly Cornwall, so you don’t have to work it all out from scratch. From which beaches stay open to dogs in high summer to the best spots for clifftop walks and quiet coves, this guide covers where to stay, the areas worth exploring, and where to eat out and spend the day together. Pick an area to start, or go straight to the kind of stay you’re after.
Featured Businesses
Discover some of the best dog-friendly businesses in Cornwall
Watergate Bay Hotel
Right on one of Cornwall’s most spectacular beaches, Watergate Bay Hotel is the sort of place where the sea becomes part of the holiday. There are two miles of sandy …
Mullion Cove Hotel & Spa
Discover one of Cornwall’s most spectacular dog-friendly coastal hotels at Mullion Cove Hotel & Spa. Perched above the harbour on the Lizard Peninsula, this luxurious seaside retreat welcomes dogs with …
Bar-K
A spacious five-bedroom dog-friendly holiday home near Saltash, sleeping up to 12 with a secure garden, hot tub, sauna, cinema room and plenty of space for a group getaway.
Lusty Glaze Beach
There are very few places in England where you can enjoy dinner within metres of the stunning Atlantic Ocean, a chance to be the sea’s spectator as you dine in …
St Enodoc Hotel by Paul Ainsworth
Overlooking the Camel Estuary in Rock, St Enodoc Hotel by Paul Ainsworth is a stylish coastal retreat surrounded by some of North Cornwall’s most beautiful beaches. With individually designed rooms, …
Duchy of Cornwall Cottages
A collection of characterful dog-friendly holiday cottages in beautiful locations across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. From cosy countryside retreats to larger family stays, the collection puts you close …
Beach Pads
Three dog-friendly beach houses in Lelant, near St Ives, with Porthkidney Beach right outside the door. Stay with your dog beside a year-round dog-friendly beach, with coastal walks, hot tubs …
The Living Space
Dog-friendly dining at Watergate Bay with sea views, relaxed seating, cocktails and a menu of small plates, sharing boards, burgers, salads, pasta and grill dishes.
Boutique Retreats
Fireside evenings in a country cottage or stargazing from a hot tub at a clifftop hideaway: Boutique Retreats has over 240 luxury homes to choose from, and more than 100 …
Fistral Beach Hotel
Perched above the iconic Fistral Beach in Newquay, Fistral Beach Hotel & Spa is an adults-only coastal retreat where you don’t have to leave your four-legged companion behind. With dog-friendly …
Widemouth Bay Caravan Park
Drive down a quiet country lane to discover Widemouth Bay Caravan Park. Set in 50 acres of grounds, you’ll be able to smell how close you are to the sea. …
Budock Vean Hotel
Tucked away on the peaceful Helford River near Falmouth, Budock Vean Hotel & Spa is a dog-friendly country retreat where luxury meets adventure. With welcoming dog-friendly rooms, acres of woodland …
The Nare Hotel
The Nare is a five-star country house hotel overlooking Carne Beach on Cornwall’s Roseland Peninsula. With coastal walks, sandy beaches and a dedicated dogs’ menu, it is a wonderful destination …
SeaSpace
SeaSpace is a relaxed, design-led place to stay in Porth, Cornwall, with stylish studios and apartments, ocean views, a pool, hot tub and plenty of space to enjoy the coast. …
Atlantic Hotel
A landmark dog-friendly hotel in Newquay with sweeping Atlantic views, spa facilities and dog-friendly dining. Fistral Beach, the harbour and miles of coastal walks are all close by.
Falmouth Holiday Homes
Falmouth Holiday Homes offer an exclusive hand-picked collection of stylish and contemporary, dog-friendly holiday accommodation in and around the picturesque Cornish coastal town of Falmouth and the stunning surrounding area.
Cornish Stays
Cornish Stays brings together a handpicked collection of dog-friendly holiday homes across Cornwall, from coastal cottages near the beach to spacious countryside retreats. Expect beautiful locations, stylish interiors and plenty …
Explore by area
Where to go in Cornwall with your dog, from surf beaches to quiet coves
Where to Stay
Dog-friendly places to stay in Cornwall
On the Map
Every dog-friendly place we list in Cornwall. Tap a pin to take a look.
Out and About
Where to eat, dog-friendly places to visit and more
FAQs
Dog-friendly beaches, walks and holidays in Cornwall: your questions answered
Are dogs allowed on beaches in Cornwall?
Yes, on most of them. Cornwall Council restricts dogs on 48 beaches in summer, and only between 10am and 6pm. Outside those hours and dates, dogs can go on almost every beach in the county.
- Banned 1 July to 31 August: 34 beaches, including Porthcurno, Kynance Cove, Praa Sands, Porthgwidden in St Ives and Swanpool in Falmouth
- Banned 15 May to 30 September: 11 of the busiest beaches, including Polzeath, Widemouth, Sennen, Porthminster and Gyllyngvase
- Dogs on leads 21 May to 30 September: Summerleaze in Bude
Our guide to dog-friendly beaches in Cornwall lists every beach dogs can use all year, and every beach with summer rules.
Which Cornish beaches allow dogs all year?
Any beach that isn't on the council's list is open to dogs all year. On the north coast that includes Perranporth, Holywell Bay, Daymer Bay and Constantine Bay, which are all big, sandy and great for a run.
Privately owned beaches can set their own rules, so look out for signs. Our Year-round dog-friendly beach filter finds places to stay near one, and our Cornwall beaches guide lists them all, area by area.
Can I walk my dog on the South West Coast Path in Cornwall?
Yes. Dogs are welcome along the whole Cornish stretch. Some sections cross farmland with sheep or cattle, so keep a lead handy. The cliff edges are often unfenced, so keep your dog close on windy days.
When is the best time to visit Cornwall with a dog?
Spring and autumn. Every beach is open to dogs, the coast path is quieter and cottages are often cheaper. September is a good choice: the sea is at its warmest, and the 1 July to 31 August bans have already lifted.
Where can I eat out with my dog in Cornwall?
Lots of beach cafés, harbourside pubs and restaurants welcome dogs inside, from Falmouth to Padstow. Our dog-friendly places to eat in Cornwall include spots where your dog can join you at the table, not just outside.
What are the best days out in Cornwall with a dog?
Walk the coast path, take a boat trip, visit a dog-friendly garden or spend a day on a beach that allows dogs all year. Our dog-friendly days out in Cornwall have more ideas.
Do dog-friendly places to stay charge extra for dogs?
Some do and some don't. Many hotels and cottages charge a small fee per dog, per night or per stay, while others welcome dogs free. Each of our dog-friendly places to stay in Cornwall explains its dog policy, including how many dogs are allowed and any rooms or areas they can't go.