If dogs had a say in their family’s vacation destinations, they would choose Cornwall every time. With 300 miles of unspoilt, long stretches of dog friendly beaches, exciting rugged coastal walks and pooch friendly pubs, there is no other place to be with your faithful four legged friend in the holiday season. Here they get the freedom and outdoor life they’re made for, and there is plenty of entertainment to keep pet owners happy too! Here’s a list of beaches with full access for your happy hounds all year round!
Bude
In and around Bude there are loads of cheap beach vacation sites to pick from including Bossiney, Duckpool and Sandymouth. That said, the most fun for you and your pooch are the sheltered sands of Bossiney Haven, a cove in North Cornwall with breathtaking coastal views and plenty of rock pools to frolic in, and at low tide there is even access to the neighbouring cove of Benoath. Surfers and their companions will enjoy Duckpool, which has great waves, stunning views and plenty of space for walkies! Another surf beach for experienced surfers with dogs is Sandymouth, a large National Trust stretch promising great vistas and loads of rock pool fun.
The Falmouth and Roseland regions are other good hound hangouts, especially for the surfing crowd. Dog friendly beaches include Carne Beach, Hemmick Beach and Porthluney Cove. Carne’s endless sand and shingle beach lies within Gerrans Bay on the beautiful Roseland peninsular and enjoys spectacular south facing sea views and very few visitors. Hemmick Beach is equally uncrowded with similar views and there are lovely coastal paths for ‘walkies’ after a day on the waves. Porthluney Cove is a romantic spot overlooked by Caerhays Castle, which nestles into sheltering green woodland-a peaceful place for a post play doze in the sun.
Near the Cornwall resorts of Fowey and Looe there are so many doggie beach havens that the list is endless, but don’t pass by here without visiting Hannafore, Polperro, Par sands or Whitsands. Whilst Polperro and Hannafore beach are perfect for a bracing seaside day of activities, with picturesque views, island vistas and tourist haunts and sites, wilder Whitsands is perfect for a bathing day with plenty of waves, wild dunes and caves for your dog to explore.
Newquay
Porth beach is a must, although in summer it has limited access for holidaymakers with pets. The Newquay area has always been popular for doggy days out and it’s easy to see why – the beaches here are a total puppies paradise. Beaches such as Mawgan Porth, Porth Sands and Watergate Bay are fabulous for your four legged friend and open for business all year round, whist stunning Porth Beach offers free access from September to June with lead restrictions in the summer months.
Padstow and St Ives are a treat for the more cultured canines and owners who want their holiday with all the trimmings; a beautiful beachfront base, a scenic surfing spot, rugged runs and rock pools, fine cuisine, culture and more. Around Padstow they’ll be nothing but overwhelmed with places like Constantine and Treyarnon Bays, both boasting wide fine sandy shores with pools, dunes and stunning beach accommodation with stunning ocean views – perfect for opening the door and letting your beloved pet enjoy the freedom of nature.
Only two miles away from St Ives, is another totally canine friendly beach called Porthkidney Sands, near the mouth of the Hayle Estuary. This vast stretch of fine sand is backed by gorgeous dunes and overlooked by a glorious golf club. Carbis Bay, next door is another stunning spot although access for those holidaying with dogs is more limited. So, as you can see, once you’ve discovered a good vacation spot and rented one of the many Cornwall dog friendly cottages available by coast, there are plenty of beaches that are sure to make you and your pets welcome.
Image Source: http://www.beachlets.co.uk
