When visiting Cornwall, furry legged-friends and their owners have so many chances to explore harbours, coastlines and historic villages, enjoying the idyllic Cornish atmosphere that makes this county one of the most stunning natural beauties of the United Kingdom. 

Cornwall boasts so many bountiful, beautiful beaches; a natural idyll where you can enjoy a good dog walk.

Let’s explore 8 of the most delightful and dog-friendly beaches you can fall in love with, both locally near Kilminorth and further afield for a longer adventure.

Easy locations for shorter drive:

Talland –

This secluded twin cove bay is just a 7 minute drive from Kilminorth, sitting in-between Looe and Polperro. Nestled within the heritage coastline, Talland Bay is largely unspoilt and dog-friendly all year round. The bay consists of two shingle beaches of mostly coarse sand, both protected by low grassy cliffs and rocks. At low tide, there is plenty of sand for a run about and decent space for stick throwing, as well as rockpools to nose in and explore. Short sloping paths provide easy access to both beaches, with pay and display parking at the main beach near the café. There is also a smaller, less used parking spot for the eastern beach that is free to use. 

Hannafore Beach –

Located on the outskirts of Looe is the quiet south east facing Hannafore beach. It’s fairly accessible and peaceful compared to the main Looe beach, so popular for the dog walking community. The beach is mostly shingle and rock, with low tide revealing a trove of rockpools to delve into and a beautiful view of St George’s Island, a nature reserve that you can visit by boat. The main parking facilities are in Looe, which provides an enjoyable walk along to the beach, but there is also on-road parking along the seafront, that provides easy access down to the sands. 

Lantivet Bay –

Slightly further west of Looe is Lantivet Bay, a 20 minute drive from our cottages. This bay is part of a close set of three – Lantic, Lantivet and Lansallos. This trio is maintained by the National Trust. Steep cliffs, sandy beaches and shallow waters are complimented all year round by the everchanging palette overhead – wildflowers decorate the cliff tops in spring, turning red and purple with heathers in the summer sunshine, before warming down to rich golden tones of autumn. Lantivet Bay itself is a tiny cove, only accessible at low tide, making it a lovely hidden gem of a beach for walks and thoughts. The Lantivet Bay Circular Walk also provides a delightful 3 mile amble sure to provide plenty of tail-wagging memories. 

Adventures around an hour away:

If you’re looking to enjoy more of the Cornwall coastline and villages during your stay with us, there are plenty of places further afield on which to leave sandy pawprints.

Watergate Bay –

As you head to the north coast of Cornwall, you will find the vast, expansive sands of Watergate Bay. Protected by high green cliffs along the shoreline, the bay boasts two miles of clean, golden sands. There are two car parks, with facilities and local places where you can grab a hot drink before your dog walk. If you are looking for a longer wander, you can enjoy the hike south along the coastal path, which takes approximately 45 minutes to Newquay. This walk will raise the heart rate, taking you over hills and valleys whilst enjoying the beauty of the north cliffs and Atlantic sea views. 

Treyarnon Bay –

Between Treyarnon Point in the south and Trethias Island in the north, lies the clean sandy beach of Treyarnon Bay. The area is largely unspoilt by commercialism, and is dog-friendly all year round. Sand dunes and low cliffs provide the backdrop for the bay, with low waters, rock pools and a natural swimming pool providing lots of opportunities for water play, both for pets and children. It is also one of the best family beaches in Padstow, and a lifeguard is on duty from May to September. The landscape surrounding the bay and the sands themselves provide lots of walking routes, with level access to the beach from the car park.

Fistral Beach –

Fistral Beach is approximately an hour’s drive towards Newquay. West-facing with fantastic foaming surf, the beach is one of the best surfing destinations in the world. The beach itself is long and sandy, protected by high cliffs and grassy dunes – a wonderful playground for the whole family. There are ample cafés and viewpoints to enjoy, along with one of Rick Stein’s restaurants. This beach is simply beautiful and a perfect place to spend the day together.  

Longer drives into West Cornwall:

Gwynver Beach –

A beautifully secluded beach, whose name echoes Arthurian legend – Guinevere. The beach is about an 1 hour 40 minute drive from Looe, heading towards Penzance and the far west coast of Cornwall. The area is full of natural beauty, backed with grassy cliffs that hold a spectacular view of the Isles of Scilly. The hike down from the car park at the top is a little steep, which keeps it a quiet place to enjoy a run with pup along the 150m of clear sand. At low tide, it also connects with Sennen Beach to the south. Strong swell from the Atlantic Ocean rushing into the bay provide great surfing opportunities for the seasoned surfer, and dogs are welcome all year with a lifeguard on duty from May to September. 

Mullion Cove –

The furthest jaunt to mention is Mullion Cove, a journey that takes almost 2 hours from Looe and is located 5 miles up from Lizard Point. Owned by the National Trust, the small sandy beach within the Victorian harbour is revealed at low tide. When the sands are hidden beneath the waves, the harbour can be thoroughly enjoyed from the abundant flora-filled clifftops, which boast views of a series of small islands off the coast, formed as a result of volcanic activity. The harbour was built in the 1890’s to protect the boats from the Atlantic fray, and as such is a charming, historic area in which to pad around and enjoy together, be it on the sands, along the cliffs, or within the cove itself. 

These are but an aperitif to the vast array of beaches found along the Cornish coastline; the majority of the sands nestled across the county are dog-friendly seasonally, if not all year round. 

If you’d like more insider info on how to make the most of your trip to Cornwall with your four-legged friend, make sure you jump on our email list below.

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“Allow your dog to take you for a walk every day. It is good for the body, and good for the soul.”

Eckhart Toile