Dog Friendly Beaches Cornwall

Continuing our exploration of Cornwalls wonderful beaches, today we suggest some great places to visit with your four legged friend, either when on holiday or just escaping for a short while to enjoy the sea, sand and waves. A number of beaches allow dogs access all year round, some of these beaches are easy to find, whereas others require a little more effort from both human and canine visitors. 

Par Sands beach is level and sandy and shallow for quite a long way out. With parking available nearby it is a good option if easy access is required, before enjoying a carefree run on the beach. Talland Bay is another easy access beach in the South East Cornwall area, with lots of rock pools to explore here, there is plenty to do whenever you go. If a long stretch of sand is what you need to offer a great exercise opportunity, then the four miles of sand at Whitsand Bay should satisfy even the most energetic of hounds. Seaton beach has a mixture of sand and shingle, it has lots of parking and a popular beach cafe to help everyone keep refreshed. Hannafore beach has a wide grassy bank above it which means a comfy space for a pic-nic is at hand. Another easy to find option is Downderry and for sun lovers, this wide south facing beach will always catch any rays to be had.

For the more energetic walkers amongst us, then a terrific hike down a leafy track from a National Trust car park will bring you the secret cove of Lansallos. This lovely cove invites your mind to consider Cornwalls historic smuggling past and you can easily imagine contraband being carried on the back of donkeys up the rocky path from the cove below.

Most of these beaches can be reached from the South West Coastal Path as it meanders through South East Cornwall. The storms of last year damaged much of this path, but a concerted effort by volunteers and local agencies with the National Trust, has meant that repairs are well under way. A particular section near to Looe literally fell into the sea and the coastal path had to be diverted quite a way inland to remain open. However with the help of a local landowner the pathway is now possible to walk again,  through a lovely wooded area.

Polean Farm Cottages, close to Looe, are adjacent to the pathway and can offer easy access to most of the beaches mentioned today.