Want to explore the North Cornwall coast with your pooch?
The Newquay area is a great location to do so. Not only are there countless amazing dog-friendly restaurants, pubs, and accommodations in the area, but of course there is miles of stunning coastline to explore together.
Here are 5 of the best beaches in the Newquay area that are dog friendly all year round:
Fistral Beach
Fistral Beach, located half a mile west of Newquay, is of course most famous for being a surfing hotspot – but it’s also a fantastic beach for exploring with your dog! It is split into two distinct sections, North Fistral and South Fistral, both of which have sandy shorelines and steep sand dunes. The iconic Headland Hotel overlooks the beach, making it a picturesque walking spot. There are also plenty of areas for your dog to explore or enjoy a swim. The Cribbar, a reef at the northern end, is world-renowned for its big waves but is considered safe for dogs to explore during low tide.
There is paid parking in the area, as well as various restaurants and cafes right on the beach.
For more info check out our full guide to Fistral Beach.
Watergate Bay
Watergate Bay is the perfect beach for taking your dog for a walk! It is an expansive sandy beach located approximately 3 miles from Newquay. The beach is spacious, however, there is a car park near the Watergate Hotel that can get busy, providing ample opportunity for your pup to meet some furry friends!
The beach is located north-westerly which makes it desirable for surfers, but also means there can be a breeze. Kite-surfers also enjoy this beach due to the wind. Your pup will also have a great time as there are a variety of points to access the beach from the cliffs. The greatest ease of access, however, is through the valley as there are several facilities present. It’s worth noting that the beach does disappear at high tide.
Watergate Bay is one of my absolute favourite spots in Cornwall. There are some lovely little restaurants and bars owned by the hotel, many of which are welcoming of well-behaved dogs.
For more info check out our full guide to Watergate Bay.
Penhale Sands
Penhale Sands is a beautiful beach perfect for taking your pup out for a long walk. It stretches for three miles along the coastline, connecting up with two other lovely beaches, Perran Sands and Perranporth Beach. At the back, there are stunning sand dunes which are home to the ruins of St Piran’s oratory.
Access to the beach is easy and the atmosphere is friendly and welcoming – your pup won’t be short of furry friends!
For more info check out our full guide to Penhale Sands.
Crantock Beach
Crantock Beach, located between the headlands of Pentire and West Pentire near Newquay, is an ideal spot to take your furry friend for a walk. This large, sandy beach offers plenty of room to explore with its dunes, rock pools, and caves – all beside the picturesque River Gannel.
For more info check out our full guide to Crantock Beach.
Porth Joke Beach
Porth Joke, sometimes called Polly Joke, is the perfect spot to bring your doggo for a nice walk. Just five miles south of Fistral Beach in Newquay, Porth Joke is an unspoiled, sandy beach, conveniently accessible by an easy five-minute stroll from the car park just outside of the village of Crantock. So leave that doggy lead at home, take them to this beautiful beach, and enjoy some tranquil quality time with your furry friend.