Before you go
Where can I take my dog to the beach in summer in Cornwall?
Photograph to come Dogs on the beach in summer.
Of the 87 beaches in our guide, 46 are not on Cornwall Council’s dogs-on-beaches restriction list, and 21 more have a ban only from 1 July to 31 August, so they are open to dogs in May, June and September. Here they are, with the caveats that matter.
Read this first
- Not being on the council list does not guarantee dogs are welcome. The council says privately owned beaches can set their own rules: look for signs.
- Council restrictions apply 10am–6pm, so early morning and evening walks are allowed even on restricted beaches.
- The council’s other dog orders, such as picking up after your dog, apply everywhere all year.
- Rules can change when councils review their orders. Check the council page before you travel.
Not on the council restriction list (46)
Open to dogs in May, June and September (21)
These beaches have a council ban from 10am to 6pm, 1 July – 31 August only.
| Beach | Nearest town guide | Water quality 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Cawsand | – | Excellent |
| Chapel Porth | St Agnes | Excellent |
| Church Cove, Gunwalloe | Helston | Excellent |
| Godrevy | Hayle | Excellent |
| Gwithian Towans | Hayle | Excellent |
| Kennack Sands | – | Excellent |
| Maenporth | Falmouth | Excellent |
| Marazion | Marazion | Excellent |
| Perranuthnoe | Marazion | Excellent |
| Poldhu Cove | Helston | Excellent |
| Polurrian Cove | Helston | Excellent |
| Porth Beach (Newquay) | Newquay | Good |
| Porthcurno | St Just | Excellent |
| Porthgwidden | St Ives | Excellent |
| Porthpean | St Austell | Excellent |
| Portmellon | Mevagissey | Excellent |
| Portreath | Camborne | Excellent |
| Praa Sands | Marazion | Excellent Excellent |
| Readymoney Cove | Fowey | Good |
| Swanpool | Falmouth | Excellent |
| Wherry Town | Penzance | Excellent |
Check the map first (7)
A council-listed area with dog rules is next to or overlaps these beaches. The council map shows exactly where the rule applies.
| Beach | Nearest town guide | Water quality 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Hayle Towans | Hayle | Excellent |
| Long Rock | Marazion | Excellent |
| Mexico Towans | Hayle | Excellent |
| Penzance Beach | Penzance | Excellent |
| Porthkidney Sands | Hayle | Excellent |
| Portwrinkle | Looe | Excellent |
| Upton Towans | Hayle | Excellent |
Map
The full list of restrictions, with dates and council maps, is on dogs on Cornish beaches.
Sources and checks
- Cornwall Council: dogs on beaches – last updated 23 October 2026, checked 1 November 2026
- Environment Agency bathing water data – Open Government Licence v3.0
Last checked: . Published by Oaknest Media. How we check: editorial policy.