Cornwall may be perfect bucket-and-spade country in the summer months. But the beaches out of season make a great playground for your pup.
As every hound-parent knows, our dogs love a snuffle and dig in the sand and a splash and a crash in the waves. And Winter (or Spring, or Autumn) is the perfect time to for your pup to make the most of uncrowded beaches and empty seas.
We were recently lucky enough to spend a few days on the north Cornwall coast, in Mawgan Porth – a pretty bay tucked inbetween the popular towns of Newquay and Padstow – and Barney certainly had a whale of a time running free!
We checked out three dog-friendly beaches during our stay so you know where to head when your hound fancies dipping his paws into the briny deep and getting his snout full of sand.
MAWGAN PORTH BEACH
Sheltered by high cliffs, there’s a lovely stretch of golden sand to race along full-pelt, plus rockpools, caves and even a waterfall to duck and dive around in.
There’s also a stream which runs down one side of the beach so plenty of places to get soggy!
The small village sits right at the beach edge – and there is a pub plus a lovely fish restaurant – Catch – where dogs are allowed (We’ll pop up a review of that eaterie soon!)
Dog-Friendly Policy: Dogs are allowed on the beach all year
WATERGATE BAY BEACH
Set between cliffs, this sandy beach is huge! Your pup will love it – not only is there plenty of space plus caves and rockpools to explore, the tides leave larger (warmish!) pools to bask around in near the cliffs that shelter the beach.
There’s a super dog-friendly beach hangout – The Beach Hut – serving food right on the sands (we’ll pop up a review of that too) and a branch of Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen above it (though only guide dogs are allowed in – shame, Jamie!)
Dog-Friendly Policy: Dogs are allowed on the beach all year
PERRANPORTH BEACH
Perranporth Beach and Perran Sands run into each other to create an expanse of sands to let loose on!
We visited here early evening and stayed until a magical sunset. There are rocks to climb on and lots of dogs to play with, too!
Dog-Friendly Policy: Dogs are allowed all year but must be kept on leads in July and August between 9am and 5pm
All photos copyright of Alistair Heap.