The best beaches & coastal spots to visit with your dog in & around Newquay

Nearby Newquay and searching for canine coastal fun? There’s no shortage of breathtaking beaches without many dog restrictions. Walkies with a view, in other words!

If you’re planning a seaside sojourn with your four-legged friend in Newquay, the area is blessed with an array of expansive golden beaches and sand dunes. Not only that, but you’ll find a very warm welcome almost everywhere in Newquay — it’s an incredibly pro-pup town!

The best dog-friendly beaches in Newquay and nearby

Crisp morning walks along Mawgan Porth, sandy paw prints on Perranporth or rockpool exploration at Whipsiderry? Whether you’re after a secluded seaside escape from the crowds or some family fun, you and Fido are truly spoiled for those when it comes to dog-friendly golden beaches in and around Newquay.

1. Fistral beach — not just world class for surfing, but walkies too

Fistral beach is perhaps best known as the surf capital of Cornwall. But as well as being one of the world’s finest, most prestigious wave-riding hotspots, its golden sands are also a premier spot favoured by local and visiting dog walkers.

Fistral beach has no dog restrictions on its beach, in its shops or in its restaurants.

That means you and your pooch will have the opportunity to leave paw prints along 750 metres of sandy shore, dip in and out of the sea or refuel at one of the nearby seafood eateries all year round.

To extend your walkies and enjoy panoramic North Cornwall at its best, the SW Coast Path runs up from the north end of the beach to the Towan headland.

Parking nearest to the beach is at TR7 1HY. By virtue of its world-famous nature, Fistral beach can sometimes be a little crowded, especially at peak season, but it simply can’t escape mention. If you’re after a little more seclusion, be sure to keep on reading.

2. Whipsiderry beach — a dog-friendly hidden gem with a rugged, natural backdrop

Filled with caves and rock pools for the whole family to explore, this rocky beach also offers dry sandy spots to sunbathe and paths on top of the rocky cliffs to take a nice walk. Dogs are allowed all year round.

Home to shallow waters and backed by imposing cliffs, this little gem to the north side of Newquay is the ultimate place for escaping to some rugged, wild scenery. A real sense of being at one with nature, with some excellent photoshoot opportunities!

At high tide, a lot of the beach can be lost to the sea, so check out the tide times. Access is down a slight incline, so elderly dogs may need a little help.

The postcode for the beach is TR7 3NH, with the nearest available parking at Porth beach, nearby to the Mermaid Inn (which is also dog friendly and serves an excellent refreshment, by the way!).

3. Towan beach — for dog-friendly family fun with a view at the heart of Newquay

Towan beach sits near the top of any must-see list of beaches near Newquay. What’s better, it’s open to dogs all year round.

Known for its high tide, sweeping sand, shingle stretch and crystal-clear waters, there’s coves, crabs and curious crevices — just a great family seaside day out. This beach is unmistakable for its iconic private island connected to the mainland by a suspension footbridge.

The beach’s postcode is TR7 1DU. As it’s so centrally located, Towan beach can be popular in summer and during the day, but there’s no restrictions at all for your furry pals.

In peak seasons, an ideal time to visit can be morning — then you can easily head into town for a post-walkies cuppa or bite to eat at one of many pro-pup eateries.

4. Great Western beach — high cliffs & low tides just moments from Newquay town centre

Lying north of Towan beach, Great Western beach couples expansive golden sands with dramatic landscapes. Welcome all year round, you and your furry friends can discover it on foot in just a few minutes from Newquay town centre.

With plenty of unspoiled golden and rock pools to explore at low tide, it’ll be a hit with all the family — whether they’re on two little legs or four furry ones. Another great hotspot for a proper beach day out in Newquay with your canine companions.

The nearby, dog-friendly Great Western Beach Complex is great for food after your sandy sojourn. The beach’s postcode is TR7 2NE and you’re well catered for with several car parks dotted around the nearby train station.

5. Perranporth beach — for expansive golden sands as far as the eye can see

For an open stretch for you and your four-legged friend, Perranporth fits the bill. Just a 10–15 drive from Newquay, you’ll discover three miles of nothing but a sandy beach and rocky cliffs.

This beach stretches so far that you’ll be sure to find plenty of space free of crowds and fellow beach-goers. The SW Coast Path runs adjacent to the beach; you can follow it northwards for a scenic walk up to Penhale Point, or head south to the picturesque Shag Rock Steps and Cligga Head. When heading south, you’ll join the SW Coast Path at the end of Tregundy Lane.

Despite some small summertime restrictions (during July and August, all dogs are required to be on a lead between 10am and 5pm), Perranporth’s beautiful, clean sands can’t escape mention — and dogs are at liberty to run free and enjoy this beautiful corner of Newquay at all other times.

There are a number of car parks in Perranporth. The closest to Perranporth are at Droskyn Car Park (overlooking the beach on Cliff Road, TR6 0DR) and the Promenade car park (Beach Road, TR6 0JL). Even if you park in the town centre, it’s not a big walk to the beach.

6. Watergate Bay — for two miles of uninterrupted, dog-friendly sand

Three miles from Newquay, Watergate Bay is well worth the short journey — especially if you’re looking to avoid the crowds associated with the beach hotspots at the heart of the town.

At low tide, you’ll be treated to a huge expanse of golden sand. Not only is it surrounded by golden sands and cliffs, it is also a spectacular place for dogs to run free year round. Given its size, you’re sure to find a spot all to yourself.

If you’re not tackling the tricky 45-minute walk from Newquay, put TR8 4AA into your navigation software and you’ll see there’s plenty of parking options, with beach access near the hotel.

The SW Coast Path running northwards and southwards from Watergate Bay allows you to extend your walkies session with some picture-postcard coastal panoramas to boot. You’ll have to prize your pup’s paws away from this picturesque spot — only to return soon, we think!

7. Mawgan Porth— for quiet, unspoiled pro-pup Blue Flag beach & unforgettable cliff top walkies

If it’s gorgeous sands, impeccable water quality and a little bit of peace and quiet you and your dog are after, then you might argue we’ve saved the best until last.

Mawgan Porth is a little-but-lively coastal village just a 10-minute drive up the road from Newquay, and just slightly north of Watergate Bay. Its gorgeous stretch of sand even has the internationally-recognised Blue Flag status — the ‘gold standard’ for clean, sustainable and environmentally-friendly beaches.

You might like to extend your adventures by taking the scenic, 1.5-mile walk up to Carnewas at Bedruthan along the SW Coast Path, or southwards to Watergate Bay, passing by Beacon Cove.

With a selection of lovely independent shops and shops in Mawgan Porth itself — the nearby dog-friendly Merrymoor Inn is great for a refreshment — you can even make an afternoon of it.

Parking in the village is available nearby the pub at TR8 4BA. Mawgan Porth’s sands are also just a short walk from our Sun Haven Holiday Park.

Stay a while in Newquay with your furry friend…

Fancy escaping to the unspoiled golden sands (and undulating surrounding countryside) of Newquay?

We offer a range of dog-friendly holidays in Cornwall at four perfectly-placed, pet-friendly parks. This includes Sun Haven, where we’re only a stone’s throw from Newquay and all the coastal panoramas listed here. You’ll soon get used to morning walks along Mawgan Porth’s Blue Flag beach!

Book a holiday home, luxury lodge or camping or touring slot for you and your four-legged family members today.

If you and your pup really love Cornwall, you might also want to consider holiday home ownership with us. We know it’s not a decision anyone takes on a whim, but we’re sure you and your pup will soon fall in love with North Cornwall once you’ve visited!

Discover Newquay’s dog-friendly sands with us.

Whether you’re after a short break or a home-from-home, we can’t wait to welcome you.

Discover Cornwall with Lovat