CORNISH HOLIDAYS

Dog Friendly Cottages in Newquay

Newquay has more beaches than most Cornish towns — eight within a mile of the centre, each with its own character and different seasonal rules. For a dog owner the key is knowing which are open when: several are unrestricted all year, and the ones that do have summer rules are outnumbered by the ones that don’t. Add in the South West Coast Path running directly through the town, the Gannel Estuary and a string of unrestricted beaches on either side, and Newquay is one of the more practical bases on the north Cornish coast.

Seascape is close to Newquay — a two-storey property in the village of Porth, 1.5 miles from the town, on the South West Coast Path with an enclosed garden and a balcony. Fistral beach is two miles. Two dogs welcome.

Seeascape, a luxury dog friendly holiday cottage near Newquay

Seascape sleeps four in the village of Porth, 1.5 miles from Newquay, on the South West Coast Path. A reverse-living layout with the open-plan living space upstairs, floor-to-ceiling sliding doors onto a balcony and an enclosed garden at ground level off the master bedroom. Fistral beach, open to dogs all year, is two miles south. Watergate Bay is 1.4 miles north. Two dogs welcome.

Dog Freindly Walks

Three walks worth planning around

Pentire Headland loop
4 miles | 2 hours | Easy to moderate

Head north from Fistral along the coast path to Pentire Point, with open Atlantic views in both directions, then loop back via the Gannel Estuary. One of the better half-day circuits in the area. Dogs can be off-lead on the headland grassland away from the cliff edges.

South West Coast Path north — Newquay to Mawgan Porth
3 miles one way | 1.5 hours | Moderate

Head north from Porth along the coast path through Watergate Bay to Mawgan Porth. A straightforward section of the trail with consistent cliff-top views. The Merrymoor Inn at Mawgan Porth is the natural end point for a drink before heading back or continuing north toward Bedruthan.

The Gannel Estuary
Variable | Easy throughout

The River Gannel runs inland from Crantock Beach and can be followed on foot along the estuary path — a flat, sheltered walk away from the cliff exposure of the coast path. Good for quieter mornings or when the weather is coming in off the sea. Dogs off-lead on much of the route.

Beach access

What's open and when

Fistral Beach — dogs all year, no restrictions

Newquay’s most famous beach. 750 metres of sand open to dogs at any hour, any time of year. The surf is consistent and the beach wide enough to absorb the crowds even on a busy August weekend. The South West Coast Path north to Towan headland starts from the top of the beach.

Towan Beach — dogs all year, no restrictions

The most central beach in Newquay, below the town and recognisable by the private island connected to the cliff by a suspension bridge. Gets busy in summer but there are no restrictions at any time. Calm waters, rocky coves and easy access from the town centre.

Great Western Beach — dogs all year, no restrictions

Adjacent to Towan, accessible by a steep path alongside the Great Western Hotel. Joins Towan at low tide to create a large continuous stretch of beach. Lifeguarded May to September.

Watergate Bay — dogs all year, no restrictions

About 10 to 15 minutes north of Newquay. At low tide, around two miles of sand running beneath high cliffs. One of the best beaches on the north Cornish coast for dogs who need space. The Beach Hut café welcomes dogs.

Mawgan Porth — dogs all year, no restrictions

Three miles north. A sheltered Blue Flag beach with no seasonal restrictions. The South West Coast Path runs 1.5 miles north to the clifftop above Bedruthan, or south toward Watergate Bay via Beacon Cove. The Merrymoor Inn welcomes dogs.

Crantock Beach — dogs all year, no restrictions

Two miles south-west of Newquay via the Gannel Estuary crossing. A wide sandy beach backed by dunes with the estuary on one side. The low-tide crossing of the Gannel is part of the walk — check tide tables before you go.

Porth Beach — restricted 1 July to 31 August, 10am–6pm

Dogs are welcome at all other times. A sheltered, narrow beach 1.5 miles north of Newquay town, flanked by headlands and notably calmer than the open bays. The Mermaid pub is beside the beach and welcomes dogs. Trevelgue Head, an Iron Age fort on the island above the beach, is accessible by footbridge at low tide.

Lusty Glaze — dogs all year, privately owned

A sheltered cove south of Porth, accessible by steps and open to dogs all year. Quieter than the town beaches and a good alternative when the main bays are busy.

FAQ's

Questions we get asked about Newquay

Which Newquay beaches are open to dogs all year?

Fistral, Towan, Great Western, Watergate Bay, Crantock, Mawgan Porth and Lusty Glaze are all open to dogs year-round. Porth beach restricts dogs from 1 July to 31 August, 10am–6pm, but is fully open outside those hours and months.

Can dogs go on Fistral beach?

Yes, at any time of year with no restrictions. 750 metres of sand, open all year, with the South West Coast Path north to Towan headland starting from the top of the beach.

What are the best dog walks near Newquay?

The Pentire Headland loop is four miles with cliff-top and estuary views. The coast path north toward Watergate Bay and Mawgan Porth is three miles one way. The Gannel Estuary provides a flat, sheltered inland alternative. All are accessible on foot from the town or from Porth.

Is Newquay good for dogs in summer?

Yes — several beaches have no restrictions at any time, including Fistral, Towan, Great Western and Watergate Bay. Porth beach has a summer restriction but is open before 10am and after 6pm. The coast path and estuary walks are unrestricted year-round.

Discover cornwall

Exploring Cornwall with your dog?

We have cottages across the county — from the north coast at Padstow to Porthleven on the south.

Browse the full Cornwall collection here.