CORNISH HOLIDAYS

Dog Friendly Cottages in St Ives

St Ives sits on a narrow peninsula on the west Cornwall coast, with beaches on three sides and the Tate gallery looking out over Porthmeor. It’s one of the busiest towns in Cornwall in summer — and one of the most dog-friendly, if you know where to go.

The key is understanding which beaches are open to dogs and when. Two beaches in the town are open year-round with no restrictions at all. The others have seasonal rules that are easy to work around with an early start or an evening walk. And just west of town, the coast path to Zennor is one of the most dramatic six miles of walking in the country.

St Ives Townhouse sits in an elevated position in the town, with far-reaching sea views from the living room and the raised walled garden above. Four bedrooms, a wood burner, a skylight kitchen and Bamaluz Beach half a mile on foot. Two dogs welcome. Sleeps 8.

St Ives Townhouse

Four bedrooms, a wood burner and far-reaching sea views from an elevated position in the heart of St Ives. Bamaluz Beach, the Tate St Ives and the Barbara Hepworth Museum are all half a mile on foot. The raised walled garden has a BBQ and sea views. Two dogs welcome. Sleeps 8.

Dog Freindly Walks

Three walks from St Ives

St Ives to Zennor along the coast path
6.5 miles one way | 3–4 hours | Challenging — rocky, some scrambling

This is the walk that St Ives is known for among serious walkers. The coast path west of town heads out past Porthmeor Beach, rounds the headland at Man’s Head and then follows the cliff above a succession of small coves toward Zennor. The terrain is rough — granite boulders, narrow sections close to cliff edges, and some scrambling required, particularly at the Zennor end. Keep dogs on leads near the cliff edges and watch for sections with sheer drops close to the path.

The reward is the Tinners’ Arms in Zennor, which has been in the village since 1271. Dogs welcome, log fires in winter, and a garden in summer. The Land’s End Coaster bus runs back to St Ives — check the timetable before you set off, as services are infrequent. Most people recommend walking Zennor to St Ives rather than the reverse, to get the harder rocky section done first.

Dog note: Small dogs may need a hand over some of the larger boulders on the Zennor end of the route. The path is challenging enough that it’s worth assessing your dog’s fitness and agility before committing to the full route. The inland return via the fields is significantly easier.

Carbis Bay and Lelant via the coast path
4 miles one way | 1.5–2 hours | Easy to moderate

Head east from St Ives along the coast path toward Carbis Bay and then on to Lelant and Porthkidney Sands — a long, quiet beach that’s open to dogs all year with no restrictions. The train runs back to St Ives from Lelant station (St Ives Bay Line, dogs travel free), making this an easy one-way walk. Carbis Bay beach itself has seasonal dog restrictions from 15 May to 30 September, so stop at the path or continue straight to Porthkidney.

The Island — St Ives head
1.5 miles | 45 minutes | Easy

A short circuit around the headland between Porthmeor and the harbour, with views in both directions along the coast. St Nicholas Chapel sits at the top — a small medieval oratory that’s been standing since the 15th century. This is an excellent early morning or evening walk when the town is quiet, and dogs can be off-lead on the grassy sections of the headland. The path is well-maintained and there are no restrictions.

Where dogs can go on the beach in St Ives

What's open and when

St Ives has six beaches, each with different seasonal rules. Here’s the full picture.

Bamaluz Beach
Dogs all year, no restrictions

Between the harbour and Porthgwidden, reached by steep steps down from the St Ives Museum. At low tide there’s a good stretch of sand with rock pools to explore. At high tide it disappears almost entirely — check the times before you go. It’s a sheltered spot and tends to have a strong community of regular dog walkers. Three minutes on foot from the Sloop Inn.

Lambeth Walk
Dogs all year, no restrictions

On the south side of the harbour, below the town. Also tidal — at low tide the sand connects through to the harbour beach, giving dogs more room to run. Easier to access than Bamaluz, without the steep steps.

Harbour Beach
Dogs restricted 1 July to 31 August, 10am–6pm

Open to dogs outside those hours and outside those months, which is more generous than it sounds. Early morning and evening walks in summer are perfectly possible. At low tide, a big expanse of sand stretches around Smeaton’s Pier.

Porthgwidden
Dogs restricted 1 July to 31 August, 10am–6pm

A small, sheltered beach on the north side of the peninsula. The same summer rules as the harbour beach. Good option in spring and autumn when it’s quieter.

Porthmeor
Dogs restricted 15 May to 30 September, 10am–6pm

The big Atlantic-facing beach directly below the Tate. One of the best surf beaches in west Cornwall. Dogs are welcome outside the restricted hours — an early morning walk here before the crowds arrive is a good reason to plan an earlier start. The beach cafe welcomes dogs on the outside terrace.

Porthminster
Dogs restricted 15 May to 30 September, 10am–6pm

The calm, south-facing beach by the railway station. Sheltered and usually warmer than Porthmeor. Same restricted hours as Porthmeor, so the same logic applies — go early or in the evening, or visit outside the summer months when it’s at its best anyway.

Exploring the town

Dog-friendly pubs and cafes in St Ives

St Ives has a lot of restaurants and cafes. Not all welcome dogs inside. These are the ones that do.

The Sloop Inn

On the harbour, in the same spot since the 14th century. Dogs welcome inside and on the cobbled terrace outside. Low beamed ceilings, slate floors, open fires. The menu runs to Cornish seafood — the mussels are a regular recommendation. Open every day of the year.

Scoff Troff

In the centre of town, open early — which makes it the obvious stop after a morning walk. Dogs welcome inside throughout. Breakfast runs to a full English and dishes like crab rarebit. The owner’s dog Kodie is often there too.

The Lifeboat Inn

Next to the lifeboat house on the harbour, a St Austell Brewery pub. Dogs welcome in the bar. Log fires in winter, sea views in summer. The menu champions local produce across pub classics and seasonal specials.

The Loft Restaurant and Terrace

In the artists’ quarter. Dogs welcome on the covered terrace, which has sea views and heaters for cooler days. Not allowed in the main restaurant. Good food, worth booking ahead.
The Rum and Crab Shack

Local seafood and cocktails, walk-ins only. Dogs welcome in the bar. The harbour view is a bonus.

FAQ's

Questions we get asked about St Ives

Which St Ives beaches allow dogs?

Bamaluz Beach and Lambeth Walk are open to dogs all year with no restrictions. The harbour beach and Porthgwidden restrict dogs between 1 July and 31 August, 10am–6pm. Porthmeor and Porthminster restrict dogs from 15 May to 30 September, 10am–6pm. Outside those hours and dates, all beaches are open. Porthkidney Sands, east of St Ives near Lelant, is open to dogs all year and is a short walk or train ride away.

Can dogs go on Porthmeor beach?

Yes, outside the restricted period. Dogs are not permitted on Porthmeor between 15 May and 30 September, 10am–6pm. Before 10am and after 6pm during those months, and all day for the rest of the year, dogs are welcome. The beach cafe allows dogs on the outside terrace.

Is the coast path from St Ives to Zennor suitable for dogs?

Yes, but it’s a challenging route. The path is rocky, with some scrambling over boulders — particularly at the Zennor end. Dogs should be reasonably fit and agile. Keep them on leads near cliff edges. Smaller dogs may need help over the larger boulders. The Tinners’ Arms in Zennor welcomes dogs. The Land’s End Coaster bus runs back to St Ives, so you don’t have to retrace your steps.

What's St Ives like for dogs in summer?

Busier than anywhere else in this guide, but manageable if you plan around the beach restrictions. Bamaluz and Lambeth Walk are always open. Early mornings on Porthmeor before the restrictions kick in at 10am are particularly good — the beach is empty and the light on the water before 8am is worth setting an alarm for. The Penrose Estate at Porthleven, 30 minutes by car, is a good alternative on days when St Ives feels full.

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Exploring Cornwall with your dog?

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