If you’re planning a trip to the town of St Austell in Cornwall and you don’t want to leave your furry friend behind, you’re in luck. St Austell is home to some stunning dog-friendly beaches where your four-legged companion can run, play, and swim to their heart’s content. Here’s a guide to the best dog friendly beaches in St Austell.
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St Austell Beaches in Cornwall for Dogs
There are so many beautiful dog friendly beaches in Cornwall. St Austell offers a delightful mix of sandy coves, pebbly shores, and scenic trails perfect for a beach adventure with your dog. Whether you’re looking for a quiet retreat or a lively beachside experience, there’s something for everyone.
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Porthpean Beach
Porthpean Beach is perfect for a family day out, just a short distance from the town centre. The sandy beach is surrounded by cliffs, offering beautiful views and a sense of seclusion. Its sandy shores and calm waters make it ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking. Kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, windsurfing, and snorkelling are popular here. It’s also home to Porthpean Sailing Club, which has a slipway with easy access to the water.
Facilities: Public toilets and a small café are nearby, and parking is available a short walk from the beach.
🐾 Cornwall Council enforces restrictions with a seasonal dog ban. Between 1 July and 31 August, dogs are not allowed on the beach between 10am and 6pm.
Carlyon Bay
Carlyon Bay St Austell is a stunning stretch of sand, perfect for a day out. The westerly end is known as Crinnish Beach, and it is the most accessible and popular. The stretch of sand is almost two miles long. The South West Coast Path runs along the cliff top.
It’s popular for early morning wild swimming sessions, but check the tide times before you go.
🐾 Seasonal dog ban between Easter and 30 September.
Facilities: Unfortunately, there are no toilets at Carlyon Bay Beach. Access to the beach from the car park is not ideal for those with mobility issues.
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Duporth Beach
Duporth Beach is a quiet, sandy beach accessible via the South West Coast Path. It’s perfect for a more secluded outing with your dog, a peaceful walk, or some quality time by the sea.
🐾 Dog friendly all year round.
Facilities: The beach has no facilities, so be sure to bring what you need.
Charlestown Beach
Step back in time at Charlestown Harbour, where tall ships and maritime history come to life. This picturesque port, frequently used as a filming location for TV shows and films, is perfect for a leisurely stroll. Walk along the quayside, visit the Charlestown Shipwreck and Heritage Centre, and enjoy the maritime atmosphere. Charlestown Beach is a pebble beach with lots of character.
🐾 Dog friendly all year round.
Facilities: The village of Charlestown has several cafés, pubs, and shops.
Explore the Coastal Path
Breathe in the salty air and feast your eyes on the stunning vistas of the South West Coast Path. The rugged coastline, with its dramatic cliffs and hidden coves, is a walker’s paradise. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins frolicking in the surf!
🐾 Dog friendly
Take a Picnic
Pack a picnic, grab a blanket, and head to one of the beautiful Cornish beaches. Enjoy the sound of waves lapping the shore and catch a stunning sunset.
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Devon Hampers Promo Code
Get 5% off hampers or create your own. Order anything from a clotted cream tea for two or a large hamper full of goodies. There is no minimum order amount. Use DEVON5 at the checkout.
Book a Tour
Embarking on a tour with Viator promises an enriching and hassle-free experience that’s hard to beat. You’re not just booking a tour; it’s an expertly crafted itinerary curated by locals and seasoned travellers, ensuring you uncover the hidden gems and must-see attractions. From walking tours to culinary adventures and everything in between, Viator offers an extensive range of options tailored to diverse interests and budgets.
Beaches Near St Austell
Par Beach
Par Sands Beach is perfect for building sandcastles, flying kites, and playing beach games. You could also explore the nearby dunes and ponds for wildlife spotting. The water is ideal for children to swim and play in, but there’s no lifeguard service. The expansive sands and gentle slope make it perfect for long walks and games of fetch.
🐾 Dogs allowed all year
Facilities: A holiday park with a café, restaurant, and toilets is nearby. Parking is available close to the beach.
Gorran Haven Beach
Gorran Haven is a charming, sheltered sandy beach perfect for a day out with your dog. The clear, shallow waters are great for paddling. The surrounding village is quaint and friendly, offering a glimpse into traditional Cornish life.
🐾 Dog friendly throughout the year.
Facilities: The village has a few shops, a café, and public toilets. There’s also a car park close to the beach for easy access.
Caerhays Estate
Porthluney Cove is a spacious, sandy beach that is dog-friendly all year round. It’s backed by the stunning Caerhays Castle and Gardens, offering a beautiful setting for your beach day. The beach is less crowded than some more central beaches, providing a peaceful retreat for you and your dog.
🐾 Dogs are welcome in the gardens on leads when it is open in the spring
Facilities: There’s a beach café, and parking is near the beach.
Dog Friendly Beaches Cornwall
So many of the best beaches in Cornwall are on the south coast.
Polstreath Beach
Polstreath Beach is a hidden gem accessed via a steep path and steps from the South West Coast Path. It’s less crowded, making it a peaceful spot for you and your dog to enjoy. The sandy beach with rocky areas provides plenty of space for dogs to explore.
🐾 Seasonal dog ban between 1 July and 31 August. Dogs are not allowed on the beach between 10am and 6pm.
Facilities: There are no facilities on the beach itself, so come prepared. However, there are shops, cafés, and toilets nearby
Mevagissey
Mevagissey is a quintessential Cornish fishing village located just south of St Austell. Known for its narrow streets, colourful houses, and bustling harbour, it is a delight to visit. Spend time exploring the charming shops, galleries, and seafood restaurants, or take a boat trip along the coast for a different perspective of this beautiful village.
Fowey
Situated on the west bank of the River Fowey, this picturesque town is famous for its scenic harbour, historic buildings, and literary connections with author Daphne du Maurier. Enjoy a stroll along the Esplanade, visit the Fowey Museum, and explore the independent shops and cafes – there are so many things to do in Fowey. No visit is complete without discovering St Catherine’s Castle or the nearby Restormel Castle.
Take advantage of the opportunity to take a ferry across the river to Polruan for stunning views and coastal walks. The Fowey Polruan Ferry runs every day of the year, apart from Christmas Day and departs from each side every 10-15 minutes. It’s also dog-friendly.
Looe
Looe is a charming seaside town divided into East and West Looe by the River Looe. East Looe is known for its sandy beach, bustling fish market, and vibrant harbour, while West Looe offers a quieter, more residential atmosphere.
There are plenty of things to do in Looe, including visiting the Looe Museum, taking a boat trip to Looe Island, or simply enjoying the local seafood at one of the many restaurants. The town also hosts an annual music festival, adding to its vibrant cultural scene. Looe has many exciting restaurants, pubs, and cafes to choose from; places to eat in Looe.
Polperro
Polperro is a beautifully preserved fishing village with a rich history and stunning coastal scenery. Wander through the narrow, winding streets, visit the Polperro Heritage Museum of Smuggling and Fishing, and take in the breathtaking views of the south coast. Discover all of the things to do in Polperro.
For such a small village, you will experience outstanding local food in all of these places to eat in Polperro.
Cornish Days Out
There are so many unusual things to do in St Austell; it’s full of surprises. Whether you’re a family, a couple, or just exploring solo, this charming Cornish town has something for everyone. So, the next time you visit St Austell, be sure to venture off the beaten path and enjoy these unique activities.
Places to Stay in St Austell
If you know when you’d like to travel, try to book in advance and as soon as possible. Prices rise the closer you get to the travel date. However, there is a vast array to accommodate all budgets. Find great places to stay in Cornwall:
Cornwall Hideaways
Cornwall Hideaways have a massive selection of luxury holiday homes to make your next staycation perfect. Whether it’s a romantic getaway or a family holiday, there’s plenty to choose from. You’ll be able to find properties with the things on your tick list, including dog-friendly, sea views, walking routes or even a log fire. There are barn conversions, cottages, lofts and manor houses – perfect for self catering holidays.
🐾 Dog friendly
Best Western Hotels
There are two Best Western Hotels in Cornwall; Fowey and Newquay. Every Best Western hotel is individual and crammed full of its own personality. From big comfy beds, fresh linen sheets and free WiFi. Some of the hotels have parking and may charge a small fee. Check out their special offers.
🐾 Some properties welcome dogs
Haven Holidays
Haven Holidays in Cornwall can be found at Perranporth and Hayle. With acres of fun for all the family, beaches, and entertainment, you’ll be thrilled with your stay here. Both caravans and lodges are available, and there are plenty of leisure facilities and an indoor pool.
🐾 Dog friendly accommodation
Sykes Holiday Cottages
The award-winning business has cottages across the UK, and the ones near Rhayader are beautiful. From cosy lodges with traditional woodburning stoves to contemporary accommodation with a hot tub. With all the amenities you could need, including parking, WiFi and many dog-friendly places, check out Sykes Holiday Cottages.
🐾 Dogs welcome
National Trust Holidays
National Trust Holidays offer a selection of holiday cottages, campsites and bunkhouses set in spectacular locations. They have everything you need for a night away, from kitchen facilities to cosy gardens to relax in during warmer weather.
🐾 Dogs welcome in some properties
Or, get 35% off when booking 10 nights or more in Cornwall, Devon, Wales and Northern Ireland. Bookings are for stays between 1 October and 30 November 2024 and 1 January to 28 February 2025. Use discount code 10NAF.
Plan a Trip with Expedia
Booking a hotel via Expedia is a seamless experience that offers convenience and choice at your fingertips. With just a few clicks, you can browse through a wide array of cosy boutique hotels and luxurious resorts tailored to your preferences and budget. Compare prices, read reviews from fellow travellers, and explore amenities, ensuring you find the perfect place to stay for your trip.
Create your Itinerary
Using TripAdvisor when booking a hotel allows you to access a wealth of reviews and ratings from fellow travellers, helping you make an informed decision on where to stay while also providing recommendations and insights on planning, being accessible, and things to do during your trip.
Last Minute Deals
Using LastMinute.com to book hotel rooms allows you to seize spontaneous travel opportunities while securing great deals. Stay at great hotels at a fraction of the price.
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