Dog-friendly beaches you need to explore in North Cornwall
Benoath & Bossiney Coves, Tintagel
Dogs allowed: all year round
This pair of coves sit just a couple of kilometres north of Tintagel and are best visited at low tide, when their sands join up to create a larger beach as the ocean recedes. It’s sheltered down here thanks to some steep, rugged grass-topped cliffs, and a lack of facilities means it’s often far quieter than other nearby beaches. There are plenty of rockpools for curious beachgoers to spot crabs, limpets and barnacles, and you can explore a few little caves that have been cut into the rock by the Atlantic. Access is best gained from Bossiney – park in the village and head onto the coast path towards Bossiney Cove. Avoid swimming here, as the rip currents can be treacherous.
Summerleaze Beach, Bud
Dogs allowed: all year round
Backed by Bude’s buzzing town centre, this beach is a hugely popular option for families exploring Cornwall’s coastline, and your dog can come along, too. The sandy beach sits alongside the River Neet and Strat, and at the end of the Bude Canal, which has an enormous lock that releases boats on the ocean at high tide. Most exciting, though, is the beach’s own Sea Pool, which is a cracking place for kids to try swimming if they’re not confident among the waves. There are lifeguards here throughout summer, making it an excellent sea swimming spot too, but note that dogs must be on a lead between 10am and 6pm from 21 May through 30 September.
Black Rock Beach, Widemouth Bay
Dogs allowed: all year round
At the southern end of the popular, sandy Widemouth Bay (where dogs are banned), Black Rock Beach is the dog-friendly alternative on this part of the North Cornwall coastline. This stretch of sand has ample space for ball chasing, and the sea here is excellent for keen surfers thanks to its reef and beach breaks. There are lifeguards here from mid-May to late September, so swimming is safest during these months. Hungry beachgoers can fill up on sandwiches, Cornish pasties and burgers at the dog-friendly Black Rock Cafe in the car park, too.
Sandymouth Beach, Bude
Dogs allowed: all year round
Sandymouth is one of North Cornwall’s most spectacular beaches: its pebbles and sands are backed by gnarly rock formations and craggy cliffs, where you can plainly see the geological layers that have been formed over time. This means that rockpooling is a highlight here, but underwater wildlife isn’t the only kind you’ll see – peregrine falcons and buzzards can often be spotted in the skies over the cliffs. Surfing here is good, but the dog will more likely enjoy clifftop walks on the coast path – just be mindful of grazing livestock and steep drops.
Crackington Haven Beach, Crackington Haven
Dogs allowed: all year round with summer timing restrictions
You’ll need to be an early riser in summer if you want to spend time on this beach, as dogs are only allowed on Crackington Haven before 10am or after 6pm between 15 May and 30 September. It’s worth waking up for, though, as this sand and shingle beach is an impressive stretch sandwiched between spectacular cliffs. Thanks to its sheltered nature, the sea here is perfect for swimming in so bring your towel for an early morning dip with the dog, and refuel afterwards with a cream tea at The Cabin Cafe.