Dog Friendly Beaches

We have some of the country’s best beaches in St Austell Bay and many of them are dog friendly. Check out our guide below to find the perfect beach for you and your pooch.

Par Beach

Dogs are welcome here all year round, so consequently it’s an extremely popular beach for dog walkers. There is plenty of parking (Cornwall Council) close to the beach and plenty of bins.

The large area of sand, especially when the tide is out, makes it a great place for dogs to stretch their legs, chase their favourite toy or go for a swim.

Polridmouth Cove

Just a stones throw from Gribbin Head, Polridmouth is a relatively secluded area, used either by locals or those walking onto the Gribbin to visit the day maker.

The cove is a safe and secluded area for dogs to discover new smells and have a swim all year around. There is a car park around 10 to 15 minutes walk down a track and through woodland.

Although much of the beach is claimed at high tide, it can make a great stop off mid-walk.

Hallane Beach

Lying to the west of Black Head and north east of Pentewan, Hallane Beach is a small, mixed shingle and sand beach. Access to the beach is by steps and is probably more suited to dogs who love to explore shallow pools and chase balls into the sea. There are no facilities here and you’ll often find you have the beach all to yourself. Park at Trenarren and walk along the right hand fork on the surfaced track into the valley, then take the bridleway to Hallane Mill. You will find the beach at the bottom of the steps below the Mill.

Caerhays Beach

Otherwise known as Porthluney, this good sized beach welcomes dogs on leads all year round. Making up part of the Caerhays Estate gives this beach a very unique and striking backdrop. Caerhays is great for families with dogs looking to spend time together, with its golden sand ideal for playing and safe waters for paddling.

Even at high tide, there’s plenty of room to enjoy the beach. There is a large car park just minutes from the beach with charges payable all year round, with the first half an hour being free.

There is also a beach café open everyday during the summer and at selected times during the winter.

Hemmick Beach

This sandy beach is a good size and gives good opportunity for dogs to stretch their legs. Lying to the west of Dodman Point, you will be surrounded by some spectacular scenery.

This beach will make a great stop-off during a coastal walk. Often secluded, there are no facilities here, so make sure you’ve got all you need with you. There is a National Trust car park nearby, ‘Penare (Dodman Point)’ located at PL26 6NY.

From here, there is a steep walk to the beach, taking around 15 minutes or so. There is a space for a very small number of cars by the beach.

Carlyon Bay (Crinnis Beach)

Carlyon Bay is a set of three beaches located approximately 2 miles east of the town centre. The three beaches are; Crinnis, Short Horn in the middle and Polgaver over to the east side.

Stretching almost two miles in length, the three sandy beaches combine to create Carlyon Bay. Dogs are welcome during the winter months from October through to Easter, usually Good Friday.

The beach is accessible via a set of steps or by walking downhill. Car parking is available at the top of the steps and is FREE during winter/off season. Car parking charges apply during the high seasons.

Carlyon Bay, St Austell Cornwall, PL25 3RG