If you’re planning a trip to St Austell in Cornwall and don’t want to leave your furry friend behind, you’re in luck. St Austell boasts several stunning dog-friendly beaches where your dog can run, play, and swim to its heart’s content. Here’s a guide to the best dog friendly beaches in St Austell.
Dog Friendly Beaches in St Austell
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St Austell Beaches in Cornwall for Dogs
Cornwall is renowned for its beautiful dog-friendly beaches, and St Austell is no exception. The area 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. Check out these dog friendly beaches in Cornwall.
Porthpean Beach
Porthpean Beach is ideal for a family day out, just a short distance from the town centre. The sandy beach, surrounded by cliffs, offers beautiful views and a sense of seclusion. Its sandy shores and calm waters are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking. Popular activities include kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, windsurfing, and snorkelling. It also hosts the Porthpean Sailing Club, which has a slipway for easy access to the water.
Facilities: Public toilets and a small café are nearby, and parking is available a short walk from the beach.
📍 St Austell, PL26 6AU
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🐾 Cornwall Council enforces a seasonal dog ban. Between 1 July and 31 August, dogs are not allowed on the beach between 10 am and 6 pm.
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Carlyon Beach Cornwall
Carlyon Bay is a stunning stretch of sand that is perfect for a day out. The westerly end, known as Crinnis Beach, is the most accessible and popular. The beach stretches for almost two miles, with the South West Coast Path running along the cliff top. It’s popular for early morning wild swimming sessions, but check tide times for a safe visit.
Facilities: Unfortunately, there are no toilets at Carlyon Bay Beach. Access from the car park is not ideal for those with mobility issues.
📍 Carlyon Bay St Austell Cornwall PL25 3RG
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🐾 Seasonal dog ban between Easter and 30 September.
BookBeat – Soundtrack Your Dog Walks
If you love turning a simple dog walk into a mini adventure, BookBeat is the perfect companion. This audiobook app gives you access to over a million stories – from gripping thrillers to feel-good novels – all ready to stream straight to your phone.
Even better, there’s a 30-day free trial, so you can give it a proper go with no pressure. And if BookBeat isn’t the right fit for you? No problem at all – you can cancel your subscription whenever you like, making it a totally stress-free way to soundtrack your dog walks.
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 (which is dog friendly), and enjoy the maritime atmosphere. Charlestown Beach is a pebble beach with lots of character.
Facilities: The village of Charlestown has several cafés, pubs, and shops.
📍 Charlestown Harbour Car Park, PL25 3NT
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🐾 Dogs welcome all year round.
Duporth Beach
Duporth means’ Two Coves’ in Cornish. It’s perfect for a more secluded outing with your dog, a peaceful walk, or quality time by the sea.
The beach is a quiet, sandy beach accessible via 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!
Facilities: The beach has no facilities, so bring what you need.
📍 Parking is either from Porthpean, PL26 6AX or from Charlestown, PL25 3NJ
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🐾 Dog-friendly all year round.
Stay the Night
If you know when you’d like to travel, try to book as soon as possible in advance. Prices rise the closer you get to the travel date. However, there is a vast array of dog-friendly accommodation for all budgets.
Beaches Near St Austell
Par Beach
Par Sands Beach is perfect for building sandcastles, flying kites, and playing beach games. Explore the nearby dunes and ponds for wildlife spotting. The expansive sands and gentle slope are ideal for long walks and games of fetch.
Facilities: A holiday park with a café, restaurant, and toilets is nearby. Parking is available close to the beach.
📍 Par Sands, PL24 2AS
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🐾 Dog-friendly all year round.
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 offers a glimpse into traditional Cornish life.
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.
📍 St Austell PL26 6JG
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🐾Dog-friendly all year round.
Caerhays Estate
Porthluney Cove, a spacious, sandy beach backed by the stunning Caerhays Castle and Gardens, offers a liberating setting for your beach day. Its less crowded nature provides a sense of freedom and a peaceful retreat for you and your dog.
Facilities: There’s a beach café, and parking is near the beach.
📍 Gorran, St Austell, PL26 6LY
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🐾Dogs are welcome in the gardens on leads when open in the spring. Dog-friendly all year round on the beach.
Polstreath Beach
Mevagissey, a quintessential Cornish fishing village located just south of St Austell, is a place of enchantment. Known for its narrow streets, colourful houses, and bustling harbour, it is a delight to visit and explore.
Polstreath Beach is a hidden gem accessed via a steep path and 200 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.
Facilities: There are no facilities on the beach, but nearby Mevagissey has shops, cafés, and toilets.
📍 Mevagissey Harbour Long Stay Car Park, West Wharf, Mevagissey PL26 6QQ.
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🐾 Dog-friendly all year round.
Readymoney Cove
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. Don’t miss St Catherine’s Castle or the nearby Restormel Castle. The Fowey Polruan Ferry, which runs daily except Christmas Day, is dog-friendly.
Facilities: The village has public toilets plus several cafés, pubs, and shops.
📍 Readymoney Car Park, Fowey PL23 1JD (Followed by a 10-minute walk to the beach)
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🐾 Seasonal dog ban between Easter and 30 September.
Looe Beach
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. The town hosts an annual music festival, adding to its vibrant cultural scene. There are plenty of things to do in Looe with dogs.
Facilities: There are public toilets plus several cafés, pubs, and shops.
📍 Millpool Car Park, Looe PL13 2AH (It is a good 15-minute walk to the beach from the car park)
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🐾 The main beach is not dog-friendly. But they can go to the beach on the left-hand side (as you’re looking at the sea.) You’ll also see people letting their dogs dip off the slopping jetty near the RNLI station.
Polperro Beach
Polperro is a beautifully preserved fishing village with a rich history and stunning coastal scenery. Wander through the narrow, winding streets and take in the breathtaking views of the south coast. There are so many dog friendly things to do in Polperro.
For such a small village, you will experience outstanding local food in various cafes, pubs and restaurants. Check out the best dog friendly places to eat in Polperro.
Facilities: The village has public toilets plus several cafés, pubs, and shops.
📍 Polperro Car Park, Looe PL13 2PL (You can’t drive into the village. It is a good 15-minute walk to the beach)
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🐾 Dogs are allowed on the beach all year but must be on leads between 10 am and 6 pm
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