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Mr Arlo's Top 4 dog-friendly beaches in South East Cornwall
Mr Arlo's Top 4 dog-friendly beaches in South East Cornwall
AH BLISS! A last minute staycation in South Cornwall with our beagle and toddler at the start of the school holidays. Trips to Polperro, Looe, Polkerris and the like with their sandy beaches and calm water was just what we needed after 18 weeks of lockdown. What we hadn't factored in was the number of summer dog bans in place on most well-known beaches in the area. Cue some last minute research to find 'alternative' beaches friendly to both dogs and toddlers. Here's what we discovered...
1. Porthluney Cove
1. Porthluney Cove
Fabulously sandy beach near to St Austell and 10 minute drive from Lost Gardens of Heligan. Very peaceful, sheltered setting in grounds of the striking Caerhays Castle. Dogs allowed all year round.
Takes top spot because it has the bonus of a cafe and carpark with direct access to beach (£4 for whole day).
We arrived at 2pm and the beach appeared busy at first glance, however we walked to the right end and found a lovely spot with plenty of space around us (it always pays to put the effort in to walk down a beach to find a good spot!). Plenty of beach for playing and running when tide is out. Note: sea comes in fairly quickly when tide turns.
2. Polridmouth Beach
2. Polridmouth Beach
Our family favourite. Situated just west of Fowey and along a popular 4 mile stretch of the South West Coast Path. Accessed on foot only and carpark located a 15/20 minutes walk up hill. Carpark is a farmer's field and costs 50p for the day via a milk pail honestly box (love this!).
Walk from carpark is gently downhill along farm track. Our toddler found it easy and I did see a family manage it with an all-terrain pram.
No facilities so a picnic is essential.
There are actually two beaches. The first you come to is sandy and sheltered, backed by fields. We walked left round to the second which was beautiful and empty with views of Gribbin Head Daymarker. Sandy with a small stream and lots of interesting beach bits like rock pools, driftwood, pebbles, shells, etc. There were even ducks. My son just loved it and, thanks to the Cornish mizzle, we had the beach to ourselves for a couple of hours. Magical!
3. Lansallos Cove
3. Lansallos Cove
Part of the National Trust Lantic Bay area, Lansallos Cove is a 20 minute downhill stroll from a National Trust car park located in the village. The very pretty woodland walk leads directly down to the beach. The walk is steep and not pram friendly. However, it is a reasonable walk for people without mobility issues. Lovely and shady most of the way with activities en route for children.
The cove itself is extremely pretty with shallow, calm water. Great spot for watersports like paddleboarding, kayaking and there were even people scuba diving from a boat offshore. Perfect for a doggy paddle too!
It is a shingle (shale) beach. Therefore, activities are a bit limited for young children as the shale is useless for sandcastles, digging or building. Remote and rural location without facilities - picnic and packing light is essential.
4. South Milton Sands, Devon
4. South Milton Sands, Devon
No. 4 because this one certainly derserves a mention despite being located further east along the South Devon coastline.
Expansive soft sandy beach which is dog-friendly all year round. Another National Trust site with carpark and cafe within direct access of beach. The cafe crowd seemed rather 'yachty' but the sand dune backed-beach was fabulously dog-friendly and really beautiful. There is another carpark at the north end of the beach (£4 per day) which has stunning views over the bay and access to a nice walk along a nature reserve that leads to the NT cafe and carpark.
A real treat to find such a stunning, sandy beach that is also open to dogs during peak season. Woof!
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