Hurrah - the seasonal dog ban is almost over! That means if you’re planning to visit Cornwall between October and Easter, you and your pooch will have the top pick of the beaches.
Here are five of our favourite beaches that are off-limits to four legged friends in the summer, but free to explore over winter and spring…
1. Readymoney Cove, Fowey
To the south of Fowey you’ll find Readymoney Cove, a sandy south-east facing beach overlooking the mouth of the River Fowey. Sheltered by cliffs and boasting tidal rock pools, it’s perfect for a winter stroll with your pup. Above the cove you’ll find a former coach house which was once the home of author Daphne du Maurier. Scanning the surrounding countryside, it’s not hard to see where her inspiration came from! Get here by either walking from the centre of town which will take around 20 minutes or driving to the nearby car park.
2. Porthminster, St Ives
Image credit: Matthew Jessop and Visit Cornwall
Dogs will have their pick of town beaches until Easter, but our vote goes to the award-winning Blue Flag Porthminster. Here you’ll find a fine crescent of sand, bright blue waters and stunning views across to Godrevy Lighthouse. St Ives also boasts one of the mildest climates in the UK, making this a great option for those chilly winter wanders. And if you do get nippy, pop to Porthminster Café for something warming and delicious – it’s won Coast magazine’s Best Coastal Café and The Times’ Best Coastal Restaurant.
3. Rock Beach, Rock
Rock is best known as an upmarket holiday destination thanks to its popularity with celebrities, yachting crowds and the odd member of the Royal family. But while its golden beach is off limits in the heights of summer, dogs are now free to explore until Easter. Backed by sandy dunes and the prestigious St Enodoc Golf Club, the beach is fairly sheltered and there is plenty of room for your furry friends to explore. Bring your binoculars if you’re into birdwatching as there is plenty of opportunity for that in this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
4. Kynance Cove, The Lizard
Image credit: Ashley Lewis
One of the most visually astounding beaches in the county, it’s well worth the trek to The Lizard to see Kynance Cove with Rover. The coves white sand beach is contrasted beautifully with the dark red and green serpentine rock. There is a fairly steep 10 minute walk down to the cove, so it’s not ideal for those with walking difficulties. Head there are low tide to explore the towering rock stacks and coves and if you feel like extending your walk continue two miles along the coast path to Lizard Point. It’s the UK’s most southerly point and the café does a handsome pasty.
5. Polzeath Beach, Polzeath
Image credit: Adam Gibbard and Visit Cornwall
One of the UK’s most revered surfing beaches, Rover can have a go at catching waves between now and Easter! The beach itself is a wonderful stretch of golden sand best enjoyed at low tide when it’s sprawling and just crying out to be sprinted along. There is also a wonderful network of rock pools to be explore when the tide is out, another reason to time it right. Parking is plentiful on the beach and there are toilets and cafes nearby.
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