Category: Places To Visit

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Dog Friendly Beaches in Cornwall

Dog Friendly Beaches in Cornwall

If you are looking for a place to spend some quality time with your pet, there are some stunning dog friendly beaches in Cornwall. Surrounded on 3 sides by the sea, the coastline of Cornwall is only ever just a stones throw away. There is an almost endless choice of fantastic beaches where you can take your four legged friend for a stroll.

The only problem you will have is choosing where is your favourite spot is to stay as there are so many dog friendly cottages in Cornwall to choose from. Would you & your dog like to walk across the county’s vast sandy beaches? Maybe you prefer heading along the spectacular South West Coastal path? There is something to suit every type of stroller, whether they have two legs or four!

My favourite top 5 dog friendly beaches in Cornwall are :

Fistral Beach

The beach is a huge expanse of golden sand in the popular resort of Newquay and is split up into three distinct areas. South Fistral, the main beach & Little Fistral. Not only is the beach a great place to walk but the spectacular Pentire and Towan headlands to South and North are also well worth exploring.

Mawgan Porth Beach

Close to the town of Newquay, but also far enough away to avoid the peak season holiday crowds. The beach is sheltered by high cliffs to each side and particularly at low tide, there is lots of space.

Gorran Haven Beach

A golden sandy beach located right next to the ancient village of Gorran Haven. The beach has a small stone walled harbour giving the place a traditional Cornish feel to it.

Coverack Beach

Situated on the Lizard Peninsula lies the picture postcard fishing village of Coverack. This part of the Cornish coastline is relatively quiet all year round, so if you want to avoid crowds, this is the place for you.

Green Bay Beach

Located on the Scilly Isles, an archipelago just off the Cornish mainland. Green beach has vast expanse of white sand backed by trees and foliage to the rear, giving it an almost Caribbean like feel in the summer months.

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Piskies Cove – A Cornish Gem

Piskies Cove, is one of Cornwall’s finest hidden beaches. At low tide there is a reasonably sized section of sand for sunbathers. You should always check the local tide times before visiting. Even if the tide should happen to be in, it can still be a great place to swim, sunbathe or paddle board in the summer months. There are plenty of rocks surrounding the crystal clear blue water to lay down your towel. The cove is a simply stunning location with a very ‘Greek Island’ feel to it. The cove is mostly quiet all year round, avoiding all the usual peak season holiday crowds .

The nearest parking spot is a 15 to 20 minute walk away, so make sure you pack everything you need before you set off. There are no facilities at the beach. Dogs are allowed all year round at this beach. Please note that there are no lifeguards are on duty at Piskies Cove, even in the summer months.

For those with an interest in history, in particular the dark and mysterious chapter of Cornwall’s smuggling past. Piskies Cove is said to be the place that John Carter otherwise known as the King of Prussia, landed his contraband. From there he distributed his illegal goods all around the British Isles.

If you are planning a trip to Piskies Cove as part of a weekend break or longer holiday in Cornwall. There are variety of self catering holiday cottages to choose from in the local area.

Directions to Piskies Cove

To find Piskies Cove, take Prussia Cove turn off from main Penzance to Helston road. Park in the Prussia Cove car park, then walk down onto the South West Coastal Path. Head west and follow the path all the way to the old fisherman’s huts until you reach the cove.

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Holidays in Bude

holidays in Bude

Bude is a popular seaside town located on the North coast of Cornwall near the Devon border. It has been regularly named the UK’s best costal town at the British Travel Awards. The vast spotless golden sandy beaches of Bude are popular with surfers and tourists. Holidays in Bude provide a great place to go walking and explore the North Cornish coastline’s spectacular geology.

Bude is a laid back and endearing corner of Cornwall. The town has plenty of independent restaurants, shops, bar’s and cafe’s to spend the afternoon and evening exploring. The Bude canal, shown in the image above, is also a great place to hire a pedalo and explore the mouth of the River Neet. If you are looking to visit Bude for a short getaway or a that long awaited summer holiday, there are huge variety of holiday cottages in Bude to choose from.

Historically the town of Bude became notable as a ‘safe harbour’ for ships from the winter storms that would lash the North Cornish coastline. The Bude Canal also ran all the way to Launceston. This was used to transport coastal sand and soil that are rich in sea minerals. These deposits would then be used by farmers inland to improve the yields of their crops. The real growth of the town however came during the Victorian era. When it became popular with holiday makers looking to escape the soot filled urban city streets of the industrial revolution.

Directions to Bude

To get to Bude by car via the scenic route, also know as the the ‘Atlantic Highway’. Leave the M5 at Junction 27, and follow the A39 going past Barnstaple & Bideford and then into Bude. For those in a hurry, which is definitely not the Cornish way! Drive South West down the A30 to the Okehampton turn off, then follow the signposts for Bude heading West.

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St Nectan’s Glen

Visit St Nectan’s Glen, located within a wooded valley close to Tintagel, St Nectans Glen is one of Cornwall’s hidden gems. It also is believed to be a deeply spiritual location by local people and visitors alike.

The history of St Nectan’s Glen goes back as far the 6th century when St Nectan lived a life of solitude in a cave located atop one of the waterfalls in the valley. He was believed to have a bell near the entrance to the cave, which he rang out to warn ships near the coast during stormy weather or when the heavy fog rolled in.

A visit to St Nectan’s Glen will lead you on a walk though enchanting woodland mixed with a wide variety of birds and wildlife. Along the way you will see the signs of piskies & fairies that are believed to exist in these parts. Make sure you look out for the fairy stones, especially down by the babbling stream that winds it’s way along your route. In the distance you will already hear the sound of the waterfalls ahead, but take your time and enjoy the splendour that surrounds you on your journey through this ancient woodland.

It’s worth noting that the woodland trail is around a two mile round trip, so take this into account when you are planning your visit.

visit st nectan's glen

At the end of the woodland trail a trilogy of waterfalls await you. The main attraction is the waterfall located in St Nectan’s Kieve. This is a magnificent 60ft waterfall that has over time forced it’s way through the stone, to produce a spectacular hole where the water cascade’s down into a shallow pool the valley below.

Directions

By car, head from Tintagel to Boscastle on the B3263 road. You can park in the free car park situated just off the road in Trethevy. If you are planning to base your holiday or short break near to St Nectan’s Glen there are a wide range of holiday properties in Cornwall to choose from.

For seasonal opening times and further visitor information visit the St Nectan’s Glen official website.