Dog-Friendly Padstow

Padstow sits at the mouth of the Camel Estuary, a pretty fishing port that has become Cornwall's culinary capital thanks largely to Rick Stein's influence over five decades. For dogs and their owners, this charming town delivers sandy beaches, the famous Camel Trail, spectacular coastal walking, and a genuine culture of canine welcome in restaurants, pubs, and attractions.

What makes Padstow special is the combination of accessible beaches, varied walking, and exceptional dining. You can spend mornings on dog-friendly sand, afternoons cycling the traffic-free Camel Trail, and evenings in welcoming restaurants where four-legged companions receive warm hospitality.

Dog-Friendly Beaches

Beaches Near Padstow

St George's Cove: Just half a mile from Padstow harbour. Stunning sandy beach overlooking the Camel Estuary towards Daymer Bay. Sheltered spot perfect for picnics. Dog-friendly most of year (July-August restrictions 10am-6pm). Not safe for swimming due to currents.

Tregirls Beach (Harbour Cove): A 5-minute walk from the harbour. Wide sandy beach nestled in the lee of Stepper Point. Backed by dunes. At low tide connects with Hawker's Cove for 1.5 miles of sand. Dog-friendly all year. Gob-smacking views to Stepper Point and the Doom Bar.

Hawker's Cove: Gently shelving sands stretching over 1.5 miles. Connects with Tregirls at low tide. Dog-friendly all year.

Lower Beach: Alternative ferry point for Rock crossing. Dog-friendly all year. Best at low tide as covered when tide is in.

Across the Estuary

Rock Beach: Take the Black Tor ferry from Padstow. Dog-friendly all year with no restrictions. Rugged clifftop panoramas and excellent walking.

Daymer Bay: Long stretch of sand facing Padstow across the estuary. Sand dunes and plenty of space at low tide. Popular with dogs and families. Scale Brea Hill for spectacular views.

Porthilly Cove: Accessible by ferry. Endless plateau of sand and shingle revealed as tide ebbs.

West Coast Beaches

A necklace of sandy bays stretches west from Padstow along the coastline.

Harlyn Bay: Popular with surfers, swimmers, families, and dog walkers. Beachfront cafe for refreshment. Dog-friendly all year.

Mother Ivey's Bay: Cushioned from wind by Merope Rocks. Idyllic spot with Caribbean-blue sea. Dog-friendly all year.

Booby's Bay: More rugged and exposed. Discover shipwreck remains and rock pools at low tide. Dog-friendly all year.

Constantine Bay: Pillowy sands for scampering. Hunt for sea glass and paddle in breakers. Dog-friendly all year.

Treyarnon Bay: Sandy bay on Trevose Headland. Car park provides easy access. Dog-friendly all year.

Porthcothan: Sandy beach with gentle surf. Perfect for afternoon romps. Dog-friendly all year.

The Camel Trail

The famous 18-mile multi-use trail follows the disused railway line along the Camel Estuary, providing flat, easy walking and cycling.

Trail Sections

Padstow to Wadebridge: 5.5 miles. Most popular section with beautiful estuary views towards Rock. Peaceful despite summer popularity. Small beaches en route (good for swimming dogs). Bike hire available in Padstow.

Wadebridge to Bodmin: Continues inland through tree-lined valley. Quieter than estuary section.

Bodmin to Wenford Bridge: Extends onto Bodmin Moor.

Dog Considerations

Cyclists: The trail's popularity with cyclists means dogs should be kept under control. Consider leads on busy sections.

Swimming: Small beaches along the estuary section (not particularly sandy but good for water-loving dogs).

Refreshments: Cafes en route including options in Wadebridge.

Coastal Walks

Padstow to Stepper Point Circular

Distance: 4-7 miles | Time: 2-4 hours | Difficulty: Moderate

Classic circular walk from Padstow via Hawker's Cove to Stepper Point with dramatic coastal views.

The Route: Head from Padstow to Hawker's Cove, climb to Stepper Point for estuary views, then return via the coastal path past Butter Hole and the collapsed sea cave of Pepper Hole.

Dog Considerations: Some cliff sections require leads. Spectacular views throughout.

Padstow to Gunver Head

Distance: 5 miles circular | Time: 2.5-3 hours | Difficulty: Moderate

Waymarked route combining sweeping countryside and wild coastline.

Rock to Polzeath via Daymer Bay

Distance: 3.5 miles one way | Time: 2 hours | Difficulty: Easy

Take the dog-friendly Black Tor ferry from Padstow to Rock, then follow the South West Coast Path.

The Route: At low tide, walk along the beach from Rock to Daymer Bay. Scale grassy Brea Hill and detour to the wonky-steepled St Enodoc Church (John Betjeman's burial place). Let dogs run wild on Daymer Bay before continuing to Polzeath via Greenaway Beach for rock pooling.

Dog Considerations: Easy walking. Excellent beaches throughout.

Harlyn to Trevose Head

Distance: 6 miles circular | Time: 3 hours | Difficulty: Moderate

Visit Mother Ivey's Bay and the iconic Trevose Lighthouse.

Port Isaac Coastal Walk

Distance: Variable | Time: 2-3 hours | Difficulty: Moderate

From the picturesque fishing village (Doc Martin filming location), walk dramatic coastline via Lobber Point, Varley Head, and Pine Haven to Port Quin. Seal spotting in secluded coves.

Dog-Friendly Attractions

National Lobster Hatchery

Learn about marine conservation and Cornish fishing while seeing lobsters of all sizes. Dogs welcome inside. Located near Rick Stein's Fish & Chips on the harbour.

Boat Trips

Jubilee Queen: Dog-friendly cruises along the North Cornish coastline from Padstow harbour.

Sealife Safari: Spot seals and marine animals. Lucky visitors may see basking sharks or dolphins.

Black Tor Ferry: Dog-friendly crossing from Padstow to Rock. Essential for accessing eastern beaches and walks.

Prideaux Place

Elizabethan manor house at the top of Padstow. Check current dog access policies for grounds.

Dog-Friendly Pubs and Restaurants

Padstow's culinary reputation extends to its canine welcome. Rick Stein's influence has created a food destination where dogs are genuinely appreciated.

Rick Stein Establishments

The Seafood Restaurant: The original Rick and Jill Stein restaurant from 1975. Dog-friendly rooms available where dogs receive Chalky's Pals blanket, Olive the Octopus toy, water bowl, organic treats, and local dog guide. The famous breakfast sausage is a highlight.

Rick Stein's Fish & Chips: Perfect for sandy kids and dogs. Skip the restaurants and grab exceptional fish and chips near the harbour.

St Petroc's Bistro: Dog-friendly snug bar. Perfect post-walk tipple just a short walk from Harbour Cove beach.

The Cornish Arms (St Merryn): A few miles outside Padstow. Classic British pub food and St Austell ales. Dogs welcome throughout and in beer garden. Sunday roasts in winter. Rooms available.

Ruby's Bar: Cocktails and drinks at Rick Stein's with harbour views.

Other Restaurants

Caffè Rojano: Paul Ainsworth's Italian-style venue metres from the harbour. Fresh pasta and Napoletana-style pizzas.

The Mariners (Rock): Take the ferry across. Listed 9th in UK Top 50 Gastropubs. Dogs welcome throughout ground floor. Limit 2 dogs per table.

Prawn on the Lawn: Seafood restaurant with two dog-friendly tables. Smaller dogs best. Two locations: Duke Street (Feb-March) and Trerethern Farm (April-October).

Shipwrights: Grade II pub-turned-restaurant at the heart of harbour action. Award-winning beers and local fare. Panoramic harbour views.

Mussel Box: Fresh fish, shellfish, and Padstow's famous mussels. Breakfasts and takeaway Sunday roasts. Harbour views. Dog-friendly with outdoor dining.

The Old Custom House: Harbour-view spot on south quay. Wines, beers, and food focused on local ingredients.

The Old Ship: Sunday roasts, fresh fish, fine wines. Views over Camel Estuary. Dogs welcome.

Custom House: Oyster bar and grill with St Austell ales. Overlooks harbour.

Cafe Cloud: Tea, cake, traditional setting. Highly rated. Dogs welcome.

Pubs Further Afield

The Pityme Inn: Children's play area, reasonably-priced food, St Austell ales.

The Quarryman (Wadebridge): Traditional Cornish pub. Good Pub Guide featured. Cornwall Life awards finalist.

Ring O' Bells: Quality home-cooked food at reasonable prices.

Dog Shops

Slickers Doghouse: Right on the harbour. Dog food, coats, carriers, and more. Online store available.

Boutique Pet Shop: Located on A39 outside Padstow. Wide range of products, toys, and treats. Expert advice.

Accommodation

Padstow offers exceptional dog-friendly accommodation.

Notable Options

The Seafood Restaurant: Rick Stein's original establishment offers luxury dog-friendly rooms with dedicated canine welcome packs.

St Enodoc Hotel (Rock): Recently opened to dogs. Sweeping views over Camel Estuary. Take ferry from Padstow.

The Cornish Arms (St Merryn): Dog-friendly rooms at Rick Stein's country pub.

Location Choices

Padstow Town: Maximum convenience for harbour, restaurants, and ferry.

Rock: Quieter position across the estuary.

Surrounding Villages: Rural cottages with coastal path access.

For more options, see our guide to dog-friendly Cornwall.

Practical Information

Getting There

By Car: A30 to Bodmin, then A389 via Wadebridge. Approximately 5 hours from London.

Parking: Town Car Park (PL28 8BL) or Park & Ride at Tesco (PL28 8EX). Summer parking challenging.

Getting Around

Black Tor Ferry: Essential for crossing to Rock and eastern beaches. Dogs welcome.

On Foot: Compact town easily walkable. Coastal path connects nearby beaches.

Bike Hire: Multiple hire shops near the Camel Trail start point.

Best Times to Visit

Spring: Quieter beaches, wildflowers on coastal path.

Summer: Best weather, busiest period, some beach restrictions.

Autumn: Quieter atmosphere, excellent walking weather.

Winter: Cosy pub season, all beaches fully accessible.

Combining with Wider Cornwall

Padstow provides an excellent base for exploring dog-friendly Cornwall. Easy day trips reach:

Newquay: Surfing beaches including dog-friendly Fistral.

St Ives: Artistic harbour town.

Port Isaac: Picturesque fishing village (Doc Martin).

Bodmin Moor: Moorland walking via extended Camel Trail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Padstow dog-friendly?

Very much so. The town welcomes dogs warmly in restaurants, pubs, shops, and attractions. Multiple beaches nearby allow year-round access.

Which beaches near Padstow are dog-friendly?

Tregirls (Harbour Cove), Hawker's Cove, Harlyn Bay, Constantine Bay, Mother Ivey's, and Booby's Bay welcome dogs year-round. Rock and Daymer Bay across the estuary are also excellent.

Can I take my dog on the Camel Trail?

Yes, the trail welcomes dogs. Keep under control due to cyclists, particularly on busy sections.

Are Rick Stein's restaurants dog-friendly?

Several are, including St Petroc's Bistro snug bar, The Cornish Arms, and the Fish & Chips takeaway. The Seafood Restaurant offers dog-friendly accommodation.

Can dogs go on the Padstow to Rock ferry?

Yes, the Black Tor ferry welcomes dogs.

What's the best walk from Padstow with a dog?

The circular walk via Hawker's Cove to Stepper Point offers spectacular views. For easier walking, the Camel Trail to Wadebridge is flat and scenic.

Are there dog-friendly boat trips from Padstow?

Yes, the Jubilee Queen welcomes dogs for coastal cruises.

Where can I buy dog supplies in Padstow?

Slickers Doghouse on the harbour and the Boutique Pet Shop on the A39.

Discover Cornwall's Culinary Capital

Padstow delivers exceptional experiences for dogs and their food-loving owners. Sandy beaches, the famous Camel Trail, dramatic coastal walking, and world-class dining combine to create memorable holidays where four-legged companions are genuinely welcome.

Ready to explore? Book your dog-friendly Padstow accommodation and discover why this charming harbour town has captured hearts for generations.

Luke explores Padstow with Charlie the German Shepherd, Golden Retrievers Buster and Ember, Labradors Simba and Max, and French Bulldog Molly. The pack particularly enjoys Daymer Bay's sands and well-earned fish and chips from Rick Stein's.