Dog-Friendly South Cornwall

South Cornwall offers a gentler character than the dramatic north coast, with sheltered harbours, hidden coves, and subtropical gardens. The coastline from Looe to the Lizard Peninsula provides diverse dog-friendly adventures, from harbour town explorations to remote beach discoveries.

This guide covers the best of South Cornwall for dog owners, complementing our main Cornwall guide.

South Cornwall Character

What Makes It Different

Compared to North Cornwall:

• More sheltered waters
• Smaller, intimate coves
• Maritime heritage strong
• Subtropical gardens
• Gentler (though still stunning) scenery
• Often quieter than north

The Appeal for Dogs

• Many accessible beaches
• Coastal path throughout
• Harbour towns to explore
• Year-round options
• Variety of terrain

Key Areas

Falmouth and the Fal Estuary

Falmouth: Maritime town with excellent dog-friendly credentials.

Dog-Friendly Highlights:

• Gyllyngvase Beach (restrictions apply in summer - check locally)
• Swanpool Beach
• Castle Beach
• Pendennis Castle grounds
• Town exploration

The Fal Estuary:

• Riverside walks
• Ferry crossings (dogs welcome)
• Quiet creeks to explore
• Trelissick Garden (National Trust, grounds dog-friendly)

Best For: Maritime atmosphere, varied walking, boat trips.

The Roseland Peninsula

Hidden Gem: Quieter peninsula across the Fal from Falmouth.

Dog-Friendly Highlights:

• St Mawes harbour and village
• Pendower Beach
• Carne Beach
• St Anthony Head walks
• Place House ferry walk

Character:

• Peaceful and unspoilt
• Less crowded
• Beautiful coastline
• Excellent walking

Best For: Escaping crowds, peaceful beaches, quality walking.

St Austell Bay

The Area: From Mevagissey to Fowey.

Dog-Friendly Highlights:

• Pentewan Beach
• Porthpean Beach
• Charlestown harbour
• Lost Gardens of Heligan (dogs in some areas)
• Eden Project (dogs in grounds only)

Charlestown: Historic harbour village. Film location. Atmospheric.

Best For: History, varied beaches, garden visits.

Fowey and the River Fowey

Fowey: Pretty estuary town with literary connections.

Dog-Friendly Highlights:

• Town exploration
• Hall Walk (circular riverside walk)
• Readymoney Cove
• Polkerris Beach nearby
• Ferry to Polruan

The Estuary:

• River walks
• Boat trips
• Creekside exploration

Best For: Estuary atmosphere, walking, character.

Looe and Polperro

Traditional Cornwall: Fishing villages with character.

Looe:

• East and West Looe
• Beach (restrictions in summer)
• Harbour
• Coastal path access

Polperro:

• Picturesque fishing village
• Harbour
• Coastal walks
• Very atmospheric

Best For: Traditional Cornish fishing village experience.

The Lizard Peninsula

England's Most Southerly Point: Dramatic and different.

Dog-Friendly Highlights:

• Kynance Cove (spectacular but steep access)
• Lizard Point
• Mullion Cove
• Coverack
• Coastal path walking

Character:

• Wild and dramatic
• Unique geology
• Quieter than popular areas
• Excellent walking

Best For: Dramatic scenery, serious walking, escaping crowds.

Best Dog-Friendly Beaches

Year-Round Access

Beaches with No/Minimal Restrictions:

Vault Beach: Remote, requires walk to access. Beautiful. Near Gorran Haven.

Hemmick Beach: Secluded cove. Walk-in access. Quiet.

Lantic Bay: Stunning but steep access. Worth the effort.

Porthallow: Quiet fishing cove on Lizard. Pebbly but characterful.

Beaches with Seasonal Restrictions

Many South Cornwall beaches have summer restrictions (typically May-September, 10am-6pm). Always check locally.

Strategy:

• Early morning and evening visits in summer
• Focus on year-round beaches during restricted hours
• Shoulder seasons for unrestricted access

Coastal Path Walking

South West Coast Path

Through South Cornwall: The coast path runs the entire South Cornwall coastline.

Character:

• Generally less strenuous than north coast
• Still has steep sections
• Beautiful throughout
• Well-waymarked

Recommended Sections

Fowey to Polruan: Circular via ferry and coast path. Hall Walk included. Moderate.

St Anthony Head: Roseland Peninsula. Lighthouse. Stunning views. Easy to moderate.

Lizard to Kynance: Dramatic coastal scenery. Moderate with some steep sections.

Falmouth to Helford: Via coast path. Can use ferries. Various options.

Gardens and Estates

Dog-Friendly Gardens

Trelissick (National Trust): Grounds and woodland walks dog-friendly. Garden restrictions may apply.

Glendurgan (National Trust): Garden not dog-friendly, but surrounding walks are.

Trebah Garden: Dogs welcome on leads. Subtropical valley garden.

Lost Gardens of Heligan: Dogs allowed in some areas. Check current policy.

Eden Project

Dog Policy: Dogs allowed in outdoor areas only. Not inside biomes. Can be worthwhile for grounds exploration.

Accommodation

Where to Stay

Falmouth Area: Good facilities, varied accommodation, central location.

Roseland Peninsula: Quieter, more rural, peaceful bases.

St Austell Bay: Good beach access, varied options.

Fowey: Character town, estuary setting.

For detailed accommodation options, see our Cornwall Cottages guide.

Seasonal Considerations

Summer

Reality:

• Beach restrictions in effect
• Busiest period
• Early/late beach strategy needed
• Gardens and walking excellent

Winter

Advantages:

• Full beach access
• Empty paths
• Subtropical gardens still green
• Cosy atmosphere

Spring/Autumn

Often ideal. Fewer restrictions. Good weather possible. Quieter.

Getting Around

Ferries

Part of the Experience:

King Harry Ferry: Across Fal estuary. Dogs welcome. Saves long drive.

Falmouth to St Mawes: Passenger ferry. Dogs welcome.

Fowey to Polruan: Foot ferry. Dogs welcome.

Helford River: Seasonal ferry. Dogs welcome.

Driving

South Cornwall Roads:

• Often narrow and winding
• Can be busy in summer
• Allow time
• Consider ferries to avoid long routes

Practical Tips

Best Bases

For Beach Focus: Roseland Peninsula, St Austell Bay area

For Walking: Lizard Peninsula, Falmouth

For Towns: Falmouth, Fowey

For Peace: Roseland, Lizard

Combining with North Cornwall

South and North Cornwall offer different experiences. Consider:

• Week in each
• Day trips between
• Choose based on priorities

See our Cornwall guide for the complete picture.

Frequently Asked Questions

South Cornwall Awaits

South Cornwall's sheltered harbours, hidden coves, and gentler character provide wonderful dog-friendly adventures. From Falmouth's maritime atmosphere to the Lizard's dramatic scenery, this coastline rewards exploration.

Luke explores South Cornwall with Charlie, Buster, Ember, Simba, Max, and Molly. The pack has discovered that the Roseland's peaceful beaches, Fowey's estuary walks, and the Lizard's dramatic paths offer different but equally rewarding Cornwall experiences.