Dog-Friendly Newquay

Newquay is one of Cornwall's most dog-friendly destinations, a revelation for those who assume this surf capital might be too busy for four-legged visitors. The famous Fistral Beach welcomes dogs year-round with no restrictions, and numerous other beaches provide sandy adventures throughout the seasons. Add dramatic headland walks, steam railway adventures, and excellent dog-friendly dining, and Newquay delivers exceptional dog holidays.

What makes Newquay special is the combination of world-class beaches that remain dog-friendly when other Cornish spots impose restrictions. Fistral's 750 metres of golden sand have no seasonal bans, whilst nearby Crantock, Mawgan Porth, and Watergate Bay also welcome dogs throughout the year.

Dog-Friendly Beaches

Year-Round Dog-Friendly Beaches

Fistral Beach: Cornwall's most famous surfing beach welcomes dogs 365 days a year with no restrictions. 750 metres of golden sand with plenty of room for running. Shops, restaurants, and cafes nearby all welcome dogs. The SW Coast Path runs from the north end to Towan Headland for extended walking. Arguably the best year-round dog beach in Cornwall.

Great Western Beach: Popular family beach adjacent to Towan Beach. Dog-friendly all year. Central location near town.

Towan Beach: Famous for the island connected by suspension bridge. Dog-friendly all year. Central Newquay location.

Newquay Harbour Beach: Street food market nearby. Dog-friendly all year. The Boathouse welcomes dogs outside.

Lusty Glaze Beach: Privately owned but open to the public. Dog-friendly all year. Sheltered by high cliffs. Moderate surf. Pizza and cocktail bar. Live music in summer.

Crantock Beach: Just across the River Gannel from Newquay. Stunning expansive beach with sand dunes and rock pools. Estuary side offers calmer waters. Car park on beach. Dog-friendly all year. Quieter alternative to town beaches.

Mawgan Porth Beach: Wide sandy beach approximately 6 miles north via coast path. Popular with families and surfers. Blue Flag beach. Dog-friendly all year.

Watergate Bay: Two miles of sand. Dog-friendly all year. Home to Jamie Oliver's Fifteen restaurant. Excellent for extended beach walking.

Little Fistral: Smaller, rockier beach only accessible at low tide. 10-minute walk from Fistral. Dog-friendly all year. Watch currents.

Porth Beach: 5-minute drive or 25-30 minute walk from Newquay. Dog-friendly all year.

Polly Joke (Porth Joke): Beautiful hidden cove reached via coast path. Dog-friendly all year.

Beaches with Seasonal Restrictions

Tolcarne Beach: Crescent-shaped beach popular with families. Dog ban 1st April to 31st October.

Coastal Walks

Pentire Headland and Fistral Circular

Distance: 3 miles | Time: 1.5-2 hours | Difficulty: Easy-Moderate

Spectacular short walk combining headland scenery with beach time.

The Route: Start from Pentire Headland car park. Walk the coast path with sea to your left, descend to Fistral Beach, walk the sand, then return via the path behind the beach beside the golf course.

Dog Considerations: Fistral beach section allows off-lead running. Some steep climbs on headland.

Refreshments: Lewinnick Lodge on Pentire Headland welcomes dogs. Sea Spray cafe at south end of Fistral. Rick Stein Fistral at north end.

Pentire Point West

Distance: Variable | Time: 1-3 hours | Difficulty: Easy-Moderate

Several dog-friendly beaches nearby with excellent pub at the end.

The Walk: Explore Polly Joke and Crantock Beach, both dog-friendly year-round.

Refreshments: The Bowgie Inn has a fantastic sea-view beer garden welcoming dogs.

Coast Path to Mawgan Porth

Distance: 6 miles one way | Time: 3-4 hours | Difficulty: Moderate

Dramatic coastal walking northward to dog-friendly beach.

Highlights: Spectacular views, hidden coves, wildlife spotting.

Dog Considerations: Some cliff sections require leads. Beach at destination welcomes dogs year-round.

Gannel Estuary Walk

A gentler option following the river estuary. Dogs can splash in the shallows. Pleasant alternative to surf beaches.

Dog-Friendly Attractions

Lappa Valley Steam Railway

Exciting nostalgic steam train ride into a secret world of traditional family fun. Dogs receive exceptional welcome:

• Large fields at top of valley for off-lead running
• Water bowls throughout site
• Doggy biscuits available
• Boating lake for peaceful hours

Newquay Sea Safaris

Dog-friendly cruises from Newquay Harbour exploring hidden coves. Spot Cornwall's marine wildlife in their natural habitat aboard Atlantic Diver or Atlantic Explorer catamarans.

Trenance Gardens

26 acres of lush, sub-tropical gardens just outside Newquay town centre. Features include:

• Cornwall's only zoo
• Boating lake
• Miniature railway
• Crazy golf
• Pitch and putt

Dogs should be kept on leads. Tourist Information Centre provides free Tree Walk booklet.

Newquay Zoo

Located within Trenance Gardens. Check current dog access policies for grounds (dogs typically not allowed near animal enclosures).

Dog-Friendly Pubs and Restaurants

Fistral Beach Area

Rick Stein Fistral: Right on the beach. Fish and chips speciality plus full menu including curry and noodles. Dogs welcome inside and outside. Spectacular views. No reservations needed.

The Fish House: Locally caught fish and shellfish straight from Newquay Harbour. Fresh, innovative menu. Dogs welcome on terrace for lunch (until 4:30pm).

Sea Spray Cafe: South end of Fistral. Takeaway available. Dog-friendly.

Fistral Beach Stable: Cafe and shop complex at the beach.

Pentire Headland

Lewinnick Lodge: Boutique restaurant with rooms on clifftop edge. 360-degree Atlantic vistas. Dogs welcome. Book in advance.

Near Crantock

The Bowgie Inn: Award-winning pub with spectacular views. Beer garden welcomes dogs (terrace and beer garden only). Fantastic menu showcasing Cornish produce.

Jam Jar Cafe (Crantock): Energising smoothies, homemade cake. One of the favourites. Dog-friendly.

Newquay Town

The Boathouse: Laidback beachfront option at Newquay Harbour. Street food from global vendors. Dogs welcome outside and on undercover decking.

Cargo Coffee (Crantock Beach): Right on the beach. Welcomes dogs and people.

Milk Cafe (Broad Street): Great coffee, smoothies, cake, and savoury bagels. Good pitstop when exploring.

Nearby

The Scarlet (Mawgan Porth): Luxury hotel welcoming dogs with breath-taking coastal vistas.

Accommodation

Newquay offers extensive dog-friendly accommodation from surf lodges to luxury hotels.

Notable Options

Lewinnick Lodge: Clifftop boutique restaurant with rooms. Atlantic and Fistral views.

The Scarlet (Mawgan Porth): Luxury retreat with coastal vistas. Less than 10 miles from Newquay.

Watergate Bay Hotel: Family and dog-friendly with 180-degree sea views. Beach Lofts offer private luxury stays.

Headland Hotel: Overlooking Fistral Beach. Historic landmark hotel.

Holiday Parks

Several holiday parks near Newquay welcome dogs in designated accommodation:

• Sun Haven (near Mawgan Porth)
• Hendra Holiday Park

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

Practical Information

Getting There

By Car: A30 to Indian Queens, then A392 to Newquay. Approximately 5 hours from London.

By Train: Newquay has a branch line station connecting to the main Cornish line.

By Air: Newquay Cornwall Airport has domestic and some European connections.

Parking

Fistral Beach: Car park at TR7 1HY.

Pentire Headland: Car park for coastal walks.

Town Centre: Various pay and display options.

Best Times to Visit

Spring: Quieter beaches, wildflowers on coast path.

Summer: Best weather, surf events (Boardmasters), busiest period but beaches remain dog-friendly.

Autumn: Excellent surf conditions, quieter beaches.

Winter: Dramatic weather, empty beaches, cosy pub season.

Surfing Capital

Newquay hosts major surf events including Boardmasters (Europe's largest surf and skate festival) and English National Surfing Championships at Fistral. Dogs can enjoy the beach atmosphere even during events.

Combining with Wider Cornwall

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

Padstow: Culinary capital via scenic coast road.

St Ives: Artistic harbour town further west.

Perranporth: Three miles of golden sand, dog-friendly.

Eden Project: Gardens welcome dogs (not biomes).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Newquay dog-friendly?

Very much so. Fistral Beach and numerous other beaches welcome dogs year-round. Cafes, restaurants, and attractions throughout warmly welcome four-legged visitors.

Is Fistral Beach dog-friendly?

Yes, dogs welcome all year with no restrictions. 750 metres of golden sand with dog-friendly shops, restaurants, and cafes nearby.

Which Newquay beaches allow dogs year-round?

Fistral, Great Western, Towan, Newquay Harbour, Lusty Glaze, Crantock, Mawgan Porth, Watergate Bay, Little Fistral, Porth, and Polly Joke all welcome dogs throughout the year.

Are there dog-friendly restaurants in Newquay?

Many, including Rick Stein Fistral, The Bowgie Inn, Lewinnick Lodge, The Fish House, and The Boathouse.

Can dogs go on Lappa Valley Steam Railway?

Yes, dogs receive excellent welcome with off-lead fields, water bowls, and doggy biscuits.

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

The Pentire Headland and Fistral circular offers spectacular scenery with beach time. For longer walks, the coast path to Mawgan Porth provides dramatic clifftop views.

Is Watergate Bay dog-friendly?

Yes, dogs welcome all year. Two miles of sand perfect for extended beach walking.

Can dogs go on sea safaris from Newquay?

Yes, Newquay Sea Safaris welcomes dogs on harbour cruises.

Discover Cornwall's Surf Capital

Newquay delivers exceptional dog holidays combining world-class beaches, dramatic coastal scenery, and genuine canine welcome. From Fistral's famous waves to hidden coves along the coast path, this is Cornwall at its most accessible for four-legged visitors.

Ready to explore? Book your dog-friendly Newquay accommodation and discover why this vibrant surf town welcomes dogs so warmly.

Luke explores Newquay with Charlie the German Shepherd, Golden Retrievers Buster and Ember, Labradors Simba and Max, and French Bulldog Molly. The pack particularly enjoys Fistral's year-round freedom and well-earned fish and chips at Rick Stein's.