Dog-Friendly St Ives

St Ives captures everything magical about Cornwall: golden beaches, turquoise waters, cobbled streets, artistic heritage, and that special Cornish light that has drawn painters for generations. For dogs and their owners, this charming harbour town delivers beaches to explore, spectacular coastal walks, and a genuine welcome throughout its galleries, cafes, and pubs.

What makes St Ives special is variety within a compact area. You can walk between multiple beaches, explore The Island headland, follow the coastal path to Zennor, or simply wander the characterful streets where dogs are welcomed into galleries and shops. The town genuinely loves dogs, with water bowls outside shops and warm welcomes throughout.

Dog-Friendly Beaches

Year-Round Dog-Friendly Beaches

Bamaluz Beach: St Ives' secret dog beach welcomes four-legged visitors 365 days a year with no restrictions. Nestled between the harbour and Porthgwidden, this small rocky and sandy cove remains surprisingly quiet even in summer. Perfect for rock pooling and off-lead play. Tidal beach, so check times as it disappears at high tide.

Lambeth Walk Beach: Near the harbour, this small beach allows dogs year-round. Visit at low tide for best access.

Beaches with Seasonal Restrictions

These beaches restrict dogs between 10am and 6pm during summer months. Outside restricted hours and during winter, dogs are welcome.

Porthmeor Beach: St Ives' famous surfing beach with golden sand and views to The Island. Dog restrictions: 15th May to 30th September, 10am-6pm. Porthmeor Beach Cafe welcomes dogs.

Porthminster Beach: Beautiful sheltered beach with cafe and bar. Dog restrictions: 15th May to 30th September, 10am-6pm.

Porthgwidden Beach: Small, sheltered cove near The Island. Dog restrictions: 1st July to 31st August, 10am-6pm (shorter restriction period than other beaches).

Harbour Beach: Pretty beach in the heart of St Ives. Dog restrictions: July and August only, 10am-6pm (most of year unrestricted).

Carbis Bay: Sandy beach east of St Ives. Dog restrictions: 15th May to 30th September, 10am-6pm.

Nearby Year-Round Beaches

Porthkidney Sands: Often called a "dog's paradise." Vast dune-backed beach near Lelant with miles of soft sand. Dogs welcome all year, all day. Accessible via coastal path from St Ives.

Mexico Towans: Crystal-clear waters and seemingly endless sand. Excellent for off-lead running any time of year. Views to Godrevy Lighthouse.

Gwithian Beach: Wide sandy beach with excellent walking. Dogs welcome year-round.

Gwenver Beach: Near Sennen. Accessed via steep steps. Dogs welcome all year. Connect to Sennen for extended walking.

Portheras Cove: Unspoiled, natural beach on the wilder north coast. No facilities but pristine sand and sea. Dogs welcome all year.

Coastal Walks

St Ives to Zennor

Distance: 7 miles one way | Time: 3-4 hours | Difficulty: Challenging

One of Cornwall's most spectacular coastal walks, offering dramatic clifftop scenery throughout.

The Route: Start at Porthmeor Beach car park near Tate St Ives. Follow the South West Coast Path west past Man's Head, Clodgy Point, and Hellesveor Cliff. The path is hilly with outstanding views over dramatic clifftops and hidden beaches washed by turquoise waters.

Dog Considerations: Keep on leads near cliff edges. Hilly terrain requires reasonable fitness. Some sections exposed to wind.

Refreshments: The Gurnard's Head at Zennor provides excellent food with locally sourced ingredients. Dogs welcome.

Return Options: Return via inland footpath (flatter, through fields - watch for cattle) or arrange taxi/lift back.

The Island (St Ives Head)

Distance: 1 mile circular | Time: 30-45 minutes | Difficulty: Easy

The headland at the end of St Ives provides quick access to coastal scenery.

The Walk: From Porthmeor Beach, climb to the chapel on The Island for panoramic views. Circle the headland for views in all directions.

Dog Considerations: Easy walking suits all dogs. Keep on leads near edges.

St Ives to Carbis Bay

Distance: 2 miles one way | Time: 1 hour | Difficulty: Easy

Gentle coastal walk connecting St Ives with neighbouring Carbis Bay.

Dog Considerations: Easy terrain. Can combine beaches and coastal scenery.

St Ives to Lelant and Porthkidney

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

Walk east from St Ives to reach the vast dog-friendly Porthkidney Sands.

Dog Considerations: Excellent objective for year-round beach access. Return same way or via train.

Woodland and Moorland Walks

Tehidy Country Park

Approximately 20 minutes' drive from St Ives, this is West Cornwall's largest woodland with over 9 miles of paths.

Highlights: Lake, overgrown glades, cafe, excellent for squirrel spotting.

Dog Considerations: Fantastic off-lead walking through extensive woodland. Multiple access points including South Drive and North Cliff car parks. Can combine with coastal walk at Portreath.

Steeple Woods

Woodland walking near St Ives providing shaded alternatives to beach walks.

Trencrom Hill

Iron Age hillfort with panoramic views. Short but rewarding climb. Dogs on leads due to livestock.

Rosewall Hill

Moorland walking with views across to St Ives Bay.

West Penwith Moors

Visit Men-an-Tol stone circles and explore the ancient moorland landscape. Keep dogs under control near livestock.

Dog-Friendly Pubs

St Ives welcomes dogs warmly in numerous establishments.

In St Ives

The Castle Inn: Claims to offer "the best welcome in St Ives with dog biscuits, water and plenty of love." Excellent selection of Cornish gins and real ales. Sunday roasts and pies. Live entertainment.

The Union Inn: Tucked away location with cosy atmosphere. Excellent ales and food. Live music.

The Lifeboat Inn: Cosy window seats with expansive sea views. Perfect post-walk refreshment.

Pedn Olva: Dog-friendly pub hotel with stunning coastal position. Book a "Proper Dog" stay for dedicated dog-friendly accommodation.

St Eia: Lovely cafe/wine bar near Porthmeor Beach.

Nearby

The Gurnard's Head (Zennor): Exceptional food using locally sourced and foraged ingredients. Perfect reward after the coastal walk. Dogs welcome.

Godrevy Cafe: At Godrevy Point with lighthouse views. Dog-friendly.

The Cove Cafe (Hayle): Recommended for coastal path walking from Hayle.

Dog-Friendly Cafes

Porthmeor Beach Cafe: Right on the beach. Great food, coffee, and very dog-friendly.

Porthminster Beach Cafe: Cafe and bar with beach views. Dogs welcome.

Various town cafes: Many St Ives cafes welcome dogs, often with water bowls outside.

Dog-Friendly Attractions

Boat Trips

St Ives Boats: Take to the water with your "seadog" for trips around the coast. Visit Seal Island to see the grey seal colony, or cruise past Godrevy Lighthouse while learning maritime history.

Tate St Ives

The famous gallery doesn't allow dogs inside, but the building's exterior and surrounding area provide interest, and nearby Porthmeor Beach makes visiting easy for dog owners taking turns.

Tanglewood Wild Garden

Nine acres of natural gardens and woodland near St Ives. Picnic benches and grassy areas welcome the whole family including dogs. Perfect for a walk with a difference among butterflies and bees.

Trewyn Subtropical Gardens

Stretch your legs in these gardens near the harbour.

Galleries and Shops

St Ives loves dogs so much that many galleries and shops welcome them inside on leads. Look for water bowls outside as indicators of welcome.

Practical Beach Tips

Summer Strategy

When main St Ives beaches have restrictions (10am-6pm), you have options:

Early Morning: Hit the restricted beaches before 10am for sunrise walks.

Evening: Return after 6pm for sunset beach time.

Year-Round Beaches: Visit Bamaluz, Porthkidney, Mexico Towans, or Gwithian any time.

Coastal Path: The spectacular walks don't have restrictions.

Woodland: Tehidy Woods and other inland options.

Safety

Cliff Edges: Keep dogs on leads on coastal path sections with sheer drops.

Swimming: Never let dogs swim out of their depth. Avoid throwing balls into waves repeatedly (risk of secondary drowning from swallowing water).

Hot Sand: Check sand temperature on hot days.

Tides: Bamaluz disappears at high tide. Check times before visiting.

Accommodation

St Ives offers extensive dog-friendly accommodation.

Location Choices

Town Centre: Maximum convenience for beaches, pubs, and exploring.

Carbis Bay: Quieter position with beach access.

Surrounding Area: Rural cottages with coastal path access.

Notable Options

Pedn Olva: Dog-friendly pub hotel with "Proper Dog" stays including dedicated welcome.

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

Getting There and Around

By Train

The scenic St Ives Bay Line from St Erth provides one of Britain's most beautiful rail journeys. Dogs welcome on trains. Connects with mainline services.

By Car

A30 to St Erth, then follow signs to St Ives. Parking in St Ives is limited and expensive in summer. Consider park and ride or train from St Erth.

On Foot

St Ives is compact and walkable. The coastal path provides connections to neighbouring beaches and villages.

Best Times to Visit

Spring: Quieter beaches, wildflowers on coastal path.

Summer: Best weather, beach restrictions in place (10am-6pm on main beaches), busiest period.

Autumn: Beach restrictions end, emptier beaches, dramatic skies.

Winter: All beaches fully accessible, quieter town, cosy pub atmosphere.

Combining with Wider Cornwall

St Ives provides an excellent base for exploring dog-friendly Cornwall. Day trips easily reach:

Land's End: Dramatic clifftop scenery.

Penzance: Largest town in West Cornwall.

Newquay: Surfing beaches and different atmosphere.

Padstow: Foodie destination across the county.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is St Ives dog-friendly?

Very much so. The town loves dogs, welcoming them in galleries, shops, cafes, and pubs. Multiple beaches allow year-round access, and seasonal restrictions still permit early morning and evening visits.

Which St Ives beach allows dogs all year?

Bamaluz Beach has no restrictions. Nearby Porthkidney Sands, Mexico Towans, and Gwithian also welcome dogs year-round.

What are the dog restrictions on St Ives beaches?

Main beaches (Porthmeor, Porthminster, Carbis Bay) restrict dogs 10am-6pm from 15th May to 30th September. Porthgwidden restricts July-August only. Harbour Beach restricts July-August only.

Can I still visit St Ives beaches with my dog in summer?

Yes. Visit before 10am or after 6pm on restricted beaches. Bamaluz has no restrictions. Nearby beaches like Porthkidney are fully accessible.

What's the best walk from St Ives with a dog?

The coastal path to Zennor is spectacular but challenging. For easier walking, The Island provides quick coastal access, or walk to Porthkidney for vast year-round beach.

Are there dog-friendly pubs in St Ives?

Numerous, including The Castle Inn, The Union Inn, The Lifeboat Inn, and Pedn Olva.

Can dogs go on boat trips from St Ives?

Yes, St Ives Boats welcomes dogs for seal-watching and lighthouse trips.

Is the coastal path to Zennor suitable for dogs?

Yes, but it's hilly and challenging. Keep dogs on leads near cliff edges. The Gurnard's Head pub at Zennor provides excellent refreshment.

Discover Cornwall's Artistic Heart

St Ives delivers the complete Cornish experience with exceptional facilities for dog owners. Stunning beaches, dramatic coastal walks, artistic atmosphere, and genuine canine welcome combine to create memorable holidays for four-legged visitors and their owners.

Ready to explore? Book your dog-friendly St Ives accommodation and discover why this charming harbour town captures hearts across generations.

Luke explores St Ives with Charlie the German Shepherd, Golden Retrievers Buster and Ember, Labradors Simba and Max, and French Bulldog Molly. The pack particularly enjoys Bamaluz Beach and well-earned refreshment at The Castle Inn.