Best dog-walking beaches in Devon and Cornwall

Travel expert shares the top spots for sandy dog walks this autumn and winter

As dog restrictions ease on many UK beaches, autumn is an ideal time to hit the coast with your four-legged companion. With cooler weather, peaceful shores, and stunning sunsets, it’s one of the most enjoyable seasons for a seaside adventure.

Away Resorts, a leading provider of dog-friendly holiday parks in the south west, has shared the top dog-friendly beaches across Devon and Cornwall to help make your next staycation or beach walk extra special for both you and your pooch.

Best dog walking beaches in Cornwall

1. Carbis Bay Beach

Carbis Bay is a stunning, sheltered beach just moments from the bustling town of St Ives – it’s so picturesque, you could easily mistake it for the Caribbean! With its golden sands and crystal-clear waters, Carbis Bay is the perfect spot for dogs to stretch their legs and enjoy a refreshing paddle.

Despite its sheltered setting, Carbis Bay has a surprising maritime history, with several shipwrecks occurring here, including three in a single night in 1893. At low tide, you can still spot the remains of the Cintra lying in the centre of the beach.

2. Daymer Bay

Daymer Bay is one of Cornwall’s top dog-friendly beaches, located just a 30–40 minute drive from the pet-welcoming Retallack Resort. At low tide, its golden sands stretch for miles, framed by rolling dunes and curving all the way around to Rock.

At the southern end of the beach stands Brea Hill, a grassy mound well worth climbing for its sweeping views of the surrounding coastline. Nestled at its base, just a short distance from the shore, is St Enodoc Church, which was the final resting place of former Poet Laureate Sir John Betjeman.

3. Gwithian Towans Beach

Gwithian Towans Beach is a vast expanse of golden sand located in Hayle. The beach is backed by dunes and offers stunning views of St Ives Bay, and at low tide, large areas of rock pools are uncovered around Strap Rocks, perfect for curious dogs to explore.

“Towans” means “sand dunes” in Cornish, and these beautiful golden hills covered in wild grass sit beside dramatic cliffs overlooking the Atlantic. The beach is known for its rolling waves and salty sea breeze, making it a favourite with surfers and kite surfers. You might even spot the resident grey seals often swimming off the coastline!

Best dog walking beaches in Devon

1. East Devon Way

East Devon Bay is an option for a long coastal walk. This 40-mile long-distance path stretches from Exmouth to Lyme Regis, giving you more than enough sightseeing to experience with your four-legged friend.

As you explore, you’ll come across classic Devon scenes of charming thatched cottages, historic villages with roots in Saxon times, old churches, and rustic pubs with oak beams. The winding lanes and lush green hills make every turn a picture-perfect view.

2. Braunton Burrows

The superb six-mile trail at Braunton Burrows offers one of North Devon’s most distinctive beaches. As part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, it invites you to explore an extraordinary landscape of sand dunes, beaches, and coastal grasslands — a habitat that’s rich in wildlife and constantly changing with the seasons.

If you want to escape to a quiet seaside spot, this is perfect for those seeking a peaceful and natural coastal experience. Don’t forget to pack a picnic and a few treats for your furry friend, then sit back and enjoy the beautiful view.

3. Heddon's Mouth

Heddon's Mouth circular walk is a 2-mile beach walk perfect for dogs of all sizes and ages. It takes you along the rugged cliffs and dramatic coastal landscapes of Exmoor National Park.

Along this Devon coastal walk, you'll see breathtaking views of the Bristol Channel and spot various wildlife. What could be better than walking with your pooch and spotting some gorgeous wildlife, from peregrine falcons to seals?

https://www.awayresorts.co.uk/holidays/dog-friendly-holidays/