Dog friendly beaches near Looe and across south Cornwall

Sandy paws, salty ears and a happy, tired dog by the fire. That's a good day at The Vale. Our corner of south Cornwall has some of the best dog friendly beaches in Cornwall, from long sandy beaches with rock pools to quiet coves you reach on foot, and many of them welcome dogs all year round.

Here are our favourite dog friendly beaches near Looe, Polperro and Fowey, with the practical bits you'll want before you set off: the car park, the walk down, and what happens at high tide. Rules can change, so always check the signs at the beach on the day.

 

Looe dog friendly beaches at a glance

• Hannafore, West Looe: dogs welcome all year. Flat promenade and rock pools.
• Plaidy: dogs welcome all year. Sheltered cove, steep path.
• Seaton: dogs welcome all year. Level access, café and pub.
• Talland Bay: dogs welcome all year. Limited parking, cafés by the beach.
• Lansallos Cove: dogs welcome all year. Quiet National Trust cove.
• Lantic Bay: dogs welcome all year. A steep path, but worth it.
• Readymoney Cove, Fowey: no dogs from 10am to 6pm in July and August.
• East Looe beach (Looe's main town beach): no dogs at any time of year.

 

Hannafore: easy strolls in West Looe

Just round the corner from Looe harbour, Hannafore is a long stretch of grey sand and rock pools with a flat promenade behind it. It's an easy walk for older dogs and little legs alike. At high tide, stick to the promenade. There are toilets and a café close by, and parking is on the road.

 

Plaidy: a sheltered cove east of Looe

Plaidy is a small pebble and sand cove with rock pools at low tide. There's very little parking, so use the car park at Millendreath and follow the coastal path round. The path is steep in places, so it suits dogs (and people) who enjoy a climb.

 

Seaton: level access and plenty of space

Seaton has grey sand, shingle and a sea wall path, so it's easy going for everyone. At low tide there's plenty of space, and you can walk the beach towards Downderry. There's a pay car park, toilets, and a dog friendly café and pub.

 

Talland Bay: between Looe and Polperro

Talland Bay is one of our favourites, close to The Vale and halfway between Looe and Polperro. Dogs are welcome all year round. Parking is limited and the lanes down are narrow and steep, so arrive early in the summer months. There are cafés by the beach and seasonal toilets. Read more in our guide to Talland Bay.

 

Lansallos Cove: the wild one on our doorstep

Lansallos is a small National Trust cove, a short walk down a valley path from Lansallos village. The National Trust welcomes dogs here all year and asks for a short lead around sheep and wildlife. The beach nearly disappears at high tide and there are no facilities, so take water and a bag for everything you bring.

 

Lantic Bay: a steep path to a beautiful bay

Between Polruan and Polperro, Lantic Bay is about a 20-minute walk down a steep cliff path from the National Trust car park. It's worth every step. There are no facilities or bins, and the beach shelves steeply, so keep a close eye on swimmers with two legs and four.

 

Walking the coast with your dog

The South West Coast Path links many of these coves, so you can pair a beach with a proper walk. Head west from Talland Bay towards Polperro, or east from Hannafore towards Looe, and you'll have sea views most of the way. Some stretches are steep and unfenced, so keep your four-legged friend close near the cliff edge. Currents along this stretch of coast can be stronger than they look, so it's worth seeing how confident your dog is in the waves before letting them swim far from the shore. Our dog walks near The Vale guide has routes from short strolls to half-day hikes.

 

When to go: dog friendly beaches in Cornwall through the year

Most Cornish beaches with dog rules only limit dogs in the summer months, usually from 10am to 6pm. From October to April, nearly every beach in south Cornwall is open to dogs, and you'll often have the sand to yourselves. Winter is a lovely time to come: quiet sandy beaches, rock pools at low tide, and a warm lodge or cottage to come back to. Spring and autumn are especially good for dogs, with milder temperatures, firm sand at low tide and fewer people on the coastal path, so even the busier Cornish beaches feel calm and spacious.

 

Beaches near Looe with dog restrictions

• East Looe beach, Looe's main town beach, doesn't allow dogs at any time of year. Walk along to Hannafore instead.
• Readymoney Cove in Fowey has no dogs from 10am to 6pm, 1 July to 31 August.

Cornwall Council's rules on dogs on beaches run until 2029, and some beach owners set their own too. The sign at the beach always has the final say. For more ideas without the dog rules, see our guide to the best beaches in Cornwall near Looe.

 

Tips for a happy beach day with your dog

• Go early or late in summer, for cooler sand and quieter beaches.
• Check the tide. Several coves almost vanish at high tide.
• Bring fresh water, as dogs and salt water don't mix.
• Keep to the paths on the cliffs, and use a lead near livestock and nesting birds.
• Leave only paw prints. Many small coves have no bins, so take everything home.

 

After the beach, back to The Vale

Every one of our six lodges and three cottages welcomes up to three dogs (a charge per dog applies). There's a doggy paddock for a last run-around, and each lodge has an outdoor shower on the deck, which is handy for sandy paws. Then it's a copper bath or hot tub for you, and a long nap for them. Explore our dog friendly stays.

Book direct at ohanamua.co.uk and you'll deal with our own friendly team. For stays more than 70 days away, you can secure your break with a £25 deposit (terms apply). Not booking just yet? Our dog walks guide has plenty more ideas for your next visit.

 

Good to know

Are dogs allowed on Looe beach? Not on East Looe's main town beach, at any time of year. Hannafore in West Looe welcomes dogs all year round.

Which beaches near Polperro allow dogs? Talland Bay, Lansallos Cove and Lantic Bay all welcome dogs all year round.

Where are the best dog friendly beaches in south Cornwall in winter? From October to April most beaches open to dogs. Near Looe, Hannafore, Seaton and Talland Bay are easy to reach, with parking and a café close by.

Can my dog stay at The Vale? Yes. Up to three dogs are welcome in every lodge and cottage. A charge per dog applies.