Along with its cobbled streets, fishers’ cottages, and buzzing art scene, the pretty port of St. Ives is known for sublime beaches lapped by cerulean waters. The seaside town is indeed an idyllic place for both humans and their four-legged best friends to visit, and although there are some beaches here that are dog-friendly year round, others impose a summer dog ban. As local councils can fine owners £75 and over if they breach the rules (some districts have higher fines than others), we’ve gone ahead and done a bit of research so that you know where and when your bezzie mate can hit the sand in and around St. Ives.
You might want to check out our helpful tips for taking your dog to the beach and our article, Why You Shouldn’t Walk Dogs on a Beach in Windy Weather before you head to the beach with your wee mate. Also keep in mind that assistance dogs are allowed on beaches all year round.
1. Bamaluz Beach
Postcode & map: TR26 1PR
Type of beach: Sand and pebble
Restrictions: None! Dogs are allowed here year round.
About: At high tide Bamaluz Beach ceases to exist. When the waves subside, however, the tiny beach located in between Porthgwidden Beach and the harbour is very popular with dog walkers so you’ll find plenty of them there throughout the year. Backed by large rocks, there’s plenty of opportunity to explore crystal clear rock pools after the tide goes out. You’ll find Bamaluz Beach by the St. Ives Museum and down some pretty steep steps, so you and your dog will have to be able to traverse those if you want to see what all the fuss is about. There are eateries, car parking facilities, and toilets on nearby Smeaton’s Pier.
2. Porthmeor Beach
Postcode & map: TR26 1JZ
Type of beach: Sand
Restrictions: Dogs are banned here from Easter to October.
About: Located in the shadow of the iconic Tate St. Ives building, the popular Porthmeor beach unfortunately implements a dog ban during summer. There’s plenty to enjoy the rest of the year though! Not only has this sprawling, sandy beach been consistently awarded Blue Flag status, it’s only a stone’s throw from St. Ives with its ancient streets, dog-friendly pubs, and cool cafes. It also has ideal conditions for surfing so whether you and your dog have some board skills or you just want to watch those who do, you’ll be in for a treat when you visit off-season. There’s also a small car park handily perched right above the beach.
3. Porthkidney Sands
Postcode & map: TR26 3GN
Type of beach: Sand
Restrictions: None, dogs are allowed here year round though they should be kept on a lead on the footpath leading from St. Uny Church to the beach.
Located two miles from St. Ives, Porthkidney Beach stretches almost a mile out to sea when the tide goes out. The huge expanse of sand welcomes four-legged visitors year round and has pretty turquoise water to splash around in—everything you need for a dog-friendly day at the beach! Surfers flock here when the swells are good and lifeguards operate from July to September but you should watch out for dangerous currents near the estuary. The beach can be accessed via the village of Lelant but it’s also possible to walk around the headland from Carbis Bay at low tide, or over it and on towards St. Ives via the South West Coast Path.
4. St. Ives Harbour Beach
Postcode & map: TR26 1LG
Type of beach: Sand
Restrictions: Between the Sunday before Easter and 30 September, dogs are only allowed on the beach between 7 p.m. and 8 a.m. They are allowed at all times the rest of the year.
About: St. Ives is still very much a working port as well as a bustling, cosmopolitan seaside resort town with plenty of shops, galleries, cafes, and pubs along the seafront. You’ll be able to eat your fill of ice cream and pasties while watching local fishermen land their daily catches of fresh seafood from Harbour Beach. The harbour walls protect this soft sandy beach from the elements making it the ideal place to do a bit of sunbathing, build a sand castle, or go for a leisurely swim. Take your dog for an early morning stroll or hit the beach once the crowds have dispersed and enjoy the sunset together.
5. Mexico Towans
Postcode & map: TR19 7NN
Type of beach: Sand
Restrictions: Dogs are allowed all year round on the central stretch of the beach, but there are restrictions at the southern end near the Hayle estuary and towards Gwithian to the north.
About: Part of a lovely three-mile stretch of beach backed by magnificent sand dunes—known as ‘towans’—Mexico Towans can be found between Hayle Towans and Gwithian Towans. As well as lots of happy dogs making friends with each other and racing around on the powdery sand, you’ll find swimmers and surfers on the beach during the summer. Although there are lifeguards on duty from 19th May to 30th September (as well as on neighbouring beaches) there are dangerous currents near the estuary to the south so you should avoid swimming there. Dog owners should also be aware that there are adders in the dunes and their bites can be fatal to dogs, so keep yours on leads and your eyes on the ground when walking through them.
6. Porthminster Beach
Postcode & map: TR26 2EB
Type of beach: Sand
Restrictions: Dogs are banned here from Easter to October.
About: Yes, Porthminster Beach is off-limits to dogs during the summer, but this holiday hotspot is uncomfortably packed with tourists then anyway so you and your little buddy aren’t missing much. Head there off-season when you and other four-legged revellers have plenty of space to appreciate the sheltered bay, calm waters, and views across Ives Bay to Godrevy lighthouse.
7. Lambeth Walk Beach
Map
Type of beach: Sand
Restrictions: None. Dogs are allowed on the beach year round.
About: Lambeth Walk Beach is nestled to the south of St. Ives Harbour and like Harbour Beach and Bamaluz Beach above it, it becomes almost completely submerged at high tide. When the tide recedes, the golden sand connects the beach with both St. Ives Harbour Beach and Porthminster Beach to the south so there’s plenty of space for that game of fetch. As the only beach within the town’s boundaries that’s dog-friendly 365 days a year, your dog will meet loads of other furry visitors and you’ll have access to plenty of facilities including some great shops and places to eat.
8. Carbis Bay
Postcode & map: TR26 2NP
Type of beach: Sand
Restrictions: Between the Sunday before Easter and 30 September, dogs are only allowed on the beach between 5 a.m. and 8 a.m. They are allowed at all times the rest of the year.
About: Though during summer this beach is only accessible to dogs at the ungodly hours between five and eight in the morning, it’s definitely worth getting up early for. The mile-long white sand beach is lapped by turquoise waters and surrounded by sub-tropical plants. It also tends to get busy during the day so if you’re there before the crowds hit it you’ll be able to enjoy some quiet time with your special furry someone. This is the most sheltered beach on this part of the coast meaning it rarely has any surf so it makes for an ideal spot for swimming.
To make your escape to the seaside even easier, you can take up to two dogs with you on all British trains free of charge—find out more in our article Can I Take My Dog on the Train? We hope you get a chance to explore some of St. Ives beautiful dog-friendly beaches with your dog but if you don’t have the time to take your little mate on a much-needed walk, Rover is here to help you find a fantastic dog-walker.
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Featured image: VISITCORNWALL.COM
