Newquay is great news for dogs and their owners — all of the beaches on this stunning stretch of coastline are dog friendly, many all year round. And it’s not just the beaches that welcome dogs — there are lots of places to eat, things to do and places to visit with your canine companions, too. If you’re planning to visit Newquay with your dog, here are a few ideas to get you started.
Dog-friendly beaches in and around Newquay
Whatever sort of beach day you’re after, you’re bound to find a dog-friendly beach in Newquay to suit you and your family. If you want to take to the water, you’ve got the vast stretch of golden sand at Watergate Bay with its surf schools and dog-friendly restaurants right on the beach, the world-class surfing beach of Fistral, and neighbouring Crantock, home to the Lusty Glaze Activity Centre, which offers banana boat rides and jet ski lessons — these beaches welcome dogs all year round.
If you’re after something a bit quieter, just a pebble’s throw from Newquay is Porth Joke, also known as Polly Joke, a deep narrow inlet with golden sand, a stream and lots of caves to explore. Porth Beach, the other side of Newquay, is a brilliant family and dog-friendly spot (although there are restrictions over the summer), a lovely flat beach with easy access and cafes nearby.
Dog-friendly places to eat and drink in and around Newquay
With so many dog-friendly beaches in Newquay and miles of coastal walking, most places to eat accept dogs through their doors. From cafes to pubs to hotels and restaurants, here’s a selection of some of our favourites in the area.
The Bowgie Inn
On a dramatic clifftop, the popular Bowgie Inn has wonderful views over the bay below and is just a short hop from the coastal path, making it the perfect stop off on a coastal walk. Expect plenty of local craft ales and liquors, Cornish gins and award-winning food with lots of veggie and vegan options — and treats for your dog at the bar. Outside, the sun terrace welcomes dogs has to be one of Cornwall’s loveliest, with spectacular views over the bay.
Unbeatable ocean views from this clifftop restaurant just south of Fistral, the dog-friendly Lewennick Lodge is a hotel and restaurant that celebrates the very best of Cornish produce. Well-behaved dogs are welcome throughout the year.
Dogs are welcome in the bar area and on the beautiful terrace of the family-run Fort Inn on the edge of Newquay. After a recent revamp, this cosy pub champions local produce and serves up all the classics with daily specials and award-winning beer. There’s an indoor play area for little ones and breathtaking views from the terrace.
Rick Stein — a name synonymous with contemporary Cornish cuisine, especially seafood — has a restaurant overlooking one of the best beaches in Newquay. Rick Stein’s at Fistral serves up their signature fish and chips (to eat in or take away to eat on the beach), as well as the freshest local seafood infused with flavours inspired by his travels around India and the Far East.
Tucked into cliffs, Lusty Glaze Bar and Restaurant is a relaxed, friendly place to drink and dine — seaside suppers, lazy breakfasts or an evening drink in front of the fire. All the dishes are made using fresh, local ingredients, from delicious nibbles and light bites to mouth-watering mains. Don’t miss the weekly live music sessions.
At the southern end of Fistral beach, laid-back Sea Spray serves up great food without a hefty price tag. A cafe at heart, this is the place for weekend breakfasts, a post-dog-walk coffee and cake (dogs are welcome on Fistral beach throughout the year), fuss-free family lunches or relaxed dinners with amazing sunset views. Soggy and sandy doggies welcome inside too.
Dog-friendly things to do in and around Newquay
Lappa Valley
Enjoy chugging through the Cornish countryside with your dog on a beautiful steam train at Lappa Valley, near Newquay. Although the mini railway is the main attraction here, there’s also a boating lake, children’s play areas, woodland trails and a cafe on this 35-acre site. Dogs are welcome on board, but not in the buffet car, and they need to be kept on leads on the platforms and at the stations, for fairly obvious reasons!
Cornwall Aviation Heritage Centre
This dog-friendly attraction just ten minutes from Newquay, the Cornwall Aviation Heritage Centre has a wonderful collection of classic aircraft. Visitors can climb into the cockpits of jet fighters or enjoy a scenic flight over Cornwall with an unforgettable flight experience. There are indoor and outdoor exhibitions, a 1950s style cafe, plus picnic areas, trails and a gift shop.
Healeys Cyder Farm
This family-run cider brewery and visitor centre near Newquay provides tours of the distillery with tastings, a cyder making museum and a tea room. Apart from the production halls and jam kitchen, dogs are allowed across the site, including in the cellars and museum and on the tractor rides.
Newquay Sea Safaris and Fishing Trips
Salty sea dogs are welcome onboard free of charge with this Newquay-based boat trip company that runs half and full-day fishing and wildlife spotting trips along the coastline — one of the best fishing areas in the UK. If you can’t decide which to opt for, combine the two and spot seals and dolphins and fish for your supper at the same time! Water and dog biscuits are provided on the boats.
