on 13/12/2024
Planning the perfect 2025 family holiday in Cornwall? You’re not alone! Holidaymakers are flocking to this idyllic county for its stunning coastline, luxury family-friendly holiday cottages, and dog-friendly beaches. There is a good reason many of the best places to live in the UK are frequently voted in Cornwall. Whether you’re staying in a self-catering holiday cottage or looking for family activities in Cornwall, here’s a list of the best beaches to visit, packed with amenities and nearby attractions for a stress-free staycation! Check out our 5* rated holiday homes in Cornwall while you're here.
Perranpotrh is known as one of the dog friendliest beaches in Cornwall, and is perfect for a range of water sports. Perranporth offers miles of golden sands, perfect for building sandcastles, paddling, playing games and football, and exploring with the kids and your dog.
Top Amenities: Lifeguards during peak seasons, easy parking, clean toilets, and surf schools.
Nearby Cafés: The Watering Hole isn’t just a short walk- it’s literally on the beach. This famous beach bar serves family-friendly meals and doggy treats. The only real beach bar in the sand in the UK, this restaurant and bar also hosts family friendly festivals in the summer.
Dog Rules: Dogs welcome year-round, with leads required during peak times (July and August, 9 am to 5 pm).
If you’re looking for the perfect 2025 holiday spot for your active, water-loving family, Watergate Bay in Newquay is where you should base yourself. Known for its wide sandy stretch and famous as one of the best surfing beaches in Europe, Watergate Bay is a hotspot for family activities like surfing and bodyboarding. It’s also a favourite for dog lovers, and foodie lovers- with a wide range of cafes and restaurants beach side.
Top Amenities: Toilets, parking, surf schools, and family-friendly restaurants.
Nearby Cafés: Try the Stables or Rick Steins for delicious, family-focused dining with views of the waves.
Dog Rules: Open to dogs all year.
Perfect for water sports, families with teens can enjoy surf lessons while younger children explore the soft sands. Dogs and kids will love the huge sand dunes.
Top Amenities: Surf hire, shops, lifeguards, and nearby family attractions in Newquay. There are beach showers too (check out the famous flip flop shower)
Nearby Cafés: Rick Stein’s Fistral serves the best fish and chips for your holiday, and all the seafood classics with family-sized portions.
Dog Rules: Open to dogs year-round.
Gwithian is ideal for nature-loving families, with tons of rock pools. The beach stretches far, so there’s space for everyone, with stunning views and lots of opportunity to spot wild seals and Cornwall’s incredible marine wildlife. You’ll also find lots of swimming spots nestled in the rock pools. Plus, Gwithian is also a great year round surf spot.
Top Amenities: Lifeguards in summer, parking, and toilets.
Nearby Cafés: Sunset Surf Café is dog-friendly and offers hearty meals perfect for refueling after a day at the beach.
Dog Rules: Seasonal restrictions (May – September)
Calm waters make Polzeath beach ideal for a family beach holiday- with lots of opportunities for paddling, while older kids can take surf lessons. Shops and cafés are conveniently close, and there is a small shipping container restaurant area on the beach.
Top Amenities: Parking, toilets, and family-friendly restaurants.
Nearby Cafés: The Cracking Crab offers dog-friendly dining with ocean views, serving delicious local sea food.
Dog Rules: Restricted during May- September, early mornings and evenings they can run free though!
With its turquoise waters and sheltered location, Porthcurno is perfect for families looking for calm, safe paddling and breathtaking scenery. Porthcurno is often named one of the most beautiful beaches in Cornwall. It also helps that it’s slightly off the beaten track and is more secluded than those we have previously listed, so is a little lesser known and therefore generally less busy.
Top Amenities: Toilets, parking, and a seasonal café.
Nearby Cafés: The Minack Theatre café offers snacks with stunning coastal views.
Dog Rules: Dogs welcome from October to Easter.
A peaceful escape, Holywell Bay is famous for its sand dunes and family-friendly atmosphere and picturesque iconic island just off shore. It’s great for picnics and outdoor adventures, especially sand dune sledging. Holywell Bay is also a larger beach with sands that stretch far and wide, you won’t feel cramped in the height of summer.
Top Amenities: Lifeguards, parking, and nearby shops.
Nearby Cafés: St Piran’s Inn serves delicious meals and welcomes dogs.
Dog Rules: Open to dogs all year.
Known for its tranquility, this beach is ideal for families seeking a quieter alternative to the busier tourist hotspots. Great for exploring rock pools. If you don't believe us about how amazing this beach is, you should believe the many celebrities now setting up holiday homes here, including Cate Blanchett!
Top Amenities: Toilets, parking, and shops.
Nearby Cafés: Catch Seafood Bar & Grill is perfect for family dining and dog-friendly too.
Dog Rules: Dogs welcome all year.
Crantock in Newquay offers a spacious, sandy beach backed by scenic sand dunes, ideal for picnics, family beach games, and exploring with dogs. The beach connects to the Gannel Estuary, which provides the perfect safe haven for paddle boarding and watersport adventures from the beach. We often find that Crantock beach is much less busy than it’s more famous neighbours, such as Fistral Beach and Watergate.
Top Amenities: Toilets, parking, and seasonal lifeguards.
Nearby Cafés: The Fern Pit Café is family-friendly and serves excellent local food.
Dog Rules: Dogs allowed year-round.
This golden beach is perfect for sea swimming, sunbathing, and playing games with the kids. Dogs love the expansive sands too.
Top Amenities: Toilets, parking, and lifeguards during summer.
Nearby Cafés: Sandbar Café is a local favourite with sea views and family-friendly options.
Dog Rules: Seasonal restrictions (July to August)
Cornwall’s dog-friendly beaches are the perfect destination for families looking for adventure and relaxation. Whether you’re staying in a luxury family cottage with a hot tub or exploring coastal walks, these beaches offer something for everyone. Start planning your Cornwall family beach holiday 2025 today!
