St Ives wraps around some of Britain's most beautiful white-sand beaches, and the dog rules here are seasonal and beach-by-beach, set by Cornwall Council's Public Spaces Protection Order and enforced with 100-pound fines. The key dates: Porthmeor, Porthminster and Carbis Bay ban dogs from 15 May to 30 September between 10am and 6pm, while St Ives Harbour beach and Porthgwidden ban them from 1 July to 31 August, 10am to 6pm. Outside those hours dogs are welcome, and Bamaluz Beach, Lambeth Walk and the north side of Smeaton's Pier stay dog-friendly all year, so a dog is never stuck. Always check the current signs on arrival, as the order can change.
A small, sheltered sandy cove tucked below the St Ives Museum between the harbour and Porthgwidden, and the town's one truly year-round dog beach. It is where local dog owners go in high summer when the bigger beaches are off-limits, an easy stroll from the harbourfront pubs.
Rules: Dogs welcome year-round; keep them under control and clean up after them. It is small and can get busy, so a lead is sensible at peak times.
The big Blue Flag surf beach on the Atlantic side of St Ives, backed by the Tate gallery and a dog-friendly beach cafe. Dogs are banned in the middle of the day in high season, but the sweeping sands are theirs early and late, and all winter.
Rules: No dogs 10am to 6pm from 15 May to 30 September (100-pound fine). Outside those hours and in the off-season, dogs are welcome; keep them under control and clean up.
A wide, gently shelving south-facing beach of pale sand below the station, with calm water and views to Godrevy lighthouse. Like Porthmeor it has a summer daytime dog ban, but it is a glorious early-morning or evening dog walk in season and open all winter.
Rules: No dogs 10am to 6pm from 15 May to 30 September (100-pound fine). Outside those hours and in the off-season, dogs are welcome under control.
Our top-rated pet-friendly hotels, handpicked and verified.
Trevose Harbour House
โ โ โ โ โ ยท 9.8/10
โฌ120/night
High quality detached house with parking St. Ives
โ โ โ โ โ ยท 9.8/10
โฌ120/night
The Observatory - Panoramic Sea Views - Beach 100m
โ โ โ โ โ ยท 9.7/10
โฌ120/night
Looking for a place to stay elsewhere? These destinations near St Ives also welcome your dog.
