Cornwall Council's dog rules for beaches near Boscastle and Bude, which beaches ban dogs in summer and when, and where you can take your dog instead.
North Cornwall is a great place for a holiday with your dog, but beach rules catch many visitors out. Cornwall Council restricts dogs on a number of popular beaches during the day in the summer, and the dates vary from beach to beach. This guide sets out the rules for beaches within reach of Lower Pennycrocker Farm near Boscastle, based on the council's published list. Rules can change, so always check the council's website and the signs at each beach. For dogs at the campsite, see our dog-friendly camping page.
How the rules work
Cornwall Council uses a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) to control dogs on certain beaches. There are two main types of restriction:
- Dogs prohibited: dogs are not allowed on the beach at all during the restricted hours.
- Dogs on leads: dogs are allowed, but must be on a lead during the restricted hours.
Restrictions usually apply from 10am to 6pm. Outside those hours, and outside the restricted dates, dogs are generally allowed. Breaking the order can lead to a fixed penalty of £100.
Beaches near Boscastle with summer dog bans
These north coast beaches have a daytime dog ban (10am–6pm) from 15 May to 30 September:
| Beach | Approx. distance from the farm |
|---|---|
| Crackington Haven | about 5 miles |
| Widemouth Bay | towards Bude |
| Crooklets, Bude | about 20–25 minutes |
| Polzeath | about 40 minutes |
| Trevone, near Padstow | further west |
At St George's Well, near Padstow, the ban runs from 1 July to 31 August.
Dogs on leads: Summerleaze, Bude
Summerleaze beach in Bude is not a no-dog beach, but dogs must be on a lead from 10am to 6pm, 21 May to 30 September.
Beaches not on the council's restricted list
Several beaches near us did not appear on Cornwall Council's restricted list when we checked, including Trebarwith Strand, Bossiney Haven, The Strangles, Sandymouth and Northcott Mouth. Some of these are owned or managed by others, such as the National Trust, which may have their own rules, so look for signs when you arrive. Our guides cover each one:
- Trebarwith Strand: only accessible at lower tides.
- Bossiney Haven: a steep path down.
- The Strangles: wild, with a long, steep climb back up.
- Sandymouth and Northcott Mouth: north of Bude.
Planning a beach day with your dog
- Go early or late. On restricted beaches, before 10am and after 6pm are fine, and they are often the best times anyway.
- Check the tide. Some coves are cut off at high tide. See beach safety and tides.
- Watch the cliffs. The coast path is often unfenced, so keep dogs on a lead near edges and livestock.
- Carry water. There are few taps between villages.
- Clean up. Bag it and bin it, on the beach and on the path.
For more, read Boscastle with dogs and camping with dogs in Cornwall.
Bringing your dog to Lower Pennycrocker Farm
We welcome up to two dogs per booking at £2 each a night. Please clean up after your dog, keep barking to a minimum and do not leave dogs alone in tents, caravans or cars. The coast path is about half a mile away.
Frequently asked questions
Can dogs go on Crackington Haven beach?
Not between 10am and 6pm from 15 May to 30 September. Outside those times, yes.
Are dogs allowed on Summerleaze beach in Bude?
Yes, but they must be on a lead from 10am to 6pm between 21 May and 30 September.
What is the fine for taking a dog on a restricted beach?
Cornwall Council can issue a fixed penalty notice of £100.
Are dogs allowed on Polzeath beach in summer?
No, dogs are banned from 10am to 6pm between 15 May and 30 September.
Stay near Boscastle
Lower Pennycrocker Farm is a quiet, family-run campsite at St Juliot, about two miles from Boscastle (PL35 0BY). We welcome tents, touring caravans, motorhomes and campervans from 1 April to 31 October. Adults are £10 a night, children aged 5 and over £5, electric hook-up £7 and dogs £2 each (maximum two). Showers are free and you park beside your pitch. Check availability and book direct, or see pitches and prices.
