Porthkidney Beach

The expansive sands at Porthkidney stretch for around a mile from the River Hayle at Lelant to Hawk’s Point in Carbis Bay, near St Ives.

The beach is a well-guarded secret due to limited parking and relative remoteness, which makes it spot-on for dog owners wanting to exercise their furry friends .

Often deserted, the beach which can be seen from the St Ives branch train, looks like it goes on forever (almost a mile on a low spring tide) so it is perfect for you and your dog to paddle and run around.

Overlooked by West Cornwall Golf Club, the Lelant end is backed by dunes which become cliff-like towards the Carbis Bay end, so it is best parking in Lelant by St Uny Church and taking the pathway, unless you are staying in close proximity.

Trying to walk from Carbis Bay beach to here is not recommended because the tide comes in very fast, and can be very high (there is the coast path you can take though).

Unpredictable currents makes it unsuitable for swimming, especially near the river mouth, so keep an eye on your pet, but if you stay on the white sands, you and your dog can run off plenty of energy here at this all-year-round dog-friendly beach with no restrictions.

With acres of space, this is a place for off-lead freedom, and it is stunningly beautiful, too, though you are advised to keep your dog on a lead on the pathway to the beach through the dunes.