Short answer: Wadebridge has no beach of its own, but three good ones are about 5 miles away: Daymer Bay (calm, shallow estuary water, best for small children), Rock (wide sand facing Padstow, with the ferry across) and Polzeath (an Atlantic surf beach with cafés; its council car park takes cash). Polzeath bans dogs 15 May–30 September, 10am–6pm.
Drive 20 minutes from Wadebridge along the north side of the Camel and you get three very different beaches.
A sheltered sandy beach on the estuary with shallow, calm water: the best of the three for small children, kayaks and paddleboards. A car park sits right behind the beach, with toilets and a seasonal café and shop; reviewers say time limits are strictly enforced. St Enodoc Church is a short walk through the dunes: St Enodoc walk.
A wide, sandy estuary beach facing Padstow, with few waves. Bring supplies: there's little right on the sand. Rock Quarry car park is pay-by-app.
A big Atlantic surf beach, good for bodyboarding and beginner surfing, with cafés and bars along the front. Cornwall Council's car park is on the sand (tide dependent) and still takes cash:
Dogs are banned 15 May–30 September, 10am–6pm.
More: beaches near Padstow · dog-friendly Wadebridge · the Wadebridge guide.
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