Planning a holiday with your favourite four legs? While there is a huge range of options across the UK on offer, one of the best for those with a canine companion in tow, has to be dog-friendly Cornwall. Bursting with pet-friendly attractions, walks and beaches, you'll find it so easy to plan days out without having to leave the hound at home.
We have featured some of our favourite beaches, walks, days out and places to refuel below as well as a few Cornish hideaways to rest tired legs and weary paws when the excitement of the day has worn off. If you want to find a cottage before planning your days out, click the button below which will take you to all of our dog-friendly holiday accommodation across Cornwall.
Dog-friendly cottages in Cornwall
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Dog-friendly beaches in Cornwall
With over 200 dog-friendly beaches along its stunning coastline, Cornwall must surely be the destination of choice for those with four legs. No matter the time of year, you will always find a beach that welcomes our canine friends, from the huge expanses of sand in the north to the pretty fishing village beaches in the south.
Don't forget the peninsula around Land's End, the most westerly spot in mainland Britain and of course, the spectacular Lizard Heritage Coast with its historic mining villages and Lizard Point lighthouse - you will not only find delightful beaches and hidden coves all around this part of the coast, but also some wonderful cliff-top walks.
Here are a couple of our favourites:
Whitsand Bay
A 3-mile blanket of sand stretching from Rame Head to Porthwrinkle, this famous dog-walking beach in Cornwall encompasses various beaches along its route. Take all the family down and watch the surfers catching the next big wave, or make it just you and the dog and discover this hidden gem together. There are dog-friendly cafés both at the top of the cliffs and on the beach and best of all, dogs are welcome all year round. The beach is reached via steep paths so take care if you've got an older dog with you.
Holywell Bay
Another dog-friendly beach in Cornwall that welcomes canines throughout the year, the golden sands of Holywell are ideal for those staying in Newquay or along the delightful St Agnes Heritage Coast. Just a short drive away, you can pack up Fido and his favourite frisbee and be on the beach in no time at all. Gaze out across the turquoise waters as you play with your pal and when you're both dog tired, head up to one of the dog-friendly pubs above the beach to refuel.
We also recommend:
- Crantock Beach
- Bedruthan Steps Beach
- Bosahan Cove
- Porthkidney Beach
- Par Sands
More dog-friendly beaches in Cornwall
Dog-friendly walks in Cornwall
Top walkies will be yours for the taking when you visit the South West. Cliff-top paths towering over swathes of golden sand and pretty bays, views to die for, and fascinating historical landmarks to discover. Amble or hike along the South West Coast Path which winds its way from North Devon, all around Cornwall and back into South Devon - you can do a little or you can do a lot!
Don't forget to explore inland Cornwall too - the brooding Bodmin Moor is one of our chosen spots for great off-lead walkies and it also has a famous pub - Jamaica Inn, inspiration for the Daphne du Maurier novel of the same name - to visit when it's time to sample a little of the local ale.
Check out these top walkies:
The Lizard Peninsula
Measuring about 14 by 14 miles and designated as a National Character Area by Natural England, the geology and landscape of the Lizard are unique to the rest of the county. With a temperate microclimate which makes it an ideal location for some rare and exotic plants to thrive, it makes for an interesting dog walk in Cornwall, especially with the historical landmarks and breathtaking views to take in as you go. Stop at the pretty coves of Kynance Cove, Cadgwith and Mullion and take selfies with your dog at the National Trust's Lizard Point, the most southerly place in Britain.
Bodmin Moor
A wide expanse of wild and windy moor awaits you and your dog at Bodmin, perfect for canines who want to feel the breeze in their fur. Explore the sheltered valleys and the pretty woodland bursting with bluebells in spring, and uncover fascinating historical landmarks, including tombs, houses and stone circles. There are lots of circular walks including the St Breward to Advent trail taking in the pillars of Devil's Jump and the medieval village of Carwether, and the East Moor to Newton walk which takes you up to the summit of Fox Tor and through prehistoric remains dating back to the Bronze Age. A post-walk pint at the infamous Jamaica Inn high on the moor makes a great end to any country walk.
More of Cornwall's best walks
Dog-friendly days out in Cornwall
As well as the fabulous beaches and walks, you'll also come across some brilliant days out all across Cornwall, many of which welcome dogs as much as their human counterparts. Dip into country estates where the walks are plentiful, hop aboard a steam train to see the sights, view some contemporary art or do what the crowds do and visit the birthplace of King Arthur - you don't have to miss out because you have brought your favourite family member along for the ride!
Here are a couple of the best doggy days out:
Tintagel Castle
It may be an obvious attraction, but that doesn't make it any the less one of the best places to visit in Cornwall when you have a dog in tow. Allegedly the birthplace of King Arthur, Tintagel boasts one of the most scenic, historic landmarks in the country. Set on dramatic rugged cliffs overlooking a fearsome Atlantic sea, you will have ample opportunity to explore the ruins and visit the nearby Merlin's Cave as well as take them for a crumbly reward at the Beach Café afterwards. Keep dogs on leads due to cliff edges and steps.
Gweek Seal Sanctuary
You might not imagine that this would be one of Cornwall's top dog-friendly attractions, but it really is! Not only that, but the Cornish Seal Sanctuary in Gweek is an excellent educational day out for children, with demo and talks from the keepers - little ones can even get involved in feeding time. Learn about why these handsome sea creatures are brought into the sanctuary and when it is the right time to release them back into their habitat. When you're all sealed out, pop over to the paddock to meet the sanctuary's ponies, sheep and goats or children can take a tractor ride around the farm. It's best to take dogs who are animal friendly as you don't want to spend the whole day tugging at the lead!
More dog-friendly days out in Cornwall
Dog-friendly places to eat in Cornwall
We all love a warm and welcoming pub to stop at for a hearty post-walk lunch or an evening drink if the mood takes us. You can't beat Cornwall's traditional pubs for a taste of Cornish life - from country inns deep in the countryside to maritime pubs that have welcomed seafarers over centuries, you will feel that you are tasting a slice of Cornwall's rich history as you sup a pint of local ale or dive into a plate of fresh seafood. Curl up by a roaring fire, hound at your feet after a brisk winter walk, or head out into pretty beer gardens during the warm summer months, allowing hot dogs to stretch out and enjoy the summer sun.
Here are two top pubs that will welcome Rover too:
The Punch Bowl & Ladle, Penelewey
If you are looking for atmospheric dog-friendly pubs in Cornwall, you'll want to take a trip to the 15th-century Punch Bowl & Ladle in Penelewey. A picture-postcard dream with its thatched roof, stone walls and latticed windows, it is just as lovely inside with a charming interior and warm Cornish welcome. Dogs are invited, which makes it all the better in our opinion!
Pandora Inn, Falmouth
Taste a little of Cornwall's history with a sojourn in the maritime Pandora Inn in Falmouth. Dating back to the 13th century, it's another one of the top dog-friendly places to eat in Cornwall with a thatched roof, flagstone floors and original wooden beams that will warm hearts and cold tired paws. The pub has some great local ales as well as an extensive wine list - sit in front of the flickering fire with your best pal and take a few moments for yourself.
More dog-friendly pubs in Cornwall
Dog-friendly places to stay in Cornwall
We have an amazing selection of dog-friendly cottages all over Cornwall for you to greet the morning and see out the day, hound at your side. Wake up in a contemporary apartment just steps from the beach, ready to head down to the sands for an early morning walk, or cosy up in a traditional fisherman's cottage in front of a warming wood burner when the nights turn cold.
Check out some of our favourite paw-friendly pads below.
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This gorgeous property is located on the frontline of Tregonhawke Cliff, boasting amazing sea views. Placed in About Time Magazine's Top 10: World's Most Spectacular Rooms with a View in 2019, this beach chalet makes the perfect romantic retreat for a pair of beach babies and a couple of dogs. Watch whales and dolphins in this most beautiful corner of England and sit on the wooden deck and stargaze under the Cornish skies on clear nights. This is one for that romantic proposal for sure.
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A delightfully converted chapel in a tranquil setting on the North Cornwall coast, a family of five with a dog will love a stay at this country retreat. Just 5 miles from Bude with its beaches and tidal pool for safe bathing, you will have ample opportunity to explore the coastline and discover the South West Coast Path that winds its way around the county, from this pretty base. Come home on cold winter evenings and snuggle up in front of the wood burner and plan your next day's adventures with a glass of something bubbly in hand.
Dog-friendly holidays in Cornwall
Whether you’re after a pad by the beach for your salty sea dog, a cosy escape in a traditional fishing village or something a little more rural, check out our full collection and start planning your escape to this spectacular county.
Dog-friendly cottages in Cornwall