Image credit: @jet_the_border_colliePlanning a holiday with your favourite four-legged pup? While there is a huge range of options on offer across the UK, one of the best locations for those with a canine companion in tow has to be dog-friendly Cornwall. Bursting with pet-friendly attractions, you'll find it easy to plan days out without having to leave the hound at home.
There’s no shortage of things to do in Cornwall with dogs – discover heritage sites entwined with local legend, the friendly seals that are native to Cornish shores, and gardens full of curious scents to sniff out.
If you want to dig up a cottage hideaway before planning your dog-friendly day out, click the button below which will take you to our pet-friendly accommodation across Cornwall.
Dog-friendly cottages in Cornwall
The Lizard Peninsula
Designated a National Character Area by Natural England, and the naming inspiration for this stretch of heritage coastline, the Lizard Peninsula is renowned for its unforgettable geology and landscape.
This dog-friendly place to visit in Cornwall has a temperate microclimate that makes it an ideal location for some rare and exotic plants to thrive. There's beauty around every corner – the historical landmarks and breathtaking views are particularly memorable. Stop at the pretty coves of Kynance, Cadgwith and Mullion, or discover more secret coves by taking a look at our guide to dog-friendly beaches in Cornwall.
Highlights:
- Take selfies with your dog at Lizard Point, the most southerly place in Britain
- Don’t miss a dip in the crystalline waters of Kennack Sands Beach
- Explore the dog-friendly grounds and beach at Trebah Gardens
All Lizard cottages
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 demos 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. Once you're all sealed out, pop over to the paddock to meet the sanctuary's ponies, sheep and goats, or children can take tractor rides 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!
Highlights
- Hop aboard the dog-friendly Land Train for a ride around the site
- Talks and feeds take place throughout the day
- There are dog treats behind the desk at reception to welcome four-pawed visitors
All Gweek cottages
Image credit: @pluto.cavapoochon (top left)Land’s End
Part of the exhaustive 603-mile route from John O’Groats to Land’s End, this destination is a great day out for you and your canine companion. Take in the views at the end of Cornwall where you’ll see granite cliffs, the Longships Lighthouse and, on a clear day, the Isles of Scilly.
Pick up a free guide at the Land’s End Visitor Centre to begin exploring the local landscape and spotting the wildlife that flock to the towering cliffs and enchanting shores; keen birdwatchers should bring along their binoculars. When the sea is clear, marine life like seals, basking sharks and dolphins can make appearances too. Keep dogs on leads during the nesting season.
Highlights
- Snap a photo at the famed Land’s End signpost with your best four-pawed pal
- Stretch your legs with a coastal walk to dog-friendly Gwynver Beach
- Look out for seals and dolphins playing in the waves out to sea
All Land’s End cottages
Image credit: @marley_pooboy (right)The Lost Gardens of Heligan
Enter the wonderful world of The Lost Gardens of Heligan where there is an incredible 200 acres worth of gardens for you to uncover. There’s a wealth of biodiversity – from wildflowers to birdlife – found throughout their gardens, farm, woodland and jungle.
Get back to nature in the productive gardens where the café grows its own produce using Victorian crop rotation techniques alongside elegant glasshouses. Meander around the Pleasure Gardens, designed for beauty, with romantic and surprising features to spot as you wander. There’s an outdoor jungle to explore as well, home to rope bridges, clever planting and waterways.
Highlights
- The Northern Summerhouse offers incredible views across St Austell Bay
- Walk across the longest Burmese Rope Bridge in Britain – not one for dogs though!
- Look out for intriguing sculptures including The Giant’s Head, Mudmaid and Grey Lady
Dog-friendly cottages in St Austell
Image credit: @doggiedoug1Eden Project
Did you know that the Eden Project, Cornwall’s most famous attraction, welcomes dogs? It’s a pleasant surprise for anyone searching for a fun day out with dogs in Cornwall as you can explore the beautiful gardens, taking in plants from all across the world, and there are cafes where pups are welcome too.
Unfortunately, dogs aren’t allowed inside the famous domes – however, if you’re visiting as a family or group, you can take turns resting outside with your pup so that all of your group gets a chance to step inside the biomes.
Highlights
- The intriguing Climate Garden showcases 400 million years and explores possible futures
- Walk down the hidden lichen-covered path in the Wild Edge Garden
- Look out for the giant bee art installation in the Pollinator Garden
All Par cottages
Images credit: @flambardsukFlambards Theme Park
For a thrill-seeking adventure, Flambards Theme Park is an exciting, adrenaline-pumping experience. They have plenty of big rides – from rollercoasters to log flumes – and gentler rides for younger visitors too, such as the Teacups, Space Shuttles and the Pirate Ship.
The Dino Express will take you back in time to a world filled with dinosaurs, or there’s the chance to get competitive with go-karts, and when everyone has had their fill of fun there are plenty of picnic spots across the park where you can eat and relax. Your dog is welcome throughout all of the outdoor areas.
Highlights
- Brave a ride on Sky-Force – the largest thrill ride in the South West
- Young dinosaur enthusiasts can join the Dino-Dig to unearth a series of fossils
- Explore the Wild West with a journey aboard the Western Mine Train
All Helston cottages
Images credit: @stevelucockLappa Valley Steam Railway
A delightful dog-friendly attraction with a wide range of activities for little ones to enjoy, Lappa Valley is just the place for youngsters investigating the world. It is an impressive heritage site, with steam trains still running on what is one of the oldest railway track beds in Cornwall. It is also home to one of the largest remaining Cornish engine houses in the country.
The heritage trains are the pride and joy of Lappa Valley so make sure you jump aboard for a ride around the site before diving into the many other exciting attractions. You can choose between the steam railway or the miniature woodland railway, both passing by lovely scenery as you chug around the site. Set sail on the boating lake, play a round of crazy golf, or let kids loose on the Pirate Ship, Play Jeep, climbing frames and all the other fun additions in the play parks.
Highlights
- Begin your pet-friendly day out with a ride on the heritage steam train railway
- Swan about the boating lake in pedalo swans
- Head down the Giant Tunnel Slide – sorry, no grown-ups allowed!
Dog-friendly cottages in Newquay
Images credit: @jet_the_border_collieHidden Valley Discovery Park
A magical setting home to pixies and fairies and run by the mysterious Professor Puzzlewit, Hidden Valley Discovery Park is a family gem set in the Cornish countryside. Begin exploring this pet-friendly attraction with your dog by your side and get to know creatures you thought were only found in fairy tales.
Pop by the village of Tremuddlewick where you’ll see quirky grass-covered houses or, if you dare, take a trip up to the Forbidden Mansion. Wind your way through the Hidden Valley Maze, made of over 4,000 beech trees, and see if you can find your way to the middle, before going for a stroll through the pretty gardens where you can watch a tiny train driving through a miniature village.
Highlights
- Climb the treehouse in the centre of the maze and take in a view of the park
- Curtains twitch and faint voices can be heard in the fairy village of Tremuddlewick
- Kids will enjoy solving puzzles on the Muddlers Mystery Trail
Dog-friendly cottages in Launceston
Trippet Stone Circle on 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. We’d suggest a drive to the impressive and ancient Trippet Stone Circle, a Bronze Age relic that creates a striking scene against the flat, rugged landscape of the moor. Only 11 of its original 26 stones remain, but in its heyday, it was one of few perfectly round stone circles in Cornwall.
These stones are easy to get to and you’re likely to see wild ponies grazing on the moor, so you may prefer to keep your dog on a lead during your visit. You’ll also spot Carbilly Tor in the distance – enjoy a walk up the tor or sit back and admire the views over a picnic in this beauty spot.
Highlights
- On a clear day, look out for the summit of Bodmin’s second-highest tor: Rough Tor
- Meet the majestic wild ponies that roam the site or can usually be found nearby
- Pop by the iconic Jamaica Inn, a dog-friendly pub, for a meal afterwards - it's located just up the A30
All Bodmin Moor cottages
For footpaths and rambling routes across Bodmin Moor and the rest of the county, follow these wonderful walks around Cornwall.
Tintagel Castle
It may be an obvious attraction, but that doesn't stop it from being 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 country's most scenic, historic landmarks.
Everyone will enjoy exploring this legendary castle – it’s just the place to inspire young imaginations! Set on dramatic cliffs overlooking a fearsome stretch of the Atlantic, you can explore the ruins and visit Merlin's Cave, as well as take your dog for a reward at the Beach Café afterwards. Keep dogs on leads due to cliff edges and steep steps.
Highlights
- Cross over the dramatic footbridge to the castle
- See if you can find Merlin in his cave down on Tintagel Beach
- Discover the remains of the medieval walled garden
Dog-friendly cottages in Tintagel
Map of our top dog-friendly attractions in Cornwall
Plan your route to one of these fantastic Cornish attractions that welcome dogs.
Dog-friendly holidays in Cornwall
After scouring our list of top dog-friendly things to do in Cornwall and beginning to plan your next holiday, it’s time to find a pet-friendly cottage where you can relax.
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