Dog-friendly beaches

With over 300 beaches in Cornwall, you are guaranteed to find some where your dog is welcome too. Combe Haven beach near Fowey, though not very accessible, is dog-friendly year round and no doubt if you have your dog with you on holiday, you’re game for a good walk! To get to this beach you have to take a 15 minute stroll through a wooded valley, but your efforts will be rewarded!

The well-known Watergate Bay near Newquay is popular with dogs and surfers and the Beach Hut Café welcomes dogs too. Porthkidney Beach near St Ives is known as a ‘Happy Dog Beach’ and from Sandymouth near Bude at low tide you can enjoy a beautiful two-mile walk to the town itself. It offers wide sandy stretches where your dog can run free. This is just a handful of beaches that your dog can enjoy year-round.

Walking routes

Where do we begin? Throughout Cornwall, walking and cycling routes snake alongside the coast and criss-cross one another in the countryside. Of course, the popular South West Coast Path runs the length of the Cornish coast and on into Devon, taking in hidden coves, magnificent views and beautiful beaches. Whilst some parts can be a little challenging you’ll find plenty of easy sections too. The 18 mile Camel Trail which extends between Wadebridge, Padstow, Bodmin and Wendfordbridge is excellent for walkers, cyclists and horse riders and is such a well-used route, you dog will be in his element with all the different smells along the way. Likewise, take to the network of Mineral Tramways throughout Cornwall and discover the rich mining heritage of the county.

Dog-friendly days out

There are plenty of National Trust properties and privately owned gardens and estates that are open to the public and dogs throughout Cornwall. Trebah Gardens near Falmouth provides designated doggy tables and water bowls in their café and Port Eliot Estate allows dogs off the lead on a Wednesday in the park but on a lead for the rest of the week! You can also take your dog to Tintagel Castle, Carnglaze Caverns and the National Trust property of Trelissick – to name just a few.

For the ultimate child-friendly day out, head to Holywell Bay Fun Park which is packed with outdoor activities and rides. From trampolines and bouncy castles, right through to Go Karts and golf, there is everything you could possibly need for a fun-filled day with the family. As long as your pooch is kept on a lead he can join in all the fun too!

Gweek Seal Sanctuary on the banks of the picturesque River Helford has been named by dog food brand, Cesar as top dog-friendly attraction! With woodland walks, and lots of open green space there is plenty of room for your dog to stretch his legs. It’s perfect for a family day out because the kids will love meeting the rescued and resident seals and your will dog be all too happy not to miss out!

If you fancy tasting a little bit of local Cornish produce head to Healeys Cornish Cider Farm near Truro and enjoy a fantastic range of ciders, chutneys and jams. You can even stay for lunch, take a tour of the whole farm and see the cider-making process! On a sunny day you can sit out in the courtyard so your dog can sunbathe as you tuck into your lunch.

The Eden Project, one of Cornwall best-known family attractions is also dog-friendly. Others include Wheal Martyn, the UK’s only China Clay Museum and Country Park, Newlyn Art Gallery, Cornish Goldsmiths Treasure Park and Lappa Valley Steam Railway.

What about when you all start to get a little bit hungry? You don’t want to have to leave your pooch in the car, tied up outside or back the cottage altogether. In Cornwall it’s easy to plan ahead and find nearby dog-friendly pubs and cafes so you can all eat together.

If you think Cornwall sounds like a great destination for a dog-friendly holiday, then browse our selection of cottages and find the perfect one for you and your pooch.