Top 10 Dog-Friendly Days Out in Cornwall

Although your dog may love frolicing on the long sandy beaches and splashing in the sea, they  love nothing better than jumping into the car for an adventure and Cornwall has so much more to offer intrepid four-legged friends. As well as sandy paw fun there are some wonderful dog-friendly gardens, historic houses and castles to explore that will guarantee a fun day out for the whole family including the dog. 

We have put together some of our favourite dog-friendly attractions – including the Eden Project and the Lost Gardens of Heligan as well as a trip on the Lappa Valley steam train – all designed to delight you and your dog!  

The Eden Project

One of the UK’s top gardens and eco attractions in Cornwall exploring the interaction between living things, the project is located in a reclaimed china clay pit located 2 km from St Blazey and 5 km from St Austell. Your dog will love this beautiful botanical garden, with a myriad of outdoor paths and fabulous dog walks. Take turns to visit the Biomes. There are water bowls provided and  undercover dining areas for dogs.

The Lost Gardens of Heligan

This amazing botanical centre offers 200 acres of green spaces for your dog to walk. They will be transfixed by the magical rock and plant figures dotted around the gardens and will love the woodland walks and wild jungle area. With miles of pathways and different routes this makes a great dog day out.

STAY AT: The Old Ferry Inn, Cornwall

Lappa Valley Steam Train

Lappa Valley Steam Train Is a narrow gauge steam railway set in the Lappa Valley which opened in 1849 to carry minerals between Newquay and East Wheal Rose. The mile long journey takes you on a wonderful ride from Benny Halt through a gorgeous Cornish valley to East Wheal Rose. Dogs are welcome on board and it makes a fun day out that furry friends will love! There is also crazy golf and a cafe.

STAY AT: Bodmin Jail Hotel, Cornwall

Cornish Seal Sanctuary

The dog-friendly Cornish Seal Sanctuary allows dogs on leads and is situated in the pretty village of Gweek Cornwall in the picturesque Helford Estuary where you can see the seals and other animals up close. The original purpose of the Seal Sanctuary was to rescue seals, which they still do, also rehabilitating and releasing many seals every year.  As well as gray and common seals they also have Fur Seals, Californian, Patagonian Sea Lions as well as goats, ponies and sheep.

STAY AT: Budock Vean Hotel, Cornwall

St Mawes Castle

Dog-friendly St Mawes Castle is one of the  best-preserved of Henry VIII’s coastal artillery fortresses, and elaborately decorated.  One of a chain of forts built between 1539 and 1545 to counter an invasion threat from Catholic France and Spain, it guarded the important anchorage of Carrick Roads, as did Pendennis Castle. Wander around and enjoy wonderful sea views from the top of the castle keep and the beautiful grounds which stretch down to the Fal Estuary. Take a ferry ride to St Mawes Castle from Falmouth and enjoy coffee and cakes at  Bear Cornwall’s coffee van. The charming village of St Mawes is close by.

STAY AT: St Michaels Resort & Spa, Cornwall