PetsPyjamas’ Guide to Dog-Friendly Cornwall
Anyone thinking of taking their four legged friend on a family holiday could do no better than visit Cornwall. It has a dramatic natural beauty with miles of dog-friendly beaches, many dog-friendly year round, amazing coastal and country walks across swaithes of moorland as well as charming villages with cosy pubs – what better place for a dog-friendly getaway anytime of year.
The Cornish name for Cornwall is Kernow and it has a unique Celtic heritage considered one of the Celtic nations which include Wales, Ireland, Scotland, Isle of Man and Brittany. It is the only county in the UK which only borders one other county Devon with over 25% of the land designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The Cornish coast stretches 422 miles and encompases fabulous stretches of sandy beaches, cliffs and coves. It also boasts the mildest climate in the UK.
Explore the gorgeous fishing town of St Mawes on the Roseland Peninsula, visit Kynance Bay on the Lizard Peninsula, the famous beaches of Polzeath, Daymer Bay, St Ives or Cawsand in the South East. Alternatively take your dog for a walk along the Camel Trail – the opportunities are endless and not only that – no trip to Cornwall would be complete without a visit to the dog-friendly Eden Project and the Lost Gardens of Heligan.
One of our favourite dog-friendly destinations, we have rounded up the very best luxury coastal hotels, boutique hotels and the prettiest houses and cottages. Some with exclusive PetsPyjamas offers, where your dog will feel as welcome as you are.
We’ve also sniffed out the best places for walkies, amazing dog-friendly attractions and fabulous country pubs to stop for a well earned lunch where your four legged companion will no doubt receive treats and rub noses with other Cornish canines.
Bow-Wow Factor
It has to be its amazing beaches from secret coves to long stretches of sandy beach – it’s a doggy paradise!
Sniff Out These Categories Below
🍽 Dog-Friendly Pubs and Eateries
🏖 Our Favourite Dog-Friendly Beaches
Dog-Friendly Places to Stay in Cornwall
There is a wonderful variety of dog-friendly places to stay in Cornwall. Whether you are looking for a luxury seaside hotel, cosy countryside cottage, or room in a charming country pub, you are sure to find the perfect stay for you and your hound.
Suitable for all breeds and budgets, our pet-friendly Cornwall hotels and cottages have all been given our PetsPyjamas paw of approval.
Dog-Friendly Cornwall Hotels
Our PetsPyjamas hotels are incredibly dog-welcoming; with each one given our paw of approval. Suitable for all breeds and budgets, here are a few of our favourite dog-friendly hotels in Cornwall.
Hotel Tresanton, Cornwall
A super stylish seaside escape set in the peaceful village of St Mawes, dog-friendly Hotel Tresanton in Cornwall is the ultimate retreat for coast-loving canines. Originally created as a yachtsman’s club, Olga Polizzi bought the Tresanton in 1997 and has worked her magic to create a glamorous and relaxing getaway for any time of year. Relax on the fabulous terrace with your four-legged friend, at their fabulous dog-friendly beach club or dine with your dog in Dog’s Bar. And best of all, there are a myriad of dog-friendly beaches and cliff top walks on the doorstep.
Mullion Cove, Cornwall
Situated high on the cliffs of the cove itself, Mullion Cove is surrounded by blue waters, National Trust land and secluded beaches. This pretty little hotel makes for a wonderful base for a walking holiday – the Lizard Peninsula is a walker’s paradise! Spectacular at any time of the year, you and your furry friend can spend your days wandering the South West Coast Path or sitting back in Mullion Cove’s fabulous doggy lounge to enjoy the stunning sea views. The hotel also has an outdoor pool and spa.
The Godolphin, Cornwall
Sitting in a pocket of paradise on Cornwall’s beautiful west coast, The Godolphin has a spectacular beachfront location in lovely Marazion, looking out over iconic St Michael’s Mount and is perfect for sandy walks with your best furry friend. Dogs will love strolling along Marazion Beach, and you’ll marvel at the picture-perfect views of the dreamy St Michael’s Mount, an enchanting island complete with a mediaeval church and castle. And after a day of surfing and long walks enjoy a meal at the Godolphin’s dog-friendly restaurant, Shutters.
Dog-Friendly Cornwall Cottages
Our PetsPyjamas cottages are super dog-friendly; with each one given our paw of approval. Suitable for all breeds and budgets, here are a few of our favourite pet-friendly cottages in Cornwall.
Three Mile Beach, Cornwall
Three Mile Beach is a collection of 15 stunning dog-friendly beach houses. Just a stone’s throw from three miles of beach with fabulous views over Godrevy lighthouse and the lights of St Ives, there’s all the elements for the perfect dog-friendly stay. Each house is individually designed and equipped for easy living, there are stylish bedrooms complete with yeti dog beds, blankets and bowls for furry friends. Your own kitchen and private chefs are also available. An ideal base for exploring the arts and crafts of St Ives, make sure to make the most of cliff top walks and playing catch along the beach.
The Valley Cottages, Cornwall
Set in 13-acres of gardens and woodland, the dog-friendly Valley Cottages in Cornwall are a cosy and comfortable base for you and your four-legged friend to explore. A collection of luxury self-catering holiday cottages, you and your pooch can step straight from your front door and venture out for some stunning walks in the beautiful Cornish countryside. Relax on your terrace after a hearty walk or take a dip in one of the pools. The Croft is an exceptional three-bedroom cottage with stunning views of the countryside beyond and an enclosed patio to the rear. A delightful mix of cool, fresh interiors with warming oak and original Cornish art, the cottage sleeps six people. Only a few miles from Truro and Falmouth, the Valley cottages are perfectly placed for exploring both the North and South coasts.
Dreamcatchers, Cornwall
A stunning luxury house, dog-friendly Dreamcatchers based in Truro is situated on a peaceful footpath terrace less than 200-yards from the waterside above St Mawes. The property sleeps 10, making it a perfect dog-friendly stay for a big group looking to get away with their pets in tow. Charmingly decorated with airy, spacious rooms, it commands a magnificent view out across the harbour, St Anthony’s Headland and westwards over Falmouth Bay to Manacle Point. There is also a lovely garden and games room to keep everyone entertained – although with so many fabulous beaches and cliff top walks around, as well as an array of dog-friendly cafes and restaurants nearby, you and your dog are already spoilt for choice when it comes to things to do.
Dog-Friendly Pubs and Eateries in Cornwall
After a busy day walking along the South West Coastal path or exploring the wonderful array of picturesque seaside villages of St Ives, St Mawes, Padstow, Fowey and Rock you’ll want to find somewhere to eat where your four-legged friend will be as welcome as you are. Luckily, Cornwall is teeming with dog-friendly places to eat, whether it’s a beachside cafe, an award-winning restaurant or a fabulous seaside pub.
There are some fabulous gastropubs in the area in picture-perfect villages with food to match. The Gurnard’s Head in St Ives is super dog-friendly and does a cracking roast. The Lugger in Portloe is also distinctly dog-friendly with lovely food and the aptly named Springer Spaniel in Launceston which welcomes dogs.
We’ve put together some of our favourite dog-friendly pubs and restaurants in Cornwall where you and your dog can enjoy fine dining, an afternoon tea and perfect gastropub fayre.
Our Favourite Dog Walks in Cornwall
Cornwall offers a wonderful and diverse array of dog-friendly walks which includes a 300 mile stretch of The South West Coast Path. The sheer variety of this Coastal Path means that there are plenty of easy to navigate, gentle stretches as well as more dramatic headlands, steeper coastal valleys, sheltered estuaries, bustling harbours, secret coves, moorlands as well as some of the best beaches in the country.
Take your dog for a walk along the Lizard Peninsula to the gorgeous fishing hamlet of Mullion Cove past the sandy beach of Polurrian and on to Poldhu Cove. Or take the Tintagel King Arthur Walk, a walk around Tintagel immortalised by Tennyson in the Idyll of the Kings which follows part of an old donkey track from the village of Treknow to the cove at Trebarwith Strand. Embark on a walk from Padstow to Harlyn Bay which includes the dog-friendly beaches of Harbour Cove and Hawkers Cove, or the beautiful six-mile walk from St Mawes Castle to St Just in Roseland, which takes between two to three hours depending on your pace.
Whichever walks you choose, the opportunities are boundless whether you it is a shorter circular walk or something more energetic for active dogs. Either way you will be rewarded by stunning seascapes, gorgeous vistas and better still a happy dog at the end of the day!
Dog-Friendly Beaches in Cornwall
Cornwall, which includes a 300 mile stretch of the South West coastal path, has arguably the very best beaches that Britain has to offer and if you were to ask your dog their favourite beaches they would no doubt agree. The coastlines are simply stunning – vast sandy landscapes backed by rugged cliffs and winding coastal paths leading to secret coves and azure seascapes.
And whilst some of the larger, more famous beaches like Polzeath and Carbis Bay may have dog restrictions, the good news is that some of the most charming and secret coves and beaches are open to dogs year round and these include the glorious Watergate Bay, Mullion Cove, Fistral Beach and Harlyn Bay, near Padstow – considered one of the best beaches in Cornwall.
We’ve compiled a collection of dog-friendly beaches in Cornwall we think you and your dog will love. Not only are they mostly dog-friendly year round but include favourites like Mullion Cove, cliff top walks as well as dog-friendly beachside cafes and pubs along the way. Here are a few of our favourite dog-friendly beaches in Cornwall.
PetsPyjamas Top Picks
Mullion Cove Beach
On the west coast of the Lizard Peninsula is a small sandy beach which is situated beside the historic lifeboat station and charming Mullion harbour. Mullion Cove Beach is dog-friendly year round for your canine companion to enjoy the wonderful beach cove.
Watergate Bay
Watergate Bay is about three miles from Newquay on the North Cornwall coast offering your dog two miles of glorious sand with fabulous views of spectacular crashing Atlantic waves. There’s plenty of space for four-legged friends to let off steam and a lovely beachside cafe is positioned for coffee after a run on the beach.
Harlyn Bay
Definitely one of the best beaches in Cornwall, this wide spacious beach has yellow sand and pebbles plus a series of rock pools backed by dunes for furry friends to explore. Situated close to Padstow, make sure to visit this charming working fishing port surrounded by glorious sandy beaches at the head of the Camel River.
Dog-Friendly Days Out in Cornwall
Although your dog may relish fabulous days out of coastal walks, country rambles and blissful beaches, they enjoy sniffing and smelling out new terrain and are always ready to jump in the car for the next adventure!
Cornwall may boast some of the best beaches in the country as well as fabulous cliff top walks, but it also has some of the most wonderful dog-friendly places to visit where your dog will be as welcome as you are. There are an amazing array of museums, castles, historic houses and gardens which guarantee a fun day out for the whole family as well as the dog.
So take your best furry friend on a magical adventure in dog-friendly Cornwall. We have put together some of our favourite dog-friendly attractions which include the Eden Project, The Lost Gardens of Heligan, Tintagel Castle as well as a dog-friendly steam train – all guaranteed to delight you and your dog!
PetsPyjamas Top Picks
The Eden Project
One of the UK’s top gardens and eco attractions, your dog will love this beautiful botanical garden with a myriad of outdoor paths and fabulous dog walks. Take turns to visit the Biomes, several domes joined together that form the largest indoor rainforest in the world. There is also an undercover dining area 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.
Lappa Valley Steam Train
Lappa Valley Stream Train is a narrow gauge steam railway which opened in 1849 to carry minerals between Newquay and East Wheal Rose. The mile long journey takes you from Benny Halt through a gorgeous Cornish valley to East Wheal Rose. A fun day out that furry friends will love!