Cornwall
PetsPyjamas’ Guide to Dog-Friendly Cornwall
Anyone thinking of taking their four legged friend on a family holiday could do no better than visiting Cornwall. It has a dramatic natural beauty with miles of dog-friendly beaches, amazing coastal and country walks across gorgeous moorlands, as well as charming villages with cosy pubs.
The Cornish name for Cornwall is Kernow, and it has a unique Celtic heritage, being considered one of the Celtic nations which include Wales, Ireland, Scotland, Isle of Man and Brittany. It is the only county in the UK that 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 encompasses fabulous stretches of sandy beaches, cliffs and coves. Cornwall also boasts the mildest climate in the UK, making it a top destination for a dog-friendly UK holiday.
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 furry friend for a walk along the Camel Trail. And of course, 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 UK destinations, we have rounded up the very best coastal pet-friendly hotels and the prettiest dog-friendly cottages for you to unwind in. Many of which include PetsPyjamas exclusive offers you won’t find anywhere else.
We’ve also sniffed out the best places for walkies, amazing dog-friendly attractions and cosy country pubs to stop for a well earned lunch. On an escape to Cornwall, four-legged-friends will no doubt enjoy lots of walks, receive plenty of 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 places to stay in Cornwall. Whether you are looking for a seaside dog-friendly hotel, a cosy countryside holiday cottage, or room in a charming country pub, you are sure to find the perfect stay for you and your canine companion.
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 dog-friendly hotels are incredibly welcoming to both of their two-legged and four-legged guests. Here are a few of our favourite dog-friendly hotels in Cornwall:
The Lugger Hotel
Situated right on the water’s edge in the picturesque fishing village of Portloe on Cornwall’s Roseland Peninsula, The Lugger Hotel offers a charming coastal retreat for both humans and their canine companions. This 17th-century inn, Cornwall’s only AA-rated Five Star Inn, combines historic charm with modern luxury. The Lugger Hotel warmly welcomes dogs, and your furry friend can join you in the conservatory dining area. With the South West Coast Path just steps away, you and your dog can enjoy daily walks along the rugged cliffs and frolics on the dog-friendly beaches. Nearby attractions like the Eden Project and the Lost Gardens of Heligan offer exciting day trips for you and your four-legged friends too.
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 dog-friendly hotel makes for a wonderful base for a dog walking holiday – the Lizard Peninsula is a walker’s paradise after all! 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.
St Michaels Resort & Spa
Set in sub-tropical gardens, St Michaels Resort is a fabulous dog-friendly hotel with a great beachside location. Just a short stroll from Falmouth Harbour, St Michaels is perfect for coastal canines who love endless clifftop paths and beaches to discover. With interiors inspired by its coastal setting, the rooms are lovely and airy, featuring lots of light – ideal for relaxing after a busy day of exploring. You can dine with your dog in the bar of the Locker Room and the hotel supplies lots of doggy walking suggestions. These include the walk from Gyllingvase to Swanpool, following the coastal path exploring rock pools and beaches along the way.
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 venture out for some stunning walks in the beautiful Cornish countryside. Relax on your terrace after a hearty hike 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.
Dog-Friendly Pubs and Eateries in Cornwall
After a busy day strolling along the South West Coastal path or venturing around the wonderful array of picturesque seaside villages, you’ll want to find somewhere to eat where your four-legged friend will be as welcome as you are. Luckily, Cornwall is full of 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. On top of 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. This takes between two to three hours depending on your pace.
Whichever dog walks you choose, the opportunities are boundless. Whether it’s a shorter circular walk or something more energetic for active dogs, you will be rewarded by stunning seascapes, gorgeous vistas and 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 Britain has to offer. If you were to ask your dog their favourite dog-friendly 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. 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-welcoming year round, but they also include favourites like Mullion Cove, cliff top walks and dog-friendly 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 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 discover. Situated close to Padstow, make sure to visit the 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 in fabulous days out filled with coastal walks, country rambles and blissful beaches, they also love to jump in the car for their next adventure!
Cornwall is home to 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 guaranteeing a fun day out for the whole family and furry friends.
So, take your beloved canine companion 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 pup!
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. You’ll also both appreciate the 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!