Pet Inspector’s Report: Kiki’s Birthday Weekend in St Mawes

Getting There – A Relaxing Journey by Train

Any time of year is a good time to visit Cornwall and for Kiki’s 6th birthday, we decided to leave the car at home and opt for a much more relaxing journey, taking the Great Western Railway from Paddington to Truro, followed by a bus ride to the gorgeous coastal village of St Mawes. It was the perfect way to start our adventure. The train journey was stress-free, allowing us to sit back and enjoy the stunning countryside and coastal views, while Kiki, clearly a fan of rail travel, curled up and snoozed the entire way. With the coastal views, rolling fields, and the promise of sea air ahead, it was the perfect start to a blissful weekend.

Why St Mawes is the Ultimate Dog-Friendly Escape

Nestled on the Roseland Peninsula, St Mawes is the perfect dog-friendly holiday spot, offering mild temperatures even in the autumn and winter months, thanks to its unique coastal climate. With sandy beaches, fabulous cliff-top walks and dog-friendly cafes and pubs at every turn, it’s the ideal destination for a relaxing dog-friendly winter break. Whether it’s strolling along the harbour, exploring quiet coastal paths, or simply cosying up by the fire in a welcoming pub, St Mawes has everything you need for a dog-friendly escape with your four-legged friend any time of year.

Checking In – Dreamcatchers, A Luxury Stay

Our home for the weekend was to be Dreamcatchers, and like the name it really was a dreamy five-bedroom house nestled in a footpath terrace 200 yards from the waterfront in the heart of St Mawes. Nestled away down some paved steps Kiki raced on ahead – she just couldn’t wait to discover her new home for the weekend.  And the house doesn’t disappoint – it really is stunning with fabulous views out to sea.  After racing round inspecting all areas of the house Kiki pressed her nose up to the window in the lounge spotting sea gulls and sailing boats out at sea. The house is super spacious, stylish, and incredibly dog-friendly, featuring hardwood floors (perfect for paws!), comfy seating areas,a log burning stove and plenty of space for Kiki to roam around. The fully equipped kitchen was a dream for home-cooked meals, while the huge TVs and the bedrooms were very stylish bedrooms with bright flowery curtains,  Hypnos  beds, and sea views.  Our bedroom was simply huge with a free standing bath and shower area plus, of course, a fabulous view out to the harbour.

A special thank you to Amanda, our wonderful host, who left us a bottle of champagne, fresh flowers, and the most delicious chocolate cake, too delicious, a really lovely touch. But the highlight? Kiki’s very own birthday cake and a stash of treats! She was absolutely thrilled, and to be honest we couldn’t have asked for a warmer welcome. Amanda also offers a concierge service where she can provide a private chef for celebration meals, a dog walking service, unpacked internet shop, picnics, boat hire, water sports lessons, child care and more.

Exploring & Dining in Dog-Friendly St Mawes

Friday Night – Cocktails & Clam Chowder at Hotel Tresanton
On our first evening we decided to go out for supper somewhere that wasn’t too far but where Kiki could be included. Just five minutes walk away is the super luxe dog-friendly Tresanton Hotel where they actually have a Dogs bar and dining area where dogs are obligatory! We kicked off the weekend with cocktails followed by Tresanton bream with a deliciously creamy clam chowder sauce – a warming treat on a chilly night. We got chatting to a charming couple from Wales with the dogs striking up an instant friendship too.

Saturday – Seaside Strolls & Netflix Nights

We started the day with coffee and pastries at the De Bara Bakery, a buzzy little spot filled with half-term families and assorted labradors. From there, we set off on a gorgeous walk along the seafront, past the Castle to St Just Church – which must be one of the prettiest churches I have ever seen set in the semi tropical gardens. Normally there is a lovely little cafe Renwicks which serves delicious cream teas but as this wasn’t open when we decided to head back on the bus for tea and chocolate cake at the house..

That evening, we opted for a cosy night in, making the most of Dreamcatchers’ fabulous kitchen to cook a favourite Diana Henry chicken traybake recipe, before curling up for a Netflix movie night withKiki happily snoozing beside the log burning stove..

Sunday – Beachside Feasting & Coastal Wanders

Sunday’s adventure took us to The Hidden Hut, a much vaunted beach café by Portscurnick beach run by acclaimed British chef, Simon Stallard to sample his famous Soup Sunday. We had dressed up warmly as we sat outside on benches surrounded by other eager holiday makers seemingly all accompanied by four legged friends. We loved our steaming bowls of  chicken soup with crunchy croutons, followed up by the most delicious salted caramel hot chocolate with cream, the ultimate winter warmer.

From there, we set off for a clifftop walk  to Rosevine, where we paused for afternoon tea at The Rosevine Hotel, another dog-friendly gem. Back at the house, we enjoyed a final slice of chocolate cake before heading out for a classic Sunday fish and chip supper at The Rising Sun pub – the perfect end to a perfect day.

Monday – A Ferry Ride to Falmouth & Homeward Bound

Before heading home, we squeezed in one final adventure – a ferry trip to Falmouth. Kiki loved the boat ride, ears flapping in the sea breeze as we took in the beautiful harbour views. After a leisurely stroll around town, we stopped for lunch at the Above the Bookshop Café, for a super tasty toastie providing the perfect pre-travel meal. Then it was time to catch the train from Falmouth to Truro, before a non-stop journey back to London – Kiki once again curling up for a blissful snooze all the way home.

Final Verdict – A Pawfect Weekend!

From the gorgeous coastal walks to the dog-friendly dining spots and the luxury of Dreamcatchers, the delightful fishing village in St Mawes proved to be the ultimate dog-friendly destination. With stunning scenery, super amenities, and plenty of space for paws to roam, it was the perfect place to celebrate Kiki’s birthday and enjoy a truly relaxing  weekend. We’ll definitely be back in the summer with the whole family plus dogs of course!