If you’re looking for the perfect dog-friendly holiday, then Cornwall is the destination for you. Boasting endless acres of beautiful countryside, rolling coasts, friendly locals and incredible ocean views, Cornwall was made for lovers of adventure and their trusty four-legged companions.
As locals ourselves with properties across North Cornwall, we feel confident in labelling ourselves as county experts. In this guide, we’ll give you six reasons why Cornwall should be your next dog-friendly holiday, including suggestions, recommendations and tips for why your dog will love this incredible land just as much as you will.
1. A great choice of dog-friendly beaches
One of Cornwall’s biggest draws is, of course, the beaches. With an incredible 422 miles of coast, Cornwall boasts the longest coastline in England, bringing in visitors from all over the country, as well as the rest of the world. Fortunately, the majority of these beautiful beaches can be enjoyed by more than just people.
There are some beaches where dogs aren’t permitted during the day in peak season, but don’t worry; there are plenty more stunning coastal destinations for you and your dog to experience. Here in North Cornwall, we’re partial to Porthcothan Bay, nestled between Padstow and Newquay. A small, sheltered beach at high tide but connecting to surrounding coves when the tide is out, this beach offers dunes, rock formations, and fantastic walking routes for dogs and their owners to explore.
To discover more of the stunning beaches close to our dog-friendly properties in Padstow and Rock, take a look through our helpful guide to dog-friendly beaches in North Cornwall.
If you’d like to know which Cornwall beaches don’t allow dogs, it’s worth having a look at the Cornwall Council’s list of dog restricted beaches.
2. Endless Cornish countryside for the best dog walks
Whether your pooch pal is a French bulldog not fond of long walks or a border collie that needs hours of exercise, Cornwall has the stunning scenery to suit their style. With its lush countryside landscapes, rolling hills, dramatic cliff views and plentiful picturesque towns and villages, it’s a county built for exploring by foot, with something new to see on every walk you take.
If you’re staying in our of our beautiful Padstow holiday properties, we highly recommend the Camel Trail between Wadebridge and Padstow (5.5 miles), or Bodmin and Padstow for a longer walk (12 miles). Popular with walkers and cyclists alike thanks to its even ground and clear signposts, this walk offers truly wonderful river and countryside views with plenty of refreshment stops along the way (including a vineyard!). For serious walking enthusiasts with dogs that are happy to walk all day, do the full trail to Wenfordbridge, a total of 18 miles.
3. Plenty of dog-friendly activities
Cornwall is teeming with activities, landmarks and public spaces that welcome dogs with open arms. Take your family, furry friend included, to the world-famous Eden Project and explore the incredible grounds there. Though dogs aren’t permitted in the domes, they’re free to adventure with you throughout the grounds and visitor centre, so take it in turns to see all the project has to offer.
Has your dog ever ridden a locomotive? Well, now’s their chance! Lappa Valley is the perfect day out for families, offering mini train rides, indoor and outdoor play areas, adventure golf, electric cars, and much more. Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome throughout the Valley, including on their working vintage steam engines. Take the Newlyn Downs Branch Line and reach the top of the valley where you’ll find a field, perfect for letting your dog off the lead for a run around.
If you prefer your activities to be steeped in history, then take time to visit Tintagel in North Cornwall. Dogs on leads are welcome at the incredible ruins of Tintagel Castle, the alleged birthplace of King Arthur, perfect for exploring. We’d suggest only bringing well-behaved dogs here, however, due to the steep cliff edges, nesting bird areas, and many, many steps.
4. Dogs can ride public transport
From restaurants and pubs to the local bus routes, dogs are almost always welcome. Not needing to plan around your pooch makes for a care-free holiday, which is why Cornwall is so popular for UK staycations amongst dog owners. It’s worth noting first that assistance dogs of any size ride for free on transport at any time of day when accompanying a registered disabled person or a trainer with the right identification.
You can take well-behaved dogs on trains and most buses in North Cornwall, making getting to places further afield without a car a breeze. On trains, up to two dogs per person are allowed to ride for free as long as they’re on leads.
On buses, it is down to the operator, but they all share the same basic rules: First Bus and Stagecoach allow one dog per person to ride for free, but they must be on a lead, and muzzled if considered dangerous. Any mess or damage caused by the dog will result in a charge, so keep that in mind. It’s also important to know that drivers can deny dogs if they believe it’s best to do so; for example, there may already be too many dogs on the bus. For the most part, you and your pup will enjoy an easy ride on North Cornwall buses.
5. Local restaurants welcome dogs
You’ll struggle to find a pub, cafe or restaurant that won’t allow well-behaved dogs. As a county of dog lovers, the Cornish people like to ensure their spaces are open to those with dogs in tow. For those staying with us in the North, here are our recommendations for eateries that open their doors to four-legged friends:
The Mariners
Great views, great service, great food: The Mariners pub in Rock is a must for a fantastic meal while holidaying with your dog. Situated right by the River Camel, you can enjoy the stunning Cornish landscape while dining on hearty food. For beer, enjoy a pint supplied by the local Sharp’s Brewery for a true taste of Cornwall.
The Upper Deck
Self-classified as bistro-style, this restaurant and bar allows you to enjoy locally sourced delights alongside your well-behaved hound. Proper Cornish food, beer and spirits await, ready to be sampled while you take in the panoramic views from the terrace seating. You’ll find this restaurant beachside in Rock, just by the slipway to the Padstow ferry.
Four Boys
Bright, minimalist, and undeniably cool, the Four Boys cafe and restaurant welcomes foodies and their dogs. Their menu changes regularly with the seasons, as their meals are made using only locally sourced or handmade ingredients. They predominantly offer pasta and seafood, so if either of these is in your top five, Four Boys will be right up your street. Visit Four Boys on the estuary in Rock.
Cherry Trees
Fancy a fry-up or a slice of homemade cake? Cherry Trees is the stop for you. Located in Padstow on the harbour, this coffee house is the perfect place for quintessential English breakfasts and lunch. From fluffy pancakes to the perfect Cornish scones to salty bacon baps, this dog-friendly cafe is ideal for a midday hot drink and comfort food.
6. Dog-friendly accommodation
Before planning your exciting Cornwall holiday with the dog, it’s essential to consider where you’ll stay. It’s all well and good choosing your daily adventures, but what if you can’t find somewhere to sleep? The good news is that lots of Cornwall’s holiday properties are pet-friendly, including many of our own holiday rentals in Padstow, Rock and North Cornwall.
If you’d like to stay as close to the water as possible without actually getting your toes wet, we’d recommend 14 The Old Boatyard, an absolutely stunning Padstow home. The views from the large living room and bedroom windows of the estuary are completely unspoilt, and its private harbour has slipway access perfect for fishing, crabbing, or even a swim. Your dog will love it.
Trewestcot in Rock is the perfect family holiday home, with space for up to 9 people to sleep comfortably. With its spacious living spaces, upstairs games room, summer house complete with showers and a BBQ, and its huge green garden your dog will adore, this house is a wonderful place to rest and relax during your trip to Cornwall.
Surrounded by luscious green countryside, Upper Trenain Barn in Daymer Bay is a beautiful spot to lay your head. You won’t find a more fantastic property for dog owners, with the outside area opening right into endless fields for walking through. The airy rooms and open plan living area ensure a restful stay you’ll want to return to again and again.
The perfect dog-friendly holiday in Cornwall
Ready to discover Cornwall? We hope this guide has inspired you and got the cogs turning as you plan your next trip with your faithful dog companion. Together, you’ll experience the many joys Cornwall has to offer, from its endless and invigorating countryside walks to its sandy beaches and dramatic surf. For more recommendations, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team of dog-loving Cornish locals, and we’ll give you the inside scoop on how to make your next dog-friendly holiday the best one yet.
