One of the most dog-friendly destinations in the UK, Cornwall is packed with incredible days out for you and your hound. And as dog owners living in this sea-lashed county, you can trust that we’ve sniffed out the very best things to do with our four-legged friends. So, from train trips and canine-friendly castles, to boat trips and beach life, here are some of our top dog-friendly days out in Cornwall.
St Ives with Rover
Hop aboard one of the UK’s most scenic train journeys with your dog, for a day of beach life, foodie delights and wonderful walkies in West Cornwall. Start your journey on the St Ives Railway at St Erth, and bag a window seat to ensure the best views of the wildlife-rich estuary and sandy swathes of St Ives Bay. We’d suggest that you disembark one stop early at Carbis Bay, so that you can undertake the final mile on foot with your hound at your heels. Then, when you reach arty St Ives, you’ll have earned a pit-stop at one of the dog-friendly beach cafés, pubs or restaurants (we love the Pedn Olva). Before the return journey, take a twirl around ‘the island’ and see if you can spot dolphins on the horizon, sip a local ale in the historic Sloop Inn, and tuck into ice cream on the beach (beware of swooping seagulls).
Tintagel Castle and Trebarwith Strand
The North Coast of Cornwall is wrapped in myths and legends, and laced with dog-friendly trails and beaches. Start your day on the wild, dog-friendly cove of Trebarwith Strand, then follow the South West Coast Path to Tintagel, taking in the rugged scenery from the clifftops. As if this wasn’t enough of an adventure, you’ll soon come to Tintagel Castle, entrenched in legends of King Arthur. Keep your dog on a lead as you get swept into the stories and scenery of the crumbling 13th-century ruins, before returning to Trebarwith Strand for delicious food and drink at the wave-side Port William Inn.
Dog-Friendly Day Out in Padstow and Rock
Did we mention that dog-friendly Padstow is one of the best destinations to visit with a four-legged friend in Cornwall? If you want to find out for yourselves, kick off your day with coffee on the sea-view terrace at Greens of Padstow, before hopping on the Black Tor ferry to Rock, and taking a coastal stroll to the dog-friendly golden sands of Daymer Bay. For the best views over the Doom Bar, summit the grassy knoll of Brea Hill on your way back to Rock. Then, before you re-board the ferry, fuel up on some of Cornwall’s finest seasonal fare at the waterside Mariners – helmed by celeb chef Paul Ainsworth. Once you land back in Padstow, you may just need a cocktail at Stein’s chic Ruby’s Bar, but if there’s time, first take a twirl around the dog-friendly National Lobster Hatchery and gen up on the life cycle of Cornish lobsters. Need somewhere to stay? Explore our range of dog friendly cottages in Padstow.
Castaway with your Canine Companion Onboard Fal River Links
If you’re based in and around Falmouth on your dog-friendly break in Cornwall, there’s no better way to roam with your four-legged friend than by boat. Hop over to St Mawes and step back in time in the Tudor fortress of St Mawes Castle (dogs welcome on leads), or cruise along the Carrick Roads to Trelissick, where you can enjoy walkies around the 400-acre waterside estate. All of the Fal River Links services are dog friendly, with boats running daily to a handful of divine destinations to explore with your dog, including Mylor, Flushing, St Mawes and Philleigh. Get your hands on a Fal Mussel Card and enjoy unlimited travel on all the services – so the world around the River Fal really is your oyster.
Ferry to Dog-Friendly Crantock Beach
With its giant dunes, miles of sand, a stream to splash in, and a kiosk that serves dog-friendly ice cream, it’s little wonder that Crantock is one of our all-time favourite beaches for days out with the dog. On the outskirts of dog-friendly holiday destination Newquay, the best way to get here is to cross the River Gannel via passenger ferry. Start your excursion with a legendary crab sandwich at the dog-friendly Fern Pit Café on the Newquay side of the estuary, before hopping over the water by boat – or you can take a longer walk and cross via the footbridge at low tide. Make sure you know what time the last boat is heading back because once you’re settled on those dreamy sands, you won’t be in a hurry to head back to the busier beaches of Newquay.
Woodland Walkies at Cardinham
Far from Cornwall’s beaches, Cardinham Woods is the perfect destination for a dog-friendly day out in Cornwall. Lose yourself beneath the fir trees on four circular, dog-friendly trails – from the 3km buggy-accessible Lady Vale to the 5.5km Lidcutt Valley Walk – that wend from the riverside way up into the into woodland where you can witness glorious views over the vale. There are family treasure trails if you have tots in tow, and homemade cake is served in the dog-friendly Woods Café. However, if the weather’s on your side, why not spark up one of the barbecues, so you can serve up a sizzling feast in the waterside picnic area while the dog cools off in the burbling stream? It’s perfect for a day out with your canine companion if you’re staying in the Bodmin area or elsewhere in Cornwall.
Canine Capers Around Cape Cornwall
One of the most visited destinations in Cornwall is Land’s End – where the mainland peters out into 3,000 miles of ocean rolling all the way to America. However, if you and your dog prefer to avoid the camera-wielding crowds, head for nearby Cape Cornwall – once believed to be the most westerly point of Britain before it was trumped by Land’s End. Here you can climb to the landmark chimney atop a rocky peak and lap up all the mesmerising scenery to yourself – or – at the very most – a few others and the swirl of seabirds that flock from the offshore colonies on Brison Rocks. While you’re in West Penwith, make sure you delve into the fascinating World Heritage mining territory at nearby Geevor Tin Mine, where dogs are welcome in areas except the underground tour.
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