How Dog-Friendly is Cornwall?

Imagine the bounding excitement as you open the car door and unleash your beloved pooch onto a long stretch of golden sand just crying out for a game of fetch. Or waking up, pulling on your walking boots and setting off on a clifftop hike filled with new sights, new smells and doggy adventures around every corner. Tails will be a-wagging!

With a breath-taking 400-miles of coastline, vast moorlands and tumbling meadows Cornwall is the epitome of a dog-friendly natural playground. Here we explore the best things to do in Cornwall with dogs so that you and your hound can be prepared when visiting this dog-friendly holiday hot spot!

Dog-Friendly Places to Stay in Cornwall

No one likes to wave a sad farewell to their best friend at the kennels, so when you go on holiday you understandably want to bring your furry family member with you too. Because of this, finding places to stay in Cornwall that take dogs is crucial when planning your holiday. Whether you choose a dog-friendly hotel or a Cornish campsite which take dogs, there are dog-friendly places to stay to suit every budget….

DOG-FRIENDLY CAMPSITES CORNWALL

?On the Moor…

Traveller’s Rest Campsite Nathania, Altarnun, Launceston, Cornwall PL15 7SL
Dog-Friendly Camping Credentials: This quiet dog-friendly campsite near Bodmin moor has two fields where dogs can be let off the lead to run and a plethora of walks on its doorstep. The country lanes leading down to the village of Altarnun has beautiful scenery and makes this campsite a great dog-friendly holiday for families on a budget.

Gwel-an-Nans Campsite  Cardinham, Bodmin, Cornwall PL30 4EF
Dog-Friendly Camping Credentials: Close to Cardinham woods, the Camel Trail cycle track and Bodmin moor, Gwel-an-Nans is a dog-friendly campsite that ticks all the boxes. The campsite is in a 2.5acre park within a 74-acre farm with oodles of space for your pooch to roam.

Siblyback Lake Activity Centre and Camping, Liskeard PL14 6ER
Dog-Friendly Camping Credentials: Located on the edge of Bodmin moor and surrounded by dramatic tors and walks for miles, Siblyback Lake Camping is great for families with dogs due to the wealth of activities on offer. There is a 3mile circular path which runs adjacent to the lake which ventures through woodland and is perfect for dog walks.

? By the Beach…

Harlyn Sands Campsite Lighthouse Road, Trevose Head, Padstow PL28 8SL
Dog-Friendly Camping Credentials: Family-friendly and just a short walk to one of the most beautiful dog-friendly beaches in Cornwall, Harlyn Sands is a campsite in North Cornwall where you can happily camp with your whole family. With miles of coastal walks from the minute you step from your tent, it’s clear to see why this campsite is a favourite among dog owners.

Sands Park Campsite Widemouth Bay, EX23 0AW
Dog-Friendly Camping Credentials: This dog-friendly campsite is informal and relaxed with direct access to the beach at Widemouth Bay. Motorhomes, tents and vans are all welcome here, and dogs can tire themselves out with walks and beaches in every direction.

Chy Carne Campsite Kuggar, Ruan Minor, Nr. Helston, TR12 7LX
Dog-Friendly Camping Credentials: The Lizard Peninsula is a great holiday destination for your family pets with a wealth of dog-friendly beaches, amazing coastal walks and wooded valleys to explore right on the doorstep of this dog-friendly campsite. A magical mix of wide-open spaces and gorgeous sea views in a friendly and relaxed setting for you and your pooch.

? In the Woods…

Trevornick Campsite  Trevornick Holiday Park, Holywell Bay, TR8 5PW
Dog-Friendly Camping Credentials: Situated right on the South West Coast Path, Trevornick is perfectly situated for dog walks along the coast and through countryside. Hike over the cliffs to Perranporth and Polly Joke or hop inland to meander across moors and weave through woodland. They even offer ‘Salty Sea Dogs’ experiences which provides dog walking and doggy day care offering adventures designed to keep your dog as happy as you are!

Retorrick Mill Campsite Retorrick Mill, St Mawgan, TR8 4BH
Dog-Friendly Camping Credentials: Hidden away in the scenic Lanherne Valley, Retorrick Mill accepts all animals from dogs to horses and cats! This unique and beautiful campsite has so much to offer with a wood-fired open kitchen on site (and fully licenced bar) you don’t have to wander far to find delicious locally-grown fodder. The woods at nearby St Mawgan are a dog walkers paradise…

Heligan Camping and Caravanning Heligan Woods, St. Ewe, Cornwall PL26 6EL
Dog-Friendly Camping Credentials: This stunning campsite sits on the edge of the Lost  Gardens of Heligan and is surrounded by magical natural landscapes to stir the imaginations of dogs and children alike. Dogs are this campsite’s best friend and they welcome them with open paws! With Heligan, Eden and the whole of clay country to explore, families looking for a dog-friendly place to stay have come to the right place.

DOG-FRIENDLY HOTELS IN CORNWALL

If you’d rather avoid camping under canvas and want to sample a slice of home-from-home luxury, then there are many dog-friendly hotels in Cornwall which can accommodate you and your four-legged friend. Here are 4 of our favourites:

The Rosevine Nr Portscatho, Truro TR2 5EW
Dog-Friendly Hotel Credentials: This beautiful old Cornish country house by the sea fuses the comforts of a luxury hotel with the independence of having your own studio or apartment. The three studios at Slate House are dog-friendly and share a garden but have private terraces upon which to unwind after a day pounding the clffpaths.

The Scarlet Tredragon Rd, Mawgan Porth, Newquay TR8 4DQ
Dog-Friendly Hotel Credentials: There are dog-friendly areas all throughout this luxury eco hotel, with five bedrooms in which pooches can stay with their owners. A short walk to the beach, this luxury dog-friendly hotel offers food and water bowls, blankets, poo bags and even dog treats are provided.

The Gurnard’s Head Nr Zennor, St Ives, TR26 3DE
Dog-Friendly Hotel Credentials: If you’re looking for a wild coastal location with the coastal footpath just a five-minute walk away, the Gurnard’s Head is the dog-friendly hotel for you. The top-quality restaurant allows dogs at tables, and they can sleep in rooms with owners too. Time spent in this part of the world will unwind you as you enjoy one of the country’s most dramatic coastlines.

The Nare Carne Beach, Veryan-in-Roseland, Truro TR2 5PF
Dog-Friendly Hotel Credentials: Here at the Nare your dog is treated like part of the family. Dogs can sleep in rooms and they even have their own a la carte menu from which to choose their favourite suppers. There is also self-catering kennels for working dogs! This luxurious hotel is situated in a secluded bay and surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens, rolling hills and boasts panoramic sea views over Carne beach.

Are Dogs Allowed on the Beaches in Cornwall?

In a nutshell; sometimes! With rockpools for swimming, coast paths for discovering, sand for digging and waves for chasing, you’d be forgiven for thinking that the beaches in Cornwall were all made specially to realise doggy dreams… Some beaches are dog-friendly all year around, some are seasonal, and dogs can’t go on certain beaches at certain times of the year. To make it easy for you we’ve put together the definitive list of which beaches are dog-friendly, and which aren’t and when. You’re welcome!

? Beaches in Cornwall where dogs are allowed all year around:

• Appletree Bay
• Bamaluz
• Bassetts Cove
• Beady Pool
• Bedruthan Steps
• Benoath Cove
• Bergecooth
• Black Cliff
• Bosahan Cove
• Bossiney Cove
• Breakwater
• Caerthillian Cove
• Carleon Cove
• Carne
• Clodgy Point
• Constantine Bay
• Cot Valley
• Cove Vean
• Coverack
• Crantock
• Daymer Bay
• Dollar Cove
• Downderry
• Durgan
• Eastern Green
• Fishing Cove
• Fistral
• Flushing Cove
• Fox Cove
• Gillan Harbour
• Godrevy Cove
• Gorran Haven
• Great Bay
• Great Molunan & Little Molunan
• Great Par
• Great Western
• Grebe
• Green Bay
• Greenbank Cove
• Gurnards Head
• Gwenver
• Hannafore
• Harbour Cove
• Harlyn Bay
• Hawkers Cove
• Helford Passage
• Hemmick
• Higher Town Bay
• Holywell Bay
• Keneggy Sands
• Kingsand
• Lambeth Walk
• Lankidden Cove
• Lantic Bay
• Lantivet Bay
• Lawrence’s Bay
• Leggan Cove
• Loe Bar
• Longrock
• Mawgan Porth
• Mevagissey
• Mexico Towans
• Millook Haven
• Mother Iveys Bay
• Mullion Cove
• Nanjizal
• Newlyn
• Newlyn Tolcarne
• Newtrain Bay
• Northcott Mouth
• Par Sands
• Pedn Vounder
• Pelistry Bay
• Penberth Cove
• Pendower
• Penhale Sands
• Pentire Steps
• Pentle Bay
• Pentreath
• Periglis
• Perpitch
• Perranporth
• Pisky Cove
• Plaidy
• Polgwidden Cove
• Polnare Cove
• Polpeor Cove
• Polridmouth Cove
• Ponsence Cove
• Port Gaverne
• Port Isaac
• Porth Hellick
• Porth Joke
• Porth Sawsen
• Porthallack
• Porthallow
• Porthbeor
• Porthcothan Bay
• Porthcurnick
• Porthemmet
• Portheras Cove
• Porthguarnon Cove
• Porthkidney
• Porthloo
• Porthluney Cove
• Porthmeor Cove
• Portholland
• Porthoustock
• Priests Cove
• Progo
• Prussia Cove
• Rinsey Cove
• Rushy Bay
• Samson
• Sandy Mouth
• Seaton
• St Loy’s Cove
• Summerleaze
• Sunny Cove
• Talland Bay
• The Bar
• The Strangles
• Tintagel
• Towan
• Town Beach
• Trebarwith Strand
• Trevaunance Cove
• Trevellas-Porth
• Treyarnon Bay
• Vault
• Watergate Bay
• Welcombe Mouth
• Wherrytown
• Whipsiderry
• Whitsand Bay
  Widemouth Bay

? Cornish beaches where dogs are restricted to certain times of the year:

• Cadgwith Cove (Easter Sunday to September 30)
• Carbis Bay (first Sunday before Easter to September 30 – morning dog walks between 5am and 8am are allowed)
• Carlyon Bay (Easter Sunday to September 30)
• Castle Beach Falmouth (Easter Sunday to September 30)
• Cawsand Bay (Easter Sunday to September 30)
• Chapel Porth (Easter Sunday to September 30)
• Crackington Haven – (Easter Sunday to September 30)
• Crooklets Bude – (Easter Sunday to September 30)
• Godrevy – (May 1 to September 30 – 8am – 7pm)
• Gunwalloe Cove Church Cove – (Easter Sunday to September 30 – 7am – 7pm)
• Gwithian – (Easter Sunday to September 30 between Ceres Rock and Red River)
• Gyllyngvase – (Easter Sunday to September 30)
• Hayle Towans – (May 1 to September 30 – 8am – 7pm – between Hayle River and Black Cliffs)
• Hendra – Praa Sands – (Easter Sunday to September 30)
• Kenidjack St Just – (Easter Sunday to September 30)
• Kennack Sands (Easter Sunday to September 30 – 7am to 7pm)
• Kynance Cove (Easter Sunday to September 30 – 7am – 7pm)
• Lizard Church Cove (Easter Sunday to September 30)
• Lusty Glaze Beach (June 1 to September 1)
• Maenporth (Easter Sunday to September 30)
• Marazion (May 1 to 30 September – 8am – 7pm)
• Pentewan Sands (February 1 to first Sunday in November)
• Perranuthnoe (Perran Sands) (May 1 to 30 September – 8am – 7pm)
• Peter’s Point Hayle (Easter Sunday to September 30)
• Poldhu Cove (Easter Sunday to September 30)
• Polkerris (Easter Sunday to September 30)
• Polcare Cove (Easter Sunday to September 30)
• Polurrian Cove (Easter Sunday to September 30 – 7am – 7pm)
• Polzeath (Easter Sunday to September 30)
• Porthmellon (July 1 to September 30)
• Porth Beach (Easter Sunday to September 30)
• Porth Chapel Land’s End (Easter Sunday to September 30)
• Porthpean Beach (Easter Sunday to September 30)
• Porthcurno (Easter Sunday to September 30)
• Porthglaze Cove (Easter Sunday to September 30)
• Porthgwarra (Easter Day to September 30 – 8am – 7pm)
• Porthgwidden St Ives (First Sunday before Easter to September 30)
• Porthleven (Easter Sunday to September 30 – 7am – 7pm)
• Porthmeor St Ives (Easter Sunday to September 30)
• Porthminster St Ives (first Sunday before Easter to September 30)
• Porthpean (Easter Day to September 30)
• Porthtowan (Easter Day to September 30)
• Porthzennor Cove (Easter Day to September 30)
• Portreath (Easter Sunday to September 30 – 7am – 7pm)
• Portwrinkle (Easter Sunday to September 30)
• Portscatho (Easter Sunday to September 30)
• Praa Sands (Easter Sunday to September 30 – 7am – 7pm)
• Readymoney Cove (Easter Sunday to September 30)
• Sennen Cove (Easter Sunday to September 30)
• St Ives Harbour Beach (first Sunday before Easter to September 30 – 8am – 7pm)
• St. Mawes (Easter Sunday to September 30)
• Swanpool (Easter Sunday to September 30)
• Tolcarne Beach (May 1 to September 30)
• Tregardock Beach (Easter Sunday to September 30)
• Trevone Bay (Easter Sunday to September 30)
• Widemouth Bay north side (Easter Sunday to September 30)

? Beaches in Cornwall where dogs are banned all year around:

• Millendreath Beach
• East Looe Beach
• Crinnis Beach
• Charlestown Beach
• Duporth Beach
• Pentewan Beach

Things to Do in Cornwall with Dogs 

When you’ve exhausted the local beaches, have walked your fair share of coast paths, and are looking for something a little different to do with your 4-legged friend why not try one of these unique things to do…  Your pooch will thank you!

? Visit a Dog-Friendly Garden

There are several beautiful gardens in Cornwall where dogs are welcomed- both The Lost Gardens of Heligan and The Eden Project welcome dogs all year around, whilst there are many more area of natural beauty and National Trust gardens where doggies can accompany you.

• The Lost Gardens of Heligan has an intriguing network of paths and routes to keep wet noses interested, and canine companions on best behaviour are given a year-round welcome with over 200 acres to explore.
• Eden Project Whilst dogs can’t go in the actual biomes at Eden welcor undercover areas, they are welcome in the Visitor Centre and can relax in designated outdoor areas as well as undercover dining areas.
• Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens near Penzance has amazing views, trickling streams and mindfully placed art installations which pop out of the exotic plantings to excite both Fido and his owner.
• Pinetum Park This dog-friendly garden near St Austell boats the largest collection of plants in the country and has 30 acres making it perfect for excitable doggies to let off some steam before returning to the tearoom for some cake (and dog treats!).
• Trebah Gardens in Falmouth leads to a private beach on the Helford River so muddy paws and wagging tails are guaranteed. The garden terrace and picnic areas are all dog-friendly spots where you and your dog can refresh after a day’s adventures.

? Head to a Cyder Farm

Healey’s cyder farm has lots of areas doggies will love, but especially the restaurant which even serve sausages to well-behaved dogs in the courtyard area! Once the humans have had a look around the farm, had tractor rides and seen how cider and apple juice is made, dogs needing a good run around can visit nearly Perranporth or Crantock to let off some steam.

? Soak up Some Culture

Newlyn Art Gallery and the Exchange Gallery in Penzance both allow dogs which means you can enjoy some of the very best national and international contemporary art with your dog by your side. The two venues are just a 1.5miles apart, a charming walk along the promenade where you and your pooch can stop for an ice cream before taking in some more culture. The galleries are open from 10am-5pm Monday-Saturday (close on Sundays). Newlyn Art Gallery even has a fun art workshop running at the moment where you are invited to draw/paint your dog!

? Ride a Train

Lappa Valley Steam Railway on the outskirts of Newquay is a dog friendly attraction in Cornwall which welcomes dogs which are well-behaved dogs on leads throughout the site (including the cafe and trains!). If your dog has never ridden a train before then Lappa Valley is a charming introduction to train life. There are three separate miniature railways, a boating lake, protected wildlife areas, crazy golf, woodland walks, a maze and nature trails for you and your family to enjoy.

So there you have it, the definitive run-down of things to do in Cornwall with dogs. We hope that you and your pooch and the best time here in our beautiful county… feel free to share your doggy adventures with us over on Facebook and Instagram . We can’t wait to see them!

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