Ideas for dog friendly days out in Cornwall

Dogs love Cornwall...
The Falmouth and Helford River area of Cornwall is the perfect place for a day out with your dog and these tips are bound to get tails wagging. In celebration of today being ‘bring your dog to work day’, we’re championing everyday as bring your dog on holiday day! With over 50 dog-friendly properties in the portfolio of Cornish Holiday Cottages and with our resident doggy experts on duty, we’re well qualified to advise you on the very best days out with you and your beloved pet in Cornwall!

Beaches

We are spoilt for choice with beautiful beaches in Cornwall. Long stretches of golden sand with clear waters line the coast. But come the summer, many of them become off limits to our hairy companions.

Luckily, the waters of the Helford are full of little coves and beaches which are dog-friendly all year round. You and your dog can scamper to your hearts content along the 2,000 foot long stretch of sand at Prisk Cove, or the sheltered cove of Port Saxon. Grebe Beach near Mawnan Smith is perfect for a spot of sunbathing, and for a swim with your pet.

Pubs

We Cornish folk have a soft spot for our dogs and our pubs. We love being able to combine the two with the welcoming dog-friendly places to eat and drink in Cornwall. We love the Pandora Inn outside Mylor near Falmouth, where dogs are welcome to sit outside with owners on a pontoon stretching out onto the water.
The Ferryboat on the banks of the River Helford in the village of Helford Passage is another marvelous option for drinking and dining with your dog in tow. Dogs are allowed inside and outside of the restaurant.
If looking out onto the ocean and the beautiful Gyllyngvase beach in Falmouth at sunset appeals, dinner on the terrace at the award winning Gylly Beach café is an absolute must. Outdoor heating and blankets on standby. It’s cosy for everyone, even as dusk settles and the moon rises over the ocean.

Walks

The South West coast path. Need we say a single word more? So much of beautiful Cornwall is accessible to walkers via the footpath that hugs the coastline. Taking in all of what makes this part of the world truly magic. Walk with your dog along the Roseland Heritage Coast for wonderful views of the sea, or along the Lizard peninsular for dramatic cliffs. The Penwith Heritage Coast provides all the drama and mystery of Poldark country. Not to mention the gentle lanes and pretty paths that criss-cross all along the Helford and Falmouth area. You and your dog will find that there is so much scenery to explore, you’ll simply have to come back year after year to see it all!

Shopping

Sometimes we just need a bit of retail therapy. Here is where the harbourside market town of Falmouth comes into its own. A farmers market on Falmouth Moor every Tuesday, and a market on a Saturday provide ample opportunity. Browse for music at Jam in Falmouth, or search through tomes for a ‘tail’ to read at the dog-friendly Beerwolf Books.

On the Water

Visitors come from far and wide to Cornwall in order to delight in being on the water. With ferries to get from A to B in leisurely style or for a scenic sightseeing trip with your dog, catch one of the many boats departing from Falmouth pier. Perhaps you’ll be bound for a beautiful trip up the Helford river, or set for a lovely day out in beautiful St Mawes for ice cream and fish and chips.

Attractions

Trelissick House and Garden is a dream day out for dogs and owners. Whilst our four-legged friends might not be permitted within the main House and Gardens of this spectacular historical estate on the banks of the River Fal just outside of Falmouth, there are dog walking opportunities aplenty in the acres and acres of historical woodland and meadows. After a scamper around, the wonderful courtyard café has sheltered seating outdoors for you and your best friend to enjoy a cream tea.
The Cornish Seal Sanctuary on the Helford in Gweek allows dogs on leads, so curious pooches can finally get a glimpse of the marine life within the blue waters of the Cornish coast.
Pendennis Castle in Falmouth is run by English Heritage, and allows dogs on leads both indoors and outdoors. With exhibitions on the Tudor history of Cornwall, along with fascinating insights into our maritime past. Great views are to be found from over the battlements to Falmouth bay and the mouth of the river Fal (smaller dogs might need to be picked up to appreciate the views!)

We hope this gives you some idea of just a few wonderful things you and your dog can get up to on your holiday in Cornwall. Don’t forget to browse our pet friendly properties to find a place to snuggle up after your busy days out!

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