Our favourite dog-friendly cottages in South Cornwall
The Barn at The Cornish Place
Luxuriously crafted from top to bottom, The Barn manages to look effortlessly stunning. Walking in you’ll feel instantly at ease with the soft colour tones. You’ll have no problem finding calm here, either admiring the enclosed garden from the wood-fired hot tub or draping yourself over the roll-top bath in the main bedroom.
You don’t even have to be a dog to get treats here, there’s ice creams and cake available at The Piggery, a communal space shared with the other cottages onsite – and if you’re looking for a step up from there, there’s even massages available provided you book. But supposing you are the short and tail-waggy kind, you’ve an enclosed garden to enjoy at The Barn, but even better, a specific dog walking field, where you can run completely off-lead.
If you’re wanting to get out and make the most of the area, you’re very much in luck. Close by, you’re able to wander a mile down the road to The Fox & Hounds, where well-behaved dogs are welcome on their lead – and there’s a dog snack menu! Or, if you’re in the mood for coast, take the 20-minute drive to Gyllyngvase (if it’s the right time of year/day for dogs).
Stay at: The Barn at The Cornish Place, a beautiful cosy barn for four.
The Cottage at Halzephron House
The perfect spot for families and couples alike, take a few days to yourselves, enjoying your sea views, taking trips to the beach and coastal walks, from your very own space overlooking the Celtic Sea. You’ve two private, enclosed gardens to yourself, an incredible double-ended bath and wetroom for pampering that salty hair. At day's end settle into the sofa by the log fire or take a seat around the firepit to watch the night’s sky.
It's quite literally 200m to the South West Coast Path at The Cottage, meaning there are walks in either direction down this stunning stretch of coastline. If you’re desperate to see the sand, or just get sore ears from all the wind, then there’s Gunwalloe Beach – which is great for a play on, but the water’s typically too strong to swim! Or there’s Gunwalloe Church Cove Beach, just a 1.2 mile walk away, and Dollar Cove a similar distance – both much better for swimming.
There’s almost nothing that gets the appetite going like a swim, especially out in the fresh air, and luckily, there’s the perfect spot for that nearby. The Halzephron Inn, dog friendly of course, serves a menu of specials that changes twice a day from a wide assortment of local, seasonal produce.
Stay at: The Cottage at Halzephron House, a cosy coastal cottage for six.
Hollyhock Cottage
A stunning example of a traditional 200-year-old British cottage, with reclaimed brick floors, exposed stone walls and a slate-roofed conservatory. Breeze about indoors enjoying a book on the sofa with a cream tea, spend after-dinner hours by the roaring hearth fire, and drift off in a four-poster bed. There’s the on-site outdoor pool, a spa pool and infrared sauna in the communal areas, not to mention the 150 acres of estate to explore and your very own enclosed garden.
This also happens to be a great spot for those looking to get a little active. It’s a half hour’s drive to Siblyback Lake, where you can take it in turns to kayak, canoe and paddleboard, whilst one of you keeps the dog on a lead, or go round the 3.5 mile circular altogether. It’s also a 26-minute drive to Lantic Bay, or 25 minutes to Whitsand bay, both with no dog restrictions – for a play around on the sand.
Food’s also in easy reach, with The Plough at Duloe, where there’s great local seafood, as well as Ye Olde Salutation Inn just three or so miles away for a bite to eat in front of a Queen Anne fireplace!
Stay at: Hollyhock Cottage, a cosy and rustic cottage for two.
The Old Barn at Lower Tresithick
Less than one mile from the sea, The Old Barn has the country and the coast. With south-facing decking with a view over the Cornish apple orchard. Thumb through a bestseller on the sun deck, or dine al fresco after making use of the BBQ. Or if it’s winter, feast at the large dining table indoors. With 12 acres of farmland on site, woods and fields to explore, and the possibility of an entire field to run rampant in – dogs will be in heaven (and there’s even an outdoor dog wash, for when they come back from heaven).
Nearby is awash with things to do for you and the dog. The National Trust’s Trelissick Estate is only five minutes away. It’s set on its own peninsula, with an exotic plant garden, woodland walks and parkland to explore – just be aware, the dogs are only allowed in certain parts. It’s also just a 12-minute drive down to Loe Beach, where dogs are welcomed all year round, for a quick jaunt across the sand or a peer into the rock pools!
Stay at: The Old Barn at Lower Tresithick, a lovely cabin for two.
Round House East
Round House East has a little of all Cornwall’s best bits – history, landscape, adventure and culture. The building is from the 1820s, but decorated with bright contemporary flair and the secluded coves of Great and Little Molunan both allow dogs and are also great for snorkelling. You’re fully expected to come home covered in sand and mud, so there are towels and an outdoor tap to wash off boots and paws.
Food’s an easy tick off the list at The Round House East. There’s a well-stocked village shop nearby, to grab a little Da Bara bread, and you can buy fish fresh off the boat at Curgurrell Farm Shop – to complete a rustic dinner. There’s also The New Inn just 150 yards away, dog friendly of course and The Hidden Hut, about an hour’s walk along the coast – whose feast nights, served at a long table on the sand, are rightly legendary. But pre-booking is essential, as they’re extremely popular.
If you’re looking to get out and about though, the secluded coves of Great and Little Molunan, both dog friendly, are nearby, and also happen to be great for snorkelling. There’s also Pendower and Carne Beach, just a couple of miles away, and dogs are welcome on a lead.
Stay at: Round House East, a beautiful and unique stay for two.