Our favourite dog-friendly cottages in North Cornwall near a pub
Pip and Pip’s Cabin
Just six miles south of Launceston, you can find Pip and Pip’s Cabin on the stunning Spring Park site, right on the border of The Tamar Valley National Landscape. There are few better places to hop to the sea, whilst being able to venture to Dartmoor National Park or The Tamar Valley which both the two- and four-legged will love to explore. There’s also the quick drive to Cardinham Woods or Golitha Falls for some woodland strolls. For waterside romps, there’s Roadford, Siblyback or Burrator Reservoir to wander for an afternoon. The best part is, it’s not even necessary to take a car – there’s plenty to explore right from the door.
If you and the hound are here for some well-deserved R&R, then it might be that lounging around the site’s the best thing you can think of. In which case, consider taking some naps in the big living area by the wood burner, or watching as the dog hops around the enclosed garden and you simmer in the wood-fired hot tub.
You just can’t go away to Cornwall without trying the food of course. And if you’re thinking about sampling the local produce, you’ve got some great options. There are organic vegetables on sale down the road at Tamar Organics, as well as Tavistock’s famous Pannier Market or Fowey for its world-renowned mussels. But there’s no substitute for a great pub and, with The Springer Spaniel pub less than a mile down the road, you’re in luck. It serves all the pub classics, perfect for refuelling after a day’s adventure and you might even get to meet Ernie, the pub dog with the official title of ‘cuddle-master’. It’s dog friendly of course, as are the other two nearby spots, The Manor at Rilla Mill and The Crows Nest.
Stay at: Pip and Pip's Cabin, a unique cabin and van for two with a hot tub and enclosed garden.
Poacher’s Pocket
Just a 15-minute drive from the Bodmin AONB, scenery around here is pretty special. You’re nice and far from the racket of the city, out where the only soundtrack is the odd car, perhaps a tractor trundle, and a hearty dose of ‘moos’. Poacher’s Pocket is found in the tiny village of Tredethy, just outside Hellandbridge, and adventures big and small are found in all directions. Close by, there’s a wealth of walks straight from the front door, with The Camel River running very close by through Hellandbridge, and The Camel Trail easily accessible for miles of safe, traffic-free cycling or walking. Further away, Bodmin calls for epic hikes, and Tintagel’s a 40-minute drive if your dog’s the history buff or simply fancies a sniff around Merlin’s Cave. And of course, the sea is always close, so you can take the half-hour drive to the coast for a seaside wander.
The lounge/kitchen at Poacher’s Pocket is easily utilised thanks to how spacious it is, with room enough for you to manoeuvre without tangling with a hungry dog (as long as they know how to sit in their bed). And if you’re thinking about whipping together something special, then take the trip out to St Kew Farm Shop & Café for supplies and try not to get sidetracked with the homewares, plants, jewellery and more on offer at the shop.
But you’re getting away for a treat, and that’s important for humans and hounds alike. When it comes to treats you can share (unless you’re thinking of re-enacting Lady and the Tramp?), then pubs are the answer. The famous Jamaica Inn is just a 20-minute drive away and has its own tiny museum for a little pre-meal entertainment. Or there’s St Tudy Inn, which is an easy ten-minute drive, or three and a half mile walk if everyone wants to work up an appetite. The food’s traditional in theme, local in sourcing, artistic in presentation and all round worth the visit.
Stay at: Poacher's Pocket, a lovely cottage for two.
Appletree Cabin
Most people know of Newquay, many have even been. Fewer have had the pleasure of heading south of it, to the little village of Mitchell. But once you get there, you’ll realise you’ve found the perfect spot to explore this area. At only a 15-minute drive to Newquay, it’s a great place to retire to after exploring for the day, away from the more densely packed town centre. Appletree Cabin’s a world of its own, swaddled in its private fencing, the garden space is lovely and enclosed, ideal to let the dog trot about as you find spots to perch in and relax. Lie back on a sun lounger, dine at the al fresco table, and as sun falls, whack on the chiminea for a little toastiness as you chat.
Newquay is of course in easy reach, but so much of the rest of the coast is too, with Perranporth’s equally lovely beach a similar distance, and the St Agnes Heritage Coast just below it – well worth taking the dog to for a little ear-flapping stroll. You could also head north of Newquay to Watergate Bay to enjoy the two-mile stretch of sand, rock pools and year-round dog friendliness.
It’s a hard ask to suggest anyone leave Appletree Cabin. There’s so much space for stretching out and downward dogs (whether that’s just getting out of bed, or actual yoga). It’s also perfectly set up to retire back to, with a large walk-in shower to rinse out sea-salty hair, as well as a wood burner to warm up by. But sooner or later, you’ll be getting peckish, and luckily, you’re spoilt for choice. Take the 25-minute drive out to Padstow to enjoy the harbourside and pick up fresh seafood at the stalls to cook up back at the space. Or, when your arms can barely move from carrying the hound over puddles they refuse not to jump in, just take the easy way out – and pop to the local pub. The Fox’s Revenge is a 43-minute walk, perfect to work up an appetite, or walk off one pint too many, it’s 400 years old, and you can expect all the expertise in food and drink that comes with an age like that.
Stay at: Appletree Cabin, a beautiful cabin for two by the coast.