Dog-friendly day trips for your next holiday in Cornwall
Walks
There are so many walks in Cornwall, it’d be nearly impossible to list them all, but if you’re looking for some, well, we’ve got them. Like landlocked counties further inland, Cornwall’s got miles of patchwork fields, country lanes and river walks on hand. It’s got moorland and even mountain at Bodmin, and of course, incredible coastal walks in abundance! One that manages to grab a little bit of some of the best parts is the Padstow and Trevone Circular, which starts in Padstow, crosses rolling fields, and, and runs a length of the coastline before returning to Padstow. Or you can take on another incredible walk a little further south from Poldhu to Mullion, dipping onto sandy beaches with the dog, and stopping off at the Old Mullion Inn for local beer, and a dog-friendly atmosphere.
Stay at: The Cottage at Halzephron House
Paddleboarding
It’s taking all too long to get dogs welcome at some venues and activities, which is disheartening when you want to bring along your four-legged friend for a little of the fun and adventures. The bright side? There are some places where you and your tiny pal can have some adventures together – that is, if your dog’s the kind that doesn’t mind a little splashing about.
Paddleboarding continues to go from strength to strength, with more and more centres opening up, whether it’s out on the high seas, or further inland on rivers and in watersports centres. In Cornwall, you’ve got two great options.
SUP In a Bag is a fantastic option to go for, with a really helpful instructor on hand to help you navigate the best choice for you and your dog. Where you go will be up to you, but there’s every chance you’ll go to one of the best spots for you and your dog, suggested by your instructor.
Your other option is to try out Falmouth River Watersports, which is based just outside Falmouth near Mylor Churchtown. Like SUP in a Bag, they recommend you do a smaller session/rental to check how seafaring your dog is first but are very happy to accommodate you and your dog! If you do head out with them, then you’re just round the corner from Falmouth, where there are a few dog-friendly restaurants or cafés top visit, like The Boathouse pub or Fuel Café.
Stay at: Little Acre
Wine Tasting
So you wouldn’t exactly assume this would be a category for dog-friendly activities – but more and more English vineyards are cropping up every day, and even better, there are a few dotted around that allow dogs to come along for the ride. Understandably, that’s on the caveat that they’re on a lead, well-behaved and that you clean up any mess they leave – but it’s still great going if you’re keen to sample a few vintages with the hound in tow.
A great option for this in Cornwall is the Trevibban Mill near Padstow. Award-winning, and producing not only wine, but cider too, it’s a great option, and has an incredible viewing balcony that overlooks the vines and rolling countryside. Take a tour, do a tasting or see about the many events that are put on throughout the year.
Stay at: Poachers Pocket
Boat Trips
Water’s always going to be a big feature in Cornwall, and if you’re not wandering riverside walks and coastal strolls, there’s still the very sea itself to explore. Dogs travel for free on the ferry that travels between Fowey and Mevagissey – through the St Austell Bay. It’s an incredible way to traverse the two points and also gives you the option to head out to The Lost Gardens of Heligan on the other side. There, you can explore the 18th-century gardens created by the Tremayne family, which are an amazing day out – with dogs being welcome all round the site, including the places to eat, as long as they’re on a lead!
You can also take your dog along on private charters with Helford River Cruises, which tour the Helford Passage, sail past the Trebah Gardens, Durgan, Falmouth Bay, Helford Village, as well as the creeks at Port Navas, Polwheveral and Frenchman’s.
If islands are a little more your thing, then there’s also the passenger ferries from Penzance Harbour to the to the Isles of Scilly – a spot seemingly far flung from the English shores, with its much more tropical microclimate.
Stay at: Round House East
Other days out!
There are loads of options in Cornwall for the dogs, so if you’re wondering where else you can go there are a good few options.
They include the world-famous Eden Project, in which dogs are allowed in all the outdoor paths (but not the biomes or undercover areas). If you’ve brought kids, the dogs can come along to Lappa Valley (if they’ve brought their £1 pocket money and are well behaved on the lead). They can also join in the fun at Port Eliot House and Gardens, where they must be on a lead – except Wednesdays!
There’s also Tintagel Castle, where they’re very welcome to come learn about history, and can go everywhere on site, just as long as they stay on lead, due to the hazards that come with older venues, like the steps, cliff edges and nesting birds! If they’re keen to meet the pups of the sea, then there’s The Cornish Seal Sanctuary, where they ask that dogs only visit if they’re up to date on their vaccinations – and there are a couple of spots dog won’t be permitted.
The best places to go with the dogs in Cornwall, however, are often places to grab something to eat and drink. The Cornish countryside is littered with dog-friendly eateries, cafes, pubs and restaurants – and even some spots where you can just grab a drink, like Healey’s Cornish Cyder Farm.