A dog on a beach with a ball in its mouth

Paws & Stay's dog-friendly guide to Cornwall

Cornwall's endless coastal paths, dog-friendly beaches, and rolling hills make it an incredible place to get away with your dog. Have a sniff around our dog-friendly guide to Cornwall with our pick of the best dog-friendly walks, beaches, restaurants, activities and holidays.

Written by Naomi Sandercock

Dog-friendly walks in Cornwall

Lizard Coastal Walk

Distance/time: 6.5 miles/2hrs

Walk type: Circular

Start off at Kynance Cove, with turquoise waters (a quick swim for the salty sea dogs) before you amble along The South West Coast Path (SWCP) to admire the craggy cliffs and follow it around the tip of the Lizard Peninsula. Keep an eye out for historic landmarks, like one of Guglielmo Marconi’s wireless huts left over from his radio experiments, and an old Victorian lifeboat station. Then follow signage to the village and pad back to your starting point.

St Agnes to Porthtowan

Distance/time: 4 miles/1 or 1.5 hours

Walk type: Circular

Start out at the car park by the beach, and have a zoom along the sand (check for the seasonal restrictions). From here, head north on the South West Coastal Path, stopping for fuel at the dog-friendly Blue Bar, and then on to the headland that looks over the Porthtowan rock pools. Carry on the same path and you'll soon sniff out Chapel Porth Beach, Wheal Coates, Tubby’s Head – once an iron age fort, and now a wonderful viewpoint for the coast - and finally, St Agnes Head. From here, you can wander back, having seen a wonderful stretch of the Cornish coastline.

Dog-friendly walks for your next trip to Cornwall >

Dog-friendly beaches in Cornwall

Watergate Bay, Newquay

Dog friendly all year round, Watergate Bay is a mile-long stretch of sand set between two dramatic cliffs. This isn’t a remote spot where you’ve got the place to yourself, but thanks to its popularity, there's plenty to do. So when your dog gets bored of chasing seagulls and digging holes, head to Cubs Coffee for a caffeine fix or refuel on pizza, hot dogs, ice cream and local beer at Beach Food.

Porthkidney Beach, Hayle

There's so much room at Porthkidney, your dog won't know where to start. This all-year-round dog-friendly beach is around a mile long, and when the tide goes out, you’re left with a deep stretch of sand that reaches another mile or so. There are also gentle dunes that make for a lovely stroll, where your dog can dip in and out with a happy waggy tail.

The best dog-friendly beaches in Cornwall >

Someone feeding their dog in a restaurant

Dog-friendly restaurants and pubs in Cornwall

Sharksfin, Mevagissey

The tiny fishing town of Mevagissey is set around a charming little harbour, and right on the waterfront here lies The Sharksfin. It’s an international affair here, with fish and shrimp tacos and seafood linguine taking you on a journey from Mexico to the Med. Leave room for dessert if you can, there’s a pineapple and rum pudding or baked chocolate brownie for afters.

St Kew Inn, Bodmin

Inland Cornwall doesn’t get as much love as the county’s dramatic coastline, but it’s here where you’ll find some of the region’s best food and drink thanks to its cider orchards and livestock farms. The St Kew Inn is a proper traditional English pub, with an open fire for chilly winter days. There’s a big grassy beer garden, but dogs are also welcome inside if the weather’s not playing ball. The Sunday roasts here are divine, and the menu makes the most of local produce. It’s all perfectly paired with a pint of Cornish cider, too.

Dog-friendly restaurants in Cornwall >

Dog-friendly days out in Cornwall

The Eden Project

Probably Cornwall’s most famous activity of all is The Eden Project. And you might be surprised to learn that a series of carefully cultivated and protected environments is dog friendly and ok, dogs aren’t allowed inside the biomes, but there are miles of paths to be walked (on leads) so you could easily rotate dog-sitting duty with wandering through the various biomes and climates.

Geevor Tin Mine

Mining shaped the culture and even landscape of Cornwall for centuries, and Geevor Tin Mine takes you deep into it. Dogs are welcome across the site, except in the underground section, which let’s face it, would probably freak them out anyway.

Our top dog-friendly days out in Cornwall >

Dog-friendly holidays in Cornwall

We've sniffed out and inspected the best dog-friendly holidays in Cornwall, where your dog won't just be tolerated but warmly welcomed.

Logi's Boathouse, Millbrook

At Logi's Boathouse, you can count the number of places with this view on one hand. There’s a kayak waiting for you as well as a dog life jacket for the salty sea dogs. But if relaxation’s on the cards, you’re in for a treat. There’s a spot on the enclosed deck to chill under festoon lights, with a fantastic view of twinkling Plymouth in the distance and an outdoor bath to slip into with a glass of something chilled.

Stay at: Logi's Boathouse >

The Cabin at Halzephron House, Helston

If you’re looking for ‘by the sea’ then look no further than The Cabin at Halzephron House, the view from the breakfast bar is out over the cove below, with the sea crashing against the rocks. There are hints of luxury at every turn, from a double-ended bath for slinking into after a long day, to a wood burner to dry off in front of, you have all you need for shoulder-dropping comfort. And the best bit? There's a dog-friendly pub, The Halzephron Inn, just a minute’s walk down the road.

Stay at: The Cabin at Halzephron House >

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FAQs

What is the most dog-friendly part of Cornwall?

West Cornwall is hard to beat when it comes to dog-friendly spots. With its wide beaches, scenic coastal paths, and welcoming cafes, it’s a perfect playground for you and your dog. Whether you’re wandering the picturesque streets of St Ives or taking in the views around Penzance, you’ll find plenty of places to explore together. We’ve made sure our cottages and dog-friendly holidays are close to all the action, offering a home from home where you and your dog can unwind after a day of adventure.

Why is Cornwall so dog friendly?

Cornwall’s laid-back and outdoorsy lifestyle naturally lends itself to being incredibly dog-friendly. With miles of beaches, coastal paths and countryside to explore, it’s the perfect playground for dogs and their owners. Many cafes, pubs, and attractions openly welcome dogs, adding to its appeal. Our dog-friendly holidays in Cornwall go a step further—we don’t just accept dogs, we celebrate them. Our cottages and places to stay are designed with both dogs and humans in mind, ensuring a truly welcoming experience for you and your pet to enjoy together.

What beaches in Cornwall allow dogs all year round?

You and your dog don’t have to wait for the off-season to enjoy Cornwall’s beaches—there are plenty that welcome dogs year-round! Head to Perranporth for a long sandy stretch perfect for running and playing, or try Watergate Bay, where there’s space to roam and grab a bite at a dog-friendly café. Gwithian Beach is another great option, with miles of dunes and coastline to explore, while Mexico Towans offers a quieter vibe. Taking your dog to the beach all year means fewer crowds and more freedom, so you can enjoy those endless games of fetch and sunset strolls without a worry!

Why are dogs not allowed on beaches in summer?

When summer rolls in, Cornwall’s beaches can get pretty busy with sunbathers, sandcastles, and BBQs. Some beaches ask dogs to take a break from the fun during peak times, but you can usually still take them on the beach before 10am and after 6pm, so not all fun is lost. It’s not about rules, but about keeping everyone happy (and making sure your dog doesn’t accidentally steal someone’s sandwich!). That said, plenty of beaches still welcome dogs year-round, and we’re always here to point you toward the best spots where your dog can enjoy the sand and sea, no matter the season.

Where to go with a dog in Cornwall?

Cornwall offers endless dog-friendly places to visit. Explore the South West Coast Path where there are plenty of beach stops available for a game of fetch or a splash in the waves, or you could visit the Lost Gardens of Heligan or the Cornish Seal Sanctuary, which both welcome dogs on leads. Dog-friendly pubs and cafés are abundant in towns like Padstow and St Ives. We’re all about making your dog as happy as you during your holiday, so our cottages and holidays are located near some of the best dog-friendly activities in Cornwall, ensuring a fun and relaxing experience for both of you.

What to do in Cornwall when it’s raining with a dog?

Cornwall’s unpredictable weather doesn’t have to spoil your holiday! On rainy days, there are plenty of indoor dog-friendly options like exploring art galleries, visiting dog-welcoming pubs, or even heading to places like Healey's Cider Farm, which is open to dogs. With our dog-friendly cottages, you'll find cosy spaces for those rainy days, ensuring that your dog feels just as welcome indoors as they do outside, so you can relax and enjoy your time together regardless of the weather.

Are dogs allowed on buses or public transport in Cornwall?

Yes, dogs are generally allowed on public transport in Cornwall, including buses and some train services. Dogs must be well-behaved and are usually required to sit on the floor or on your lap.

Read our tips on travelling with your dog on public transport >