Our dog-friendly holiday guide to Truro and the Roseland Peninsula
5-minute read
Things to do
Cornwall’s 300 miles of coastal path take in golden sands lined by exotic flowers along the south coast and dramatic craggy cliffs on the Atlantic north. Its stunning beaches are no secret and some of our favourite dog-friendly ones can be found near Truro and the spur of land that curves out of the coast to its south, known as the Roseland peninsula.
On the east side of the Roseland Peninsula is the sandy cove of Porthcurnick Beach, close to the village of Portscatho. On a recent trip, Alice arrived with salty sea dog Luna on The King Harry Ferry, which crosses the river to reach the area from Truro or Falmouth. Porthcurnick has wide sands to race across and rockpools to investigate and is dog-friendly all year round, making it an ideal spot for a day with your dog.
Further along the Roseland Peninsula is the old fishing village of St Mawes. The pretty streets of St Mawes are filled with art galleries, boutiques and cafes. Alice took paper bags of pasties from St Mawes Bakery – the best they've ever had! – to eat on the beach whilst Luna eyed up the crumbs and ran excited circles around them. The beach is dog-friendly most of the year but check restrictions in July. They finished the day with a pint at the St Mawes Hotel enjoying the fantastic views across the water. If the weather had been less sunny, they could have also sat inside.
A short drive from Truro is the lovely National Trust estate, Trelissick Gardens. There are 300 acres to explore with paths running through the gardens and woodland and along the beach. If paws are a little tired after their walk you can find dog-treats in the car park kiosk or a water bowl at the café.
Eating and drinking
The Roseland Peninsula is studded with bakeries and beach huts selling fresh-from-the-boat crab rolls, flakey warm pasties, and Cornish clotted cream ice-creams, all perfect for a quick bite whilst you’re out exploring with your dog. Once we’re ready to rest our paws, these are some of our favourite dog-friendly places to eat and drink.
Truro Lounge is a lovely and relaxed café-bar at the heart of the city. It’s open all day and evening for coffees, hearty food and drinks and is also very welcoming for dogs, with treats and water bowls.
The Thomas Daniell on Infirmary Hill is a historic pub. It’s traditional on the outside but modern on the inside with a fantastic menu and a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. It’s also very dog-friendly, so they can be sure of a scratch behind the ear whilst you tuck into one of the best Sunday roasts in south Cornwall.
A circular walk from the city along the Tresillian River leads to the riverside village of Malpas, where there’s a great (dog-friendly) pub called The Heron with fantastic views across the River Fal and a menu full of locally caught fish. Dogs will need to be on leads for some sections of the walk from Truro as you pass roads and creeks, but there is lovely green space in Malpas.
Shopping
The Cornwall Shop Small Market comes to Lemon Quay in Truro every third Saturday of the month from March to November, with some extra festive markets in December. Browse vintage frocks and locally made pottery, prints and jewellery, or meet some of the stallholder’s friendly dogs, or head to the award-winning Truro Farmers Market which runs alongside the contemporary craft market. From freshly baked bread and smoked fish, to preserves in a rainbow of colours, the Farmers Market is lined with stalls selling delicious produce bound to set your nose, and your dog’s, twitching.
Interiors and gifts shop and café Uneeka on Boscawen Street in Truro is an absolute treasure trove. Amongst its ethically sourced and beautiful homewares, we found plenty of pieces we wanted to gift ourselves but also treats for our dog, like a doggy-biscuit baking kit. Uneeka’s café is also wonderful, and dog-friendly, and serves imaginative and delicious things for breakfast, lunch and tea.
Where to stay
Our inspectors have found some truly dog-loving places that will make your Truro and Roseland Peninsula holiday with your dog really special.
Round House East, Truro, Cornwall, sleeps 2 humans, 3 dogs
The Old Barn at Lower Tresithick, Truro, Cornwall, sleeps 4 humans, 1 dog