on 05/04/2019
Cornwall is becoming far more dog friendly, we appreciate those furry, four-legged companions, and so here are my top spots for days out with your pup.
When in Cornwall, the most obvious choice for a day out with the dog will be taking your furry friend for a walk on the beach! Most beaches in Cornwall do allow dogs in the winter seasons, and some even allow them in the summer seasons.
Here are a few dog friendly beaches…
Cornwall also has a variety of dog friendly woodland areas to explore. A few of my favourites are…
Tehidy Woods in Camborne – a great spot to explore, though there is a dog friendly route and a no dogs allowed route. You’ll also find a coffee shop and toilets at the start (or end) of the trail. Tehidy Woods also leads to a great coastal path!
Trelissick Woods in Truro – Trelissick is a fabulous National Trust spot in Cornwall that hosts a large country house and gardens. The estate also boasts miles and miles of open parkland space and a vast woodland area.
Cardinham Woods in Bodmin – there are many paths to explore here, with lots of hidden trails. There’s also a river area, and a great spot to have a picnic.
If you’re after a more historical day out, then exploring Cornwall’s handful of castles is a great option. There are a few dog friendly castles too…
Tintagel Castle on Tintagel Island – brimming with history of King Arthur and his legends, Tintagel is a great place to explore. It’s so much more than just the castle, and you can spend the whole day exploring the village, shops, and Tintagel Island. (note; the island is closed until summer 2019 whilst work is undertaken on the bridge)
Pendennis Castle in Falmouth – another great English Heritage site, Pendennis Castle boasts a beautiful view of the beach and coastline. There is also an enormous country house on just opposite the castle, and lots of open space.
Launceston Castle in Launceston – this castle is built upon a large natural mound, with lots of open space below. A great amount of history to learn here, with the castle’s colourful past. You can find out about the uses of the castle over the years whilst taking in the beautiful scenery and views.
Cornwall is also well known for its public gardens, some of which are enormous and perfect for a day out. A few happily open their doors to your furry four-legged pals…
Eden Project in St Austell – a beautiful outdoor and indoor garden area, the Eden Project is an infamous project built in an old, unused clay site. The gardens change seasonally, and you can now buy passes that allow you access all year round.
The Lost Gardens of Heligan in St Austell – if you head to their website you can buy a combined ticket with the Eden Project, saving you a few pennies. The Lost Gardens of Heligan are a beautiful outdoor garden space that goes on for miles. There are many spots to explore, as well as a fabulous woodland, farm area, and a seemingly endless country walk.
Trengwainton Gardens in Penzance – this beautiful country house and gardens is a National Trust spot where you’ll find lots of garden space to explore. It’s also home to some rare plant species, so if you’re a keen horticulturist or plant enthusiast, or just like to admire the flowers, this one’s for you.
Trebah Gardens near Falmouth – this garden has over four miles of walkway to offer, with extra spots just outside of the main garden area. You’ll find all sorts of beautiful botanicals to observe, as well as cliff-side cows and coastal views. No.
There are so many National Trust Spots hidden away in Cornwall, and I’ve mentioned one or two above, but here are a few more of my favourite dog-friendly options… just bear in mind that your furry pals will only be allowed in outside areas.
Lanhydrock in Bodmin – here you’ll find endless walkways and spots to explore, starting with a beautiful bluebell field to the right and open greenery and herds of cows to the left. You can easily spend the entire day walking and not even make it to the house – which is steeped in history.
Plantations and Parkland at Penrose – this area is roughly one and a half miles of space to walk. In spring you’ll find fields of bluebells, and in summer the wild flowers will be on display.
Trerice near Newquay – there are endless spring flowers to see here, including bluebells and daffodils. There is also a fabulous Elizabethan ‘knot’ garden to explore. The summer months also put on a floral show! There is so much more to explore than just the Elizabethan manor.
Cotehele in Crantock – this beautiful Tudor house plays host to dreamy gardens and a pond space, ideal for a relaxing walk with your little friend. If you’re keen to burn energy, the estate is around 13,000 acres, and there is also a quay area to explore, as well as a working mill.
There are some amazing spots to see around Cornwall, and your furry friend doesn’t have to stay at home whilst you explore them. Here are a few more unique spots for you to take your pal…
Minack Theatre – this amazing theatre was hand built from the very cliff face it sits within. It’s best to check dates and times on their website before you visit, to save you from turning up in the middle of a performance as the theatre is a working theatre! The coastal views from the Minack are beautiful, well worth a visit.
Cornish Seal Sanctuary at Gweek – this dog friendly spot plays host to an array of rescued seals. They rescue seals and seal pups from around the Cornish coast. It’s such a wonderful spot to visit and to support. There are also talks and feeding times throughout the day that you can observe.
Healey’s Cyder Farm – the outside areas around the cyder farm are open to dogs, and are a fun spot to explore. The twenty acre apple orchards are a beautiful area to walk around.
Bodmin Moor – the moorland around Bodmin is an enormous area to explore. Dogs are welcome, just beware of the wild rams that you may find wandering around. There are lots of historical ruins to spot whilst you’re wandering around too!
There are so many more dog friendly holiday destinations around Cornwall, the limitations are minimal! So do bring your furry little friends when you visit Cornwall… just kindly remember to clean up after them.
