Tag: Dog-friendly days out
Dog-Friendly Pubs in Cornwall
November 21st, 2022
Like the rest of the nation, Cornwall is a county full of dog lovers, with the vast majority of pubs, restaurants and cafes welcoming our furry friends.
With this plethora of great spots for dogs and plenty of dog-friendly holiday cottages in Cornwall, it’s no mystery why it’s such a popular holiday location for the whole family! Here are some of our favourite places to stop for an after-hike pint or a bit of pub grub.
Jamaica Inn, Bodmin Moor
Made famous thanks to its appearance in the novel by Daphne du Maurier, the Jamaica Inn is just one of the must-visit spots in the heart of Cornwall’s wilderness. After an adventure across the moor, you can relax by the fire in the history-rich pub to enjoy a hearty meal, cream tea or pint.
The First & Last Inn, Penzance
Another famed Cornish Inn, the First & Last Inn is a great pit stop for those heading to Sennen Cove and Land’s End. Enjoy fresh, locally sourced ingredients in this historic setting with its unique atmosphere. You and your pup will be well looked after here, with a beer garden to relax in during summer and roaring fires to cosy up by in winter.
King Arthur’s Arms Inn, Tintagel
After exploring Tintagel’s historic and picturesque sights, this bed and breakfast and pub should certainly be your next stop. Welcoming all weary travellers and providing a delicious menu of locally produced meals, this dog-friendly spot is the ideal for relaxing and enjoying a bit of good cheer.
The Watering Hole, Perranporth
Famous for its beach location, dogs (and everyone else) are sure to love a trip to the Watering Hole. You won’t even have to leave your beach walk to enjoy food and drink here! Settle in for stunning ocean views and a range of live music events.
The Blue Peter Inn, Polperro
The quaint Blue Peter Inn offers unforgettable harbour-side views and a charming spot for good food and good company. The menu here features plenty of freshly caught seafood and other tasty local treats. Four-legged friends are more than welcome to join you as you indulge in an outstanding Cornish dining experience.
Harbour Tavern, Mevagissey
Sit back and relish the relaxing atmosphere of the Harbour Tavern. Nestled in the stunning fishing village of Mevagissey, here you can enjoy the much-loved menu of seafood, pizza and tapas, along with plenty of Cornish ales and ciders. Generous window seats offer an open view of the harbour, perfect for watching the world pass by.
Polgooth Inn, St Austell
If it’s a classic Cornish country pub experience you’re after, look no further than the Polgooth Inn. The inn has historically welcomed chickens, ducks and even horses to the bar, so turning up with your dog in tow is no problem! Complete with a kitchen garden, the food here doesn’t get much more local.
Five Degrees West, Falmouth
A Falmouth hotspot, Five Degrees West offers an unbeatable pizza menu and typical pub grub to enjoy with a pint in the beer garden or cosy interior. The wonderfully welcoming atmosphere extends to dogs too, making it a place wanders love to return to.
Wig & Pen, Truro
Situated in Truro, Wig & Pen is only a stone’s throw away from the beach, making for a great stop after you’ve worked up an appetite on the sand. Here, you can find locally sourced and homemade fresh food. The pub is loved by both locals and visitors, so you’ll be sure to experience a true piece of Cornwall in this lovely, dog-friendly spot.
The Halzephron Inn, Helston
The Lizard Peninsula offers some great walks and sights to see with your dog – and this historic inn and pub in the tranquil village of Gunwalloe should definitely make your list. Enjoy award-winning food set against dramatic coastal scenes in the scenic outdoor seating areas or cosy up in the characterful restaurant.
There are plenty more dog-friendly pubs and restaurants across Cornwall; we’ve mentioned just a couple of much-loved spots here to showcase the variety available, no matter which Cornish destination you’re heading to.
If you can’t wait to start planning your next adventure, why not consider staying with us at The Valley? With various dog-friendly accommodation options and woodland walks right on our doorsteps, our cottages make a great base for your family break.
A Guide to Dog Friendly Cornwall
August 05th, 2019
Don’t leave your pups at home, bring them on holiday with you! A family holiday just isn’t the same without the dog joining you on your travels! Thankfully, Cornwall is a brilliant place for our four-legged friends as there are plenty of dog-friendly spots; however, some still have restrictions. We have put together this guide, so you know where is best for your family to visit with the dog!
Dog-Friendly Beaches
Carne Beach
On the Roseland Peninsula, this sandy and rocky beach is dog-friendly all year round, though your dog must be kept on a leash in the summer months. Nare Head rises above the bay and protects it, making it a lovely spot! At low tide, this beach joins with Pendower Beach, also a dog-friendly beach.
Perranporth
Perranporth is perhaps one of the most well-known and well-loved beaches in Cornwall. With its long stretch of golden sands, it is the perfect place for the kids and dog to run around! The beach also features a bar called The Watering Hole; this is also dog-friendly making it a great spot to stop for a bite to eat after an enjoyable coastal walk.
Polgwidden Beach
On the Lizard Peninsula, this sand and shingle bay on the Helford River is dog-friendly all year round! Close to Trebah Gardens, this quiet beach is beautiful and a fun place to have a family day in the sunshine!
Towan Beach
Situated in Truro, this quiet, south-east facing beach is near St Mawes on the Roseland Peninsula and is dog-friendly all year round! The beach is sand and shingle and at low tide rock pools are revealed, making it great for kids to explore too.
Nansidwell Beach
Located between Maenporth and Mawnan Smith there is a footpath which leads you through some wooded areas and ends at the little beach of Nansidwell. Part of a National Trust area, this beach is dog-friendly all year, and it is an excellent spot for a picnic!
Dog-Friendly Places to Eat
One of the hardest aspects of taking the dog on holiday is finding places to eat out, but there are loads of great places near our dog-friendly cottages in Truro, Cornwall.
The Old School Bar & Kitchen, Truro
If you are looking for locally sourced food, great selection of ales and wines and some live music, this is the place for you! With fish and chips to 4oz beef burgers, there is a delicious array of dishes to choose from, and to top it all off; the pup can come too!
Penrose Kitchen, Truro
Situated right by the river, this picturesque location makes it the perfect place to grab a bite to eat. From delicious baked sweet potato to roasted monkfish fillet, this place has an exciting menu and is somewhere you can try something new! The dog can join you on your trip so long as you choose to sit on their terrace. While you are in the area, why not enjoy a walk around the water gardens!
The Old Coastguard, Mousehole
Perhaps most well-known for their delicious Sunday roast, The Old Coastguard is a great place to visit for some wonderful food, and an added bonus is that your four-legged friend can join you! Providing one of the best views seen in Cornwall, the restaurant has seasonal changes to the menu and offers the best fresh fish and seafood.
Potager Cafe, Falmouth
Serving home-made cakes, breakfast and wholesome lunches made to order, all using organic produce, this cafe is a great place to head to in Falmouth. Right next to the cafe is the garden, perfect for building up your appetite before you tuck into a hearty lunch.
Godolphin Arms, Marazion
Overlooking the stunning St Michael’s Mount, this restaurant offers a full English breakfast from 8 am, and the daytime menu includes delights such as crab sandwiches and classic fish and chips. On their dinner menu, you will find delicious dishes such as crab mac ‘n’ cheese and Cornish lamb steak. A children’s menu is also available, and dogs are welcome in certain areas.
The Working Boat Pub, Falmouth
Enjoy views over Falmouth Harbour while sipping on a pint of Cornish ale in The Working Boat. The place was rebuilt in 2015 and sits on the edge of the harbour. The authentic Cornish atmosphere will make you want to return every day and try everything on the menu! Just when you think it couldn’t get any better, the pub also invites you to bring along your pups!
Dog-Friendly Attractions
Treasure Trails
There are over 60 self-guided and themed Treasure Trails in fantastic places across Cornwall, many close to our 5-star cottages! Order a package online and enjoy solving the clues along the trail as you take in the sights and give your dog the chance to stretch its legs and run wild!
Healey’s Cornish Cyder Farm
This attraction provides something for both the adult and kids! There is a guided tour of the cider making, a ride through the orchards on a tractor and you can finish off with a delicious cream tea. Dogs are welcomed so long as they are on a lead; the only part they aren’t allowed in is the production areas.
Minack Theatre
The world-famous open-air theatre in Cornwall is carved into the granite cliff face and set among gardens overlooking the spectacular Porthcurno. Whether or not you plan on seeing a performance, the theatre is a great place to explore with the dog and kids.
Tehidy Country Park
This country park has 250 acres of woodland, lakes and nine miles of footpaths to explore. In the summer, the park is beautiful with flowers, birds and butterflies, making it a wonderful place to go on a family walk with the dog!
Cornish Seal Sanctuary
Hear about the dramatic rescues and meet the seals and sea lions at the sanctuary, as well as otters, penguins and much more marine wildlife who are recuperating there. The 42-acre centre also has a woodland trail to explore. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on their lead at all times.
Dog-Friendly Walks
Long Rock Beach
Between Marazion and Penzance is Long Rock Beach, which looks out toward St Michael’s Mount. You can walk along the shingle beach with the dog all year round, but only at low tide for safety. At low tide, you can also walk the causeway to the Mount and walk around the village there and visit the gardens.
Cardinham Woods
This woodland walk has plenty of routes to choose from, the majority of them are flat, so young children, wheelchairs and elderly have easy access to them. Some routes also take you along the river, which at shallow points, is great for the dogs to splash about in.
Chapel Carn Brea
A countryside charm, from the top of Chapel Carn Brea, the view is spectacular, with St Michael’s Mount, the western moors, Lizard Peninsula, Sennen and Longships Lighthouse and the Scilly Isles on the horizon. The wide-open spaces make this a perfect spot for the kids and dog to run around and burn off some energy!
Pendeen Carn
Towards the north coast is Pendeen Carn, crisscrossed by bridleways and footpaths suitable for dog walking. There are plenty of routes to choose from, many circular and you can take the level routes or try a bit of challenge by heading uphill.
Cligga Head
This rough headland might not be the most popular part of Cornwall, but it does make for an exciting dog walking area. There are remnants of war bunkers and quarrying as you walk up to the headland point, and the views from there are fantastic, with Perranporth Beach in the background.
South West Coast Path
With Cornwall containing over 300 miles of the South West Coast Path, and covering a variety of terrain, your dog will love roaming along the trail. Depending on your own abilities, you can tackle the challenging sections or simply opt for a gentle stroll.
Dangers for Dogs
Though Cornwall is very welcoming and accommodating to dogs, you may come across some hazards you are not used to in your hometown. Cornwall has steep cliffs, and it is best to keep your dog close by when walking along a narrow precipice or by a cliff edge that has a sheer drop to avoid any accidents.
You should always be aware of the sea! Powerful waves and currents can quickly take your dog out to sea, a lot further than you may think, so play it safe in the shallows. Finally, when out in the countryside, be aware of adders, which can bite and kill dogs. Hiding in long grass, a dog could come across an adder before realising, so always be wary when out on a countryside walk.
Here at The Valley, we know that no family holiday is complete without the pup! We offer a collection of dog-friendly holiday cottages so you can bring your dog along with you on your Cornish getaway. Situated near both Falmouth and Truro, numerous attractions and stunning beaches are all within a 30-minute drive, making it a perfect location to discover Cornwall!
Five dog-friendly recommended beaches in Cornwall
July 04th, 2015
Coming to Cornwall can be fun for all the family, whether you have two legs or four. With this in mind, we thought that we would look at five of the Marine Conservation Society (MCS) recommended beaches for water quality that also allow dogs to come and play on them in the Truro area. The beaches we’ve picked out for you offer the chance to experience what is truly at the heart of Cornwall’s appeal, and the allure of having these exceptional places to visit right on the doorstep of our dog-friendly holiday accommodation, Cornwall means you have one less thing to worry about prior to your arrival and therefore will be in holiday mode sooner than you think!