When you visit the South East of Cornwall, you’re in for such a treat. Rugged coastline perfect for long walks and exploration, inviting family beaches with plenty of sand and clean, salty seawater. Stunning country parks bursting with lush foliage and wildlife, and of course many unique boutiques, delicious local seafood, pasties and cornish ice cream galore. This setting is perfect for a family holiday, there is just so much for all ages to enjoy.
Furry Friends On Tour
For true dog lovers, dogs are part of the family and the family holiday just wouldn’t be the same without them now would it? One of the best features of Cornwall, specifically the Southeast, is the fact it is extremely dog friendly. From gorgeous walks to welcoming dog friendly pubs, there are plenty of ways to enjoy a truly wonderful and memorable holiday here with the kids and the pets in tow. Here’s how:
Dog-friendly Walks & Days Out
Our stunning part of Cornwall encompasses many a luscious garden and sweeping coastal walk where both two legs and four legs can meander and explore happily.
Cawsand To Whitsand Bay Walk
This gorgeous walk is around 5 miles long and encompasses the Rame Peninsula, providing doggies with tons of space to run with tails wagging and ears flapping in the salty sea air. Dog friendly pubs sit along the way, providing well deserved refreshments for all. Whitsand Bay forms part of the walk and is dog friendly all year round, so dogs are able to dig, dive and roll around in the sand to their hearts content.
Port Eliot House & Gardens
The beautiful gardens here are dog friendly as long as pooches are kept on a lead. Wednesday afternoons are particularly special because dogs are allowed to enjoy the park lead free. If you fancy some tasty local refreshments during your visit, the Long Gallery tea Room offers sumptuous tasty treats and well behaved dogs are welcome. The only area where dogs are not allowed is the romantic and historically remarkable house. This part of Port Eliot is certainly worth a look if you can swap and change who looks after the dog during the day.
The Eden Project
Possibly Cornwall’s most visually impressive structures, the biomes at this extremely interesting eco-attraction are a sight to behold. Although dogs are not allowed in any of the biomes, there are miles of pathways and gardens they are allowed to explore with you. The Eden Project lists itself as a dog friendly attraction, and it is obvious why when you visit as there are so many dog friendly facilities like fresh water bowls, a dining area with cover where dogs are allowed, and dog waste specific bins. It really is a fantastic day out for everyone, and a truly innovative, educational and memorable option for children of all ages.
The Cornish Seal Sanctuary
This wonderful sanctuary located in Gweek on the Lizard Peninsula is very dog friendly as long as they are kept on a lead. Children will love being able to see the seals and other animals in the sanctuary interacting with each other and splashing around. The staff are extremely informative and encourage children to learn and ask questions in all areas of the sanctuary. There is even a quiz trail for children to follow all the way through the park. The primary purpose of the sanctuary is to rescue and rehabilitate seals and many are released annually, although some need permanent care in the centre. You can see and learn about all the permanent and temporary residents of the sanctuary, including the seals, otters, penguins and farm animals. They also have sea lions which are incredibly impressive in size, the children will be in awe!
Restormel Castle
This 13th century structure is really interesting and surrounded by some rather impressive views. It is of great historical significance, and although we are sure pooch might not understand its part in the Civil War in 1644, we think he might be happy to explore it with you on a lead. A top pick for a family picnic.
Car Boots
Car boots are a really excellent activity to enjoy with all the family, including the dog. Many a bargain are to be had, and it’s a lovely way to chat to locals, perhaps picking up a tip or two about the best local spots to enjoy. Not all are dog friendly though so do check with the organisers before going.
Dog friendly Pubs
There are many pubs across the South East of Cornwall that are dog friendly. For a bite to eat, a relaxed pint of local cider, or for a refreshments stop off during a walk, a dog friendly pub is ideal. More often than not these pubs will have doggy bowls outside, and usually the dogs will get plenty of fuss and love from the pub owners, and other dog owners stopping by.
In beautiful Kingsand; The Rising Sun, Devonport Inn, Cross Keys Inn, Salutation Inn and Halfway House Inn are all dog friendly. In Lostwithiel Earl Of Chatham is dog friendly (dogs are even allowed inside the bar). In St Blazey Gate Four Lords (close to Eden Project) is dog friendly and extremely child friendly. In Looe Jubilee Inn is dog friendly and allows dogs in the main bars, beer garden and on the patio. These are just some examples of dog friendly establishments. Many pubs, cafes and eateries in Cornwall are dog friendly and you’re likely to always feel welcome somewhere nearby, with a pooch in tow.
Dog friendly Beaches
There are many beaches in Cornwall that are dog friendly, but you do have to check ahead to ensure your dog is welcome. Some beaches in Cornwall do have dog bans in place, but luckily this isn’t beach-wide. There are plenty of beaches for you to enjoy with the whole family, including the dog, especially in the South East of Cornwall. Just some of the beaches that are dog friendly all year round in this gorgeous part of Cornwall are:
Whitsand Bay
Kingsand Beach
Cawsand (Between October & Easter Only)
Vault Beach, Gorran Haven Beach, Hemmick Beach, Caerhays Beach (Gorran)
Seaton Beach, Downderry Beach, Hannafore Beach, Plaidy Beach (Looe)
Polstreath Beach, Colona Beach (Mevagissey)
Lantic Bay, Talland Bay, Lansallos Beach, Lantivet Beach (Polperro)
Carne Beach (Roseland Peninsula)
Combe Haven, Par Sands, Hallane Beach, Portholland Beach (St Austell)
You can find out more about the beaches near our beautiful holiday cottage in South East Cornwall here.
Take Care…
There are many hidden dangers along the coast you may not have at home. Please take care to keep your pet safe during his holiday to Cornwall. You can find lots of information on keeping your dog safe on holiday here.
Blue Monkey Loves Dogs!
Named by the Sunday Times as one of the UK’s best coastal cottages, Blue Monkey is well known for being great for humans and their four legged chums. We have a fantastic reputation for being one of the most dog friendly dog cottages in Cornwall, one of the Top 20 in fact according to our recent award from Travel Myth.
Your well behaved canine companion is more than welcome at Blue Monkey with its conveniently tiled ground floor, cosy open fire (which dogs love!) and comfy rugs by the sofas. Our beautiful terrace garden is enclosed both for guests privacy and pets safety. Pet owners and their pooches love the fact the nearest dog friendly beach is less than one minute from the door, so all the family is supremely close to the gorgeous Cornish sea air and beach life when they stay at Blue Monkey. Find out more about our dog friendly cottage.