Generally Cornwall is a fairly dog-friendly place. But so you can relax and concentrate on having a good time, we’ve put together a list of our favourite things to do with your dog in Cornwall.
Digging holes
Newquay is home to plenty of dog-friendly beaches that don’t subscribe to the all-too-common seasonal dog ban. Fistral and the Newquay town beaches are just minutes walk away, whilst the stunning National Trust beaches of Crantock and Holywell Bay are a short drive to the west, and the endless sands of Watergate Bay are just a few miles north. So with miles and miles of golden sand to run on, there is plenty of space for Fido to dig his biggest hole yet!
Gorgeous gardens
If Fido is tired of tearing up and down all those beaches, a more subdued day out with the dog would be a trip to one of Cornwall’s fantastic dog-friendly gardens. Our favourites include Trewithan and Trelissick, both less than twenty minutes’ drive away.
Trewithan is a magical privately-owned estate with over 30 acres of woodlands and gardens. You’ll find a cornucopia of rare blooms and plenty of paths and hidden glades to discover.
We also love the National Trust’s Trelissick, whose tranquil gardens sit majestically on the banks of the Fal Estuary. Although dogs can’t go in the main gardens, there are still many trails and open parkland on the estate itself, and many more traversing the surrounding area. You can also buy treats from the kiosk in the car park, and there are water bowls in the cafe too.
Conquer the Coast Path
The hotel sits right on the South West Coast Path, and with over 300 miles of path to explore in Cornwall alone, you could spend your entire holiday exploring it with Fido. The path takes in dramatic seascapes, hidden valleys, deserted beaches (and some not so deserted ones too!), moorland, mining heritage and more. The excellent South West Coast Path website has details on walking the coast path with your dog. http://www.southwestcoastpath.com/faq/dogs-coastpath/
Explore Bodmin Moor
Escape the crowds and explore the lesser-known section of the Camel Trail from Dunmere to Wenfordbridge. Surrounded by towering beech trees and wildflowers in spring, you and pooch can explore the 6.25 miles of winding, gently climbing trail. Despite being quite wooded, you’ll find some lovely views, a handsome medieval bridge and some interesting metal sculptures. Don’t miss the off-grid and dog-friendly Snail’s Pace Cafe for some scrummy cake or sandwiches. The path is sheltered and wide but do remember it’s still shared with cyclists and horses so keep your pup close.
There’s plenty more to do with your dog in Cornwall, and our reception team are always happy to point you in the right direction. And don’t forget after all that excitement, there’ll be a comfy bed and treat waiting for Fido back at the hotel in our dog-friendly Café Atlantica. Get in touch today to book your dog-friendly break in Newquay today!