The Best Dog Friendly Attractions in Cornwall

Dog-Friendly Visitor Attractions in Cornwall 

Fancy a day out? Happily, there are plenty of dog-friendly attractions in Cornwall where your four-footed friend will be more than welcome. 

If your pooch likes a bit of culture, take them along to Newlyn Art Gallery and its sister venue, The Exchange in Penzance. Occasionally, dogs may be asked not to visit certain exhibitions (imagine: dogs and complex floor-level art installations); however, well-behaved dogs are usually welcome in most areas.

Dogs are allowed at many of the attractions at Newquay’s Lappa Valley, including the train ride for a small fee. Also near Newquay, your (leashed) pup can join you at Healey’s Cyder Farm. Dogs are not allowed in the production areas, but are welcome in most other parts of the site, including the restaurant.  

We all love a boat trip and salty dogs can come on board the Jubilee Queen, which sails from Padstow. The fresh tang of the sea, a drink from the bar, your companion at your feet… Perfect.

Back on dry land, your pooch can join you at the fascinating Pendennis Castle in Falmouth. They can even go inside most of the buildings: just please make sure they are leashed. 

Unusually for a wildlife attraction, the Cornish Seal Sanctuary at Gweek allows dogs, provided they are kept on a lead. 

Our Favourite Dog-Friendly Beaches in Cornwall

Which Cornish beaches are dog friendly? Many council-run beaches allow dogs at certain times of day and have an annual “timetable”, which can get a bit complicated. If you are ever unsure, check Cornwall Council’s guide to dog beach regulations. 

To make things easy, our recommendations are for year-round dog beaches with no restrictions.

In St Ives, lovely Bamaluz is a popular spot and you’ll always find other friendly pet parents to chat with. Lambeth Walk (around the back of the lifeboat house) is another dog-friendly beach in St Ives and at low tide you can enjoy Breakwater beach together.

Head east along the Carbis Bay road and you will come to pretty Lelant. Park somewhere in the village and find the path that runs alongside the church. This leads to Porthkidney, which is without doubt the best place ever for a sandy scamper. Just watch the tides and remember it’s not a swimming beach.

Across the peninsula in Penzance, head for the locals’ favourite beach, Long Rock. This sweeping stretch of sand is between Marazion and Penzance, so as you can imagine the sea views across to St Michael’s Mount are spectacular. There is a small car park above the beach.

One of the best family beaches in Cornwall is on the north coast near Padstow. Harlyn Bay is perfect for dogs as well as kids, with good swimming, lots of fascinating rock pools and facilities including parking and a cafe. It is also lifeguarded in the summer. Holywell Bay near Newquay is another excellent kids-and-dogs beach.

Cornish Gardens That Welcome Dogs

Cornwall has more than its share of beautiful gardens – but which ones welcome dogs? Trebah Garden outside Falmouth has long had a reputation for being super dog-friendly. These sub-tropical gardens have plenty of paths to explore, which you’ll both love. Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens near Penzance is another favourite place for a dog walk and as a real bonus, there is a lovely dog-friendly terrace outside the cafe.

The Eden Project allows dogs in its outdoor areas but not in the biomes (humans may have to take it in turns). However, Eden’s outside space is vast and your dog will love exploring its many paths with you. There are also plenty of outdoor dining areas. 

Eden’s sister attraction, The Lost Gardens Of Heligan is one of the best places for a dog walk in the area. Please keep your pet on the lead, as Heligan is home to wildlife, livestock and poultry.

The Best Dog Walks in Cornwall

If you and your dog love a long walk together, choose a section of the magnificent South West Coast Path. There is a helpful page about dog walking on their website. National Trust-managed Godolphin Hill (near Helston) is another favourite spot for a good stank (Cornish for “brisk walk”). Please watch out for cattle and keep your pooch on the lead. 

How about a bit of forest bathing?  Cardinham Woods near Bodmin is so dog-friendly that they even have a self-service dog wash. There’s also Bodmin Moor itself, but please read the restrictions first as animals graze on the wild moorland.

If you want to combine a really good walk with some local history, head for the china clay museum near St Austell. Wheal Martyn has a network of paths as well as a dog-friendly cafe.

Cornwall’s Dog-Friendly Pubs and Restaurants

Cornwall has too many dog-friendly restaurants, cafes and pubs to choose from! It is always worth phoning or emailing ahead to ask, as many places have dog-friendly areas (and some even have jars of treats behind the bar…)

They’ll always make a fuss of your dog in Hub St Ives and Moomaid St Ives is another welcoming spot in the town. Near Penzance, The Mexico Inn welcomes dogs on a lead in both the bar and restaurant areas and it’s just a tennis ball’s throw from dog-friendly Long Rock beach.

In Gwithian near Hayle, the sandy garden at the Rockpool Beach Cafe is perfect for pooches. The Mousehole Deli & Kitchen is so pet-friendly, they even have a menu for dogs, including pasties. 

Further up the coast, celebrity chef and famous dog lover Rick Stein’s St Merryn pub The Cornish Arms, is an excellent place for great food in the company of your furry companion. And really, how could Launceston’s The Springer Spaniel be anything other than dog friendly?