Dog-friendly attractions in Cornwall
From splashing in the sea to sprinting across the sandy beaches, dogs are in their element on the coast, which is why it would be a shame to leave your dog at home when you’re enjoying a caravan holiday to Cornwall. Understandably, you may be worried you’ll be restricted during your holiday however, the county has plenty of attractions and days out perfectly suitable for dogs and their owners! In this guide, we reveal the top dog-friendly attractions in Cornwall.
Eden Project
A trip to the Eden Project can’t go amiss whilst on a Cornish holiday, as this is one of Cornwall’s most famous tourist attractions and the largest indoor rainforest in the world. If you have been wanting to visit but have thought, ‘can I take my dog to the Eden Project?’, you are in luck. Dogs can explore the Eden Project site on a lead, however, the undercover areas and Biomes are off-limits. This won’t matter too much, as there are miles of beautiful gardens to explore outside, so much so, the Eden Project was voted the best pet-friendly place in the world according to the Trusted Housesitters.
With thousands of plants, spiral gardens and hidden sculptures, both you and your dog will enjoy exploring the hidden gems of the Eden Project’s outdoor gardens. The staff do provide water bowls and an undercover dining area for dogs. Plus, there is no extra charge for dogs!
South West Coast Path
Cornwall is the perfect location to enjoy a brisk coastal walk, followed by a spot of lunch at a country pub. With the South West Coast Path winding around the county, you’ll never be too far from a dog walk that has stunning sea views and open spaces for the dogs to release some energy.
We spoke to May from Miss Darcy’s Adventures, a blog following the life of Mae and her pet dog, who says: “It’s all about the beach and coastal walk. We especially love the coastal walks at Land’s End! Going to Cornwall with your dog makes it more special – and such a joy to be able to see them run and play.”
Near the South West Coast Path on East Cornwall, you will find the Polgooth Inn, a 16th-century village pub that offers customers the chance to enjoy something tasty in a classic Cornish setting. We spoke to Alex from the team to find out more: “Dogs and well-behaved owners are always welcome at The Polgooth Inn! You can expect a warm welcome with great food and drink as well as open fires in the winter and a large beer garden to relax in the sun looking out to a beautiful valley view and our kitchen gardens. The pub is in a beautiful valley three miles from St Austell, and only a mile from the nearest beach. The Lost Gardens of Heligan is not far away, which also welcomes dogs all year round!”
The Lost Gardens of Heligan
The beautiful Lost Gardens of Heligan are open to visitors, and their dogs, all year round. With 200 acres of beautiful gardens, woodlands and the Heligan Jungle to explore, you and your pup could spend a whole day getting lost in this spectacular outdoor site. You may even bump into other furry friends, as the Heligan farm is home to livestock and poultry including sheep and chickens – which is why dogs must always be kept on leads! The team at Heligan host events all year round, plan your visit ahead of time so that you don’t miss out. Take a look at what’s on here.
Roskilly’s Farm
A perfect day out for the whole family is a visit to Roskilly’s Farm, who allow dogs that are kept on leads and comfortable around other animals. There are many paths to explore at the farm, including one that winds through the wild meadows and one that leads you to enjoy the views of the tranquil ponds. Once you’ve finished your walk, treat yourself to one of Roskilly’s famous Cornish ice creams. If you fancy something a little more filling, there is also the Croust House Restaurant on site that serves delicious homemade food, including tasty wood-fired pizzas. Dogs are welcome in the outside, covered, areas of the restaurant.
Healeys Cyder Farm
The home of award-winning ciders, wines, spirits and preserves is open for people and their dogs to explore. With free entry and parking, as well as free samples of their range of products, a visit to Healeys Cyder Farm is a popular choice for tourist looking for a fun day out! There are certain areas that dogs aren’t permitted, however, most of the site is open to be explored, including the museum, shire horse stable, distillery, cellars and more. If you get a bit peckish, then you’re welcome at the Courtyard Café to enjoy a meal or a dog biscuit.
Explore museums
Cornwall is a county rich in art, regiment and maritime history, meaning no matter where you go on Cornish holiday, you’ll never be too far away from a museum. You may be surprised to learn that many of the museum’s welcome dogs but remember to double-check on their website or email beforehand.
One museum to visit if you’re interested in learning more about Cornwall’s notorious history with smuggling is the Polperro Heritage Museum of Smuggling and Fishing. The museum may be small, but you will be sure to uncover some of the secrets of Cornwall’s past, plus, it’s situated on the edge of Polperro’s harbour, so after you’ve finished at the museum, you can explore the beautiful harbourside village.
Another museum your furry friend can visit alongside you is Cornwall’s Regimental Museum, the former home of the Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry that now contains 12,000 collective items including historic weaponry and armoury.
Although it may not be a museum, Newlyn Art Gallery & The Exchange is another great place to wander and learn something new. The two galleries display the best contemporary art in the South West, and both welcome well-behaved dogs to join their owners in browsing the stunning art pieces. Certain exhibitions or installations may not allow dogs, so it’s worth contacting the Gallery for more information to avoid disappointment.
There’s so much to enjoy in Cornwall with your furry friend right alongside you, so book your dog-friendly holiday park in Cornwall and head to some of these dog-friendly attractions:
- Eden Project
- South West Coast Path
- The Lost Gardens of Heligan
- Roskilly’s Farm
- Healeys Cyder Farm
- Polperro Heritage Museum of Smuggling and Fishing
- Cornwall’s Regimental Museum
- Newlyn Art Gallery & The Exchange
