Dog friendly cottages in Cornwall

Why Cornwall is great for dog-friendly holidays

When it comes to finding the perfect destination for a holiday with your furry friend, Cornwall stands out as one of the best places in the UK. With its stunning landscapes, dog-friendly places to stay, and plenty of outdoor activities, it’s no surprise that so many people choose this picturesque region for their canine getaway. Here are some reasons why Cornwall should be at the top of your list for a dog-friendly holiday.

Dog-friendly attractions in Cornwall

There’s nothing worse than wanting to explore a local attraction and then discovering that dogs aren’t allowed. We’ve all been there. Thankfully there are many, many lovely places to see in Cornwall that do allow dogs. So with a bit of planning ahead you should be able to enjoy as many days out and about with your dog as you wish. Here is a list of our top picks:

Pendennis Castle

If you’re into your history then the award-winning Pendennis Castle in Falmouth is a must-visit. Resting on a headland overlooking the sea which was the best place to ward off any would-be invaders of Falmouth and its estuary, the views from this Tudor fortress are spectacular. Witness a gun deck in action here or follow the tunnels down to Half Moon Battery and discover the underground magazine where ammunition was stored during the Second World War. Dogs welcome on leads.

The Eden Project

Just outside of St Austell in the south west, The Eden Project and its instantly recognizable Biomes is one of Cornwall’s most famous attractions. Boasting the world’s largest greenhouses which sit within a giant 50 metre deep crater (about the size of 30 football pitches), the project aims for visitors to experience nature in a new and extraordinary way.

Trek through the world’s largest indoor rainforest and immerse yourself in the calm fragrance of the Mediterranean Biome. Enjoy extensive Outdoor Gardens, contemporary artworks, performance and storytelling. Discover places to rest, play and eat. You can take your dog along to explore the paths in their outdoor gardens (but not in the indoor Biomes).

Healey’s Cyder Farm

Family-owned and Cornish born and bred, Healey’s distillery has been in operation for 300 years and is still going strong! Your don’t need to be a fan of the golden liquid to enjoy this wonderful place – they have vineyards that produce good wines too!

The farm itself is set right in the heart of the Cornish countryside and boasts beautiful views of orchards and vineyards. There’s plenty to see and do as well from guided tours and a museum to watching a show. Dogs on a lead are very welcome at Healeys! There are however just two small exclusions, dogs are not permitted in the production halls or in the jam kitchen for hygiene purposes. Other than that, your furry family members can join you everywhere else you go, including on a tractor ride and in the restaurant!

Lost Gardens of Heligan

These spectacular gardens near Cornwall’s south coast are a must-visit attraction for both you and your dog-friendly. Other-worldly, lush, tropical and beautiful, Heligan has plenty of walking trails and scenic spots for you and your dog to enjoy.

Trelissick Garden

The National Trust Trelissick Gardens site overlooks the River Fal. Dogs aren’t allowed in the formal gardens but are welcome to play in its huge parkland area and wander along its woodland trails.

Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens

Not far from St Ives, these fabulous gardens are best-known for their exotic plants and unusual sculptures. Dogs on leads are welcome to explore the trails at Tremenheere as you take in the magnificent views over Mount’s Bay.

Geevor Tin Mine

You and your dogs will love exploring Geevor’s historic mining site which showcases various heritage buildings and delves into Cornwall’s mining history, all while enjoying its coastal views along the way. Dogs are permitted throughout the whole site on leads except in the underground mines.