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Top Things to Do in Cornwall with Dogs
Cornwall is a dream for dog owners. Our dog-friendly holiday parks make the perfect base, but the real fun starts when you head out exploring.Â
We’ve rounded up some tail-wagging things to do in Cornwall with dogs, from the beautiful Lost Gardens of Heligan to year-round dog access at Fistral Beach, as well as cosy dog-friendly pubs in Cornwall. Many Cornish holiday attractions welcome well-behaved dogs on leads, so grab the treats and enjoy this four-paw paradise.
Key takeaway
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Cornwall is a dog-friendly destination packed with scenic coastal walks like the stunning Lizard Peninsula and Mount’s Bay.
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Visit unique attractions that welcome dogs on leads, including the Cornish Seal Sanctuary, Eden Project outdoor trails, and The Lost Gardens of Heligan.
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Explore dog-friendly historic sites such as St Michael’s Mount (off-season) and Bodmin Keep’s scenic grounds.
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Enjoy tasty meals with your pup at top dog-friendly restaurants and pubs across Cornwall, like The Gunard’s Head and The Bottle wine bar.
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Discover Cornwall’s best dog-friendly beaches, including Carbis Bay, Perranporth Beach, and Widemouth Beach, perfect for off-leash fun (seasonal restrictions apply).
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Take part in outdoor activities with your dog, from orchard strolls at Healeys Cornish Cyder Farm to art and nature walks at Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens.
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Cornwall offers countless opportunities for dog owners to enjoy nature, culture, and good food together, making it a top holiday spot for pet lovers.
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Wet weather? No bother – take shelter at dog-friendly indoor activities in Cornwall, including Truro’s cute covered markets and the steam trains at Lappa Valley.
Dog-friendly activities in Cornwall
Some of the best dog walks and attractions are found in Cornwall, so not only you but your furry friend can stretch their legs in some new, beautiful scenery. Some even cut things to do in Cornwall in the rain with dogs. Here are 10 of the best things to do in Cornwall with dogs:
The Lizard Peninsula
The Lizard Peninsula in south Cornwall offers some of the most scenic coastal walks and beaches, perfect for exploring with your dog. Keep your pup on a lead while hiking along the cliffs and enjoying the fresh sea air. Stop off in quaint fishing villages like Mullion Cove and Cadgwith, where you can experience all the different sights.
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Cornish Seal Sanctuary
Another dog-friendly activity in Cornwall is visiting the Cornish Seal Sanctuary. The sanctuary welcomes dogs on leads, and there are only a few areas where dogs aren't permitted. You can learn about seal rescue and rehabilitation at the informative sanctuary while your pooch is right by your side throughout the journey.
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Mount's Bay
Mount's Bay is a magnificent bay sweep stretching from Mousehole and Newlyn towards the Lizard. In the centre is one of the most popular sites to visit – St Michael's Mount. Dogs can see the harbour and village of St Michael's Mount (between October 1st and 31st March). They're not allowed in the castle, but you can still get an amazing view – a great free thing to do in Cornwall with dogs.
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The Lost Gardens of Heligan
Reconstructed after decades of neglect, The Lost Gardens of Heligan allows dogs on leads to walk with you through this beautiful journey to avoid disturbing the livestock. Travel through lush plantings, flower-filled meadows, and peaceful wildlife ponds along miles of footpaths.
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Eden Project
The unique biomes and scenic trails of the Eden Project are one of the most popular tourist attractions and one of the best things to do in Cornwall with dogs. Your pooch can enjoy miles of outdoor paths at Eden and picnic areas, but it cannot enter the Biomes or other undercover areas. As long they’re kept on leads, they can explore this amazing attraction.
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The Minack Theatre
Perched dramatically on the cliffs just four miles from Land's End, The Minack Theatre in Porthcurno is one of Britain's most renowned open-air amphitheatres. Unfortunately, dogs are not permitted in the seating area during theatrical performances, but outside of performance times, dogs on leads are welcome to explore the theatre's stunning subtropical gardens.
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Healeys Cornish Cyder Farm
Of course, this farm offers cider tasting for adults, but there are other things you can do at this attraction. There are amazing outdoor areas, so you can observe the animals with your pooch, making it one of the best things to do in Cornwall with dogs. They can also explore the orchards with you whilst on a lead, so Healeys Cornish Cyder Farm is something for adults and dogs to enjoy!
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Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens
This remarkable garden in Cornwall integrates contemporary sculptures among exotic plants, tranquil ponds, and winding paths with scenic coastal vistas. Throughout the year, the gardens host special events and exhibitions that dogs on leads are welcome to attend. With its blend of art, nature, and sweeping ocean views, is one of the more unusual things to do in Cornwall with dogs.
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Geevor Tin Mine
You may be surprised by this one being on the list; however, Geevor Tin Mine is another of the best things to do with dogs in Cornwall. Dogs on leads can accompany you through most of this site, except from the underground mine tunnels, shop, and café.
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Bodmin Keep
The Cornwall Regimental Museum at Bodmin Keep is one of Britain's finest military museums, making a great day out for both visitors and dogs alike. The museum provides captivating insight into military history with over 12,000 artefacts spanning letters to battle weaponry. The grounds also feature scenic trails, gardens, statues, and memorials.
Find out moreThings to do in Cornwall in the rain with dogs
British weather being British weather, you’ll want a backup plan. Luckily, Cornwall’s got loads of indoor things to do in Cornwall with dogs and covered options for when the heavens open and you still want to entertain your four-legged friend.Â
Here are some brilliant dog-friendly indoor activities Cornwall offers:
Country Skittles, Hayle
Country Skittles is a dog-friendly indoor ‘skittle alley’ (like mini ten-pin bowling) with games, a bar and restaurant. Ideal for when it’s wet and only a short drive from St Ives Bay.
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Truro covered markets
On a really wet day, you and your four-legged pal can wander Truro’s covered markets and then warm up in one of the many dog-friendly pubs in Cornwall, with a fire and some food. It’s an easy drive from Newquay and mostly under cover.
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Cornwall Gold, near Redruth
Cornwall Gold is a heritage tin-processing site with indoor exhibits, a shop, cafe, and activities such as free ‘panning for gold.’ Dogs are welcome across most of the site, and it works well in the rain.
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PK Porthcurno, Penzance
PK Porthcurno is a dog-friendly telecommunications museum with extensive indoor exhibits and an on-site cage. Dogs are allowed in the museum and cafe (just not in the WWII bunker), making it a genuinely indoor, weatherproof cultural day out in Cornwall.
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Lappa Valley, Newquay
Ride the little steam trains, explore play areas, and shelter in cafes. Dogs on leads are welcome at Lappa Valley, including on the trains and around the site, so it’s a good drizzly day option close to Newquay.
Find out moreBest dog-friendly beaches in Cornwall
Cornwall is known for its beaches, making them some of the best things to do in Cornwall with dogs. These stunning coastal spots offer free things to do in Cornwall with dogs (because beaches don’t cost a penny!). Here are our top picks:
Carbis Bay Beach
Carbis Bay is considered one of the best beaches in the UK. This pristine beach is a picture-perfect setting on the West Cornwall coast. Let your pup run and swim while you enjoy views of St Ives Bay – just like you're in the Caribbean!
- Dog restrictions: Seasonal dog ban from July to September between 10am to 6pm.
Porthcothan Beach
If you're a Poldark fan, you may already know that Porthcothan Beach and the clifftop fields nearby were part of the filming of the popular show. You can visit that and more with your pooch. This beach is full of small coves and beautiful sights that will only make you want to revisit this destination.
- Dog restrictions: Dogs are permitted all year round.
Perranporth Beach
At one end of Perranporth Beach, you'll find the archetypal beach town; on the other, you'll find plenty of dunes to explore with your pup. Rockpools, a stream, caves, and Chapel Rock make this beach so unique and one of the best things to do in Cornwall with dogs!
- Dog restrictions: Dogs are allowed all year. Must be kept on lead in July and August.
Widemouth Beach
This huge, sandy beach is highly popular with surfers and dog owners. Large areas of rock are to the south and north of the beach, and the south of Widemouth Beach is known as Black Rock.
- Dog restrictions: Dogs are banned on Widemouth North Beach from 15th May to 30th September from 10am to 6pm. At Black Rock, dogs are allowed all year.
Fistral Beach
Another popular beach for surfers and dogs alike, Fistral Beach's wide, golden stretch of sand is perfect for your dogs to explore. Plus, it's only a 20-30-minute drive from Retallack Resort. It's Newquay and maybe even Cornwall's most popular beach, so you must visit Fistral Beach!
- Dog restrictions: Dogs are allowed all year.
Dog-friendly pubs and restaurants in CornwallÂ
After a beautiful Cornish dog walk, you'll want to relax and grab a delightful bite to eat. Luckily, there are many dog-friendly pubs and restaurants in Cornwall. Here are some of our favourites:
Lewinnick Lodge, Newquay
Perched on the cliffs overlooking Fistral Beach, Lewinnick Lodge welcomes well-behaved dogs in the bar and terrace areas. Enjoy locally sourced food with stunning ocean views while your furry mate relaxes at your feet.
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The Fish House, Newquay
As you can tell from the name, The Fish House delivers food straight from the sea, using locally caught fish and shellfish from Newquay Harbour. Dogs are allowed up to 4:30pm and a max of two per table, so make the most of this and indulge with your furry friends.
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The Bottle, Newquay
The Bottle is a stunning little dog-friendly wine bar and eatery located in the heart of Newquay. It is open to well-behaved dogs, so you can bring them along while you experience great food and wine with even better company!
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Pedn Olva, St Ives
Apart from the main restaurant area, your pooch can join you while you try some pub classics with a contemporary twist. Whether it's a light bite you're after to refuel after a dog walk or a three-course meal – you can find all of that and more at Pedn Olva!
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The Gurnard's Head
This dog friendly dining pub offers plenty of food, for different dietary requirements too – and of course a Sunday lunch! With a dog-friendly atmosphere, you can enjoy relaxing at The Gurnard's Inn with your pooch.
Find out moreBest dog-friendly accommodation in CornwallÂ
When you’ve got a four-legged best friend, you’ll want to make sure that you can snuggle up with them at the end of a long day of exploring. Our dog-friendly holiday parks are a home-away-from-home for dog lovers. Choose from classic comfort caravaning or indulge in a relaxing dog-friendly hot tub holiday.
Check out our dog-friendly holiday parks in Cornwall:
Take a look at our Cornish resorts
Things to do in Cornwall with dogs FAQs
If you want more advice on planning your next dog-friendly holiday, here are a few frequently asked questions about things to do in Cornwall with dogs!
What makes a dog-friendly beach?Â
Dog-friendly beaches are beaches where you are legally allowed to walk your dog. Some dog-friendly beaches may still require you to keep your four-legged friend on a leash, so it’s a good idea to check before visiting to play a sandy game of fetch!Â
Are all the beaches in Cornwall dog-friendly?Â
Not all of the beaches in Cornwall are dog-friendly, but there are plenty of spots along the Cornish coast that your pooch can enjoy. Check out our list of 20 dog-friendly beaches in Cornwall.Â
Can I bring my dog to restaurants in Cornwall?Â
There are plenty of dog-friendly restaurants in Cornwall, including dog-friendly pubs.Â
What are the most dog-friendly towns in Cornwall?Â
Newquay, Bude, Perranporth and Padstow are among Cornwall’s most dog-friendly towns, offering year-round dog-friendly beaches, coastal walks, cafés and pubs.
What is the best time to visit dog-friendly beaches in Cornwall? Â
If your pooch isn’t great with crowds, spring and autumn are ideal for beach fetch. Summer brings seasonal restrictions on some beaches, so always check local rules before visiting.
Can I bring my dog into restaurants in Cornwall?Â
Cornwall is full to the brim with dog-friendly restaurants ready to serve you and your trusty sidekick.Â
What can you do in Cornwall with a dog?
There are plenty of dog-friendly days out in Cornwall. Why not visit the following?
- Cornish Seal Sanctuary
- Mount's Bay
- Holywell Bay
- The Lizard Peninsula
- The Minack Theatre
These attractions and more are some of the best things to do in Cornwall with dogs, so add them to your holiday itinerary.
Is Newquay Zoo dog-friendly?
Even though this is a popular attraction for a family day out, Newquay Zoo doesn't make the cut for dog-friendly holidays. Only registered assistance dogs are welcome.
Why should you visit Cornwall with your dogs?
Cornwall is a paradise for bringing your furry best friends with its rugged coastal scenery, quaint villages, and abundance of dog-friendly beaches, attractions, and eateries. Dogs are welcomed at historic sites like St Michael's Mount and the Eden Project, so your pooch can have as much fun as you.
A Cornwall holiday means quality time exploring together, trying new activities, and making memories that both you and your dogs will cherish. The pet-friendly options are endless in this gorgeous region of England, especially if you're staying at one of the best holiday parks or Cornwall campsites.
Why should you visit Cornwall with your dogs?
Cornwall’s paradise for furry friends with its rugged coastal scenery, quaint villages, and abundance of dog-friendly beaches, attractions, and eateries. Your pooch can have as much fun as you exploring historic sites, beaches, and countryside.
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