Top 20 Things to Do in Cornwall with Dogs

Our dog-friendly holiday parks are incredibly popular, and there is plenty to keep your dogs entertained. However, exploring the nearby area is also great, as there are so many things to do in Cornwall with dogs.

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It's been easy to create this list just because there's so much to do, so here is an assortment of the top 20 attractions where you can enjoy a day out with your furry friend.

Firstly, you'll be glad to hear that many of the top Cornish holiday attractions are happy for your pooch to enjoy a snuffle around their grounds, so long as they are well-behaved and stay on the lead!

Whether you want to visit The Lost Gardens of Heligan to experience beautiful gardens with your pup, Fistral Beach for all-year beach access for your pooch, then sit back and relax with a lovely meal at The Fox's Revenge – you'll find everything you need here!

Top 20 dog-friendly walks and attractions 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 make the cut for things to do in Cornwall in the rain with dogs. Here are 10 of the best ones:

The Lizard Peninsula image

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 image

Cornish Seal Sanctuary

Another dog-friendly experience 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 image

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!

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The Lost Gardens of Heligan image

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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The local and well known Eden Project in Cornwall, a perfect place to visit on your Cornwall trip.

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 image

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 image

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 image

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, Tremenheere offers something different.

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Geevor Tin Mine image

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 image

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.

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5 Dog-friendly restaurants in Cornwall

After a beautiful Cornish dog walk, you'll want to relax and grab a delightful bite to eat. Luckily, many places in Cornwall are dog-friendly. Here are some of our favourites:

The Fox's Revenge, Newquay image

The Fox's Revenge, Newquay

This 400-year-old pub in the heart of Cornwall is the perfect stop-off after a stroll with your pooch. As their website states, 'bring the family, bring the dog and bring an appetite', so why not do just that and enjoy proper pub food and even a tipple?

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The Fish House, Newquay image

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 image

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 image

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 image

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.

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Top 5 dog-friendly beaches in Cornwall

Cornwall is known for its beaches, making them some of the best things to do in Cornwall with dogs, so here are our top picks:

Carbis Bay Beach image

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.

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Porthcothan Beach image

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.

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Perranporth Beach image

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.

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Widemouth Beach image

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.

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Fistral Beach image

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.

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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 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.

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