Booking a holiday can be really tricky if you own a dog, as taking an animal abroad involves a host of practical issues, while many popular locations in the UK are not pet-friendly.
One place though where your much-loved pooch will receive a warm welcome is Cornwall, as the landscape is perfect for them to run around. This is one of the most popular places to go in the UK, especially during summer.
Of course, there are some attractions that do not allow pets in, but that doesn’t matter too much, as you can spend most of your break outdoors, either relaxing on the beach or going for long walks in the beautiful countryside.
There are plenty of stretches of sand where dogs are allowed all year round, together with hundreds of miles of traffic-free paths ideal for strolls.
Also one the biggest problems to overcome when organising a holiday with your furry friend is finding accommodation, as most hotels do not accept pets.
However, there is a wide selection of dog friendly hotels in Cornwall, including many in the most popular resorts, so all you will have to worry about is where you want to go.
Here are the best places to go with your dog in Cornwall.
1. Mevagissey
The traditional fishing village of Mevagissey is an ideal location for dog lovers, as there are lots of places nearby where your pet can enjoy exploring off the leash. A couple of the local beaches have seasonal bans in place, but the sands at Hemmick, Portholland, Porthluney Cove, Gorran Haven, Polstreath and Portmellon are open to dogs all year round.
If you want a change from strolls on the beach, you can go for a long walk on the coast path or head inland to explore the countryside. There is a great circular 6.2-mile walk from Mevagissey Harbour that will take you through woods and into Pentewan Valley, before arriving at the coast for a stroll along the cliffs back to where you started.
Once you’ve completed that, you may well be in the mood for a drink. Fortunately, the village has a number of dog friendly pubs, including the Fountain Inn and Ship Inn.
2. Newquay
Cornwall’s busiest holiday resort is one of the best places to learn to surf, but its not just for surfers, it is also for pets. While the beaches do get busy here during the summer months, there are very few animal bans in place. Fistral, Great Western, Crantock and Watergate Bay are just a few of the stretches of sand where you can take your dog for a day out.
The local countryside is also perfect for walks and you can enjoy the sight of the Atlantic waves crashing against the cliffs at Carnewas and Bedruthan Steps, or stroll around Holywell Bay to see the wildflowers, unusual birds, seals and perhaps even a porpoise or dolphin.
If you have children, the nearby Lappa Valley Steam Railway and the attached fun park is perfect for a day trip, as dogs are welcome. The local area also has a wide selection of pubs that are happy to accept both kids and pets, including the Brook House Inn, King’s Head, Treguth Inn and Phoenix.
3. Penzance
This port in west Cornwall is another destination that is welcoming to dogs. Pets are allowed on Kenneggy Sands, Prussia Cove and Long Rock beaches throughout the year, while the 2.1-mile stretch of the South West Coast Path between Penzance and Marazion is perfect for gentle walks.
A number of local attractions, including Trengwainton Garden, the Chysauster Ancient Village Iron Age settlement and Trewidden Garden, are happy for you to take your dog along. There are also a number of places to eat and drink that accept pets, such as the Ship Inn, Dock Inn and Fountain Tavern. This is one of the best family destinations in Cornwall.
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