The blog's been quiet over the past few weeks as we've enjoyed another few weeks with the dog in Cornwall. Once again we had a great time and found loads of places to visit where the dog was very welcome. Suggestions from our last trip include:
1. Watergate Bay
Watergate Bay, near Newquay, has established some notoriety as the location for Jamie Oliver's 15 Restaurant. Whilst 15 of off limits for dogs, the Beach Hut bar, which lies underneath and offers the same stunning view over the beach is very welcoming and serves good food and drinks. The terrace decking avoids any worries about taking your damp sandy dog with you for a drinks or more substantial meal and there is a mile or so of sandy beach to enjoy afterwards. Watergate Bay has a dogs on leads policy but out of high season, away from the crowds, you might find a quiet spot for a paddle and game of fetch.
Click here for information on Watergate Bay and the Beach Hut
2. Trebah Gardens
Trebah Gardens is one of the most welcoming dog friendly attractions we have visited. The dog was offered a biscuit on arrival and given the chance to follow a specially designed dog trail through the gardens. The trail has the added bonus of a prize for the dog if you answer some questions using clues hidden on signs dotted beside the paths. The gardens themselves are spectacular, leading down to a small private beach on the Helford River. Although your dog should be kept on the lead you can enjoy a paddle in the crystal clear waters. The cafe terrace also welcomes dogs.
Click here for information about Trebah Gardens
3. River Fal and Helford River Boat Trips
An extensive network of boats operate from Falmouth and all welcome dogs. They may even get a treat if they are particularly well behaved. It is of course important to make sure you're dog is exercised before taking a trip and whilst the larger boats may offer some water you should make sure you have some liquid refreshment and bowl to hand. All the boats we sailed on offered shelter from the sun (or rain) if the need arises!
1. Watergate Bay
Watergate Bay, near Newquay, has established some notoriety as the location for Jamie Oliver's 15 Restaurant. Whilst 15 of off limits for dogs, the Beach Hut bar, which lies underneath and offers the same stunning view over the beach is very welcoming and serves good food and drinks. The terrace decking avoids any worries about taking your damp sandy dog with you for a drinks or more substantial meal and there is a mile or so of sandy beach to enjoy afterwards. Watergate Bay has a dogs on leads policy but out of high season, away from the crowds, you might find a quiet spot for a paddle and game of fetch.
Click here for information on Watergate Bay and the Beach Hut
2. Trebah Gardens
Trebah Gardens is one of the most welcoming dog friendly attractions we have visited. The dog was offered a biscuit on arrival and given the chance to follow a specially designed dog trail through the gardens. The trail has the added bonus of a prize for the dog if you answer some questions using clues hidden on signs dotted beside the paths. The gardens themselves are spectacular, leading down to a small private beach on the Helford River. Although your dog should be kept on the lead you can enjoy a paddle in the crystal clear waters. The cafe terrace also welcomes dogs.
Click here for information about Trebah Gardens
3. River Fal and Helford River Boat Trips
An extensive network of boats operate from Falmouth and all welcome dogs. They may even get a treat if they are particularly well behaved. It is of course important to make sure you're dog is exercised before taking a trip and whilst the larger boats may offer some water you should make sure you have some liquid refreshment and bowl to hand. All the boats we sailed on offered shelter from the sun (or rain) if the need arises!
Click here for River Fal and Helford Boat Trips
4. St Mawes Castle
We've visited St Mawes many times before but had never visited the castle that, together with Pendennis Castle above Falmouth, guards the entrance to the Carrick Roads. On our last visit we were enticed largely by the prospect of some shade and and an ice cream, but were pleasantly surprised to find that much of the site is open to dogs. We had to take it in turns to follow the informative audio guide through the Keep where dogs are prohibited due to the tight spiral staircases. Sitting outside and admiring the view across the Harbour was no hardship though and we were then able to enjoy wandering through the various outside fortifications and gun emplacements with no restrictions.
The Castle is maintained by English Heritage and we learnt that many of their sites, including Pendennis Castle, are open for dogs. St Mawes is best visited by taking the ferry from Falmouth. The beach next to the Castle is a little tricky to get down to (access via the car park) but is dog friendly.
4. St Mawes Castle
We've visited St Mawes many times before but had never visited the castle that, together with Pendennis Castle above Falmouth, guards the entrance to the Carrick Roads. On our last visit we were enticed largely by the prospect of some shade and and an ice cream, but were pleasantly surprised to find that much of the site is open to dogs. We had to take it in turns to follow the informative audio guide through the Keep where dogs are prohibited due to the tight spiral staircases. Sitting outside and admiring the view across the Harbour was no hardship though and we were then able to enjoy wandering through the various outside fortifications and gun emplacements with no restrictions.
The Castle is maintained by English Heritage and we learnt that many of their sites, including Pendennis Castle, are open for dogs. St Mawes is best visited by taking the ferry from Falmouth. The beach next to the Castle is a little tricky to get down to (access via the car park) but is dog friendly.
Click here for information about St Mawes Castle
5. St Anthony Head
The Roseland Penninsula is one of the most dog friendly areas of Cornwall, possibly because of it's relative isolation and generally quiet beaches. There are plenty of places to visit including the National Trust site at St Anthony Head, where you can wander through the WWII batteries, down to the lighthouse and adjacent beaches, or just follow the coast path in either direction. Although we visited by car, you can take the small ferry from St Mawes to Place and walk the few miles along the coast to reach the headland. The National Trust Cafe provides plenty of shaded outside space where you can enjoy a cream tea or freshly baked pasty.
Click here for information about St Anthony Head
7. St Just Church
Churchyards and dogs don't generally go together and should you visit the small church in St Just in Roseland please respect the consecrated grounds that you are welcome to walk though with your dog. The small church is one of the most beautiful we have seen, in a stunning setting. Although your dog will of course have to wait outside if you want to visit the church itself, there are several benches where you can sit and enjoy the setting.
Click here for information about St Just Church
8. Carne Beach
Carne Beach on the Roseland is a wonderful place with a mile or two of white sands and gentle sloping beach. Dogs on leads are allowed (flexi leads come in handy). It goes without saying that you must always clean up after your dog to ensure that the beach remains open for dogs during the summer months. Once you've had enough of the beach it's well worth visiting Melinsey Mill near Veryan for one of their fantastic cream teas, served outside overlooking the old mill pond. The Ship Inn at Portloe is also well worth a visit and welcomes dogs inside and out.
Click here for information about Carne Beach (note that the site says dogs are banned during summer months. That is not currently the case. Please help to keep it that way!)
9. Carwinion Gardens
Carwinion Gardens at Mawnan Smith positively welcome dogs and should you have a cream tea on the garden terrace you'll no doubt have the company of the two resident dogs. We didn't have time to walk through the gardens themselves but the adjacent footpath is well worth exploring, leading through the woods for a mile or so before reaching Porth Saxon Beach. Here, you'll find a small stony beach with crystal clear waters, ideal for swimming or a paddle. You can extend your walk by following the coast path around Rosemullion Head to Meanporth (no dogs allowed on beach), passing a few more small beaches on the way, or the other way to Gleebe Beach, Durgan and Trebah. Whichever way you walk you'll not be disappointed.
Click here for information about Carwinion Gardens.
10. The Lizard
Keep your dog on the lead near the high cliffs around the Lizard. There are several reminders of pets who have fallen, don't risk it! The walking around the Lizard is spectacular, whichever way you choose to go. There aren't any great dog friendly beaches although you can paddle on the beach on the Lizard point itself. On our most recent visit the dog was dive bombed by a resident seagull - be warned! Dogs are welcome in the cafe's at the most southerly point as well as in the bar area of the Top House Inn in Lizard Village (if you can find a seat!).
Click here for information about the Lizard
The Cornish Coast website is a useful guide to dog friendly beaches in Cornwall
The visitcornwall website provides a guide for dog owners. You should be able to pick up the leaflet in any tourist information centre.
5. St Anthony Head
The Roseland Penninsula is one of the most dog friendly areas of Cornwall, possibly because of it's relative isolation and generally quiet beaches. There are plenty of places to visit including the National Trust site at St Anthony Head, where you can wander through the WWII batteries, down to the lighthouse and adjacent beaches, or just follow the coast path in either direction. Although we visited by car, you can take the small ferry from St Mawes to Place and walk the few miles along the coast to reach the headland. The National Trust Cafe provides plenty of shaded outside space where you can enjoy a cream tea or freshly baked pasty.
Click here for information about St Anthony Head
7. St Just Church
Churchyards and dogs don't generally go together and should you visit the small church in St Just in Roseland please respect the consecrated grounds that you are welcome to walk though with your dog. The small church is one of the most beautiful we have seen, in a stunning setting. Although your dog will of course have to wait outside if you want to visit the church itself, there are several benches where you can sit and enjoy the setting.
Click here for information about St Just Church
8. Carne Beach
Carne Beach on the Roseland is a wonderful place with a mile or two of white sands and gentle sloping beach. Dogs on leads are allowed (flexi leads come in handy). It goes without saying that you must always clean up after your dog to ensure that the beach remains open for dogs during the summer months. Once you've had enough of the beach it's well worth visiting Melinsey Mill near Veryan for one of their fantastic cream teas, served outside overlooking the old mill pond. The Ship Inn at Portloe is also well worth a visit and welcomes dogs inside and out.
Click here for information about Carne Beach (note that the site says dogs are banned during summer months. That is not currently the case. Please help to keep it that way!)
9. Carwinion Gardens
Carwinion Gardens at Mawnan Smith positively welcome dogs and should you have a cream tea on the garden terrace you'll no doubt have the company of the two resident dogs. We didn't have time to walk through the gardens themselves but the adjacent footpath is well worth exploring, leading through the woods for a mile or so before reaching Porth Saxon Beach. Here, you'll find a small stony beach with crystal clear waters, ideal for swimming or a paddle. You can extend your walk by following the coast path around Rosemullion Head to Meanporth (no dogs allowed on beach), passing a few more small beaches on the way, or the other way to Gleebe Beach, Durgan and Trebah. Whichever way you walk you'll not be disappointed.
Click here for information about Carwinion Gardens.
10. The Lizard
Keep your dog on the lead near the high cliffs around the Lizard. There are several reminders of pets who have fallen, don't risk it! The walking around the Lizard is spectacular, whichever way you choose to go. There aren't any great dog friendly beaches although you can paddle on the beach on the Lizard point itself. On our most recent visit the dog was dive bombed by a resident seagull - be warned! Dogs are welcome in the cafe's at the most southerly point as well as in the bar area of the Top House Inn in Lizard Village (if you can find a seat!).
Click here for information about the Lizard
The Cornish Coast website is a useful guide to dog friendly beaches in Cornwall
The visitcornwall website provides a guide for dog owners. You should be able to pick up the leaflet in any tourist information centre.
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