Holidays are better with the whole family, and that includes the four-legged members. West Cornwall is a brilliant place to bring a dog: miles of coast path, wide-open moors, beaches to run on and plenty of pubs where a muddy pup is more than welcome by the fire.
There are a few rules worth knowing, especially in summer, so here’s our local guide to making the most of a holiday with your dog.
Dog-friendly beaches (and the summer rules)
Most Cornish beaches welcome dogs for much of the year, but some have restrictions in summer. The good news is that these mostly only apply between 10am and 6pm, so early-morning and evening beach walks are fine all year round. There are two main types of restriction:
- 15 May to 30 September: Porthmeor, Porthminster and Carbis Bay near St Ives, and Sennen
- 1 July to 31 August: Porthgwidden and the Harbour beach in St Ives, Praa Sands, Marazion to Long Rock, Newlyn to Battery Rocks, Mousehole, Perranuthnoe, Porthcurno and Porthgwarra
If you want a beach your dog can enjoy all day, all year, these are our go-tos:
- Bamaluz and Lambeth Walk in St Ives – small, sheltered and right in town
- Porthkidney Sands at Lelant – it’s privately run, so check the signs when you arrive
One to avoid: the pools and estuary at Hayle are dog-free all year to protect wading birds. And wherever you are, the signs on the day always have the final say.
Our favourite dog walks
The South West Coast Path is right on the doorstep wherever you stay, and it’s hard to beat for a long walk. Try the stretch from Mousehole to Lamorna, or the prom from Penzance to Newlyn for something flatter. Up on the Penwith Moors, there’s room to roam between standing stones and old engine houses – just keep dogs on a lead around livestock and in spring, when birds are nesting on the ground.
For something a little different, Godolphin is a lovely day out. Dogs on fixed leads are welcome in the garden and tea-room, and under close control in the woods and along the River Hayle. At Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens, well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome throughout the gardens and at the café’s outdoor tables.
Dog-friendly places to eat and drink
Scoff Troff Café, St Ives
A relaxed café that opens early, perfect after a morning beach walk. Dogs welcome inside all year round.
The Honey Pot, Penzance
A much-loved café for around a century, famous for homemade cakes. Dogs welcome inside.
Porthgwidden Beach Café, St Ives
Beach views and a heated, glass-covered terrace where dogs are always welcome.
The Welloe, Praa Sands
Well-behaved dogs on a lead are welcome, right above the beach
Keeping your dog safe
- Keep dogs on a lead near cliff edges – the coast path can drop away suddenly.
- Check the tide times before exploring coves, so you don’t get cut off.
- Bring plenty of water on hot days, and avoid hot sand at midday.
- Use a lead around sheep and cattle, and follow any signs on farmland.
- Pick up after your dog and use the bins – or take it home with you.
Our dog-friendly cottages
Lots of our homes welcome dogs, from beachside houses at Praa Sands to cottages in St Ives, Newlyn and Mousehole, spacious homes in Relubbus and The Hideaway at Tremorna Farm near Paul. There’s a small charge per dog, and it’s always shown upfront when you book. No surprises.
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