In the UK, dogs are undoubtedly the most popular pets, leading many to seek pet-friendly holiday options. But can your loyal companion join in on the tourist fun? Are there enough dog-friendly activities in St Ives and Cornwall?
When guests stay at our dog friendly cottages, they often ask about the best spots for beach outings and sightseeing with their furry friends. What may come as a surprise is the abundance of dog-friendly adventures awaiting in and around St Ives.
So leash up your dog and let’s explore our top 10 dog-friendly destinations in Cornwall!
Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens with your doggy
Looking for a delightful day out where both you and your furry friend can enjoy? One of our favorite places near to St Ives is Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens!
Our own doggy adores exploring every nook and cranny of the gardens, though you do need to keep dogs on a lead. Once you’ve had your fill of the stunning scenery and the amazing sculptures, there are plenty of grassy areas outside the gardens where your dog can stretch their legs and you can enjoy a cosy picnic on your favorite rug.
We highly recommend eating at Tremenheere Kitchen! Their mouthwatering dishes, especially the Sunday Roast dinner, are a must-try. While dogs are welcome in the outdoor seating area, we always opt for the undercover section just in-case it rains. They also have a hut which is open in the warmer months serving ice-creams, coffees and yummy cakes.
So, if you’re after a fantastic day filled with art, nature, and scrumptious food, Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens is the perfect spot for you and your doggy to explore together!
Pendennis Castle in Falmouth
With dogs on leads allowed inside the buildings as well on the castle grounds, they are not allowed in the shop and cafe, there is outdoor seating at the tearoom, perfect for dog owners. The castle is open all year, you can enjoy this beautiful example of a Henry VIII coastal fortress. During the summer you can also enjoy a jousting tournament that attracts visitors from afar.
Check out the Pendennis Castle website for more details.
Outdoor Gardens at the Eden Project in St. Austell
The Eden Project has gained worldwide fame as the largest indoor rainforest. There you can find a number of enclosed biomes that host various ecosystems and plant life. Although you can’t take your dog inside the biomes, you can take them in the Visitor Centre, there are still plenty of pathways to trek in the Outdoor Gardens. They’ve created a special undercover dining spot near the Eden Bakery just for your canine companions.
Tehidy Country Park in West Cornwall
At this largest wooded area in Cornwall just a 20 minute drive from St Ives, you can enjoy long walks in the woods with your canine companion. There are 250 acres of woodland and lakes with over 14 kilometres of paths to traverse, not to mention the fab cafe in the heart of the woods.
It’s sure to capture the attention of both you and your pet and is a great place to keep you active and healthy while on holiday.
To plan your visit check out the location to Tehidy Country Park.
Seal Sanctuary in Gweek
The Cornish Seal Sanctuary, in Greek, near Helston, welcome dogs on leads. The sanctuary is the permanent home to injured, orphaned or sick seals that wash up on nearby beaches.
This attraction ranks high on our list of dog-friendly spots! The seals even engage with our doggy through the underwater glass observation windows, making it one of our favourite places to visit with the kids and our doggy.
It’s the perfect place for people who are passionate about animal conservation as they can see efforts up close and support them.
Pencarrow House in Bodmin
Pencarrow House welcomes you furry friends with open arms! They’ve thought of everything, with designated shaded spots, water bowls, and complimentary treats available at the gift shop. While dogs are free to roam around the grounds, it’s best to keep them on a lead outside the house and cafe area to ensure the safety of the free-range chickens and peacocks.
Explore the beautiful house, take in the stunning Georgian architecture, wander through the extensive gardens, and delve into the rich history of the estate. And don’t forget to treat your hound to a special doggy ice-cream from our cafe – the old sock flavor is a fan favorite!
Prideaux Place in Padstow
Sophisticated dogs will adore a leisurely walk through the picturesque gardens of Prideaux Place. The Elizabethan manor house and grounds are absolutely stunning with their Gothic-inspired architecture. This place is so beautiful, in fact, that there have been several movies filmed here. We highly recommend the guided tour of this beautiful house, we were shown around by a family member who was passionate about the house and its history.
And, like everything else on our list, it’s dog-friendly.
Dog Beaches in St Ives
St Ives is a fantastic place to bring your doggy on holiday, with such a wide variety of stunning locations to walk your dog, you don’t need an excuse to get out for some fresh air & walk along the beautiful beaches of St Ives.
Dogs are not allowed on the following beaches between the following dates and times
15 May – 30 September 10am – 6pm
Carbis Bay, Porthmeor and Porthminster
1 July – 31 August 10am – 6pm
St Ives Harbour and Porthgwidden
Bamaluz Beach has no restrictions all year round, sits in the heart of Downalong, the old fishing quarter in St Ives, and is sheltered from all but a gentle breeze.
This small rocky and sandy cove is one of the few beaches in St Ives that allows dogs all year. So, if your four-footed friend enjoys rock pooling with you, this is the place for you.
It’s a nice, quiet place to spend the afternoon, or to bring a picnic lunch while letting your dog frolic in the surf.
Check tide times as the tide covers most of the beach at high tide.
Lambeth Walk Beach in St. Ives
Another dog-friendly beach is Lambeth Walk Beach close to St Ives’ harbour. Named after a hit song from the 1930s, you will need to visit during low tide to ensure there’s enough shore to walk along. Located on the other side of the south pier, between the harbour and Porthminster beach.
This beach is one of just two in St. Ives to have no restrictions on dogs so your furry friend can run loose and thoroughly enjoy their stay in St Ives almost as much as their owner!
Porthkidney Beach in West Cornwall
A mile-long beach that stretches from the Hayle estuary to Hawkes Point, Porthkidney Beach is a great place for your dog to enjoy with you, especially during low tide when even more of the shore is revealed.
Another reason to visit this beach with your dog is that it’s another location with no restrictions for dogs at any time of year.
Clodgy Point in St. Ives
Last but certainly not least is the walk along Clodgy Point and the 7 mile coastal footpath walk to Zennor past the end of Porthmeor Beach in St Ives. Requires some physical fitness the further you venture from St Ives but the views make it well worth the effort!
Need a Dog-Friendly Cottage in St Ives or Carbis Bay?
Now you have our list of 10 things to do in Cornwall with dogs. Escape to St Ives for the ultimate self-catering dog-friendly holiday experience! Our pet-friendly accommodation ensures that your furry friend can join in on the fun too. Explore our selection of charming cottages and apartments, perfect for a memorable getaway with your beloved companion. Book now for a paw-some vacation in St Ives!
DOG FRIENDLY COTTAGES FOR FAMILY HOLIDAYS IN ST IVES
OCEAN SCENE
Luxury five bedroom house
Sleeps 10
Parking
Stunning sea views over Porthmeor beach
Dog friendly
Weekly Min: £1600 – Max: £4750
MERRYN
Luxury four bedroom house
Sleeps 8
Parking
Stunning sea views over Porthmeor beach
Dog friendly
Weekly Min: £1200 – Max: £3450
TRENOWETH LODGE
Stunning four bedroom house in Carbis Bay
Sleeps 8
Driveway parking for 2 cars
Dog friendly
Weekly Min: £1200 – Max: £3950
STONES REEF
Stylish three bedroom house with sea views
Sleeps 6
Off-road driveway parking for 2 cars
Dog friendly / enclosed garden
Weekly Min: £750 – Max: £2450
SEAWATER
Beautiful three bedroom cottage
Sleeps 6
Reserved parking space
Dog friendly / enclosed courtyard
Weekly Min: £650 – Max: £1900
DOG FRIENDLY COSY COTTAGES
FIGGY COTTAGE
Cosy one bedroom cottage
Sleeps 2
Parking
Dog friendly / enclosed garden
Weekly Min: £650 – Max: £1500
THE LOFT
Two bedroom fishermans cottage
Sleeps 4
Dog friendly
Small sunny terrace
Weekly Min: £625 – Max: £1650
MEADOW CORNER
One bedroom
Sleeps 2
Log burner
Dog Friendly
Downalong location
Weekly Min: £700 – Max: £1650
One Comment
Caroline Griffiths
Why doesn’t every rental agency do this? Such a great idea to provide useful information on dog friendly cottages and activities, I always worry about where would be most appropriate but this gives me real paws for thought and lots of great ideas when travelling to St Ives with Alfie. Thank you.