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Cornwall

20 dog friendly days out in Cornwall

Days out with your dog in Cornwall can be more than just a day spent by the beach. While the South-Western tip of England is teeming with beautiful beaches, many of which you can visit with your four-legged friends, Cornwall is much more than just sand, surfers and cream teas.

All sorts of other types of day-out options include romping across the wild Bodmin Moor, visiting historic castles, going to look at art, exploring forests and woodlands, and walking through lovely gardens and parks. 

And if it’s raining, as anyone who has holidayed in Cornwall knows it’s prone to be much wetter in this region, then we have some indoor attractions that you can take your best friends with you to as well.

Let’s have a look at some 20 dog-friendly days out in Cornwall where you can have adventures with your canine friends.

Eden Project

Eden Project is a beautiful Botanical garden in Cornwall’s hamlet of Bodelva. It is one of Cornwall’s best days out, with family and dog friendly activities brimming out of every crevice of this special attraction and tribute to nature. This educational charity really pulls out all the stops, with regular events taking place that can be learnt about on the website, a giant bee exhibition, a rainforest biome, canopy walkways and a multitude of gardens. Unfortunately, though understandably, dogs are not allowed in houses or exhibition areas, but they are welcome in all picnic areas, nature trails, and in the gardens. Leashes are required. 

Visiting with dogs:

Dogs on leads can enjoy miles of outdoor paths at Eden, but unfortunately can’t enter the Biomes or other undercover areas, apart from the Visitor Centre.

Website: Eden Project

Eden Project

Address: Bodelva, Cornwall, PL24 2SG


Geevor Tin Mine

Geevor Tin Mine

Who would have thought a tin mine museum would be a great day out for kids and dogs alike? Well, Geevor Tin Mine, in the far west of Cornwall, straddling the villages of Pendeen and Trewellard, proves how fun and educational something like this can be for the whole family. Though your dogs probably won’t grasp the nuances of the experiences of Cornish miners, they are allowed everywhere in this educational attraction provided they are on their leads, and excluding the shop, café and underground. Everyone can get involved in the adventure and discover the fascinating history of the area – even if your dog is doing that through sniffing and exploring. 

Visiting with dogs:

Dogs are welcome across the entire mine site, with the exception of  the underground mine.

Website: Geevor Tin Mine

Geevor Tin Mine

Address: Pendeen, Penzance, TR19 7EW


Healeys Cornish Cyder Farm

Healeys Cornish Cydar Farm
Credit: Visitcornwall

Don’t worry, we aren’t here to tell you that you should take your dog cider tasting – though the sampling opportunity is certainly a fun activity for the adult contingency of your family. Cornish apples are world-renowned, so you can assume their cider is too. But that’s not all this attraction has to offer. There are great outdoor areas with opportunities to pet and observe farm animals or free-roaming peacocks. Another great element for the dogs are walking around the orchards, provided you can keep them calm and from disrupting other animals and guests. Healeys Cornish Cyder Farm is a sociable experience for the dogs, too, as there are so many of them running about enjoying their time at this family-friendly attraction. 

Visiting with dogs:

Dogs on leads are welcome. They are allowed everywhere except for production areas.

Website: Healeys Cornish Cyder Farm

Healeys Cornish Cyder Farm

Address: Penhallow, Truro, TR4 9LW


Lappa Valley

Lappa Valley

Lappa Valley, near Newquay, is best known for its steam railway and its inclusion for dogs. The railway runs from Benny Halt to East Wheal Rose, at which point there is a leisure area which includes mini golf and delicious food. Unlike some places that have a restriction on which attractions the dogs can participate in, for £1 dogs are allowed on Lappa Valley’s steam railway, canoe boats, Newlyn Downs Branch Line and sprawling, tree canopied nature walks. If you fancy making a weekend of the trip, there’s a flat at the station that is great for the whole family, with an expansive garden for your dog to roam while you enjoy the nearby miniature railway station. 

Visiting with dogs:

Well behaved dogs on leads are welcome on the Steam Railway, canoe boats, Newlyn Downs Branch Line and numerous nature walks.

Website: Lappa Valley

Lappa Valley

Address: St Newlyn East, Newquay, TR8 5LX


The Minack Theatre

The Minack Theatre

The Minack Theatre in Porthcurno is 4 miles from Cornwall’s Land’s End and one of the UK’s most famous outdoor amphitheatres. It was built on top of a gully, with a granite edge that is overlooking the ocean lapping against the jutting rocks. Dogs are welcome to explore during the day, but are unfortunately not allowed to accompany you to performances. VIsiting the theatre outside of performance times is a great experience too, with their shining feature being the sub-tropical gardens that are planted all the way down to the ocean edge. The views are breathtaking and the fresh outdoor air is just what you, your family pet and your family needs.

Visiting with dogs:

Dogs are welcome during visiting hours, but we regret that no dogs (except guide dogs) will be admitted to performances.

Website: The Minack Theatre

The Minack Theatre

Address: Porthcurno, Penzance, TR19 6JU


Port Elliot House and Gardens

Port Eliot House and Gardens

On a sunny day, there’s nothing better than exploring the countryside with your dog. The Port Eliot Estate near Saltash is a rural idyll teeming with wildlife and open to the public.

Port Elliot House was designed by Sir John Soane for the Earl of St Germans in 1798. In addition to being a charming example of late Georgian architecture, the house also features an impressive collection of paintings by Van Dyck, Gainsborough, Reynolds, and Orpen. 

On warm days, visit their walled garden and stroll among their flowers and vegetables (and bees, if you’re lucky) before taking a tour inside the house.

Visiting with dogs:

While your dog can’t come inside the house itself, the estate spreads over 1,000 acres with a park where you and your dog can take all the walks you want if you keep them on a lead. 

Website:Port Elliot House and Gardens

Port Eliot House

Address: St Germans, Saltash PL12 5ND


Launceston Castle

Launceston Castle
Image credit: Steve Knight (CC BY 2.0)

Launceston Castle is a mediaeval castle built in the mid-13th century. Situated on a steep-sided ‘hump’ of a hill and once surrounded by water and marshland, these days it’s surrounded by houses and gardens. The castle itself can be accessed via a short climb.

The town of Launceston itself is a charming market town full of artisan shops with several nice pubs and tearooms. Many shops have water bowls outside for dogs and parking is plentiful in the town.

Visiting with dogs:

Dogs are welcome in all areas here as long as they’re on a lead and you can take them on an adventure that’ll set their tail wagging! Your dogs can enjoy the grassy castle courtyard, and explore the footpath leading around the walls.

Website:Launceston Castle

English Heritage

Address: Castle Lodge, Launceston, Cornwall, PL15 7DR


St. Nectan’s Glen

St. Nectan’s Glen is an enchanting gorge known for its waterfalls. Here it’s easy to believe fairies dwell.

The woodland walk to the waterfalls is an easy trail that has stunning views over the valley and is great for dogs to enjoy as well. Although there are areas where your dog will need to be on a lead (due to the steep hills and cliff edges), all in all, this makes for an enjoyable day out with your doggy companion. 

The trail starts by descending stone steps cut into the rock face, before heading across an old wooden bridge. Once you reach the bottom of the trail, you can walk either direction through woodlands filled with rhododendrons and other similar plants. 

There are several spots where you can take a break, or stop for a snack, all overlooking the stunning river below. 

The staff do not tolerate badly-behaved dogs who disturb the tranquillity around the waterfall. 

Visiting with dogs:

Well behaved dogs are very welcome in the woodland and main waterfall area. Please keep dogs on leads at the waterfall.

Website: St Nectan’s Glen

St Nectan's Glen

Address: Trethevy, Tintagel PL34 0BG


Caerhays Castle & Estate

Caerhays Estate is in an ideal spot along the South West Coastal Path. This popular historic estate is famous for its impressive gardens featuring an array of exotic plants. Spring is the time when this place is at its most beautiful.

Dogs are welcome as long as they are on leads at all times.

This beautiful spot provides many trails perfect for walking. There are several options; whether you want something simple like a trail around the lake, or perhaps more difficult trails along rougher terrains up hills and cliffs. 

Along these paths, there are several benches where you can stop to take photos or enjoy the scenery.

Visiting with dogs:

Dogs are welcome in the gardens however, because of the guinea fowl and other poultry in the gardens we do ask that dogs remain on leads during their visit.

Website:Caerhays Estate

Caerhays Estate

Address: Gorran Churchtown, Saint Austell PL26 6LY


Godolphin Hill

Godolphin Hill is a fantastic location to take your dog for the day, and be sure that they will love you even more than they already do when you get back home. The area has over 500 acres with several trails, gardens, and riverside and wooded areas where dogs can be let off the lead so they can run free, provided there are no livestock and wildlife around. 

There is an on-site tearoom where they are also welcome which offers locally-sourced food and drink; perfect for refuelling after all that exercise!  

Visiting with dogs:

The only place your dog isn’t allowed is inside Godolphin House. (Only assistance dogs are allowed there.)

Website:Godolphin Hill

National Trust

Address: Godolphin, Godolphin Cross, Helston, Cornwall, TR13 9RE


Bodmin Keep

Built in 1859, Bodmin Keep has stood for over 162 years.

Cornwall’s Regimental Museum at Bodmin Keep is one of the finest military museums in Britain and a fantastic day out for all visitors including your dog. The museum features over 12,000 military exhibits – from letters to battle weapons. Plus, there are several trails, gardens, paths with statues and memorials. 

There are also events held year-round – like free smartphone photography workshops, second world war reenactments, archaeological talks, and wartime children’s games and pastimes. 

Bodmin Keep is super dog-friendly. In fact, they have three in-house dogs of their own: Django, Spingo, and Nessie! Dogs are allowed anywhere in the museum where visitors are allowed.

Visiting with dogs:

Bodmin Keep is a dog-friendly attraction and dogs are welcome throughout the museum.

Website: Bodmin Keep

Bodmin Keep

Address: The Keep, Bodmin, PL31 1EG


Heartland Cornish Visitor Attraction and Mining World

Heartland Cornish Visitor Attraction and Mining World

This 19-acre family attraction is located in the heart of Cornwall’s old mining country.

Heartland has a variety of different things to explore, from a lovely picnic area to a vast garden with a yew maze and truly stunning views over the countryside. There are also fascinating mining exhibits, several play areas, and friendly farm animals. 

Visiting with dogs:

Your doggy companion is welcome to join in on the fun in all areas of the site except the children’s outdoor adventure playground and the indoor play centre.

Website:Heartlands

Heartlands

Address: Robinson’s Shaft, Dudnance Ln, Pool, Redruth TR15 3QY


Chysauster Ancient Village

Chysauster Ancient Village

This historic location is perfect for dog owners who are history buffs. The Chyasauer Ancient Village is one of the best places to visit in Cornwall if you wish to learn more about how people used to live. 

The old Roman village has the old ruins plus several reconstructed huts and outhouses which offer a fascinating insight into life two thousand years ago.  

Visiting with dogs:

Dogs are welcome as long as they’re on a lead and well-behaved. With the scenic views, walks will be breathtaking.

Website:Chysauster Ancient Village

English Heritage

Address: Newmill, Penzance, Cornwall, TR20 8XA


Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens

With exotic plants and flowers, walkways, streams, and ponds, the Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens is a lovely spot to take your pup on an adventure. Dog owners who are looking for something a little bit different should pay a visit to this fantastic sculpture park. 

The site contains sculptures that have been created by nationally and internationally renowned artists – all with stunning views over the Cornish coastline as their backdrop.

There are exhibitions and events held here all year round, and the garden has several short and easy trails (no hills) which you and your dog can enjoy.

Visiting with dogs:

Well-behaved dogs are welcome on a lead throughout the gardens and in the outside seating area of Tremenheere Kitchen.

Website:Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens

Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens

Address: Nr Gulval, Penzance TR20 8YL


Pencarrow House and Family Friendly Gardens

Pencarrow House & Gardens

Pencarrow House has a beautiful Grade 2 listed garden that is open to the public. The family-friendly garden has several play areas, trails, with benches and seats. There’s also a lovely picnic area and cafe. All in all, there’s 50 acres to explore. 

Visiting with dogs:

Your dog has free range to run without a lead except for in the area outside the house where chickens and peacocks roam. No dogs are allowed inside the house or cafe unless they’re assistance dogs. 

Website: Pencarrow House

Pencarrow House and Gardens

Address: Washaway, Bodmin PL30 3AG


St. Mawes Castle

St. Mawes Castle

St. Mawes Castle is a 16th-century seaside fortress built by King Henry VIII in 1540. One of the best-preserved examples in Britain, St Mawes is the place to go if you love history and want to educate your dog about the Tudor period.

If your dog doesn’t care so much for history, they will love the trails with stunning views over Cornwall’s rugged coastline, woodland walks, and even a pagoda. It has some of the best views in the whole of Cornwall.

For cultured dogs, there is also an (occasional) outdoor theatre.

Visiting with dogs:

St. Mawes Castle is a dog friendly attraction and welcomes dogs on leads.

Website:St. Mawes Castle

English Heritage

Address: Castle Drive, St Mawes, Nr Truro, Cornwall, TR2 5DE


Pendennis Castle 

Pendennis Castle, not far from St Mawes, is another one of Henry VIII’s castles, perfect for dog owners who aren’t afraid to walk some steep hills. This castle is located along Falmouth Docks and the views from it are spectacular – plus there are some beautiful walks that you can take your furry friend to.

If your furry friend likes swimming they’ll have plenty of opportunities as there are several rock pools at low tide where they can swim in. 

Afterwards, the town of Falmouth is a lovely place to explore full of boutique shops and eateries.

Visiting with dogs:

All dogs on a lead are welcome including inside the buildings and around the grounds.

Website:Pendennis Castle

English Heritage

Address: Falmouth, Cornwall, TR11 4LP


Hurlers Stone Circles

Hurlers Stone Circles

This special site on Bodmin Moor is a stone age stone circle that consists of three sets of stones. It’s quiet even in summer, and attracts few visitors. You are more likely to bump into sheep and wild ponies here, or a few dowsers, than other tourists.

With miles of open moorland all around with lakes for your dog to swim in, it doesn’t come much better than this.

The site is open all year round and there is no admission fee plus the parking is plentiful and free. Less than half a mile away is the village of Minions with several dog-friendly cafes and a pub.

At certain times of the year, such as lambing season, dogs must be kept on their leads.

Visiting with dogs:

Dogs on leads are welcome atHurlers Stone Circles.

Website:Hurlers Stone Circles

English Heritage

Address: Minions, Liskeard, Cornwall, PL14 5LE


Hidden Valley Discovery Park

Hidden Valley Discovery Park is a discovery park for all ages near Launceston.

There are so many things for you and your pooch to do here including puzzle trails and a maze. There’s even a miniature railway. 

The site has a fantastic picnic area and ample free parking.

Visiting with dogs:

Your furry friend must be kept on a lead, but note that the lead must be short and retractable leads are not allowed. 

Website:Hidden Valley Discovery Park

Hidden Valley Discovery Park

Address: Tredidon, St Thomas, Launceston, Cornwall PL15 8SJ


King Edward Mine Museum

Last but not least on our list, King Edward Mine Museum is an ideal place to visit with your pet. 

Here, you can find out what it was like to work in a tin mine decades ago – and there are even underground tunnels. There’s also an awesome mining museum with interactive exhibitions. 

There’s a gift shop to pick up some souvenirs and there is also a picnic area for when you get hungry. 

The site is open throughout the year but access to certain areas depends on what time of year it is due to seasonal arrangements within mining operations. 

Visiting with dogs:

The site encourages visitors to bring their dogs who are welcome all over this historical site. Your furry friend should however be kept on a lead as you both explore. 

Website: King Edward Mine Museum

King Edward Mine Museum

Address: Troon, Camborne TR14 9HW


Looking for more dog friendly attractions in Cornwall?

Cornwall is the ideal location for dog owners to explore any time of year. 

You can go on long coastal walks, visit ancient castles or learn about the area’s rich history with your four-legged friend by your side. Most pubs and restaurants are very doggy-friendly.

This beautiful part of the world will bewitch you and bring you back year after year.

Visit Cornwall

Visit Cornwall, the official tourist board website, contains a comprehensive guide to lots of dog friendly days out in Cornwall.
Click here to view the visit Cornwall website

Dog friendly cottages in Cornwall

The Old Engine House

The Old Engine House
Welcoming 2 guests & 2 dogs, Hammerhole is available to book from £332 per week.

Rose Villa

Rose Villa
Welcoming 6 guests & 2 dogs, Mill Cottage is available to book from £589 per week.

Holly Barn

Holly Barn
Welcoming 5 guests & 2 dogs, Thornyfield Cottage is available to book from £423 per week.

View all our dog friendly cottages in Cornwall