As a family park we know the importance of quality time together on your holiday, and that includes the dog too. That’s why Hendra offers dog-friendly pitches and caravans, along with a dog walking area on Park. Find out about all our dog-friendly options here.
Cornwall is a dog-friendly destination, and it has got either friendlier recently with the restrictions on the beaches being shorter than previous years, so you won’t miss out on the top beaches and places in Cornwall.
Here is our guide on places to take your furry-friend while on holiday in Cornwall, so you all have a fantastic time.
Beaches…
The Cornish beaches have shorter dog restrictions in place which run from July 1 to August 31, between 10am and 6pm. For Cornwall’s beaches with Blue Flag status, the restrictions will apply for longer. They will be in place from 15 May to 30 September (four and a half months) between 10am and 6pm, with the exception of Great Western Beach Newquay, which is open to dogs all year round.
Many of Newquay’s beaches are dog friendly. Fistral beach
is dog friendly all year round, so you don’t have to miss out on Newquay’s top surfing beach. Dogs will love this large beach and there are plenty of facilities nearby too that also that accept dogs, so you can enjoy a meal, drink or snack at some of the best cafes, pubs and restaurants in the county.
Watergate Bay is a large beach too, with 3 miles of beach for perfect for running around on! It is very popular for adventure spots, and has a choice of places to eat, with dogs welcome. Cornwall has never been more dog-friendly, knowing how important your furry family member is!
For those who like a bit quieter try Porth Joke, also known as Polly Joke, this picturesque cove is nestled in a shallow valley between Holywell and Crantock. There are the typical bumpy and windy Cornish roads to get to it, but it is well worth it. In spring, or early summer, you will see wildflowers upon common, and sheep graze near the dunes.
The surrounding area is un-spoilt and being in a shallow valley means that is guarded from the wind and it can feel slightly warmer. Porth Joke is excellent for rockpooling and has caves to explore. The beach is also suitable for swimming, bodyboarding, surfing and fishing. Check tide times and please be aware there is no lifeguard cover. The nearest car park is a 15 minute walk away in West Pentire, and owned by the National Trust.
For a full list of dog friendly beaches please see here
Attractions…
Fancy a day out?
You don’t have to miss out on some of Cornwall’s top attractions, just because you have a dog. Four-legged friends will love Heligan just as much as you. This garden was rediscovered in 1990, after being left overgrown after WW1.
There are miles of pathways to explore. Dogs must be kept on leads, as Heligan has a variety of livestock around the gardens. Dog bins are conveniently placed all around the Park too.
There’s so much to see too, there’s traditional gardens, woodland areas, and farm. Heligan has the UK’s only outdoor Jungle and home to one of the longest Burmese Rope Bridges in Britain. There are seasonal experiences, with Easter, spring, summer and autumn activities: there’s no better way to experience the seasons than in this immense garden.
Food lovers won’t be disappointed with the Heligan Kitchen. You don’t get much more sustainable than the Heligan Kitchen, forget food miles: here there are food yards with a minimal 157 food yards from soil to plate! Almost all of Heligan’s suppliers are based in Cornwall so you will have a true Cornish food experience.
Healeys Cyder Farm is a good attraction for the whole family, including the dog. Kids will like the animals, and parents will like the cyder – there’s nothing not too like!
There’s ample parking too, along with tractor rides, and places to eat too, where you can enjoy a traditional Cornish Cream Tea or a Sunday roast.
Just because you have a dog, it doesn’t mean that you cannot indulge in some retail therapy. Cornwall Gold is next to Tolgus Mill, Cornwall’s last working Victorian Tin Mill, which is set in 18 acres of Cornish countryside. Jewellery lovers will enjoy looking at unique Cornish pieces in a variety of different golds. You can even see how each stunning piece of jewellery is made with workshops, also offering upcycling and repairs – the perfect way to keep your favourite pieces. Discover some Cornish treasure which you can take home and keep forever. Kids will love the build a bear workshop, and pottery painting. Of course, there is a place for refreshment – in Cornwall we always like to showcase our fabulous produce and Cornwall Gold’s The Cornish Pantry is no different with award-winning chefs, Cornish breakfasts and a pasty platter – yum!
Bodmin and Wenford Railway is proud to be a dog-friendly attraction in Cornwall. The excitement of the bygone steam-railway era can be relished on this old Cornish railway line, all with your best pooch friend at your side. Chug through the beautiful Cornish countryside, and get off with your dog for a lovely walk in the countryside along the way. There’s the Bodmin Beacon Nature Reserve (walking distance from Bodmin General Station), Lanhydrock Estate (alight Bodmin Parkway) and Cardinham Woods (take footpath from Coleslogget Halt) and the Camel Trial, with miles of Cornish countryside along a disused railway line (alight at Boscarne Juntion).
