Cornwall is a fantastic destination for a dog friendly holiday. As well as miles of walks and dog friendly beaches, four-legged visitors are welcomed with open paws in many of Cornwall’s gardens, attractions and historic landmarks.

So take our lead and bring your dog to one of our ‘pawfect’ Cornwall holiday cottages. Here’s our guide to ten of the best dog-friendly days out in Cornwall, so you’ll always have places to visit and things to do with your four-legged best friend, come rain or shine.

1. Pencarrow House & Garden

Why dogs and owners love it: Pencarrow is well-known for its love of dogs! With a history and a family stretching back to the Elizabethan times, this beautiful Georgian house with its wide and varied gardens is still privately occupied by the Molesworth-St Aubuyn family. Your furry friend is most welcome to run off the lead in the picnic-perfect gardens and woodland. In the area around the outside of the house and the café, please keep them on the lead as there are free range chickens and peacocks strutting around. After a long hoof, you can treat your pooch to a doggy ice-cream from the café - old sock flavour is very popular! With dog water bowls, a dog poo bin and shady parking areas, Pencarrow is guaranteed to charm your whole pack.
Find out more: Pencarrow House & Garden, Washaway, Bodmin PL30 3AG; www.pencarrow.co.uk
Dog restrictions: Dogs welcome everywhere except the house which is a paw-free zone (except assistance dogs)
Stay nearby: Luxury Yurts, Colan (18 miles) | sleeps one dog each and 3-6 humans
Killigorrick Farm Cottages, near Looe (18 miles) | sleeps 2 dogs each and 2-6 humans
Rosevean House, St Agnes (31 miles) | sleeps one dog and 12 humans

2. Lappa Valley Steam Railway

Why dogs and owners love it: Lappa Valley Steam Railway pride themselves on being a dog friendly attraction, allowing the whole family to have a great day out! Set in the Lappa Valley, take your four legged buddy on an exciting steam train ride - there are three separate miniature railways to enjoy. The whole setting is excellent at catering for your pooch's desires, with large fields at the top of the valley for your dog to enjoy some off-lead exercise, water bowls dotted around the site and even doggy biscuits. Much more than just a train ride, you can also enjoy the ‘paw-some’ boating lake, maze, crazy golf, play areas, woodland walks and nature trails and a 9 hole golf course. So don’t delay - Murphy the railway dog is patiently waiting to see you!
Find out more: Lappa Valley, St Newlyn East, Newquay, TR8 5LX; www.lappavalley.co.uk
Dog restrictions: Well behaved dogs on leads are welcome throughout the site including the cafe and trains (charges may apply)
Stay nearby: Luxury Yurts, Colan (5 miles) | sleeps one dog each and 3-6 humans
Rosevean House, St Agnes (11 miles) | sleeps one dog and 12 humans
Killigorrick Farm Cottages, near Looe (30 miles) | sleeps 2 dogs each and 2-6 humans

3. Cornish Seal Sanctuary

Why dogs and owners love it: The Cornish Seal Sanctuary offers a unique Cornwall dog-friendly day out, allowing your pooch to meet a different kind of pup! Stroll around this rescue and rehabilitation sanctuary with your dog on a lead, and meet the recuperating seals and other marine animals, including resident sea lions, otters, a colony of Humboldt penguins and even a paddock of animals to coo over. There are 42 acres of land for your dog to explore, including woodland walks, plus multiple water bowls, disposable doggy bags and even dog bandanas to buy in the gift shop. Call by the reception and doggie visitors will be greeted with a tasty treat! You can also take your dog on their Land Train and your kids can follow the enthralling quiz trail. Woof-tastic!
Find out more: The Cornish Seal Sanctuary, Gweek TR12 6UG; sealsanctuary.sealifetrust.org/en
Dog restrictions: All well behaved dogs on leads are very welcome! Please ensure dog vaccinations are up to date. There are only a few areas where dogs aren't permitted (this does not apply to assistance dogs) - The Seal Hospital and inside the cafe (there is sheltered outdoor seating)
Stay nearby: Bonython Farmhouse on the magnificent Bonython Estate (5 miles) | sleeps 2 dogs and 10 humans
Rosevean House, St Agnes (19 miles) | sleeps one dog and 12 humans
Luxury Yurts, Colan (30 miles) | sleeps one dog each and 3-6 humans

4. The Lost Gardens of Heligan

Why dogs and owners love it: This world-renowned botanical haven is a magical spot, providing over 200 acres of amazing greenery for walkies with your four legged friend. You’ll be mesmerized by the rock-and-plant figures (the Mud Maid, Giant’s Head and Grey Lady) along the woodland walk, and the wild Jungle area with its rope bridge is a challenge for your canine chum! Then there’s new smells galore for your furry friends to discover in the Victorian Productive and Pleasure Gardens. Open all year, the miles of pathways and routes get our (muddy) paw print of approval and dog waste bins are located around the gardens. Seasonal family events include outdoor games, den-building and campfires.
Find out more: The Lost Gardens of Heligan, B3273, Pentewan, Saint Austell PL26 6EN; www.heligan.com
Dog restrictions: Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome to enjoy this great day out with you but they are not permitted in the Tearoom or Stewardry
Stay nearby: Luxury Yurts, Colan (16 miles) | sleeps one dog each and 3-6 humans
Rosevean House, St Agnes (23 miles) | sleeps one dog and 12 humans
Killigorrick Farm Cottages, near Looe (26 miles) | sleeps 2 dogs each and 2-6 humans
Bonython Farmhouse on the magnificent Bonython Estate (35 miles) | sleeps 2 dogs and 10 humans

5. Bodmin and Wenford Railway

Why dogs and owners love it: Discover the excitement and nostalgia of steam travel with a journey evocative of a 1950’s branch line with many dog-friendly attractions along the way. This line warmly welcomes your pooch aboard with his very own dog ticket and there are dog bowls on the platform full of fresh water. Relax in style with a leisurely 13-mile round trip from Bodmin General Station through the Glynn Valley to Bodmin Parkway, then through the Camel Valley to Boscarne. Hop off at Colesloggett Halt for a picnic and nature trails through pooch friendly Cardinham Woods. Refuel in the award-winning Signalbox Café at Bodmin Parkway, or pick up the popular Camel Trail at Boscarne Junction.
Find out more: Bodmin General Station, Harleigh Roadd, Bodmin PL31 1AQ; bodminrailway.co.uk. The station is also within barking distance of Bodmin Keep (see 10. below)
Dog restrictions: Dogs are welcome on the service trains, except around the on-train bar area, or where food is served (Assistance Dogs excepted) and require a £1.00 ticket. You will need to keep them on the floor and not on the furniture and please ensure that your dog is on a short lead whilst on the platforms or the train (for fairly obvious reasons!)
Stay nearby: Killigorrick Farm Cottages, near Looe (12 miles) | sleeps 2 dogs each and 2-6 humans
Luxury Yurts, Colan (17 miles) | sleeps one dog each and 3-6 humans
Rosevean House, St Agnes (31 miles) | sleeps one dog and 12 humans

6. Healey’s Cornish Cyder Farm

Why dogs and owners love it: Friendly dogs on a lead are very welcome at Healeys! As well as their well known Healey’s and Rattlers Cyders, this traditional cider brewery produces Scrumpy, spirits, wines, fruit juices, preserves and sauces. Providing a great day out for the whole family. your pup can join your pack in a guided tour on the art of cyder making, hop on a tractor trailer ride around the fruit orchards, visit the first distillery and combined cellars in Cornwall for 300 years, explore the shop or sniff out the farmyard scents on the farm. The farm even provides a map so you can be sure of where your four-legged friend is allowed to roam.
Find out more: Healey's Cornish Cyder Farm, Penhallow, Truro TR4 9LW; healeyscyder.co.uk
Dog restrictions: Well behaved dogs on lead welcome. There are two small exclusions - dogs are not permitted in the production halls or in the jam kitchen for hygiene purposes (you may need to take turns when viewing these). Other than that, your furry family members can join you everywhere else you go, including in the restaurant!
Stay nearby: Rosevean House, St Agnes (3.5 miles) | sleeps one dog and 12 humans
Luxury Yurts, Colan (12 miles) | sleeps one dog each and 3-6 humans
Killigorrick Farm Cottages, near Looe (12 miles) | sleeps 2 dogs each and 2-6 humans
Bonython Farmhouse on the magnificent Bonython Estate (24 miles) | sleeps 2 dogs and 10 humans

7. Jamaica Inn

Why dogs and owners love it: Jamaica Inn, high up on the wild and beautiful Bodmin Moor, is a historic coaching house that is full of legend, mystery and romance. The wonderful doggie hangout was made world-famous by Daphne du Maurier's book ‘Jamaica Inn’, a tale of smugglers, rogues and pirates turned into a film by Alfred Hitchcock. Your canine chum is welcome in the farm shop, gift shop, the fascinating Daphne du Maurier Museum and Smugglers’ Museum where tales of wreckers, murderers and villains are brought to life. The inn provides easy access to lots of beautiful dog walks on Bodmin Moor, including a gentle amble to Dozmary Pool "Excalibur"~ Lady of the lake, and you can even pre-order a delicious picnic to take with you. You can reward yourself with a cream tea, meal or a relaxing pint by the superb log fire in the olde worlde bars (while your pooch is plied with doggy bar treats!). Bon A-pet-treat…
Find out more: Jamaica Inn, Bolventor, Bodmin Moor, PL15 7TS; www.jamaicainn.co.uk
Dog restrictions: Well behaved dogs welcome throughout with the exception of the Peddlers food bar/restaurant
Stay nearby: Killigorrick Farm Cottages, near Looe (12 miles) | sleeps 2 dogs each and 2-6 humans
Luxury Yurts, Colan (27 miles) | sleeps one dog each and 3-6 humans
Rosevean House, St Agnes (39 miles) | sleeps one dog and 12 humans

8. Wheal Martyn Clay Works

Why dogs and owners love it: For a slice of Cornish heritage and a big doggie (and human) welcome, Wheal Martyn is hard to beat. The brilliant museum and country park is set within 26 acres, with woodland walks and nature trails amongst the preserved remains of two former Victorian Clay works. Telling the fascinating story of Cornwall's billion-pound China Clay industry, you can discover how China Clay has shaped the world we live in today - from toothpaste to the gloss on magazines. Families and their dogs on leads can explore the ancient buildings and climb to the peak of the site to discover a spectacular view of a modern working clay pit with monstrous machines in action. And when you’re dog-tired, even the cafe has dog biscuits for your pooch to join in!
Find out more: Wheal Martyn, St Austell, PL26 8XG; www.wheal-martyn.com
Dog restrictions: Well behaved dogs on leads are welcome throughout the site
Stay nearby:  Luxury Yurts, Colan (13 miles) | sleeps one dog each and 3-6 humans
Killigorrick Farm Cottages, near Looe (21 miles) | sleeps 2 dogs each and 2-6 humans
Rosevean House, St Agnes (25 miles) | sleeps one dog and 12 humans

9. Pendennis Castle

Why dogs and owners love it: Another dog and family friendly favourite is Pendennis Castle in Falmouth. This coastal fortress is one of Henry VIII's finest handiworks, built to protect the strategically important opening of the Fal estuary in Tudor times. Resting majestically atop a hill above the Carrick Roads estuary, the castle is noted particularly for its vital role during World War I and II. A place of guns, cannons and fascinating stories, there’s exhibitions to explore, emotive re-enactments and panoramic coastal scenery. And while you’re getting your fill of history, your furry companions will enjoy trotting around the green and grassy site or stretching their legs in the well-trodden moat.
Find out more: Pendennis Castle, Castle Drive, Falmouth TR11 4LP;
www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/pendennis-castle
Dog restrictions: Well behaved dogs on leads are welcome to enjoy the magnificent keep, grounds, tea room and shop as well as brilliant historic exhibitions. It is at the owners' discretion whether they want to take their dogs into the underground magazine on the Half Moon Battery tour. Not suitable if your dog does not like spiral staircases! The rest of the castle tour is fine for dogs.
Stay nearby: Bonython Farmhouse on the magnificent Bonython Estate (15 miles) | sleeps 2 dogs and 10 humans
Rosevean House, St Agnes (16 miles) | sleeps one dog and 12 humans
Killigorrick Farm Cottages, near Looe (21 miles) | sleeps 2 dogs each and 2-6 humans
Luxury Yurts, Colan (25 miles) | sleeps one dog each and 3-6 humans

10. Bodmin Keep

Why dogs and owners love it: Bodmin Keep is over 160 years old and is the historic home of the Army in Cornwall. This former headquarters of the Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry houses the finest military museum in the South West, covering more than 300 years of military history. The 12,000 collection items include weapons, uniforms, and artwork from Napoleonic times to the present day, mostly donated from veterans themselves. Each has its own story to tell - about the battles that have been fought, weapons that were used or personal letters that were written on the battlefield. Bodmin Keep has always been proud to be a dog friendly museum, with an age-old relationship between the Regiment and man’s best friend and is currently home to Spingo the office dog!
Find out more: Bodmin Keep: Cornwall’s Army Museum, The Keep, Bodmin PL31 1EG; bodminkeep.org. Just a bone’s throw away from Bodmin & Wenford Railway Station (see 5. above)
Dog restrictions: The Keep is open Tuesday and Saturday. Well behaved dogs on leads are welcome throughout the museum, wherever visitors are allowed.
Stay nearby: Killigorrick Farm Cottages, near Looe (12.5 miles) | sleeps 2 dogs each and 2-6 humans
Luxury Yurts, Colan (18 miles) | sleeps one dog each and 3-6 humans
Rosevean House, St Agnes (31 miles) | sleeps one dog and 12 humans