Ah Cornwall – such a long-term dream it was to visit this area. Last September and October we drove from wild Northern Devon all the way along the coastline to the south of Cornwall. Even though autumn was in full swing, the Cornwall climate proved mild and the sea was showing off its blue hues.
All of the Cornish coastline was just immensely gorgeous and seemed to grow wilder and prettier with every mile we drove. Who knew England could even be so blue?
Again, we brought along Chapo during this trip. The UK is just an excellent country to travel together with your dog, as we had already experienced in 2019. So, is it a lot of hassle to bring along your four-legged friend? Personally, as a European citizen, I dare to say no. As long as your dog has a passport (needed in the EU anyway) and its vaccinations are up-to-date, it only requires one more trip to the vet for a last check-up and vaccination, a couple of days before you’re about to enter the UK. However, I’m not sure if regulation has changed after Brexit. Something to look into for a next trip.
That said, dogs are basically welcome everywhere in the UK, especially compared to my homecountry the Netherlands. I have the feeling I’ve never seen a country with so many dog owners in my life. Everyone seems to have a lab in here. In fact, it will be easier than ever to connect with the British if you have a dog :). Especially if your dog has a paralyzed paw, so we noticed.
Most hotels have separate rooms for dogs and in most restaurants and pubs dogs are very much welcomed too. More than once, Chapo received a sausage on a separate place during dinner! Shops everywhere have water bowls and dogs are, remarkably, often even welcome in churches. A sight I’d personally never seen before. Moreover, on trails and in national parks we encountered very little restrictions as well. Dog owners are just simply being asked to use common sense whenever crossing a field with sheep for example, keeping an eye on your dog. A logical request.
So, why not bring the good boy for a well-deserved holiday! These eight spots and trails below, starting from north till south, are all accessible for dogs and were our absolute favourite ones along the trip. Of course, also they are also lovely to visit without fido :). Enjoy!
Tintagel Castle↓
Yes, it’s an obvious choice, but Tintagel Castle surely can’t be left out on this list. Especially since dogs are welcome at this historic settlement too!
The name might be a bit deceiving, as there isn’t really a castle to be seen (anymore?) on this rugged piece of Cornish coastline. Nevertheless, perched right on the edge on a jagged headland, ruins from a 13th-century castle offer huge opportunity for those with vivid imagination. The place especially famous since it is linked with the legends of King Arthur and Merlin the magician.
So one merely comes here for the mythical association of the place (including Merlin’s cave), the ruins and the stunning views on a bright day. Another great reason to visit this spot in the newly build bridge, which shortens the hike to the peninsula ruins. The bridge is also easily accessible for your dog. Do expect a steep walk back into the village at the end of the visit!
St. Agnes Heritage Coast ↓
Up until the 1920’s this area on the north Cornish coast was a centre for the mining of tin, copper, and arsenic. Apart from that history, the coastline is absolutely stunning and unspoilt and not for nothing named a designated AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) and a World Heritage Site.
We personally parked close to St. Agnes Head (note the soaring model gliders over here around the slopes – great fun!) and walked from there via the funnily-named Tubby Head cliff to the well-preserved Wheal Coates, one of the many former tin mines.
The Wheal Coates stand right on the hillside and make for atmospheric photos. Like many other spots in Cornwall (and this list), this area was used as a background for the Poldark series.
I can’t really recall steep bits along the road, nor steep cliffs. So all in all this for sure was a proper walk for our pooch and me being 28 weeks pregnant. Plus one can find a pretty and small beach along the way for the daily dose of vitamin sea. Chapel Porth Beach is not only famous for its waves, but also for the cafe in the car park that sells delicious ‘hedgehog ice cream’: Cornish ice cream smothered in Cornish clotted cream and then rolled in hazelnuts.
St. Ives ↓
The famous artistic village of St. Ives may perhaps not be the first place you’d think of to bring your pooch. But as I wanted to do some souvenir hunting at some point we decided to bring Chapo along anyway. And again, surprisingly, the dog was welcome in every single store we visited on Fore Str: St. Ives’ main shopping spree.
Apart from that, there are enough beaches around for your dog to get some sandy entertainment in between. Dogs are allowed on all of St. Ives beaches (apart from the Blue Flag Porthmeor beach) up to the end of June and again after August.
Crowns Engine Houses & Botallack Mine ↓
Close to the village of St. Just (just a few miles west of St. Ives) the Botallack mine has a number of derelict mine buildings, which really evoke a special atmosphere and are therefore worthy of a mention on this list.
The Botallack Mine is at the heart of the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site. It’s quite special to realize that many men on these wild Cornish cliffs tunnelled deep under the sea in here for decades. There are numerous paths along the cliffs that one can wander in here, enjoying the stunning scenery and peaceful ambience and the crashing waves against the rocks. The pathways are also a must if you’re a Poldark fan!
St Michael’s Mount ↓
“Is this in France?” you may think. Nope. Meet St Michael’s Mount: the English answer to Mont Saint Michel. A 500 meter long pathway leads you from the village of Marazion to this rocky tidal island, which is crowned with a medieval church and castle.
Note that this place, just like any other Cornish highlight, can get crowded during the summer months. During our afternoon visit in October however we were one of the few visitors in the area.
Note that dogs are not allowed on all parts of the island itself (only in the harbour and the village area), but you can still follow the footsteps of pilgrims on the broad beach in front of the island. Or take turns in visiting the upper parts of the island, if you really want to dwell along the old streets. But note that the most magical views on the island are from mainland Marazion anyway!
Kynance Cove ↓
Up for some dramatic beauty? Kynance Cove might just be the most photographed and painted location in Cornwall. The rugged piece of coastline boasts a piece of golden sand and turquoise waters that shine beautifully once the sun’s out. Again, Poldark fans will be familiar with a lot of the backdrops in here.
For 5 pounds you can park your car close to the cove, but a bit of a steep walk down is required before you get to one of Britain’s most spectacular coves. With a bit of luck (we had none) you can spot seals in here too. Even though we were halfway October, the sea was still lovely enough to conquer for a swim!
Lizard Point ↓
From Kynance Cove it is about a 2,5 mile walk along stunning cliff tops towards this next destination: Lizard Point. The road can be steep in parts and leads along a couple of serious drops, so keep your dog every once and a while on a lead if necessary. At least those steep parts will give you a sense of achievement in the end.
At the end of the hike, at Lizard Point, you can recharge at Polpeor Cafe with a coffee, a Cornish pastry and gorgeous views over the paths that you just have conquered getting there.
Another couple of steps away, Cornwall’s most southerly land lighthouse awaits you. Established in 1619, Lizard Light Station has been lighting the way for over 400 years. You can join a tour if you want to know more about its history.
Polperro Heritage Coast ↓
The quaint little fishing village Polperro is a worthy stop on its own. Cute stores, local bakeries and white little fishing cottages await you. But moreover Polperro is a lovely addition at the end of this list, as the walk from Polperro to the nearby village of Looe is absolutely stunning.
Note that the beginning of this trail along the South East coast of Cornwall is a little steep, and muddy too from time to time, even on a bright day. So you’ll need some sturdy footwear. At least your dog will love that mud :).
Although you’re up high during this walk, I wasn’t really concerned for Chapo, as the path doesn’t lead to close to the edge. There are plenty of stops where you can take a break and on a sunny day the views are spectacular. Take a small detour to the lighthouse down the road, it’s really tiny!
We didn’t make it all the way to Looe, but stopped at Talland Bay – a gorgeous little beach with purple stones where you can take a swim (even a possibility in October!).
Marjon Nahuijsen
January 12, 2021 at 12:17 pm
How lovely! The little baby got a lot of sunshine and vitamins as well….