We are always glad to welcome dogs to our cottages – but are there enough dog-friendly attractions around North Cornwall to keep them occupied? The answer is a resounding yes! Read More to check out our Top 5 attractions in the area that will be as pleased to meet your four-legged friend as we are!
First of all, we cannot forget to state the obvious – North Cornwall is dotted with fantastic dog-friendly beaches (in fact, basically all our beaches are dog-friendly over the Winter and Spring). Not only that, but you have fantastic coastal walks, and of course Bodmin Moor and Dartmoor close by (though be aware of livestock and keep your dog on a lead where necessary).
So what about dog-friendly attractions? Here are our top five in ascending order:
5 – Launceston Castle
PL15 7DR
This is one of our closest attractions and one that is hard to miss as you drive through Launceston. A thousand years of history are there to explore, and dogs are welcome on leads. There are a few restrictions on certain areas, but for a quick visit and some great views you can’t go wrong.
See Website.
4 – Bodmin and Wenford Railway
PL31 1AQ
If you’re a train fan, you will love to visit Cornwall’s only standard-gauge steam railway. The 6.5 mile line alongside the Camel river is a treat, and dogs travel free on all trains (other than dining carriages). Open on certain days only for much of the year, or daily between June and September.
See Website.
3 – Hidden Valley Discovery Park – near Launceston
PL15 8SJ
A favourite among our younger guests, this adventure park near Launceston is packed with activities – brainteasers, challenges, and great family entertainment. Dogs on short leads are welcome to all outside areas of the park.
See Website.
2 – Morwellham Quay – near Tavistock
PL19 8JL
Yes, we know this isn’t in North Cornwall, but Morwellham Quay is a relatively short car-drive away and is a must-see. This award-winning attraction featuring historic port, village, copper mine and railway just four miles west of Tavistock and bordering the beautiful River Tamar that runs through our valley. Dogs are welcome in nearly all areas for a modest fee of £1.
See Website.
So, who gets our top spot?
1 – Tintagel Castle
PL34 0HE
We’re very lucky in that one of our best local attractions is also proudly dog-friendly. Tintagel Castle, perched high on the rugged coastline, offers stunning views and impressive ruins – rumoured to be the birthplace of King Arthur. An iconic attraction in the South-West, this castle is well worth a visit, and dogs are welcome on leads.
See Website.
Honourable mentions:
The Eden Project – near St. Austell
PL24 2SG
Not just one of Cornwall’s best attractions, but one of Europe’s top days out! This narrowly missed being in our Top 5 because dogs aren’t allowed in the huge world famous biomes. However, there are extensive landscaped gardens with literally miles of pathways and dog-friendly walks. There is also an undercover eating area where dogs are allowed.
See Website.
Pencarrow – near Bodmin
PL30 3AG
Pencarrow is a Georgian house with 50 acres of listed gardens. Unlike some of the possibly more spectacular National Trust properties such as Landhydrock, dogs on leads are welcome through the gardens – but of course, not in the house itself. Pencarrow’s display of bluebells in spring is always worth a visit.
See Website.
Did we miss one? Add it in the comments below.