Great dog-friendly activities in Cornwall

Sedate walks around the local park will feel like a distant memory for your faithful friend when you discover all that Cornwall has to offer. You’ll need to put your dog on a lead at times to explore the coastal paths (all those steep cliffs) but the jaw-dropping views are worth it. One of our favourites is the 7.5-mile Padstow and Trevone circular route, with spectacular views, lovely picnic spots and plenty of birds and wildlife. Further south, Podlhu to Mullion Cove takes in a gorgeous sandy beach that energetic paws can run wild on. Make sure you break up your stroll with a pit stop at dog-friendly pub, The Old Mullion Inn, for a local St Austell beer.

Depending on your skills you can glide, or wobble, on your paddle board with the reassuring presence of your dog for company. They’ll relish such a unique bonding activity but remember to stay in the shallows until your pup gets their sea legs (or decides they’re a landlubber after all). SUP in a Bag offer guided tours in river and coastal locations across mid Cornwall and they’re well used to having dogs along for the ride. Falmouth River Watersports welcome dogs to hop on when you rent a board or a kayak, but they recommend bringing your own buoyancy aid for them. They love to see pictures of you and your dog in action on the water.

If you assume (pretty reasonably) that wine tasting isn’t high on the list of dog-friendly activities, you’ve never been to Trevibban Mill near Padstow. It’s an award-winning working vineyard that produces incredible Cornish wines and cider in a stunning setting. The viewing balcony that overlooks the vines and rolling countryside is the perfect place to sip English sparkling wine in the sunshine. The team at Trevibban love dogs and welcome well-behaved ones on leads to join you on your visit. Just make sure you clean up after them.

Taking your dog out on the water is a wonderful experience, giving you a fresh perspective on the Cornish landscape. Dogs travel for free on the Fowey to Megavissey passenger ferry that traverses beautiful St Austell bay between the two lively fishing villages. They’re also welcome aboard private charters with Helford River Cruises where you can explore smugglers' creeks and river wildlife. If you fancy unspoilt island adventures, take the passenger ferry from Penzance Harbour to the white sands and palm trees of the Isles of Scilly. It’s a day out that feels more tropical paradise than English seaside.

Four-legged friends are welcome to explore many of Cornwall’s world-famous attractions including The Eden Project (the grounds but not the biomes), The Lost Gardens of Heligan, Lappa Valley and Port Elliot Gardens. But dogs aren’t just welcome outside in Cornwall, these days you can experience gastro delights by bringing them as an extra dinner guest. The cafe at Lusty Glaze near Newquay provides beds and water bowls to keep four-legged friends comfy while you enjoy a romantic bite to eat. The Nare country house hotel on the Roseland Peninsula even offers a dog’s ‘table d’hote’ menu!