Dog Friendly Faves: Cornwall

The latest edition of our 'Dog Friendly Faves' series, where we will cover different cities and towns we visit to showcase our favourite places to eat, drink, play, and stay!

If you're in need of turquoise water, sandy beaches, and fresh seafood, look no further than Cornwall. We consider our trips to Cornwall true getaways, and we're so excited to share the places we love there with you.

STAY

Ekopod, St Clether, Launceston PL15 8QJ

There's only one recommendation on this list for where to stay, and that's Ekopod. We've been here three times, and we'll never go anywhere else. This is glamping at its very best. Each pod is secluded and private (we've stayed in the large geodome, Nessa, and the glamping pod, Steren), outfitted with the comfiest beds and softest sheets, and nestled in natural tranquility. Upon arrival, your dogs will be treated to a bowl, a bag of Forthglade treats, and a long lead to keep them secure on site. Humans will love taking a hot, candlelit bubble bath with a view of the stars. Our perfect Ekopod evening? Lighting the wood-burning stove, playing a game of Scrabble, and drinking wine while listening to the rain fall outside! Heaven. The places in North Cornwall that we've recommended on this list are all places we've explored thanks to Ekopod's guidebook, so all credit to Matt and Rachael for their outstanding ideas for things to do and places to eat!

Winston & Clementine outside of the Nessa geodome

Inside Nessa is a luxurious, four-poster bed (BYO Scottie dog)

Clemmie was a big fan of this swing-seat, Winnie was less enthused

Winnie taking a casual rainy day snooze in front of a rainbow

EAT AND DRINK

Rising Sun Inn, Altarnun, Launceston PL15 7SN

If you're adventurous and your dogs don't mind the mud, this is *technically* walking distance to Ekopod. If you've got two very particular Scottish terriers... you'll want to just hop in the car and drive. A great dog-friendly pub with a giant beer garden.

Sharon's Plaice, Boscastle PL35 0HE

Weary and hungry after our long (but totally stunning) coastal path hike, we stopped here for some much needed fish and chips. Plenty of outside seating for you and your dogs, and perfectly situated between the coastal path and the car park. This is the perfect casual, post-hiking stop to get some hearty fried food.

Porthminster Kitchen, Wharf Rd, Saint Ives TR26 1LG

Please note that dogs are only allowed on the terrace, so you'll need to book ahead to reserve one of these tables! Delicious, fresh seafood right on Porthminster Beach. Great views and people-watching. Many of the beaches in St. Ives have seasonal dog bans in place, but if you're there in the non-summer months, you'll get to enjoy the glorious beaches with your babies.

Mussels, garlic bread, and wine... divine!

Win & Mum at Porthminster in April 2022

If you go to St. Ives in the off-season, you can bring your dog on some of the beautiful beaches this town has to offer (Win is on Porthmeor Beach in this picture)

PLAY

Boscastle to Buckator Coastal Walk, Cobweb Car Park, 2 Penally Hill, Boscastle PL35 0HG

A fantastic circular walk that will bring you all along the jaw-droppingly beautiful coast of Boscastle, past the very Beeny Cliff that inspired Thomas Hardy, to the grey seal colony of Buckator Cliff. This is the best way to live out your Poldark dreams! To make your way back to Boscastle, you'll traverse through fairytale-like woodlands that are filled with wild garlic, depending on the time of year. We highly recommend downloading the iWalk Cornwall app and purchasing directions for this route--it's only £2.99 and well worth it.

Win on the coastal path on our first trip to Cornwall in 2021

Win and Clem on the beginning of the coastal path in Boscastle

Smiles all around

Land's End, Sennen, TR19 7AA

Park your car and sail right on past the cheesy amusement park section of Land's End to get to the paths that take you toward the sea and the famous Land's End signpost. Yes, you'll have to pay to have your picture taken next to it, but we think it's worth the cost (our picture--not included here--came out so well we even used it for our holiday card). This area has become very touristy, so keep in mind it might be crowded. The car park is, thankfully, massive.

Scottie side eye for the "no longer in use" post box at Land's End

Tintagel Castle, Castle Rd, Tintagel PL34 0HE

The remaining structure of a hilltop castle from the 1200s--and the place most commonly associated with the legend of King Arthur--is a dog-friendly English Heritage site. The steep cliffs and castle ruins set against the crashing waves is truly magnificent. Take caution: it can be extremely blustery up there, and there are a lot of sheer drops (and a bridge) that might not be suitable for all dogs--or humans who don't like heights.

King Win of Tintagel

Just listen to the wind!

Trebarwith Strand Beach, Nr Tintagel, PL34 0HB

Dog-friendly year-round! A small, but lovely, sandy beach with clear water and tons of rock formations to explore. There's a large car park about a five-minute walk away that makes this beach easily accessible.

Got ideas for the next "Dog Friendly Faves" post? Comment below!