Cornwall

Cornwall is a county in the South West of England which I was lucky enough to call home for two summers in 2018 and 2019. Cornwall is famous for it’s cream teams and pasties… amongst many other things. It’s one of my favourite places to go!

This is me having fun in a field close to where we stayed.

Where to stay

Cornwall has many sights across the county and it is actually a pretty long way to Land’s End. We were based in the north of Cornwall, near Roche and then near Padstow. Both were lovely areas to be in.

Unfortunately both the houses I stayed at don’t take pets anymore… but I discovered this place when I was in Cornwall and it’s dog heaven!

Bed and Basket is near St Austell and is the most dog friendly place I’ve ever seen! There are private patios on each property plus large communal dog field with 5 foot fencing. There’s no extra charge for dogs (extra money for treats anyone?) and they provide throws so we can sit on the sofa!

Where to go

Beaches – there are so many! My favourites were Holywell Bay (National Trust) and Harlyn Bay (more info here). Both were very dog friendly and the water was just beautiful. Be aware that during summer and any school holidays the beaches will be busy. Check the tide times, but early morning and late evening are quieter.
Dog friendly places to visit – again there are lots! Particular favourites of mine were Lanhydrock House (National Trust), Shipwreck Treasure Museum in Charlestown (also lovely to walk to the harbour here), Eden Project and the Lost Gardens of Heligan. I also went to Land’s End and had a photo with the sign – there’s some nice footpath walks here too.
Great dog walks – these are around every corner. Cardinham Woods was brilliant for different length trails in a woodland setting. Kilminorth Woods to the Giant’s Hedge was also dog friendly and cool on a hot day. Another walk I really enjoyed was Rock to Polzeath but it was narrow in some places so wouldn’t be suitable for mobility limited dogs/people or those who aren’t dog friendly. Retire Common was my daily dog walk which I loved – but there are wild ponies there so only good for dogs who won’t chase livestock. The Camel Trail is great for a flat walk on a good surface – we walked between Wadebridge and Bodmin a few times, but didn’t manage the whole 18 miles! The Cheesewring was a good walk too and there are a few nice cafes to stop in afterwards.
Places to eat – there are again lots of different options. A couple I went to were Hewas Inn, Polgooth Inn plus a takeaway fish and chips from Rick Stein‘s in Padstow is the best!
Vets – there are a local vets all over Cornwall but I can recommend Penmellyn Vets in St Columb Major or Beacon VetCare (opening soon).