Days out with your dog.
Fancy a fun day out with the dog? Whilst you will never be stuck for a nice walk in these parts, sometimes it’s nice to branch out and head somewhere new. We have compiled a list of fun days out that the whole family will enjoy, safe in the knowledge that your furry companion is welcome wherever you go.
Southwest Coast Path
Walkies for miles and miles!! Surely this has to be a favourite for dogs and owners alike. With 630 miles to choose from, there is a walk to suit everyone. Check out the website for advice and maps, including handy info on which ones feature a pub or café, just in case a refuel is in order.
Eden Project
https://www.edenproject.com/visit/planning-your-visit/visiting-with-your-dog
Although dogs are not allowed in the iconic domes, there are plenty of trails and outdoor areas to be explored and enjoyed by both two and four-legged creatures. There is a large, covered area where you can enjoy your lunch, and water bowls and dog bins throughout the site to encourage happy dogs and mindful owners.
Lappa Valley
Sometimes, days out with dogs and kids can be particularly tricky, but Lappa Valley ticks both boxes very well. Your dog is welcome on the main railway, boats, Newlyn Downs Branch line and numerous nature walks, and they even have a dedicated exercise area where you can let them off the lead for a proper run around.
Healy’s Cyder Farm
What would a trip to Cornwall be without a cider or two? Bring your canine pal along to Healy’s, the home of Rattler Cyder and have a day exploring the farm, meeting the animals, and sampling a few apple-based beverages. Dogs are even welcome on the tractor rides, so they can take a spin through the orchards while you learn about the age-old process of cyder making.
Padstow Sea Life Safaris
https://www.padstowsealifesafaris.co.uk
Fancy taking your dog on a boat? Look no further than Sea life Safaris, who welcome well-behaved pooches on board their trips and tours. They do ask that you be sure that your dog will be happy with the bouncy sensation of the boat on the water, but if so then bring them along and spot seals, dolphins, and even the odd basking shark!
Lanhydrock
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/cornwall/lanhydrock/visiting-lanhydrock-with-your-dog
Collect a Dog Welcome Map from any outlet on site and get exploring! With miles of walking trails and countryside to wander in, you will never get bored. The National Trust are currently trialling a scheme to give dogs (and their owners!) more access to their properties, so dogs on a 1metre lead can also visit the gardens after 2pm, and if your lead is longer than the required length, pop to reception and they can lend you a shorter one.
Lost Gardens of Heligan
https://www.heligan.com/plan-your-visit/at-heligan/dogs-at-heligan/
Heligan welcomes dogs with well-behaved owners all year round, so grab a map from reception and get lost in the trails and paths that wind through this magical garden.
Shipwreck Museum
https://shipwreckcharlestown.co.uk/dogs-welcome/
Avast, ye salty sea dog!! Not your usual stuffy museum, this amazing place is stuffed to the rafters with bounty from the bottom of the sea. With a collection of artefacts from over 165 shipwrecks, let your imagination run wild as you dive into maritime history.
Seal Sanctuary
https://sealsanctuary.sealifetrust.org/en/
Another great kids/dog’s crossover, this amazing charity rescues and rehabilitates grey seal pups from the Cornish coastline with the intention of releasing as many as possible back into their natural habitat once they are back to full health. Dogs on leads are welcome on the whole site, apart from the seal hospital.
📸 Photo credits: Lost Gardens Of Helicon, Padstow Sealife Safaris, Lappa Valley