With 300 miles of coast path to explore and a beach for every day of the year, it's little wonder Cornwall is such a hit with dogs and owners alike. It's not just the allure of the Atlantic though, Cornwall is also packed full of dog friendly towns and attractions too (check out our dog friendly Cornwall guide for inspiration).
But before you head back to your Cornish cottage for the night, where better to go for a post-adventure warm-up than a cosy pub, with your best friend in tow. Whether you’re looking for a traditional town centre tavern or a rugged inn just off the coast path, there are oodles of dog friendly pubs in Cornwall to choose from. And if dog friendly restaurants and cafes are more your jam? We’ve got you covered there, too.
North
Bolingey Inn, nr Perranporth
A foliage clad, 17th century traditional Cornish pub, The Bolingey Inn is nestled in a hamlet just a mile from dog friendly beach Perranporth. While there are several dog friendly pubs in Perranporth, our pick is The Bolingey Inn with its old-world charm and character details, like thick black beams and a roaring fire come winter.
There are plenty of pub classics to tuck into, including a daily changing special boards featuring fresh fish and locally reared pork and lamb, all served with vegetables from Trevilley Farm just three miles up the road. A good selection of drinks is available, including a minimum of four real ales to choose from at any one time.
If you like your pubs with a soundtrack, visit on the last Thursday of the month for acoustic night. Or if you prefer active entertainment, curry and quiz night on the second Saturday of each month will be right up your street.
Needless to say, booking is advised for Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Dogs are welcome in the bar area, just not the dining room so make it known if you're bringing one with you. If you're visiting during the summer, you could stop by for a cream tea on the suntrap patio and let your dog dry off in the rays.
Driftwood Spars, St Agnes
A few minutes stroll from Trevaunance Cove in St Agnes is the brewpub The Driftwood Spars. The beach is dog friendly year-round and there's plenty to keep tails wagging, from an old harbour and plenty of caves. Head here for low tide and walk along to the adjacent beach of Trevallas Porth.
The interesting name comes from the huge beams, known as spars, that make up its structure. These were salvaged from shipwrecks along the coast and used to create this building in the 1650s. Over the centuries it's lived an interesting life as a tin mining warehouse, chandlery, sail making loft and fish cellar, all before being converted into a hotel and bar in the 1900s.
Unsurprisingly, it's packed to the rafters with character and with three cosy bars, complete with wood burning stoves, you and your dog are sure to find the right spot. If the sun's out, head up to the beer garden for glorious views out to sea.
They take beer very seriously here, with much of it brewed in their very own microbrewery across the road. Food has a similar local focus, with produce coming from the cove or Newlyn harbour, local butchers and even a local baker.
Afterwards, take a stroll along the south west coast path, and look out for Wheal Coates on the cliffs. It's a fine example of a traditional engine house that characterises this part of the county.
The Fort Inn, Newquay
If you're looking for dog friendly pubs in Newquay that have got it all covered, look no further than The Fort Inn. It's a short stroll from the main throng of town, there's an indoor and outdoor play area to keep kids entertained and dogs are allowed in the bar area. Oh, and did we mention the views? Because they are entirely captivating.
If the weather is playing ball, grab a table on the expansive outside terrace and enjoy views across Newquay harbour and along the coast. There are plenty of picnic benches set across two tiers, so you can usually find a spot away from the crowds if you've got a nervous dog.
If you'd rather sit indoors, the modern, airy interior lets the views do the talking. When it comes to ordering food, you'll find plenty of pub classics, like prawn cocktails, mixed grills and Ploughman's.
Once you've had your fill, it's got to be on to Newquay’s many dog friendly beaches to burn it all off. Head down to the harbour and see what the catch of the day is, or walk up to Fistral and watch surfers carve up the waves on this iconic surfing beach.
Shipwrights, Padstow
If you’re on the hunt for dog friendly pubs in Padstow with harbour views, head to Shipwrights. This handsome brick pub was first built to serve the fishermen and tradespeople of the thriving port of Padstow. Today, its harbour view, award-winning beers and dog friendly nature keep locals and visitors both coming back.
Inside, the decor harks back to days of yonder with its timber clad bar, rustic beams and slate flooring. If you're going to book a table, make sure you mention your dog as they'll make sure you're seated in the dog friendly bar area. Food includes plenty of fish including local mussels, along with pub classics like cod and chips and steak and ale pie. There’re also vegetarian options like the cauliflower, chard and leek ravioli.
Once you're done eating and drinking, you and your dog can board the ferry over the calm waters of the Camel Estuary to the charming spot of Rock. Or why not go and swot up on marine conservation at The National Lobster Hatchery, which is also dog friendly.
Check out more things to see and do in our Guide to North Cornwall.
South
Ferry Boat Inn, Helford Passage
Dating back 300 years, the Ferry Boat Inn looks as charming now as it did back then thanks to its idyllic location nestled on the edge of the Helford River. There's direct access to the beach and water, and the surrounding walks along the wooded banks, sloping fields and coast path are a dog’s paradise. It’s perfectly positioned for a pre or post pub swim too, with dogs welcomed indoors.
On a good day, settle down on the terrace and enjoy some of the best views in the county. In the winter months, head indoors and seek out the warmth of the fire. Following a full renovation in 2017, the pub interior is a beautiful space filled with thoughtful details like vintage framed shots of sailboats, traditional panelling and a hand-crafted oak bar.
When it comes to food, the farm to table philosophy is clear and they serve up plenty of interesting dishes with a Cornish twist, like Mackerel tacos. Afterwards, take a wander down to Frenchman's Creek nearby and discover the inspiration behind Daphne Du Maurier's novel of the same name.
Beerwolf, Falmouth
If you're a bookworm with a penchant for real ale, look no further than Beerwolf. Snuggled away in a quiet street away from the main hubbub of town, this quirky dog-friendly pub is also a book shop. Inside you can peruse shelves upon shelves of second-hand books, while sipping on a pint of real ale. We think, when it comes to dog friendly pubs in Falmouth, it's got to be Beerwolf.
You can also bring your own food along, should you and your dog fancy splitting a pasty while you crack open your latest read. And once you're done fawning over poetry or getting lost in a 1950s murder mystery, you can reward your best friend with a trip down to Gylly (in the summer when it's dog friendly) or take a wander along the coast path. Alternatively, take a stroll up to Pendennis Castle and explore the grounds and buildings with your dog (as long as they're kept on a lead).
The Galleon Inn, Fowey
Some 400-years-old, the Galleon Inn is reputed to have started its life as a quayside warehouse. Today the smart red brick build operates as a bustling pub serving up affordable pub meals, excellent ales and handsome views aplenty.
Take a seat outside on the riverside patio and soak up the leafy vistas of the river Fowey estuary, Pont creek and passing ships and yachts. Or alternatively head indoors and enjoy the scenery free from the elements. The old stone walls, slate floors and rustic wooden bar all add to the charm of the place.
Once you've tucked into your fish and chips or ham, egg and chips, explore the quaint town of Fowey. You could learn more about military history with a trip to St Catherine's Castle, one of a pair of small artillery forts built by Henry VIII in the 1530s to defend Fowey Harbour. Alternatively, stretch your legs with a two-ish mile walk along the coast path to Polridmouth Cove, an attractive sheltered dog-friendly beach to the east of Gribbin Head.
West
The Gurnards Head, nr Zennor
If you’re a foodie with a dog companion, look no further than The Gurnard’s Head perched out in the wilds of west Penwith. Just five minutes from the coast path, it’s an ideal location for a post-walk spot of grub for you and your dog. With treats behind the bar and plenty of dog friendly tables to eat at, you’re both in for a good time here.
Inside, bare wooden floorboards, rustic wooden tables and roaring fires set the atmosphere. If the sun is out, head outside to the large enclosed garden to soak up some rays. Whether you’re inside or out, there is plenty of space for you and your dog with well-spaced tables making it a great choice for those with anxious dogs.
The menu here shifts with the seasons. In the winter you can expect delights such as pork belly, bubble and squeak fritter, broccoli and fried egg, whereas summer sees lighter fare like fish soup with rouille. Ready to walk it off? The area beyond is a historian’s goldmine and is home to some impressive anthropological finds including Chysauster, one of the earliest known pre-Roman settlements in the country.
The Admiral Benbow, Penzance
Proudly serving pirates, smugglers and rum since 1695, The Admiral Benbow positively creaks with history. Inside, it respects its past at every turn. The inn houses a remarkable collection of wreckage and maritime artefacts salvaged from the many shipwrecks this part of the Cornish coast saw in the last 400 years, including a cannon and several ship figureheads.
Today the historic pub serves up a wide variety of beers and fine wines, along with dishes like steak frites made with 28-day age Bodmin raised sirloin, or battered Newlyn haddock and chips. There might even be a treat or two for your dog too. So, if you’re looking for dog friendly pubs in Penzance, you know where to head.
You and your dog will be in good company, too. Legend has it author Robert Louis Stevenson used it as inspiration for his novel Treasure Island after visiting what was then an illegal drinking den. It's since attracted a roll call of famous names, from Gregory Peck to the Rolling Stones.
Afterwards, head out to explore the charming streets of Penzance, or if you and your dog like a spot of culture, check out The Exchange or nearby Newlyn Art Gallery. Both galleries welcome well behaved dogs (though they may not be allowed in all exhibition spaces).
The Sloop Inn, St Ives
One of Cornwall's oldest inns, and one of several dog friendly pubs in St Ives, the Sloop Inn is set just back from the harbour front on the sea front in St Ives. Given its location and immediate kerb appeal, it's little wonder the pub remains popular with tourists and locals year-round. And the dog friendly service makes it a hit with dogs too.
Originally built in 1312, the current building was constructed in the 17th or 18th century. Over the years it’s been a popular haunt for many, including plenty of Victorian artists like Louis Grier. Several of his paintings were displayed at one point.
Inside the traditional pub, the low ceilings lend it an intimate vibe. You can eat in the bar, restaurant area or the terrace. Alternatively, if the sun is out snag an outside picnic bench and watch the harbour activity unfold, pint in hand. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner you could order a traditional full English breakfast, St Ives Bay crab sandwich or Cornish mussels mariniere depending on the time of your visit.
Ready to explore? The jumble of quirky independent shops set amongst whitewashed fishermen’s cottages are a great place to pick up unusual presents for loved ones. If you're in season, not many of the town's beaches are dog friendly but Bamaluz Beach, tucked away between the harbour and the popular Porthgwidden beach, is a hidden dog friendly gem.
Check out more things to see and do in our Guide to West Cornwall.
Ready to plan your next Cornish escape? Check out these dog friendly Cornish cottages.
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