How to enjoy a Cornwall holiday with your dog

While getting away on holiday is something which all of us look forward to, there are still many who choose not to due to the thought of leaving their dog at home. Fortunately, the wealth of dog friendly facilities found across Cornwall means that it’s the perfect place to take the whole family.

If you are looking to head south and don’t want your pooch to miss out on all the fun, here’s a quick guide to help you make the most of your dog friendly holidays.

Find the perfect accommodation

Leaving the dog at home while you head off on a break can sometimes become very difficult, particularly if you have to ask around if friends and family members wouldn’t mind taking care of your pet. Even if they are happy to do so, there will always be a worry in the back of your mind about making sure they don’t misbehave while you’re away.

The range of dog friendly cottages in Cornwall we offer provide the perfect alternative, letting you leave your worries at home and spend more time enjoying your time away in the Duchy. With properties varying from a delightful two-person retreat to one large enough for the whole family and more, we are sure to have the perfect location to base your dog friendly holiday in Cornwall by the sea.

Treat them to a day at the beach

One of the many aspects the Cornish holiday has become associated with is a trip to the beach, and with the stunning stretches available across Cornwall, this reputation is hardly surprising. Fortunately wherever you stay in the region, you will be no more than a short drive from one of the hundreds of dog friendly beaches in Cornwall.

One thing to bear in mind is checking if your nearest beach allows dogs all-year round or just on a seasonal basis (these have a ban on dogs from Easter day until 1 October). For a complete guide of the great beaches which could be on your doorstep, click here to view a comprehensive list.

If you are looking forward to a day at the beach during your St Ives family holiday, be sure to take plenty of fresh water so your dog doesn’t overheat in the summer sunshine. You should also bear in mind that the beach is a public place of enjoyment, so keep an eye on your dog and try to avoid upsetting others while on their day at the seaside.

The South West Coast Path

There’s also the Coast Path to consider, an uninterrupted network of pathway that runs along the whole coast of the county. Many sections of the path are perfect for dog walks, giving them some decent exercise while allowing you to discover the Duchy’s dramatic cliffs and stunning views. To learn more, click here to visit the official website for the South West Coast Path.

Head inland and explore the countryside

If a day at the beach isn’t for you, why not venture inland and explore the miles and miles of unspoiled countryside that the Duchy has to offer? Among the best places to do this is on Bodmin Moor, with the vast granite tor offering an endless network of some of the best dog walks in Cornwall to discover. Among the favourite places to head include the Copper Trail, Rough Tor or the Cardinham Woods. In the same instance as the beach, it is recommended to keep your dogs under close control to avoid disrupting the livestock which graze on the moor. For more information, click here to visit the official tourism website for the moor.

The best aspect of enjoying a walk on Bodmin Moor is stumbling upon one of the many dog friendly pubs, offering the best way for everyone to reenergise after a long walk. The Old Inn & Restaurant in the village of St Breward is a great choice, famed for being the highest inn in all of Cornwall and very welcoming to our four-legged friends,

Leave them in safe hands for the day

While there is a multitude of attractions to visit on your dog friendly holidays, there might be a particular attraction that you want to visit that doesn’t welcome dogs. Don’t let this problem hold you back from visiting however – there are plenty of specialised doggy day care facilities that will keep your dog entertained all day long while you enjoy your day out. One of the best in the business is Oliver’s Dog Boarding, offering pet sitting services both long and short term. Fully insured, licensed and an approved dog boarding service by Cornwall County Council, it’s a service you can trust and rely on.

“Oliver's home dog boarding in Cornwall, no kennels or cages, home from home dog boarding, licensed home dog boarding with Cornwall County Council and fully insured. We care when you can't be there!"

Another is St Ives Pet Care, again offering devoted and attentive services to your pets at a great price. As well as dog sitting, the company’s owner Debbie is also more than happy to take your dogs out for a good walk to ensure they get the exercise they need.

Image Credit: David Barrie (Flickr.com)

This content was written by Ben Edwards. Please feel free to visit my Google+ Profile to read more stories.