Holidays in Cornwall – especially in the summer – are a must. But what if you don’t want to leave Fido at home in a kennel?
Luckily, there are plenty of dog-friendly pubs in Cornwall so they won’t have to miss out!
In addition to dog-friendly restaurants in Cornwall, there are also plenty of great walks around the area, so why not go on a walk and then conveniently end up at a pub?
In this guide, we’ll cover:
- Our top 11 dog-friendly pubs in Cornwall
- What you can expect from the menu
- Any amenities for your pup
- What else to do while you’re in the area
Woof Woof, let’s get into it!
The Gurnard’s Head — Near Zennor
Check out The Gurnard’s Head along one of Britain’s most gorgeous coastal drives for a charming dog-friendly pub and inn! It’s a stunning twisting drive from St Ives into the truly rural Cornish countryside.
Soon enough you’ll see the bright yellow pub sitting alone on the horizon. You can’t miss it!
With stunning ocean views, The Gurnard’s Head serves up locally-sourced fare such as fresh-caught fish and vegetables grown in the surrounding area.
Lunch is available from 12 pm–2:30 pm, and supper is from 6 pm–9 pm daily (excluding Christmas and Boxing day).
They also offer a decadent Sunday lunch for those wanting a really classic Cornwall experience.
You’re also welcome to stay at the inn, either for a night or two or by booking one of their seasonal sleepovers — B&B style bookings that include meals and a room.
Dogs are welcome to stay with no additional charge, and the same goes for cot beds if you’re travelling with your non-fur babies!
There’s loads to do in the surrounding area, with a popular option being a rigorous cliff-side walk admiring the ocean and coastal wildlife – followed by a warming local brew back at the pub!
The Sloop Inn — St Ives
The historic Sloop Inn dates back to 1312 AD and is located in the heart of St Ives!
There are three restaurants on sight, two of which are well-suited for dining with your pup.
Don’t worry though: the decadent and fresh menu is the same between the pub and the smaller restaurant, though the latter is unfortunately not dog-friendly.
You and your pal can choose between the bustling historic pub downstairs for classic British fare, burgers, fresh-caught seafood, and more, or grab a pizza and cocktail in the dazzling sunshine with amazing harbour views at The Upper Deck!
Previous guests have reported that you might even score a free treat for your dog as well.
Breakfast is served from 9 am–11 am, and the main menu is available from 12 pm–3 pm, and then from 5 pm–late.
You can stay at The Sloop in a range of pet-friendly rooms, with a small fee of £10 per pet.
Plus, while you’re in the area, why not enjoy stunning St Ives and all it has to offer!
Explore the Victorianesque streets, enjoy local art and live music, and have a splash in the waves.
Dogs are welcome with no restrictions year-round on Bamaluz Beach, Pier Beach, and Lambeth Walk.
However, most of the other beaches (including St Ives Harbour Beach) are still pretty welcoming, with just a few months of limited hours during the height of summer.
The Punch Bowl & Ladle — Truro
Situated in the cosy woodlands, The Punch Bowl & Ladle, a charming thatched-roof pub, is the perfect place to stop in with your pup for a bite and a tipple.
Dogs are welcome, but for larger groups or in the more popular months, advance bookings are recommended so you can be sure to nab a seat in the dog-friendly area of the pub.
Lunch is served from 12 pm–3 pm, with dinner from 5 pm–9 pm.
The Punch Bowl & Ladle features a range of meal options, from fine-dining options such as steaks, seafood, and pasta to humble (and scrumptious) sandwiches such as two cheese and tomato, or fish finger and tartare.
Just minutes from Cornwall’s only City – Truro, The Punch Bowl & Ladle is an excellent choice to stop in for a drink.
They work in partnership with St Austell Brewery to provide guests with a stunning range of top-of-the-line ales, as well as a range of spirits from local independent distilleries, and an extensive list of fine imported wines.
You (and your dog) can also stay at The Punchbowl Annex, a charming cottage attached to the pub, and get in some great walks exploring Truro, The River Fal, and the surrounding forests. Bookings are available through AirBnB!
First and Last Inn — Land’s End
For the brave and heart (and their loyal companions), venture to First and Last Inn – a historic pub located on the westernmost tip of Cornwall. It was once home to smuggling operations, and at least one murder!
The Inn is rumoured to be haunted by the ghost of Annie George, the wife of the inn’s long-ago landlord, who met her fate at the hands of the villagers after outing their smuggling rings to the Crown.
As long as you don’t mind sharing your meal with the undead, the inn is a much more charming spot nowadays, offering up pizzas, burgers, and a range of other pub food.
A rotating selection of local ales is available on tap, along with a wine list and a selection of local spirits (as well as Annie that is).
The Inn is open daily from 12 pm–11 pm, with the kitchen finishing at 8 pm most nights.
You and your dogs are welcome to come in for a meal (or just a drink) in the sheltered beer garden with cliff-top views, or simply cuddled up by the roaring log fireplace in the colder months.
Make sure to take some time to learn more about the pub’s history, check out the smuggling tunnels, and explore all of the amazing things to do throughout Lands End!
Mexico Inn — Penzance
Mexico Inn in Penzance offers seasonal local food prepared by top chefs and welcomes dogs (on a lead) into both the bar and restaurant.
Enjoy a range of meals inspired by cuisines from around the world but made with Cornwall’s freshest ingredients, with a menu featuring everything from traditional Newlyn Market fish & chips to lentil dahl.
The inn is open from 11:30am–late Monday through Saturday, and from 12 pm–late on Sundays.
Even if you’re not up for a full meal, Mexico Inn also has an extremely extensive drinks list, featuring a range of local beers and ciders, cocktails, and plenty of non-alcoholic options. Their menu also includes a variety of snacks and sharing plates.
There are a range of dog-friendly beaches in and around Penzance for a walk or swim to really work up that appetite!
Dogs are also welcome when exploring The Minack, the nearby breathtaking open-air amphitheatre carved into a clifftop (just not during live shows).
Brendon Arms — Bude
If you’re in Bude, Brendon Arms is a must-visit! Located just 200 yards from the beach, this gorgeous inn welcomes dogs both in the garden and the harbour bar.
Their lunch and dinner menus feature burgers, sandwiches, and pub food, with some fine-dining options available as well.
The Sunday roast lunch is a standout, providing classic British fare such as roast beef and roast chicken, Yorkshire puddings, and seasonal roast vegetables. A vegetarian roast lunch is also available.
The kitchen runs from 12 pm–2:30 pm and 5:30 pm–8:30 pm Monday through Friday, and from 12 pm–8:30 pm Saturday and Sunday.
The pub is open until 11:30 pm and features a hand-picked selection of Cornish beers, as well as a wide range of other options.
There is a range of shipwreck memorabilia for those wanting a dash of local history while they drink, as well as a pool table for any sharks out of the water…!
The Springer Spaniel — Launceston
The Springer Spaniel may take the cake as the most dog-friendly pub in the region!
Named for the beloved hunting dogs that would come in with their owners in the Spaniel’s past life as an inn, this venue is pup-themed and even requests you bring yours with you on their website.
There’s also a dog on the staff, although Ernie’s responsibilities as pub dog and cuddle master keep him well out of the kitchen!
Lunch is on from 12 pm–2:30 pm, and evening mains are available from 5:30 pm–8:30 pm.
A Sunday set-course meal is also on offer, with a delicious fixed menu combining a classic roast lunch with creative gastronomy and fine dining.
While you’re in the region, make sure not to miss Launceston Castle.
Learn about the thousand years of history on the castle site, including nobles, battles, and famous prisoners! Then, climb to the top of the towers for a spectacular view of the Cornish countryside.
Dogs are fully permitted on the grounds, though will need to be on lead in some areas.
The Halzephron Inn — Helston
The welcoming family-owned Halzephron Inn will make the perfect stopping spot for you and your four-legged friends on your trip to the Lizard Peninsula!
Dogs are welcomed on the grounds, in the pub, and on the nearby beach, and you’re likely to be greeted by the owner’s rambunctious Irish Red Setters at some point during your visit.
You’re welcome to cosy up for the night with your pups as well, as B&B accommodation is available.
A full English breakfast is included in the very reasonable room rate, and comes with special dog-friendly sausages (and normal ones for you of course)!
Aside from brekky, the inn boasts a variable lunch and dinner menu featuring locally sourced high-quality ingredients.
Highlights include homemade puddings and same-day caught fish, as well as locally-brewed Cornish beers, and an impressive collection of malt whiskeys.
Lunch runs from 12 pm–2:30 pm (3 pm on Sundays), and dinner runs from 6 pm–9 pm. Bookings are highly recommended as this well-known spot fills up fast!
The Mill House Inn — Tintagel
Situated near the alleged site of King Arthur’s Camelot, The Mill House Inn is a great spot to dine in royal and rustic grace.
Converted from an 18th-century millhouse, the inn has extensive grounds to explore with your pup and features modern British-dining fare with paired wines.
You’re welcome to book a room with your dog as well, as they’re allowed anywhere in the building and grounds apart from the restaurant (though dog-friendly dining is available on the sheltered patio).
There are also a number of beautiful rooms available, each with its own functioning fireplace and views of the countryside.
Cornish Arms — Hayle
The Cornish Arms in St Merryn, a Rick Stein restaurant, boasts classic, simple, comforting eats with British staples, such as fish and chips, pies, and — of course — a good solid pint.
A classic Sunday roast menu is also on offer, as well as woodfired pizzas during the summer months.
The Arms is open daily from 12 pm–11 pm, with food being served until 9 pm.
Dogs are welcome anywhere on the property, though they do have to be on lead while inside.
While the onsite accommodation is unfortunately not pet-friendly, the Cornish Arms recommends their associated B&B — St Petroc’s Hotel — less than 10 minutes away.
Here you’ll find pet-friendly rooms, gorgeous seaside views, and an all-inclusive breakfast for you and your furry companions.
The Watering Hole — Perranporth
Finishing off the guide with a blast is The Watering Hole in Perranporth, the UK’s only bar on a beach!
Have some fun in the sun, go for a swim, or listen to some live music, then make your way over to the bar.
Quench your thirst with delicious locally brewed beers and ciders, and grab a freshly made burger or some fish and chips!
Food is available from 9 am–3 pm Monday to Thursday, and until 7:30p, Friday through Sunday.
Dogs are (of course) allowed, but check your schedule as there are often music festivals in the summer months that might not be as friendly to sensitive ears.
The Bottom Line
Wherever you’re planning on heading on your Cornish holiday, you can be sure that your furry pal will be welcomed too!
Remember to bring some bits and bobs with you – such as a travel water bowl, treats, and dog bed – just in case your chosen venue doesn’t provide them.
Plenty of other places not listed in this article will also be dog-friendly, so just pick up the phone and give them a call to check!
Introducing Eliot, the Editor here and Cornwall local with a wanderlust spirit and an insatiable appetite for adventure. With a passion for the great outdoors, he can often be found catching waves on his surfboard, scaling peaks on a hiking trail, or discovering hidden gems in his exploration of Cornwall.