Taking your dog on holiday to Cornwall can be a mixed blessing. On the one hand you’ve got some of the best walks and beaches on your doorstep. But finding places where your pet is welcome, particularly in the summer months, can be a challenge.
We’ve written here about our favourite dog friendly walks and venues, but this time we’ve asked our resident expert, Hank the Basset Hound, for his view on the places that make him feel as special as his human hangers on.
Canine ice cream on the beach
Padstow is well served by dog friendly beaches, even in summer when you can choose from Treyarnon Bay, Porthcothan Bay and Mawgan Porth. You’re able to range far and wide using the South West Coast Path and can stop to throw a ball in the tufty sand dunes around Harlyn or Constantine Bay. But Hank’s favourite is the wide, sandy beach at Perranporth.
“Running on the beach without a lead is total freedom and at Perranporth I can go for miles without worrying about losing sight of my humans. But there’s one thing that I’ve always envied them – eating ice cream on the beach! Luckily Perranporth town has an ice cream parlour with special flavours suitable for dogs. Pavilion Ice switches dairy for yoghurt flavoured with ingredients like roast beef, venison, pulled pork or rabbit. Mmm. The human ice creams and gelato don’t look too bad either and we can all catch our breath in the outdoor seating area that overlooks the beach.”
Fine doggy dining options
There are many restaurants and pubs that welcome dogs within easy reach of Padstow including Shipwrights, The Old Custom House and The Bank in Bude. Even the fine dining establishment Lusty Glaze welcomes pooches to eat in these stunning surroundings.
And if you’re looking to treat your dog there are some great options in the county. The Natural Cornish Pet in Hayle, near St Ives offers a huge array of 100% natural dog treats. Closer to home is Paws in Padstow at Trevisker Garden Centre where they sell gourmet dog food, treats including Hank’s favourites.
“For too long the Cornish pasty has been selfishly enjoyed by humans – no more! I can’t get enough of Paws for Cake’s beef pasties. They’re made from high quality human grade ingredients with no nasty surprises.”
Doggy day care for pampered pooches
As this guide shows, choosing to bring your dog on holiday shouldn’t restrict you too much. But should an occasion arise where you need to leave your pet behind there are some great options in and around Padstow.
Animal Instincts in Washaway near Bodmin is a dog walking and pet sitting service that will take your dog on some of north Cornwall’s best walks. Padstow Petcare offer dog sitting service run by a couple who previously owned one of the largest boarding kennels in Oxfordshire. For something a little more luxurious, Hank recommends a visit to the Temple of Groom near Wadebridge.
“If, like me, you love to be pampered for a few hours, book a doggie massage, grooming and a haircut at Temple of Groom. Sarah is a qualified dog groomer and welcomes everyone from Chihuahuas to giant Great Danes. And because I’m worth it, she only uses natural products that compliment my skin type and active lifestyle.”
