7 Dog Friendly Pubs in West Cornwall

Seven of West Cornwall’s Dog-friendliest Pubs

Scintillating coastal hikes, sweeping sandy shores and sun-dappled riverside strolls, the western reaches of Cornwall remains a paradise for walkers and their waggy-tailed chums.

So many of our guests love the prospect of a dog-friendly cottage holiday and are heartened to see so many of the West Country’s pubs and inns going out of their way to make your four-legged friends feel welcome.

Here are seven lovely Cornish pubs scattered along this sparkling peninsula that pride themselves on their doggy hospitality and poochy politeness.

The Pandora Inn

Set on the tranquil waters of Restronguet Creek, the Pandora Inn is every inch the traditional cottage pub. Parts of this historic establishment date back to the 13th century, with features such as flagstone floors, low-beamed ceilings and delightful thatched roof. This timeless setting continues to beguile all those who visit, the ideal journey’s end for hungry wayfarers. The pub, a Grade II listed building, has scooped a plethora of accolades, last year a finalist in the South West Tourism Excellence Awards, while already having received gold at the Cornish Tourism Awards. The menu gravitates around fresh, local produce and boasts a long list of exquisite food accompanied by real ales and a cultured wine list. Surrounded by enchanting tracks and trails around the Carrick Roads backwaters, the inn is one of the region’s many dog-friendly pubs with well-behaved hounds welcome into the downstairs bar area. It’s a setting the whole family can enjoy.

 

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Logan Rock Inn

The next of our seven dog-friendly pubs lies in the pretty coastal village of Treen, not far from Land’s End, England’s most southerly point. It’s here that we find the award-winning Logan Rock Inn, a 16th century tavern famous for its traditional home cooking and pristine ale. The pub takes its name from the legendary Logan stone found precariously balanced on the cliffs above Pednvounder Beach and Porthcurno Beach – two of the region’s golden shores. According to Cornish folklore, the iconic menhir is said to have once been the kip of a friendly giant. This welcoming pub is encompassed by stunning coastal walks, including the clifftop path that leads to the stone steps of the Minack Theatre, one of the most incredible open-air stages in the British Isles with a long history of theatrical productions performed to the mesmerising backdrop of Porthcurno Bay. Staff at the Logan Rock Inn are always delighted to welcome walkers and their four-legged friends past the threshold of this popular backcountry haunt.

 

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The Punchbowl and Ladle

With its traditional thatched roof and whitewashed cobbled walls, The Punchbowl and Ladle delights all those who visit the picture- postcard village of Feock on the Fal estuary. Expect a warm, West Country welcome when you enter this historic tavern – full of cosy nooks and inviting alcoves – which dates back as far as the 15th century. Legend has it that part of this building was once a customs house and the original stone fireplace in the main bar was where confiscated contraband would regularly go up in smoke! During the busier summer months, the pub serves food throughout the day with traditional Sunday roast dinners served all year round. Also on the menu is a traditional Cornish cream tea, an ever-popular treat for teatime walkers. The Punchbowl and Ladle is another of the region’s dog-friendly pubs, making it ideal for walking parties exploring the tranquil shores of the Carrick Roads. Not far inland is the cathedral city of Truro, brimming with arts and culture and the perfect place for a spot of retail therapy. On the edge of the parish lies the beautiful and encapsulating gardens of Trelissick, five hundred acres of parkland and riverside walks. A prettier country pub you will not find!

The North Inn

On the sparkling Penwith peninsula lies the charming coastal village of Pendeen, home of The North Inn. A magnificent leafy creeper hugs the outer walls of this historic building that’s steeped in stannary tradition; the pub was a favourite haunt for local tin miners right up until the 1990s. Among the pub’s many accolades are a certificate of excellence from Trip Advisor and a Cornwall Pub of the Year award. This characterful pub boasts a spacious beer garden, a lovely spot to while away an hour or two on a sunny afternoon which comes complete with a pétanque piste. It’s also surrounded by several memorable walks with far-reaching views across farmer’s fields towards the gleaming waters off Cape Cornwall. It’s a lesser-known fact that current landlord, John Coak, has appeared in two series of the hit BBC costume drama, Poldark, as both a villager and a fish gutter. Every year The North Inn opens its doors to hundreds of walkers and wayfarers, and also a steady stream of their waggy-tailed companions.

 

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The Tinners Arms

From one much-loved old tin miners’ tavern to another, only this time a little further up the beautiful and rugged peninsula to the historic coastal village of Zennor, near St Ives. It’s here that we find The Tinners Arms, a centuries old establishment dating back to 1271. Locals describe the pub as ‘the heart of the village’ and revel in its weekly folk singing evenings and busy social calendar. This timeless staging post has been serving fishermen, farmers, seafarers, wayfarers, rascals and rogues for generations and is well-known for its comfort food and open roaring fires during the chillier months and its picturesque pub garden during those hazy days of summer. It’s another one of Cornwall’s many dog-friendly watering holes and ramblers’ retreats.

The Halzephron Inn

Tucked away in the peaceful Cornish countryside, close to the idyllic fishing village of Gunwalloe on the Lizard Peninsula, is The Halzephron Inn. Riddled by smugglers’ tales and steeped in maritime heritage, this five hundred year old pub boasts spectacular views across the countryside towards the clear and sparkling waters of Mount’s Bay. On sunny days punters enjoy the pub’s family picnic tables, the ideal place to savour this captivating setting. Local walks embrace the South West Coast Path, from the soft and turquoise shallows of Fishing Cove to the vibrant fishing port of Porthleven. Among the long list of local scenic spots is Loe Pool, Cornwall’s largest freshwater lake, which provides a stunning circular walk along sun-dappled riverbanks and leafy woodland trails. A varied menu that is both seasonal and sumptuous continues to impress all those who dine here, whether a light bite or le plat de jour. Pull up a pew in a cosy nook and enjoy the friendly atmosphere. The Halzephron Inn is always delighted to welcome well-behaved dogs and remains one of the Lizard Peninsula’s hidden gems.

 

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The Ferry Boat Inn

The secret shores of the North Helford Passage provide the setting for the final pub on our list. Nestled on the waterfront and surrounded by leafy riverbanks, The Ferry Boat Inn is the quintessential yachtsman’s haunt and a welcome sight for walkers exploring this much-loved corner of Cornwall. It’s easy to see why this stunning river became the inspiration for Daphne Du Maurier’s celebrated novel Frenchman’s Creek, the perfect place to sit back, relax, and while away an hour or two on the pretty pub terrace. Fresh and hearty cuisine is central to the The Ferry Boat Inn’s success; its selection of home-made pub classics and its ‘farm to table’ philosophy garnering glowing reviews from all those who visit. A warming open log fire during the autumnal months helps to make this family pub a hideaway for all seasons. And of course, there’s always a topped-up jar of treats on hand and a bowl of fresh water for all your four-legged friends who can expect plenty of attention and the warmest of welcomes.

 

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Take a look at our long list of dog-friendly holiday cottages from Land’s End to Lymington. There’s no need to leave anyone behind when you book a dog-friendly holiday with Toad Hall Cottages, the holiday cottage agency that loves to play ball.