The first thing to do before you even book your next holiday to Cornwall is research. Whether it’s your first or fiftieth visit, by doing some research about either the area or holiday cottage you are planning on staying in will mean a better experience all around. The most important thing to check is, of course, whether it is a dog friendly holiday cottage. There’s no point in spending time dreaming about that luxury apartment if they won’t allow your dog to stay too. Once you’ve found somewhere, make sure you check all the facilities that are provided and that they are suitable for you. Imagine arriving for your holiday to find that the accommodation is on the third floor and no outside space for your four-legged friend to run around in- not a good start. Many self catering holiday cottages in Cornwall are based on farms or have animals nearby, so it is important as a responsible pet owner to be respectful of other animals or wildlife and be sure to keep your pets under control at all times. This is especially so if you plan to explore the extensive Cornish coastal footpaths that often run through farmland. Being an all year round destination, visitors are encouraged to enjoy many of the attractions on offer regardless of season. This is particularly so for the beaches that Cornwall is famous for- we want everyone to enjoy them! That’s why there are over 80 beaches year round dog friendly beaches around Cornwall’s shores, for you and your dog to enjoy, even on the hottest of mid-summer days. Even our furry friends deserve a dip in the water to cool off.

So this year, don’t let your choice of accommodation rule out the chances for ALL your family to enjoy the annual cottage holiday in Cornwall. All it takes is some research and perhaps a bit of planning, but the effort will be rewarded.

Here at Cornish Traditional Cottages, we have a wide range of self catering holiday cottages that are dog friendly; combine that with an abundance of outdoor activities for both human and animal to enjoy and it’s bound for success. Cornwall boasts hundreds of coastal paths, many beaches throughout the year allowing dog access plus many pubs that will offer a welcome rest for both you and your dog.

South West Coast Path has a wonderful interactive map to suggest routes suitable for you to walk your dog according to your preferences and abilities; plan your walk to incorporate a beach that will allow access for your dog by using The Cornish Coast website. There’s a fantastic version that you can print out and pack, so you’re not left at loose end with no internet access.

To make the most of your visit to Cornwall, a quality self catering holiday cottage in a superb location will give you the freedom to explore at your own pace.  Take a look at just a few of our suggestions for a dog friendly holiday cottage, of course these are just a few of the many we have so feel free to search for our ‘Pets Welcome’ cottages on the website for the full range.

Bella Vista is less than 15 minutes drive to the excellent beaches and stunning coastal walks at Sennen and Porthcurno. This beautifully presented, extremely spacious granite barn conversion is located in a peaceful rural hamlet just outside the village of St. Buryan. Furnished to a high standard, this attractive property is set in the middle of a small group of converted barns and approached by a long unmade lane with a gated gravel driveway which offers ample parking for 2 cars. Treat yourself and up to 2 dogs at this exceptional holiday cottage.

Orlando is an extremely comfortable and spacious detached bungalow, set on the edge of Tehidy Country Park, 250 acres of beautiful woodland and over nine miles of lake and riverside walks to explore that extend to the rugged cliffs at Bassett Cove on the North Cornish coast. Recently upgraded, the accommodation is deceptively light and airy and offers versatile sleeping arrangements with an enclosed garden and ample parking for 3 cars.

Stargazy is in a wonderful, unspoiled and romantic location, high up on Carburrow Tor, on the Southern edge of Bodmin Moor with an abundance of native wildlife and littered with Bronze and Iron Age remains. There is direct access onto the moors, ideal for exercising dogs and bird watching. The villages of St. Neot and Blisland are within a 15 minute drive respectively and have a traditional pub and small post office store and for a wider selection of amenities to town of Bodmin  is 7 miles away. The beaches on both the north and the south coasts are each a 30 minute drive away and Colliford Lake Park with an adventure playground, nature trails and lakeside walks is approximately 4 miles.

After all the walking, you’ll be in need of some of Cornwall’s finest refreshments and a chance to rest feet and paws. Doggiepubs will help you to find the ideal location that will give a warm welcome to both you and your well behaved dog. Never again will you consider leaving your beloved dog at home while you go off and enjoy a holiday without them  while you remember that ‘Happy pets are healthy pets.’