Cornwall has always been the prime destination for staycations, and this year more than ever. Famed for sand, sun, surf, and pasties, it draws families throughout the summer to explore the stunning coastline or the rugged moors, usually with the hound in tow.
Amazingly, almost every watering hole is a dog-friendly pub in Cornwall, but we’ve fetched a few of our favourite venues from the more popular holiday destinations.
Mexico Inn
The Mexico Inn is out on the edge of Penzance, and it’s one of the best places to eat in the county according to restaurateur Ben Tunnicliffe.
This family and dog-friendly pub in Cornwall has a bright, homely atmosphere, super friendly service, and of course, fantastic food and drinks. It’s often best to book ahead for this one and remember to mention you’ll be bringing a pup.
Opening Times: Mon-Sat: 11:30-22:00 / Sun: 12:00-22:00
First & Last Inn
The historic First & Last Inn is your best port of call for a pint if you and the pooch are heading to Land’s End or Sennen Cove. Once a haven for smugglers, you’re now more likely to find delicious food, a stonking range of drinks, and even a few ghosts.
The inside of this pub is rustic and cosy, while the sheltered garden is perfect for soaking up some sun or letting the kids burn off some steam. If you fancy something closer to Land’s End itself, the Land’s End Restaurant & Bar is dog-friendly too.
Address: Sennen, Penzance, TR19 7AD
Opening Times: Mon-Sat: 12:00-23:00 / Sun: 12:00-22:30
The Sloop Inn
The Sloop Inn is one of the oldest pubs in Cornwall, and this beloved fisherman’s boozer is another that welcomes dogs and even has a few pet-friendly rooms you can stay in.
You’ll be best to check ahead if you plan to eat though, as dogs are only allowed in certain areas. The cobbled court outside is usually packed with people and pooches, keen to enjoy a drink and the salty sea air.
Opening Times: Every day: 10:00-23:45
The Brendon Arms
Anyone on a trip to Bude and its beautiful beaches should make sure they “pup” into The Brendon Arms for refreshments.
One of Bude’s best-loved and most dog-friendly boozers, there are water bowls aplenty and it’s just a short walkies from both the beach and bay, with a cracking view over the harbour.
It’s been owned and run by the same family for almost 150 years, and stands out for its excellent service, hearty food, and range of real ales and ciders.
Address: Vicarage Road, Bude, EX23 8SD
Opening Times: Sun-Thu: 11:00-22:00 / Fri-Sat: 11:00-23:00
King Arthur’s Arms Inn
The King Arthur’s Arms is the place to go for “good food, local beer, and friendly cheer” and it’s positively bursting with all three! It’s in the heart of Tintagel, making it the perfect pit-stop after walkies or to rest up in their pet-friendly rooms.
It’s one of the most genuinely family and dog-friendly pubs in Cornwall, and its prime location makes it impossible to miss.
Address: Fore Street, Tintagel, PL34 0DA
Opening Times: Every day: 09:00-23:00
Jamaica Inn
Literature fans and their furry friends need to take a trip to the Jamaica Inn, potentially the most famous pub in Cornwall. This centuries-old smuggler’s pub is perched atop Bodmin Moor, perfect for popping in after dramatic walkies in the wild landscape.
The inn is handsome, full of good cheer, food, drink, welcoming staff, and even a friendly ghost! Plus, there are a few friendly hotel rooms too.
Address: Bolventor, Launceston, PL15 7TS
Opening Times: Every day: 7:00-21:00
Shipwrights
Shipwrights is another rustic, quayside inn that was originally a fisherman’s boozer (as so many pubs are in Cornwall!) With lovely views over the harbour, you and the pooch are welcome to sit outside and soak up some sun or venture inside to the bar.
The staff are always happy to meet furry friends, giving them plenty of fuss, and potentially taking a snap for social media. If you’re peckish, there’s pub classics, seasonal specials, and of course fresh seafood as well as local St Austell’s ales.
Address: 5 N Quay Parade, Padstow PL28 8AF
Opening Times: Tue-Wed: Closed / Thu-Mon: 11:00-23:00
The Mariners Public House
Dogs are welcome in the outside and downstairs area of The Mariners, which has a super view over the Camel Estuary. This is another lovely eatery, which makes sense since it’s helmed by Paul and Emma Ainsworth who have done their utmost to create a happy haven for locals and tourists alike, and have succeeded!
It’s one of the best dog-friendly pubs in Cornwall, and the food is unsurprisingly second to none whether it’s a pub classic scotch egg, a seaside staple of fish and chips, or their popular buttermilk chicken.
Opening Times: Every day: 09:00-17:00
The Blue Peter Inn
Amidst the white and green of beautiful Polperro, the Blue Peter Inn nestles between smuggler’s cottages watching the harbour, a stone’s throw from lovely walkies on the coastal path. Quaint and cosy, The Blue has an atmosphere like no other and time will run away from you while you’re sat here.
The staff are super and there’s a fuss for all visitors, human and hound alike. Plus it’s positively packed to the rafters with real ale, good grub, and regular live music. It’s a stand-out venue and one of the most memorable dog-friendly pubs in Cornwall.
Opening Times: Mon-Sat: 11:00-23:00 / Sun: 12:00-23:00
The Old Ale House
Perhaps the best pub in Truro, and certainly the most handsome, The Old Ale House is the taproom for Skinner’s brewery, offering their range as well as a rotation of drinks from a host of Cornish independent breweries.
As the name suggests, this is a proper old-school boozer with a laid-back atmosphere perfect for enjoying a pint and free monkey nuts beside your pup. They do great pub food such as sizzling skillets and hands of bread, and daily specials. Plus, your pup might make friends with Percy the pub dog!
Address: 7 Quay Street, Truro, TR1 2HD
Opening Times: Sun-Mon: Closed / Tue-Thu: 10:30-23:00 / Fri-Sat: 10:30-23:45
Five Degrees West
Five Degrees West is the perfect pit-stop to fill up on fresh pizza and a pint in gorgeous surroundings and super friendly atmosphere. The beer garden is glorious in summer, but the stylish interior is just as attractive and your pup is welcome in both.
There’s more food on offer than just pizza by the way, but that IS what this place is famous for. (And Fido will probably want to nick a crust!) If this doesn’t scratch your itch and you fancy another dog-friendly pub in Falmouth, nearby Chain Locker is friendly too.
Address: 7 Grove Place, Falmouth TR11 4AU
Opening Times: Sun-Wed: 12:00-00:00 / Thu-Sat: 10:00-01:00
The Witchball
If you’re exploring the Lizard peninsula you’ll have to “pup” in to The Witchball, the most southerly pub in mainland Britain and another fabulously dog-friendly pub in Cornwall. The historic pub has super service, gluts of good booze, and scrummy food which includes a shoal of fresh seafood.
The atmosphere is stellar, and you’ll find lots of locals here. It’s the perfect pit-stop if you’ve been exploring the Point or having a paddle on dog-friendly Polpeor beach.
Opening Times: Every day: 12:00-23:00
Merrymoor Inn
Dogs are always welcome here in the Merrymoor Inn, and they’re welcome to join you in the bar and guest rooms. You’re only a short walkies away from the beach which is dog-friendly all year, so this pub is perfect for pupping into rest after a day splashing in the sea.
The only place the dogs aren’t allowed is the dining area, but they’re welcome everywhere else and always met with fuss and fresh water so you can both enjoy a drink and admire the views.
Address: Mawgan Porth, Newquay, TR8 4BA
Opening Times: Check ahead
Golden Lion
Port Isaac is a stunning town perched on rugged cliffs above the Atlantic sea, and most people will recognise it as the filming location for Doc Martin or Poldark. No wonder it’s on-screen so often when it’s such an idyllic spot.
The Golden Lion is possibly the best pub in town too. The inside is airy and bright, but a drink on the gundeck will make the most of the spectacular seaside views.
Address: 10 Fore Street, Port Isaac, PL29 3RB
Opening Times: Tue-Wed: Closed / Thu-Sun: 12:00-23:00
The Springer Spaniel
The Springer Spaniel serves standout Sunday lunches and provides fine dining in the warm, friendly atmosphere of a pub. You’ll find fresh, seasonal food that’s fancier than your typical pub grub, but it’s also a beloved watering hole chock-full of locally sourced tipples.
As the name suggests, it’s a super dog-friendly pub in Cornwall, and the staff will make a point of fussing your pup and fetching them a special treat. It’s only a hop across from Devon too, so you can easily “pup” in for lunch if you’re across the border or have been walking along the Tamar.
Address: Treburley, Launceston, PL15 9NS
Opening Times: Mon: Closed . Tue-Sat: 12:00-23:00 / Sun: 12:00-22:30