If you’re visiting the UK’s surf mecca with your four-legged pal, sniff out these dog-friendly pubs in Cornwall
The Working Boat, Falmouth
With plenty of outdoor waterfront seating, cosy pub interiors and views across Falmouth Harbour, The Working Boat is an idyllic spot for owners and their tail-wagging friends to wind down and take in the alluring coast.
Local beers and ciders flow on tap, good pub grub flies out of the kitchen and boats bob in and out of view as crews moor up on the private pontoon. Of course, there are also refreshments for pups. A jar of treats on the bar and water bowls for after long strolls and dips in the harbour are at your companions’ disposal.
The pub also runs a series of weekly specials, which include a mussels and open mic night on a Monday, fish Friday and a Sunday roast and quiz night.
Tolcarne Inn, Newlyn
Muddy boots and paws can relax into Cornish living at this historic maritime inn nestled next to the sea wall in Newlyn.
Fresh seafood is the MO here. The inn is located just a few steps away from one of the UK’s most prolific fishing ports, so the menu constantly shifts to reflect the freshest catch. The carefully curated drinks list holds a strong reputation among locals and features local ales, ciders and a wine list designed to compliment the fish-led menu.
After tucking into what the boats brought in, take a stroll through the vibrant town, or loosen the leash on the South West Coastal Path, on which the inn sits.
The Old Coastguard, Mousehole
Curl up with your pooch by a roaring fire in winter and while away balmy days on the terrace in summer, soaking up salty sea air above a tropical garden with views across the glistening inland waters.
The menu is led by what’s local and in season. With Newlyn’s bustling port just a couple of miles up the road, fresh seafood is a given, but game, meat, and indulgent puddings also jostle for attention. Visit during lunch hours for flavour-popping sharing plates and the Lunch for Less set menu, or enjoy drinks, cakes and fishy bites from the Crab Shack in warmer months. With local hoppy pours on tap and up to 15 wines by the glass sourced from eccentrically brilliant winemakers, The Old Coastguard is a wonderful place for lazy lunching with canine companions.
Four-legged friends are also welcome in the inn’s cosy rooms and at the sister site, The Gurnard’s Head in Zennor, ideal for Cornish weekend adventures.
The Tartan Fox, Newquay
Set within 30 acres of rural Cornwall, this sustainable British pub offers plenty to explore for owners and their dogs alike.
The cosy pub (named after chef Adam Handling MBE’s Scottish heritage) is surrounded by a kitchen garden blooming with herbs, wildflowers, veg and fruit all used on the seasonally changing menu while reducing supply-chain emissions. British classics are elevated by Adam and team, who add a touch of luxury and Scottish influence to each dish while maintaining high sustainability creds.
Keep em’ peeled for exciting events like the Fireside Feast series with a menu cooked in the garden tipi against a backdrop of live music.
St Kew Inn, Bodmin
This 15th-century inn has all the charm expected of a village pub, ideal for convivial dining with four-legged sidekicks.
Dogs are welcome in all four homey dining areas of the pub and the beer garden with views of the Parish Church, which is ideal for alfresco dining in Cornish sunshine. When it comes to the food, the chefs take great pride in the quality of the ingredients, which are sourced locally and delivered fresh daily. As a St Austell Brewery pub, a great drinks menu is guaranteed. Kick back and enjoy quality time with family, friends and pets while exploring the local brews on tap, and cask ales and draughts from further afield.
The pub’s resident chocolate labs, Humphrey and Hugo, look after human and canine customers with their puppy eyes and wet noses.
Looking for a place to stay in Cornwall? Be sure to scout out these dog-friendly hotels.
We choose the companies included in our 5 of the best features based on editorial integrity. Occasionally, some inclusions will be handpicked from clients with whom we have a commercial relationship.
