Dog friendly holidays at Bosinver
Dog friendly holidays at Bosinver
With 30 acres of meadows and woodland to explore and heaps of great walks on our doorstep, Bosinver really is doggy paradise.
We love having well-behaved dogs to stay at Bosinver – and we know how much they love it here too (cue much tail-wagging).
Dogs and your cottage
Dogs are welcome in several of our cottages - look out for the ( ) to see which ones they are.
If you’re planning on bringing your dog, please let us know when you book. Each of our dog friendly cottages can take either one large or two small dogs. There’s a charge of £30 per dog per week.
Unfortunately we can’t take dogs during Whitsun and the main school summer holidays (sorry!)
A few things to note about holidays with dogs at Bosinver
Please bring your dog’s basket with you and some towels to wipe their feet with.
There’s a hosepipe for washing your dog outside after muddy walks.
We’ve got an excellent book of tried and tested Cornish dog walks written by a Dalmatian called Toby and his owner. Ask in the office if you’d like to borrow it.
Please don’t leave dogs on their own in your cottage. If you have to go out without them, we’ve got a secure kennel where you can leave them for a few hours at a time – just ask in the office.
All our cottages have their own private space, but they aren’t enclosed or gated. As we’ve got free range chickens and ducks roaming around the farm, please keep your dog on a lead around the cottages. There are walks across the fields down to the lake and village where dogs can run free.
Some Cornish beaches welcome dogs all year round, while others have a seasonal dog ban from Easter-October (see the dog friendly beaches section below). We’ve also put together some suggestions of other dog-friendly attractions which we hope you’ll find useful.
Dog friendly days out in Cornwall
We all love exploring new places on holiday – and so do our dogs! In Cornwall, we’re lucky enough to have a wealth of fantastic things to do and see on our doorstep.
The great news is there are probably more dog friendly places in Cornwall then you might think - full of new sights, new smells and potential new friends around every corner.
Here are some of our favourite places which positively welcome dogs:
1. Geevor Tin Mine Geevor was a working mine till 1990. Now, it’s open for visitors to discover more about Cornwall’s industrial past. Find out what it was like to work as a Cornish tin miner, have a go at panning for tin, and try the tasty traditional pasties in the cafe. Dogs are welcome on the site, but you can’t take them with you on the underground tour.
Location Geevor Tin Mine, Pendeen, Penzance, Cornwall, TR19 7EW
Opening times Sunday – Friday (Closed on Saturdays) from 9am – 5pm (shuts at 4pm during the winter months)
Prices Adults £9.95/Children £6 (under 5s free)/Senior Citizens £8.50/Family (2 adults & up to 3 children) £31
Contact Tel: 01736 788662 www.geevor.com
2. Wheal Martyn Museum and Country Park Wheal Martyn is just down the road from Bosinver in St Austell. It’s 26 acre country park with miles of woodland walks, an engaging museum set in the grounds of two former china clay pits (lots of interactive displays), plus an excellent children’s playground and challenge trail. Follow the Historical trail through the former Wheal Martyn China Clay works and find out how china clay was extracted and the important part it played in the lives of the people who lived in this part of Cornwall.
Location Wheal Martyn, Carthew, St Austell, Cornwall, PL26 8XG
Opening times Tuesdays – Sundays from 10am – 4pm.
Prices Adults £8.50/Children £4.75 (under 6s free)/Concessions £6.50/Family Saver Tickets also available.
Contact Tel: 01726 850362 www.wheal-martyn.com
3. Bodmin Jail For a completely different day out, head to Bodmin Jail. Previous guests have given highly recommended it.
The Jail has a fascinating history! It was built by the prisoners who brought the 20,000 tons of granite from Bodmin’s “Cuckoo Quarry”. During the First World War, it provided a safe haven for important state papers and the Doomsday book. The Crown Jewels have also stayed there too!
Location Bodmin Jail, Berrycoombe Road, Bodmin, Cornwall, PL31 2NR
Opening times Open 364 days a year from 10am – dusk (grounds, bar and restaurant open until 9pm)
Prices Adults £6.50/Children £4.50 (under 5s free)/Concessions £5.50/Family (2 adults and 3 children) £25
Contact Tel: 01208 72692 www.bodminjail.org
4. Minack Theatre The Minack Theatre is one of Cornwall’s top attractions, so needs little introduction. What most people don’t realise is that dogs on leads are welcome to visit during the day (although not during evening performances). With miles of coastal paths to explore nearby, it makes a great day out for you and your four-legged friend.
Location Minack Penzance, Cornwall TR19 6JU
Opening times Open for visitors during the day from 10am - 3.30pm October to March.
During the theatre season (April – September) opening hours depend on show times. Check their website or call for up to date information.
Prices Adults £4.00/Children £2.00 (under 12s free)/Over 60s £3.00
Contact Tel: 01736 810181 (Box Office) 01736 810694 (Admin) www.minack.com
5. Chyauster Ancient Village Chyauster is an Iron Age settlement that was first occupied nearly 2,000 years ago. Spectacular, rugged surroundings perfect for exploring!
Location Newmill, Penzance, Cornwall TR20 8XA
Opening times Usually open from 10am – check website for up to date details.
Prices Adults £3.40/Children £2.00 (under 5s free)/Concessions £3.10
Contact Tel: 0870 333 1181 http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/chysauster-ancient-village
6. Bodmin and Wenford Railway Bodmin and Wenford Railway lets you experience the sights, sounds and smells of a bygone era. Relax and enjoy the delights of travelling on a steam train on this unique 13 mile round trip through beautiful Cornish countryside.
Location Bodmin & Wenford Railway, General Station, Bodmin, Cornwall, PL31 1AQ
Opening times Check the website for current train timetables.
Prices (All Day Rover) Adults £11.50/Children £6.00 (under 3s free)/Senior Citizens £10.50/ Family (1 adult and 2 children) £20.00 (2 adults & 4 children) £30 Dogs free on all standard services.
Contact Tel: 0845 125 9678 www.bodminandwenfordrailway.co.uk
7. St Mawes Castle St Mawes Castle is one of the best-preserved of Henry VIII’a coastal artillery fortresses. Along with Pendennis Castle, on the Falmouth side of the estuary, it guarded the Carrick Roads against invasion by France and Spain. The audio tour is well put together, and really brings the castle to life. With magnificent views out to sea, it offers a great spot for a picnic and there’s plenty of space to roam in the grounds.
Location Castle Drive, St Mawes, Nr Truro, Cornwall TR2 5DE
Opening times Open Sunday – Friday (closed Saturdays) from 10am – 5pm (4pm during winter).
Prices Adults £4.30/Children £2.60 (under 5s free)/Concessions £3.90
Contact Tel: 0870 333 1181 http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/st-mawes-castle/
8. Pendennis Castle Built by Henry VIII, Pendennis Castle has seen action in many conflicts, including the English Civil War, WWI and WW2. There are exciting interactive exhibits where you can experience the sights and sounds of battle. The hands-on Discovery Centre is great for kids and will keep them engaged for ages – making it an ideal for a day when the weather’s not so good.
Picnic in the grounds, sample the delights on offer in the tea room, or stroll along the seafront to Gyllingvase Beach where the excellent Gylly Beach Café has a range of delights on offer for lunch or afternoon tea (dogs welcome in the outdoor seating area which is heated when it’s chilly).
Location Castle Close, Falmouth, Cornwall TR11 4LP
Opening times Open every day from 10am – 5pm. Check website for opening hours during the winter months.
Prices Adults £6.30/Children £3.80 (under 5s free)/Concessions £5.70/Family £16.40
Contact Tel: 0870 333 1181 http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/pendennis-castle 9. Lappa Valley A great day out for the whole family! There’s lots to do at Lappa Valley, with three miniature railways, a boating lake, crazy golf, a 9 hole golf course, a maze, nature trails and a play areas. Dogs on leads are very welcome.
Location Lappa Valley Steam Railway, St. Newlyn East, Newquay, Cornwall, TR8 5LX
Opening times Open April – October plus Santa Specials in December. Check website for train times.
Prices Adults £11.75/Children £9.75 (under 3s free)/ Over 60s £9.75/Family (2 adults, 2 children) £36.00/ (2 adults, 3 children) £39.00/Dogs £1.00
Contact Tel: 01872 510317 www.lappavalley.co.uk
10. Trebah Garden A favourite with dog-walkers and families alike, Trebah is rated among the finest 80 gardens in the world, and is well worth a visit at any time of the year. The lush tropical gardens give way to a private beach, which makes an ideal place to stop for a picnic.
Dogs are welcome on leads in the garden and on the beach all year round. Trebah has complimentary poop scoops on offer when you arrive and there are dog waste bins around the gardens.
Location Mawnan Smith, Falmouth TR11 5JZ
Opening times Open daily from 10am (last entry 4.30pm).
Prices Adults £4.00/Children £3.50 (under 5s free)/Senior Citizens £3.50
Contact Tel: 01326 252200 www.trebahgarden.co.uk
11. Trewithen Gardens Just down the road from Bosinver in Grampound is Trewithen Gardens, open between March and the end of September. A historic private estate, Trewithen is well known for its spectacular magnolias, and there is a lovely, peaceful woodland walk.
Disabled access available around majority of the garden including toilets and level parking. Dogs on leads are very welcome.
Location Grampound, Near Truro, Cornwall, TR2 4DD
Opening hours 1 March to 30 Sept Monday-Saturday (Sundays March-May only) from 10.00 am - 4.30 pm
Prices Adults £7.50/Children under 12 free/Family (2 adults and 2 children) £50.00
Contact Tel: 01726 883647 www.trewithengardens.co.uk
12. Pencarrow House and Gardens Pencarrow has 50 acres of formal and woodland gardens to explore, and they welcome well-behaved dogs. In the spring the gardens are a blaze of colour, with rhodedendrons, azeleas, camelias, and daffodils all vying for attention. Later on in the year, they’ll be transformed by bluebells and blue hydrangeas.
Location Pencarrow, Bodmin, Cornwall, PL30 3AG
Opening times Daily from March – October, 10am – 5.30pm.
Prices (garden only) Adults £5.50/Children (5-15) £2.50 (under 5s free)/Concessions £5.00
Contact Tel: 01208 841369 www.pencarrow.co.uk
13. Heligan With over 200 acres to explore, you can easily spend a whole day at Heligan. One of the nation’s favourite gardens, it holds a special place in many a visitor’s heart. Don’t forget to take a stroll along the wonderful Woodland Walk and see if you can spot the woodland sculptures which are part of the natural landscape.
Dogs are welcome on short leads between 1 October and 31 March.
Location Pentewan, St Austell, Cornwall PL26 6EN
Opening times Open daily from 10am – 6pm (last tickets 4.30pm) from April – September and 10am – 5pm (last tickets 3.30pm) from October – March. Close Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Prices Adults £10/Seniors £9/Children £6 (under 5s free)/Family (2 adults and up to 3 children) £27
Contact Tel: 01726 845100 www.heligan.com
14. The Cornish Seal Sanctuary The Cornish Seal Sanctuary rescues hundreds of seals and sea lions every year. Find out more about the work the Sanctuary does and some of the stories about their residents. There are feeding sessions and demonstrations throughout the day, as well as the chance to meet penguins and otters.
Well behaved dogs on leads are always welcome at the Sanctuary.
Location Gweek, near Helston, Cornwall TR12 6UG
Opening times Open every day from 10am (excluding Christmas Day). Closing times vary depending on the time of year – call the Sanctuary for current closing time.
Prices Prices vary – check the website for current deals and look in the West Briton or Cornish Guardian newspapers for vouchers. Family tickets available online for £26.
Contact Tel: 01326 221361 http://www.sealsanctuary.co.uk/corn1.html We hope this gives you a taster of some of the fantastic dog-friendly places you can visit while you’re on holiday. If you’re planning on visiting any of these attractions, it’s worth taking a look at their websites for opening hours before you set off – some of them have seasonal opening hours or occasional special events that dogs can’t be part of.
If you and your dog have discovered any other dog-friendly attractions in Cornwall you’d recommend, we’d love to know.
Woof, woof! Dog friendly beaches
From tiny, deserted coves to huge sweeping expanses of golden sand and rugged shingle-covered shores, you’re rarely far from a beach in Cornwall.
Our four-legged friends love a trip to the beach just as much as we do. In the winter months, you might find you’ve got your favourite beach to yourself, but in the summer it can be a different story. Some beaches welcome dogs all year round; others during the off-season (usually before Easter and after 1 October).
Our top dog-friendly beaches (dogs welcome all year round)
1. Perranporth A large sandy beach – over two miles long at low tide- with excellent views (you’ll need to plan your trip with the tides, as at high tide much of the beach is covered). The beach has seasonal lifeguards, and there are some stunning walks nearby along the coastal path. Shops, cafes and parking nearby.
2. Porthluney Cove (Caerhays) A short drive from Bosinver will take you to Porthluney Cove, a lovely sandy beach which is part of the Caerhays Castle estate. There’s free parking available at the beach.
Dogs on leads are very welcome in the Castle Gardens (£7.50 per adult) and there are 120 acres of woodland walks to explore.
3. Lantic Bay Lantic Bay is a small beach east of Polruan with pebbles, shingle and sand. Park in the National Trust car park at Polruan, then follow the path down to the beach through farmland and down the cliff path.
4. Gorran Haven Another lovely beach right on our doorstep! Two miles south of Mevagissey lies Gorran Haven. It’s is a good starting point for walks along the cliffs – try heading south to Dodman Point. The beach is safe for swimming, making it popular with families.
5. Daymer Bay A sheltered, sandy beach on the Camel Estuary, bordered by dunes. You can park right next to the beach, making it easy for access. There are some lovely walks in the area, too. Don’t miss the beautiful St Enodoc’s Church, which is nestled in amongst the sand dunes where the poet John Betjeman is buried.
More dog-friendly beaches Take a look at the Beach Guide for Dogs - www.thecornishcoast.co.uk. If you and your dog find any beaches you think other dogs and their owners would enjoy, let us know. Dog friendly walks
There’s nothing better than a nice long walk…
1. Woodland walk at Trelissick (near Truro). Park in the National Trust car park then follow the signs for the woodland walk. Enjoy fantastic views of the River Fal on this circular walk which is popular with dog-walkers and their owners alike. Expect to find a few playmates on this walk!
2. Cardinham Woods (near Bodmin). Cardinham is a great place to explore with your canine companion. If you’re in need to refreshments after your walk, try the Woods Cafe, a centuries-old woodsmans cottage with a welcoming open fire in the colder months, and outstanding cream teas. There’s a variety of different walks graded by distance and difficulty, and you can download a map of the wood from Forestry Commission website.
3. Tehidy Country Park (off the B3301 bewteen Hayle and Portreath) Tehidy Country Park has over 9 miles of well-kept, signposted woodland walks to explore. There are beautiful views throughout the park with plenty of water to splash through. The lakes are home to a variety of swans, geese, ducks and moorhens.
4. Pentewan Valley Trail This is a lovely walk with dogs and children (approx 3 miles). The trail follows the route of the old narrow gauge railway along the River Winnick to the coastal village of Pentewan. To get to the start of the trail, turn left out of our drive, first left through Polgooth village to the junction of the B3273. Turn right and then first left, signposted Mount Caravans, where you can park your car. Follow the river downstream through the woods to the sea (approx. two miles).
5. Luxulyan Valley (just off the A390 St Blazey – Lostwithiel) The Luxulyan Valley, was designated part of the World Heritage Site in 2006 and is simply stunning. Listen to the sound of the River Par thundering down the valley as you take in the views and discover the area’s industrial past. Lots to see, do, smell and explore!
Toby’s Dog Friendly Dog Walks We’re big fans of Toby’s Dog Friendly Dog Walks (Scriven House Books). Written by Toby the Dalmation, the guides have everything a dog and their owner could want to know, with step-by-step directions, maps, photographs, and other essential information (like water to play in, whether you’re likely to meet farm animals or other dogs, and car parking). We’ve got a copy in the office which you’re welcome to borrow.
Don’t forget dog biscuits, leads and bags to clean up after your dog.