The best dog friendly pubs and cafés in Cornwall

Dog-friendly veranda at INDIDOG Restaurant in Falmouth, Cornwall

Cornwall, with its long sandy beaches, open spaces and coastal pathways is one of the most dog-friendly holiday destinations in the UK. There are plenty of dog-friendly days out, dog-friendly holiday cottages and family friendly things you can do with your pets. 

In between your jollies, you’ll need to find pit stop points and places to refresh – whether it’s a pub with a view, a café for lunch, or dog-friendly restaurants. Luckily, we know all the go-to places as we spend plenty of time exploring Cornwall with our two dogs, in between running our gorgeous central Cornwall farmland holiday cottages. 

In this guide, we’ll introduce you to the best dog friendly pubs and cafés in Cornwall, with key information on whether you can sit inside, how dog friendly they really are, and what makes each place great. 

If you’re planning a trip to Cornwall with your pooch, don’t forget to check out our top tips for holidays with dogs in Cornwall. 

The best dog friendly pubs in Cornwall 

Whether you’re looking for a bite to eat or for a relaxing moment with a drink, these are the best dog-friendly pubs in Cornwall. 

The Pandora Inn, Restronguet  

Dogs: Outside and downstairs on leads

Best for: Coastal walks / lunch / roast dinners

Good to know: Water bowls and treats available 

A historic pub, which has overlooked the serene Restronguet Creek for centuries, The Pandora Inn is a wonderful stop-off point for lunch (we love their moules mariniere) or a Sunday roast dinner. The floating pontoon serves as an outdoor beer garden, perfect for soaking up the panoramic views, and the pub sits midway on the Mylor to Pandora Inn circular coastal walking route. If it’s a little chilly, head indoors where dogs are welcome on leads. The Pandora’s food is fantastic but the setting and thatched roof is what makes this place truly magical. 

Glas, Falmouth 

Dogs: Allowed everywhere 

Best for: Dog-friendly pub in town 

Good to know: Water bowls and treats available 

One of Falmouth’s newest establishments, Glas is as dog friendly as it gets, with picnic tables surrounded by grass where dogs can play and relax. There’s also steps down to the water, and a beach nearby for swimming – and the owners are happy for well-behaved dogs to roam around off lead. In warmer weather, the outdoor space is idyllic with a real community feel, whilst the indoor space provides shelter in less favourable weather. The Mediterranean-inspired menu is cooked on a barbecue, alongside locally sourced salads and sides. Head to Glas for a bite to eat, or a bowl of olives with a glass of wine. 

The Watering Hole, Perranporth 

Dogs: Allowed everywhere 

Best for: Dog-friendly beach 

Good to know: Water bowls available 

Perranporth is one of Cornwall’s best beaches and The Watering Hole sits right on the beach. Dogs are allowed throughout the venue (except for during ticketed music events) as long as they are on a lead. The outdoor tables on the sand are a great place to watch the sun set with a drink, and on a rainy day the indoor seats are a cosy place for a hot chocolate whilst you watch the waves crash onto the sand. Perranporth is also one of few beaches in Cornwall which is dog friendly year round, with over 2 miles of golden sand to enjoy at low tide (though in July and August dogs must be kept on a lead between 9 am and 5pm).  

Ferryboat Inn, Helford 

Dogs: Allowed everywhere 

Best for: Coastal walks / food 

Good to know: Water bowls and treats available 

Perched on the banks of the Helford River, the Ferryboat Inn is one of the most scenic pubs in Cornwall – with sailing boats bobbing in the calm waters surrounded by ancient oak woodland. The pub also makes a convenient stop off point on the stunning coastal walk between Durgan/ Grebe and Helford Passage – a popular stretch with dog owners because it is away from roads and traffic. The pub itself is dog friendly, with pets allowed in both the indoor and outdoor seating areas on leads. It’s also a great place for food, though you may need to book ahead during peak season as it gets busy. Dogs aren’t permitted on the beach out front between April and September, however there are plenty of other places where swimming access is allowed along the walking route. 

Rockpool, Gwithian

Dogs: Allowed everywhere 

Best for: Huge sandy beach / food 

Good to know: Water bowls and treats available 

Just a few miles from St Ives, Gwithian is another spectacular sandy stretch, offering miles of pristine sand for dogs to run around on throughout the year. Even in peak summer, if you head onto the beach and head south from the café towards Mexico Towans, dogs can run free. It’s only at the Gwithian/ Godrevy end near the lifeguards that you’ll find restrictions. Perched above the beach, within the sand dunes, The Rockpool has stunning views over the bay and its famous lighthouse, all the way to St Ives. Dogs are welcome both inside and outside, and it’s a nice place to stop for a bite to eat or a drink. 

The best dog friendly cafés in Cornwall 

Looking for a coffee spot, or somewhere to grab lunch? These are the best dog friendly cafés in Cornwall. 

Gylly Beach Café, Falmouth 

Dogs: Allowed outside

Best for: Coastal walks 

Good to know: Water bowls available 

One of the best rainy day dog friendly cafés in Cornwall, Gylly Beach Café is open year round. While the inside doesn’t allow dogs, there’s a huge dog-friendly veranda which is covered with overhead heating. The glass balcony shelters you from the elements, while providing views over the beach and across to Pendennis castle perched on the headland. This makes it an atmospheric spot when the weather picks up, and is especially cosy with a cake and hot chocolate in hand. Between May and September dog restrictions are in place between 10 am and 6 pm on the beach, however the café connects to the Falmouth seafront and coastal path. Just around the corner there are also Gyllyngvase doggy fields, where you can let your pets off lead for a run around. 

Bon Appetit, Twelveheads 

Dogs: Allowed everywhere 

Best for: Breakfast / cake / unique Cornish landscapes

Good to know: Water bowls and treats available 

Based on Cornwall’s coast to coast cycle trail, which weaves through the Cornish Mining World Heritage Landscape, Bon Appetit is a perfect stop off point for dog walkers and cyclists. If you’re visiting mid-Cornwall the coast to coast route is well worth it, offering 11 miles of traffic-free and mostly flat trails from Cornwall’s south to north coast. Offering a small courtyard with outdoor tables, covered areas and canopies, dogs are welcome at Bon Appetit which sits mid-way along the trail. In fact, they’re encouraged – going as far as to even serve doggy ice creams on the menu. For humans, the café serves up fab and filling breakfasts, beautiful homemade cakes and a light bites and lunch time menu with sandwiches, pasties, cream teas and plenty more. 

Crofters Café, Trelissick

Dogs: Allowed outside (and inside when it’s raining)

Best for: Parkland walks / light lunch

Good to know: Water bowls available 

One of Cornwall’s most beautiful National Trust sites, Trelissick is a doggy haven, with parkland, woodland, shoreline and beach to explore. Whether you’re looking for a long walk with a swim, or a quick stroll before you make your way to the café, there are plenty of options. Crofters Café sits in a courtyard near the parking area, and can be a real suntrap in the mornings (though note, it can get busy at around 10 am on Saturday because of the local park run). Whether you’re seeking a refreshing cuppa, a lavish cream tea, hot lunches, or sandwiches you’ll find what you seek. There are water bowls outside for pets and though usually dogs are to stay in the courtyard, if the weather turns bad then an indoor area is opened for pets and their owners. 

Café Mylor 

Dogs: Allowed everywhere 

Best for: Coastal walks / food 

Good to know: Water bowls 

Overlooking the beautiful Falmouth estuary, Café Mylor is the perfect spot to soak up serene watery views over the marina and river. With a focus on barista coffee, locally sourced ingredients and hot food as well as snacks, they’re a popular stop for a good quality lunch. Dogs are allowed both outside and inside the café which has a beautiful veranda for taking in the scenery. Mylor Café is also surrounded by lots of scenic footpaths and routes, as well as a short walk from the ferry which connects Flushing to Falmouth on the other side of the river. 

INDIDOG Harbourside Restaurant

Dogs: Allowed everywhere 

Best for: Out in Falmouth/ food 

Good to know: Named after the owner’s dog

INDIDOG is a relaxed harbourside restaurant in Falmouth, right on the water overlooking the harbour. They serve lunch, dinner and during the winter months a lovely harbourside Sunday roast with seasonal, local-led food and a great drinks list. A relaxed waterside atmosphere popular with locals and tourists, that carries from daytime through to evening.

Whether you’re dropping in during the day or settling in for dinner, INDIDOG is a modern, social, easy going space where you can be exactly as you’d like to be. Dogs are allowed both outside and inside the café, which has a beautiful veranda for taking in views of the harbour.

Looking for accommodation while planning your dog-friendly Cornwall escape? Our luxury holiday cottages are award-winning for dog-friendliness and located near lots of Cornwall’s best beaches, restaurants, and attractions. Get in touch to learn more, or book your stay.