Our favourite dog friendly gardens in Cornwall
Cornwall is famed for its glorious gardens. With acres to ramble across and oodles of exotic shrubs to sniff, here’s a few of our must-visits…
Lost Gardens of Heligan, St Austell
Rediscovered in 1990, this garden has been beautifully resurrected. Dogs are welcome all year round and have over 200 acres to explore. They’ll discover new smells galore in the Victorian Productive and Pleasure Gardens, will love the sub-tropical jungle, and will go mad for the ancient woodland.
Enys Gardens, Penryn
Usually open from spring until late September each year, this historic garden is most spectacular during their annual ‘Bluebell Week’ where you can expect to find breath-taking carpets of blue. Enjoy open meadows, ponds, flower gardens and many woodland areas.
Pinetum Park, St Austell
With the largest collection of plants in the county, the varied 30 acres are perfect for energetic canines and garden mad doggie masters alike. From the wide open ‘Pinetum’ with its amphitheatre arrangement of pines, to the secluded intimacy of the Japanese Garden, there is a wealth of wildlife including two beautiful black swans. There’s also a tearoom and farm shop.
Trebah Garden, Falmouth
This ravine garden leads to a private beach on the Helford River so paws can get muddy, sandy and wet at the doggie haven of Trebah Garden. Poop scoops are available on arrival and while there’s
a dog-free policy in the café, the garden terrace and picnic areas are pooch friendly refuel spots.
Tremenheere Sculpture Garden, Penzance
For a garden walk with breath-taking views, Tremenheere comes out tops. As St Michael’s Mount rises from the bay, mindfully placed art installations surprise and inspire, while the woods and streams provide the perfect setting for exotic plantings. With tails wagging and mouths drooling, take a seat in the outdoor café and pop in the shop – pooches are more than welcome.
Potager Garden & Café, Constantine
Open Tuesdays to Sundays, Potager has emerged from the bramble choked wilderness of an abandoned plant nursery and is now a relaxing haven to rest a while. There are games to play, hammocks to laze in, and boule and badminton to enjoy. In their converted greenhouse, Potager café is pooch friendly and serves vegetarian breakfasts, homemade cakes, lunches, teas and ice cream.
Lanhydrock Estate, Bodmin
Overlooking the valley of the River Fowey, there are miles of woodland paths and riverside rambles at Lanhydrock where you can stretch your legs and enjoy the fresh Cornish air. If you need some walking tips, pick up route guides at the gatehouse, reception and shop. Please note: dogs (except assistance dogs) are not permitted in the house or gardens.
Trelissick Estate, Truro
Enjoy miles of woodland walks and open countryside to explore. Whether your pup prefers splashing in the river or tearing across the fields after a ball, Trelissick provides a stunning setting for all canine needs. The cafe has a sheltered outside courtyard where dogs are welcome too, but please note that access to the garden itself is limited to assistance dogs only.
Caerhays Estate, St Austell
The natural beauty of the coastline and its steep valleys, the architectural wonders, and the inescapable sense of history of Caerhays all set the scene for a wonderful day of discovery. Visit the castle, walk the windy paths of the grounds and visit the gorgeous beaches which make up the estate. The gardens and castle are open from mid-February to mid-June.
Trengwainton Garden, Penzance
There’s 25 acres at this sheltered garden where you can mooch with your pooch, so plenty of sights for you and smells for them to uncover. Not only that, but cascading waterfalls and around 600 exotic trees – doggie heaven! Water bowls and canine treats are waiting at reception, and specially made bone-shaped biscuits are for sale in the tearoom.
Trewithen Gardens, Truro
Another with the woof factor! Trewithen is a historic, privately owned estate with beautiful gardens famous for their plant hunter origins, royal connections and astonishing variety of species. Explore woodland paths bordered by champion trees, rare blooms and magical glades. Please check garden opening times as it is usually open just for the spring and summer season.
Looking for a Cornish getaway with your four legged friend? We welcome well behaved dogs at The Greenbank and have a selection of dog-friendly rooms to choose, so you can bring the whole family!
