Set on the sparkling shores of the beautiful Camel Estuary in North Cornwall, Padstow is everything a happy hound could wish for. On one side there are rolling green fields bordered by woodland and on the other is the crystal-clear turquoise sea. This charming town and fishing port is renowned for its daily catches of tantalisingly fresh seafood, dog-friendly restaurants run by celebrity chefs, and breathtaking walkies on the South West Coast Path.
In dog-friendly Padstow, pups can look forward to scenic morning strolls along the harbour, watching the pastel-painted fishing boats bring in that day’s lunch, before zoomies across the sand of one of the local golden beaches, many of which have no dog restrictions at all. Four-legged holidaymakers might even be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of dolphins playing in the surf!
With so many dog-friendly places in Padstow to visit, we’ve chosen a few of the best to add to your tail-wagging itinerary. From exciting boat rides to scampers around historic houses, discover some of the best dog walks, attractions, places to eat and to stay with our guide to dog-friendly things to do in Padstow.
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🐶 Top days out
🐾 Top walkies
🍴 Top dining spots
🏡 Top places to stay
Great dog-friendly days out in Padstow
Best educational day out: At the Lobster Hatchery in Padstow, pups and their owners can watch the fascinating life cycle of a lobster as it evolves before being released into the sea. One of the top things to do in Padstow with dogs, this educational pet-friendly attraction allows you to learn everything you’ve ever wanted to know about crustaceans, marine conservation, and the Cornish fishing industry.
Why your dog will love it: It’s not often that curious canines are able to get so close to these incredible creatures from the sea – they are sure to be wowed by Herman, the giant resident lobster!
Best day out on the water: To see the Cornish marine life from a different perspective, salty sea dogs can join their humans for an exhilarating boat trip with Padstow Sealife Safaris. Setting off from Padstow Harbour, there is a range of different trips of varying lengths to choose from, and all are skippered with a knowledgeable guide who will help you to spot an array of wildlife including seals, dolphins, porpoises, sunfish and even the elusive basking shark during the summer months.
Why your dog will love it: They will have so many exciting stories to tell their furry friends back home! Please note, the boats are open RIBs which mean they can be quite bouncy, so this one’s best for small to medium-sized dogs with good sea legs.
Scamper on the beach
Best day out on the sand: Dog-friendly Padstow and the surrounding local area is brimming with golden, sandy beaches where playful pups can endlessly bound through the surf. Let your pack feel the sand between their paws with a scamper along one of the dog-friendly beaches in Padstow. A short walk along the coast path out of town leads to Hawkers Cove and adjoining Harbour Cove which both have no dog restrictions throughout the year, and slightly further out of town are the pet-friendly beaches of Treyarnon Bay, Daymer Bay, Constantine Bay, and Harlyn Bay.
Why your dog will love it: Anyone who’s taken their four-legged friend down to the coast will know just how excited dogs get at the sight of the sea!
Wonderful dog-friendly walks in Padstow
Best flat walk: Following the path of a disused railway line, you can take the lead on the easy, mostly flat terrain of the Camel Trail on the 5.5-mile section between Padstow and Wadebridge. This dog-friendly walk in Padstow winds along the shore of the Camel Estuary offering some tail-wagging views. As the trail is also a cycle route, you could take to two wheels if you’d prefer, and hire a dog trailer from Bridge Bike Hire.
Why your dog will love it: There are so many new sights, sounds and smells to sniff out, and if Fido needs to rest his paws for a while, there’s a great dog-friendly pub in Wadebridge: the Molesworth Arms.
Best coastal walk: A dramatic coastline, mysterious smugglers’ caves, and a vast dog-friendly beach make this one of the best dog walks near Padstow. This 6.9-mile trail along the South West Coast Path from Padstow to Harlyn Bay offers fairly level terrain with some hills, making it a great walk for the whole family. You can enjoy some breathtaking views across to Daymer Bay and Polzeath, and once you reach Harlyn Bay, happy hounds can run free across the glistening sand.
Why your dog will love it: As well as Harlyn Bay, you will also pass the dog-friendly beaches of Harbour Cove and Hawker's Cove, where at low tide there are acres of sand for pups to play on.
Best garden walk: For cultured canines, a relaxed stroll around the gardens of Prideaux Place is a must. While those with four legs aren’t able to explore the interiors of the grand Elizabethan manor house, they are more than welcome to enjoy walkies on leads around the pristine grounds and flower-filled gardens which overlook the deer park. Dogs can sniff out the biggest sticks in the woodland and admire the firework display of colour in the Acer Glade.
Why your dog will love it: This is a real treat for tufty-pawed pals who enjoy a refined walk – there are so many beautiful plants and sculptures to admire, as well as an exquisite fountain.
Top dog-friendly places to eat and drink in Padstow
Best for a taste of the Med: One of the top dog-friendly restaurants in Padstow is St. Petroc’s Bistro, owned by the revered Rick Stein. Here, pups are welcome in the secret garden or the bar area which includes a cosy fire when the weather turns colder. A delicious menu of French bistro dishes, Cornish steaks and the freshest seafood will please the humans, while doggos can lap up a brimming bowl of water.
Why your dog will love it: There’s always plenty of fuss for canine companions here.
Best for hearty pub grub: Boasting glorious harbour views, Shipwrights is one of the best dog-friendly pubs in Padstow. Welcome inside and out, canines can accompany their pack while they tuck into traditional, hearty pub food and award-winning ales. Tribute ale-battered cod and chips, rump steak and moules marinière are just a few of the mouth-watering dishes available.
Why your dog will love it: On a warm, summer’s day, the garden is the perfect spot for pups to stretch out under the Cornish sun.
Best for a coffee and a slice of cake: If you fancy enjoying a Cornish cream tea with your hound, head to Cherry Trees Coffee House. This charming café is one of our favourite dog-friendly places to eat in Padstow, overlooking the harbour. Whether the humans fancy a sticky slice of homemade cake or a freshly made crab sandwich, pups are sure to get a tickle behind the ear and a lovely view to enjoy.
Why your dog will love it: Hopefully, the humans will share a few tasty crumbs!
Exciting dog-friendly Padstow cottages to stay in
The best Padstow dog-friendly cottage for romantic getaways
Padstow – Treetops: Sleeps 1 dog and 2 humans
Hidden within an exclusive woodland setting, this luxury lodge makes the perfect wilderness retreat for dog-friendly holidays in Padstow. After morning walkies, you can lay out breakfast on the decked area and watch the sun rise above the surrounding treetops. Your fur baby will love listening to the relaxing sounds of nature from dawn until dusk.
The best Padstow dog-friendly cottage for family escapes
Padstow - The Linhay: Sleeps 2 dogs and 4 humans
This cosy period cottage near dog-friendly Padstow offers a welcoming place for families to relax and unwind after adventures by the coast. Pups will love playing in the enclosed garden, while the humans can snuggle in front of the toasty wood burner in the beautiful open-plan living space.
The best Padstow dog-friendly cottage for walking holidays
Padstow Wagon House: Sleeps 2 dogs and 6 humans
As well as being in a great spot to sniff out all the dog-friendly places in Padstow, this characterful barn conversion also offers a wealth of scenic walking trails right from the front door. When you return, a crackling wood burner, sizzling BBQ, and glorious river views await for the ultimate relaxing break.
For the ultimate backdrop to your staycation, choose one of our self-catering dog-friendly holiday cottages in Padstow. Whether you are travelling as a couple, a family or a group of friends, you’ll find a wide range of pet-friendly accommodation within our collection which will place you perfectly for memorable holidays in this glorious part of Cornwall. You can also discover more dog-friendly things to do in Cornwall with our comprehensive canine guide to this unforgettable seaside destination.
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.