Holidays with your dog in St Ives

Dog-friendly beaches

We’ve yet to meet a pooch who doesn’t love a trip to the beach. Luckily, there’s a fabulous choice of dog-friendly beaches in Cornwall for them to enjoy. (We’ve also installed a doggy bath and shower at Polmanter so you don’t get sand in your tent!)

The council’s latest guidelines (updated May 2024) have narrowed the restricted period, and most beaches are now only closed to dogs for July and August between 10am and 6pm (including Harbour Beach in town). Blue Flag beaches Porthmeor, Porthminster and Carbis Bay still have a 15 May – 30 September restriction, but again, this only runs from 10am until 6pm.

We’re also lucky in St Ives to have two beaches where dogs are welcome all year. Bamaluz Beach is one, and it’s a lovely little cove, hidden in between Harbour Beach and Porthgwidden Beach. It’s also a great place for rock hopping and exploring, so kids love it there too.

The second place is Lambeth Walk beach, east of Harbour Beach, just before you reach sweeping Porthminster Beach. Neither of these allows dogs on summer days, so make sure your pet can’t race off to them across the sand at low water! There are stunning views, and a stream runs down into the sea at this point, which most dogs seem to think is the Best Thing Ever.

If you’re here in the restricted summer months, don’t worry: there’s still plenty of chance for a peaceful, pre-breakfast walk on the shore, or a play on the sand as the sun goes down. To be honest, your dog will probably be happier during these quieter times, too. And if your dog’s up for a car ride, try one of these all year round dog-friendly beaches (please remember to check the tide times).

Dog-friendly restaurants

We’re always impressed by how welcoming our local restaurants are, and we love to see dogs in our own Stable Bar restaurant. It’s always worth checking ahead to make sure your chosen eatery welcomes dogs. To get you started, here are a few of our favourite dog-friendly dining spots.

Places to take your dog in West Cornwall

We often take our dog across the fields to Steeple Woods and Knills Monument, which is a lovely walk from the campsite. You’re also within easy reach of the South West Coast Path, which is more of an on-the-lead walk, but still one you and your dog can enjoy together.

There’s a choice of two footpaths into St Ives from Polmanter (these are signed from the site). Walk down, treat yourselves to a paddle and a pasty, then come back – and have a shower (more about this in a minute…).

If you’re planning a day out, The Eden Project won’t let dogs inside the biomes, but that still leaves a lot of outdoor areas to explore. Cornwall’s beautiful garden attractions mostly allow dogs, including the Lost Gardens of Heligan and Trebah Gardens – both of which are some of the most welcoming places for pets around. Tehidy Woods near Redruth is another good place for a walk, although some paths are restricted.

Trencrom Hill, between St Ives and Hayle, is an ancient hillfort with spectacular views. The springy grass on its plateau is clearly a treat for the paws, going by how bouncy most dogs on Trencrom seem to be!

There are also plenty of dog-friendly family attractions in Cornwall. Geevor Tin Mine is a fantastic outdoor setting to learn about the Cornish mining heritage, made famous in the recent years by Poldark. Dogs on the lead are welcome to visit The Minack Theatre, Porthcurno (except during performances, which are assistance dogs only). Your dog can also join you for a ride on the steam train at the Bodmin & Wenford Railway (and there are lots of great walks in this area, too).

Here are a few more ideas for days out with your dog;

Dogs at Polmanter

As dog owners ourselves, we know how important it is that your pet enjoys their holiday, too. Plus, it’s impossible to relax yourself if you’re worried about your dog or have to rush around sorting out doggy logistics.

For dogs at Polmanter, we installed a brand new dog wash on the campsite in 2023, which provides warm water and shampoo, as well as a doggy dryer for the ultimate in pet pampering. If you’re staying in a caravan or tent, the last thing you need is a sandy or muddy dog bounding around, so our guests can now hose down and dry their post-beach dogs in the evening. We also have a dedicated field for a good scamper, which now features a dedicated agility course for the more energetic pooches and a gate to offer an enclosed space. We provide free disposable bags at our dog waste bins and Polmanter campsite shop sells dog food, so you’ll never run out.

Bring your dog to dinner with you at The Stable Bar. Our spacious restaurant is a dog-friendly area, and you can also enjoy the outdoor patio on warmer days.

You’ll also find plenty of dog parking points around the site, including outside reception, the shop and swimming pool.

Dogs in West Cornwall: good to know

There are friendly independent pet shops in West Cornwall, including Ruff Life (St Ives), The Pets Larder (St Erth) and Pets Boutique (Penzance). There is also a Pets At Home store in Penzance with a walk-in vet clinic and grooming parlour, as well as a large range of dog food and equipment.

If your dog’s idea of holiday heaven is a pamper session, try Perfect Paws Dog Grooming in Heamoor (near Penzance).

Some days out aren’t suitable for dogs, so get in touch with local Trusted Pet and House Sitter, Christine Bradly, who comes highly recommended by guests who have used her pet care services.

If your dog becomes poorly while you’re on holiday, start by contacting your usual vet. If they think that your pet needs a trip to the V.E.T., they should be able to suggest a local practice.

If there’s anything else you’d like to know about holidays in St Ives with your dog, please get in touch, and we’ll try to answer all your queries.

Please note: we take up to two dogs per pitch and in each of our self catering properties. There is a daily charge per dog for touring and camping and a weekly charge per dog for self catering bookings.