Award-winning Dog-friendly Holiday Cottages in Cornwall

As dog owners ourselves, we understand that you want to bring your dog on holiday with you, and we are delighted to welcome them. Here at Kernock, we are very dog friendly.  We’ve even won awards for it.  We are delighted to have won the Gold Award at the 2016/17 Cornwall Tourism Awards and also at the SouthWest Awards for Dog-friendly Business of the Year.

We are very happy to welcome well behaved dogs (and their well behaved owners), but for the sake of peaceful coexistence and a happy holiday for all, we would ask that you follow a few simple rules, and remember that taking a holiday with your dog isn’t the same as taking a holiday from your responsibilities as a dog owner. That way we can keep our 5* cottages both dog-friendly and 5*.  Many thanks for your cooperation.  Below you will find useful information on dog services (vet, groomers, walking services), beaches, and a list of nearly 50 dog-friendly pubs and restaurants in the area. Our local pub – The Weary Friar  – is dog-friendly, and is only 1/2  a mile away.    The listings all have Access notes, contact details and SatNav codes, which will hopefully help you plan your dog-friendly Cornish adventure!

Welcome to “Central Bark”, our 6-acre dedicated dog-walking paddock, which has mown paths, a loop through the woods, benches for weary humans, poo bins, and even solar lighting for night-time walkies!  The bottom section has far reaching views towards Bodmin Moor – you can see the communications beacon on top of Caradon Hill, which looks like a red light sabre at night (good for some dramatic night photography!).  Please pick up after your dog and use the bins provided.  Also please ensure that all gates are closed.  There are several access points into Central Bark, and an open gate may mean an escaped dog who has accessed it via another entrance point.

“Central Bark” – 6-acre secure dog-walking area

Central Bark is our 6-acre onsite dog-walking area.

Views towards Bodmin Moor from Central Bark

On first arrival at Kernock, please keep your dog on the lead while it familiarises itself with the site. Please also keep your dog under control around the other properties (you may need to keep them on a lead at the start of your walk, until you get to open ground).  There may well be other dogs staying in the other cottages.  Please supervise “greetings” to ensure there are no doggy arguments or unwanted advances – many dogs are very well socialised, but others are shy and nervous of dogs they don’t know.  There may also be children staying in the other cottages, and children who are not used to dogs are often either afraid of them, or may rush up to hug them, giving your dog a fright.  What may be seen as a “nip” to a dog owner can be interpreted as “savaging” by those unused to dogs!  We want to make sure that everyone has a happy holiday, so your cooperation is appreciated.  All of the cottages have either a fully enclosed garden, or a large enclosed area near the hot tub, so the dog can be outside with you while you soak the day away, without you having to worry about them running off.  The garden in the Coach House is fully enclosed with a beech hedge, picket fence and gate.  Heather Barn has a large enclosed area behind the hot tub.  Owl Barn’s lower garden – where the hot tub is located –  is fully enclosed.  Tree Barn has a large fully enclosed lawn next to the cottage.  Each cottage has an outdoor tap and hose, so muddy paws can be cleaned (dog towels are provided in the doggy welcome pack).

We have holiday dog tags for your use if you are concerned your dog may run off on the beach or elsewhere (if your own phone number is on your dog’s tag, you won’t be at home to answer it!)

Five-acre fully fenced dog-walking field

If any dog is persistently causing nuisance or distress to other guests, we reserve the right to ask the owner to leave.

Please do not leave any dog alone and unattended in your cottage unless it is crated. We have provided a long list of nearly 50 pubs where you can eat with your dog (see Pubs & Restaurants under the Information tab), but we know that it is not always possible or practical to take the dog with you. We have several XXXL crates (big enough for our Old English Mastiffs, so will accommodate most dogs!) we can lend to guests, which are perfect if you are going out to dinner for a few hours.  There is also a smaller, Large crate, which may be preferred for smaller dogs. We are proud of our 5* Gold grading, and need to keep the cottages in top condition to keep it, which is incompatible with dogs chewing furniture! This is particularly relevant for puppies. Reimbursement for any damage caused to the furniture by your dog will be your responsibility.

Dogs very welcome. All cottages have an enclosed garden area, and “Central Bark” is great for onsite walks

Our doggy welcome pack includes dog towels, blankets, treats,  poo bags and a dog toy (it helps if you let us know the breed/size of your dog – treats and toys appropriate for a Rottweiler may not be suitable for a Chihuahua!). We provide water bowls and feeding mats for dogs, and an outside dog poo bin for each cottage.  There are also poo bins adjacent to the gates at both ends of Central Bark.  Please use the poo bags at the time of any incident, so that grass mowing doesn’t cause muck spreading incidents! The towels are for muddy paws, and the blankets/throws are for the sofas. We understand that many dogs will want to snuggle up on the sofa with you, but please don’t allow your dogs on the sofas without the blankets.  Crates (of various sizes) are also available for when you are out without the dog (see above).

Please do not allow dogs into the bedrooms. We can provide stair gates in all of the cottages to keep the dogs in the main living areas, where there are hardwood floors.

Please ensure that the cottage is clean and free from dog hair before you leave. We regret that we will charge an additional cleaning fee of £50 if your cottage requires extra cleaning of rugs, carpets or furnishings.

Apart from Central Bark, there are other dog walking areas onsite on our 25 acres (but these don’t have maintained paths) and in the surrounding lanes. There are benches up by the play area adjacent to Central Bark too, so you can relax or supervise the children on the play equipment while the dog explores. Please do be aware there may be animals in our other fields, and never take dogs into fields with animals. The Countryside Code provides sensible rules for anybody (dog owners or not) using the countryside, such as not leaving litter, leaving gates as you find them, and not disturbing farm animals.

The South Cornwall beaches are very dog friendly. Many beaches welcome dogs all year, and others only from October to March, so do click here to check details on the individual beach.  Please take care on the beach if your dog is eating seaweed – it can expand in the dog’s stomach and then swell up and cause a gastric blockage – our dog Bou did this, and it was a £1200 trip to the vet and surgical intervention to resolve it, which wouldn’t be the highlight of your holiday!  Many Cornish tourist attractions such as the Eden Project and the Lost Gardens of Heligan are now dog friendly and/or have shaded parking areas for dogs. It is always worth checking the website of the venue, though, so you don’t end up having to leave a dog in a hot car.

We do make a nominal charge of £25 per dog per stay, but there is no charge for assistance dogs (if you are uncertain if your dog qualifies, please see the Assistance Dogs UK website – they usually have official doggy ID!).

Recommended Veterinary Practice

Hopefully you won’t have need of a vet while you are staying here, but if you do have an emergency then we would recommend Calweton Veterinary Group in Callington. The address is 79 Tavistock Rd, Callington and they have a 24-hour helpline:

T:  01579 383231   SN: PL17 7RD   W: www.calwetonvets.com

Dog Groomers

There are several dog groomers in the area, some of whom will even come to you:

Callington Dog & Cat Grooming Services – Complete dog and cat grooming service. All breeds and cross-breeds welcome. They offer show-preparation for all breeds. The owner ( Eve Somers ) is the most highly-qualified dog groomer in the South-West of England and is a member of The Guild of Master Groomers. This grooming salon welcomes and abides by The Small Animal Welfare Act 2007.  Address – 79 Tavistock Rd, Callington

T 01579 383004   SN PL17 7RD

Tamar View Dog Groomers – Tamar View Nurseries, Carkeel, Saltash. Cornwall  PL12 6PH
T 01752 840988  W www.tamarviewdoggroomers.co.uk

Doggystyle Mobile Grooming – Loveton, Vollards Lane, Hatt, Saltash. Cornwall. PL12 6RD
T 0333 666 1966  W www.doggystylemobilegrooming.co.uk/index.html

Dog Walkers and Doggy Day Care

Central Bark offers dog walking, boarding and doggie daycare services throughout the Plymouth, Saltash and East Cornwall areas.
T 07522 404955  W www.central-bark.co.uk/dog-walking-care

Wild About Walkies services include dog walking, dog-sitting, and pet taxi.
T 07890 161738  W www.wildaboutwalkies.co.uk/

Eating out with your dog

Below is a list of dog friendly pubs within a 30 mile radius. This covers Cornwall out to Bodmin, and Devon out to Tavistock and Dartmoor, and includes Plymouth. Distances from Kernock have been calculated using the AA Route Planner. Some have fantastic award-winning food, many have fabulous views, and they are all dog friendly. The list isn’t exhaustive, but we have tried to give a good selection so that you will find something whether you are on the beach for the day, walking on the moors, or just driving round the lanes. As with the restaurants, the access information was provided by the pubs themselves, so if you need any further information then please check with the individual venue.

0.5 Miles

Pillaton – The Weary Friar

This is our lovely local, and has come over to the dog side in January 2018 (hurrah!!).  It is about a 10 minute walk (possibly 15 back, depending on how many pints you have!).  They serve a selection of good ales, and good pub grub.

Access – there is a ramp around the back into the pub, but beware, the loos are not accessible.

T 01579 350238    SN PL12 6QS   W http://www.wearyfriar.co.uk/

3.5 Miles
Saltash – The Crooked Inn
Very dog friendly and super food. Dogs welcome in the bar, lounge and conservatory as long as they are kept on a lead.
Access – you can get into the restaurant (but it is quite narrow), but the toilets are not accessible.
T 01752 848177   SN PL12 4RZ   W www.crooked-inn.co.uk/

5.4 miles
TIDEFORD – The Rod & Line
– A great traditional pub, with massive open log fire in the winter. Not fancy in the slightest, but great food cooked fresh – crab and shellfish a speciality. A very popular, real local pub, which often has live music (especially on Friday nights). Dog-friendly.
Access – There are large steps up to the pub from the road, and the (outside) toilets are not wheelchair-friendly.
T 01752 851323   SN PL12 5HW   W www.facebook.com/pages/Rod-And-Line

7.3 Miles
ST GERMANS – The Eliot Arms
Very welcoming. Happy to accommodate well behaved dogs in the bar area. Water bowls supplied at every table in the beer garden. “Food excellent and great value”.
Access – the pub is accessible, but there are no accessible toilets.
T 01503 232733   SN PL12 5NR   W www.staustellbrewery.co.uk/pub/saltash/eliot-arms

9 Miles
GUNNISLAKE – The Rifle Volunteer Inn
Located in a small village with panoramic views over Tamar Valley and North Dartmoor. They offer a friendly and warm welcome to children, dogs and their owners. There is an outside balcony where you can enjoy stunning views and a small garden safe for children and dogs. Dogs welcome in the bar and there is also a designated area – Pugh’s Corner – for dining with your dog.
Access – the pub is accessible and has an accessible toilet.
T 01822 833038   SN PL18 9HL   W www.theriflevolunteer.co.uk

11.4 Miles
TREBURLEY – The Springer Spaniel
– Totally fantastic food. This was taken over in 2014 by chef patron Anton Piotrowski, whose other restaurant (the Treby Arms in Sparkwell) was awarded a Michelin star in 2014.  We’re talking serious food here, at very reasonable prices. Very dog-friendly (they eve have jars of treats!).
Access – the lower part of the restaurant is wheelchair-friendly, but the loos are upstairs, so inaccessible for a wheelchair.
T 01579 370424   SN PL15 9NS   W  www.thespringerspaniel.org.uk

11.5 Miles
DOWNDERRY – The Inn on the Shore
Dogs are allowed in the bar and outside, but not in the restaurant. You can eat in the bar, but best to reserve a table if the weather is iffy, as there are limited tables in the bar are.
Access – the bar is accessible, but there are steps down to the restaurant. No accessible loos.
T 01503 250027   SN PL11 3JY   W www.inn-on-the-shore.co.uk/

12 Miles
SEATON – Waves Bar – very dog friendly downstairs. Right on the seafront, with panoramic views and a fantastic outside space too.  They serve food, but are also happy if you just want a hot chocolate to warm after a walk on the beach.
Access – the bar downstairs is accessible, and there is an accessible loo, but the upstairs restaurant isn’t accessible.
T 01503 250065   SN PL11 3JD   W www.wavesbar.co.uk

12 Miles
SEATON – The Smugglers Inn
You can eat and drink in the bar area. Local walks nearby through nature reserve and along coastal path. Beach is dog friendly. Pub has outside terrace with chairs and tables. Dog water bowls situated at all tables.
Access – there is a ramp to get into the building, and there are accessible toilets.
T 01503 250056   SN: PL11 3JD   Web: http://thesmugglersinn-seaton.weebly.com/

18.7 Miles
BUCKLAND – The Drake Manor Inn
Address: Buckland Monachorum, Yelverton, Buckland,
A stunning little pub in the main village of Buckland monachorum. Dogs are welcome in the bar and garden. Really good regular menu and daily specials and a fine selection of real ales. Lots of moorland walks nearby. nAccess – The pub is accessible, and has an accessible toilet.
T 01822 853892    SN PL20 7NA    W www.drakemanorinn.co.uk

9.7 miles
LISKEARD – The Crows Nest Inn
A visit to the Crows Nest is a bit like stepping back in time.  Hot food and bar snacks at lunchtimes and restaurant food in the evenings. The bar is dog friendly, but not the restaurant. Great food reviews on Trip Advisor.
Access – the bar and restaurant are fine for a standard size wheelchair (but not some of the bigger ones, so do check), but the loos are not accessible.
T 01579 345930   SN PL14 5JQ    W http://www.staustellbrewery.co.uk/pub/liskeard/crows-nest-inn

18.7 Miles
TORPOINT – The Edgecumbe Arms
Very dog friendly throughout and they welcome any well behaved dog everywhere except a tiny restaurant section. Cracking food and space to eat both inside and out. Regular 10 minute ferry from Admiral’s Hard Plymouth. Gets busy quite often so worth booking but you also have Mt Edgecumbe park on your doorstep for dog walks.
Access – there is a wheelchair accessible door, and accessible toilets.
T 01752 822294   SN PL10 1HX   W www.edgcumbearms.co.uk

12.1 Miles
PLYMOUTH – The Eagle
No-frills pub in the middle of Plymouth City centre they’ll let you bring the dog in especially on a hot day.
Access – there are two small steps up into the pub. There is an accessible toilet.
T 01752 266158   SN PL1 1NJ   W http://www.visitplymouth.co.uk/eating-out/the-eagle-p1423833

11.2 Miles
PLYMOUTH – The Fortescue
A very friendly local pub with 8 Real Ales every day. Food only served on Sundays but dogs welcome.
Access – Several steps up to get into the building, and the ladies loos is down a steep flight of stairs.
T  01752 660673   SN PL4 6JQ   W www.facebook.com/fortescuehotel?rf=118927074829618

11.5 Miles
MINIONS – The Cheesewring Hotel
Very dog friendly, up on the moors.
Access – the hotel is wheelchair accessible, and has an accessible toilet.
T 01579 362321   SN PL14 5LE   W http://cheesewringhotel.co.uk/

16.4 Miles
GRENOFEN – The Halfway House Inn
A warm welcome for both the owner and dog. Dogs even get a treat as well. Very accommodating and fabulous food and great value. Lovely beer garden and some wonderful walks. Just on the edge of Dartmoor. Real ales superb, and good selection of wines. “A real find”.
Access – no problem getting a wheelchair into the bar area, but there are no accessible loos.
T 01822612960   SN PL19 9ER   W www.thehalfwayhouseinn.org

13.4 Miles
PLYMOUTH – The Ship
Smart, large, nautical themed pub right in the middle of the Barbican in Plymouth. Apparently the “best fish & chips in the UK”!  Good food reviews. Seating outside overlooking the quay.
Access – the pub is wheelchair accessible, and there are accessible loos.
T 01752 667604   SN PL1 2JZ    W theshipplymouth.co.uk

16.9 Miles
KINGSAND – The Rising Sun
Friendly pub with good food.  Dog friendly.
Access – no problem getting a wheelchair into the pub, but there are no accessible loos.
T 01752 822 840    SN PL10 1NH   W – none: check latest reviews on Trip Adivisor

17 Miles
KINGSAND – The Devonport Inn
A lovely gastro-pub with a French chef-patron Jerome. In a stunning setting overlooking the sea. Very dog friendly both inside and out. “Outstanding food at very good prices for the quality including fresh fish, and delicious puddings”. Bookings advised.
Access – the pub is accessible, and has accessible toilets.
T 01752 822869   SN PL10 1NF  W www.devonportinn.com/

16.4 Miles
TAVISTOCK – The Whitchurch Inn
Well-known for its steaks (all sourced from locally-reared Dartmoor steer). Dogs welcome in the walkers’ area of the bar.
Access – there are a couple of steps 3-4” high to get into the building, and there are no accessible loos.
T 01822 612181   SN PL19 9ED   W www.whitchurchinn.co.uk/

15.8 Miles
DULOE – The Old Plough House Inn
Strong foodie reputation.  Dogs welcome throughout. Friendly and helpful staff. Good food and drink.
Access – There is a ramp to the front entrance and another to the restaurant, but the toilets aren’t accessible.
T 01503 262556   SN PL14 4PN  W www.ploughduloe.co.uk

16 Miles
EAST LOOE – The Ship Inn
A great dog friendly pub in the heart of Looe. Good pub food served too!
Access – the building is accessible, but there are no accessible loos.
T 01503 263124   SN PL13 1AD  W – see Trip Advisor

16.4 Miles
EAST LOOE – Ye Old Salutation Inn
An olde worldy pub with low ceilings, flagstone floors and dogs welcome while you eat.
Access – there is a ramp at the back door.  Loos are not specifically “accessible” but they do have a very big cubicle which “should be able to take a wheelchair”.
T 01503 262784   SN PL13 1AE   W – none

17.5 Miles
LOOE – The Jolly Sailor Inn
Traditional real ale pub. Doesn’t do food.  The bar is dog friendly.
Access – a small narrow pub, with a couple of shallow steps up. There is a downstairs loo, but it isn’t accessible.
T 01503 263387   SN PL13 2EP   W jollysailorlooe.co.uk

18 Miles
PELYNT – The Jubilee Inn
Dog friendly and horse friendly too! Space to rest horses while riders have a coffee etc. Well behaved dogs are allowed in the main bar areas, patio and beer garden. Must be on lead. Among other things, they serve Alpaca sausages, and also have Gluten-free menu options.
Access – the pub is wheelchair-friendly, and there is an accessible loo.
T 01503 220312   SN PL13 2JZ   W www.jubilee-inn.co.uk

18.4 Miles
TAVISTOCK – The Peter Tavy Inn
The Peter Tavy Inn is on the edge of Dartmoor in west Devon. Very dog friendly and will provide dogs with water and biscuits.
Access – they can put a ramp up to the back door to get over the steps.  One part of the bar is on the entry level, and is fine for wheelchairs, but the rest is up a couple of steps.  If booking, mention if you need to be in the lower part. No accessible toilets.
T 01822 810 348   SN PL19 9NN    W www.s210409887.websitehome.co.uk

15.4 Miles
HEMERDON – The Miners Arms
Lovely pub in a beautiful setting on the edge of Dartmoor. Dog friendly and they have very efficient staff.
Dogs welcome in the bar and pub garden. Children also welcome!
Access – the pub is wheelchair accessible, but there is no accessible loo.
T 01752 336040   SN PL7 5BU  W www.theminersarmspub.co.uk

15 Miles
MARY TAVY – The Mary Tavy Inn
Family and dog friendly pub situated on the A386 which links Okehampton and Tavistock. Right on the edge of Dartmoor and a few minutes drive from the pub gives you loads of places to walk your dog(s). Dogs welcome in the bar, where you can eat either from the bar menu or a la carte.
Access – no problem with accessing the restaurant through the front door, but the toilets are upstairs and are not accessible.
T 01822 810326   SN PL19 90PN  W www.themarytavyinn.com

21 Miles
POLPERRO – The Three Pilchards
This dog friendly harbourside pub has a good choice of very well kept ale and a bowl of water and a choice of biscuits offered on arrival (for the dog, that is…). Fresh fish and seafood a speciality.
Access – the pub is accessible. The loos onsite are not accessible, but there are public toilets with an accessible toilet very close to the pub.
T 01503 272233   SN PL13 2QZ   W www.threepilchardspolperro.co.uk/

21 Miles
POLPERRO – The Blue Peter Inn
Walkers with wet doggies welcome! The Blue Peter is very dog friendly – log fires to dry off while you eat, drink and soak up the friendly atmosphere. Children also welcome, designated area upstairs, dogs welcome there also. On the quay side, fall out the door onto the beach or walk the coastal path in whichever direction you choose.
Access – the entrance to this 500-year old building is up steps, so not wheelchair-friendly.
T 01503 272743   SN PL13 2QZ  W www.thebluepeter.co.uk

18.7 Miles
LIFTON – The Arundell Arms
The hotel and pub are both dog friendly.  This is a fishing hotel in the summer (they own stretches of the Tamar and Lydd Rivers) and a hunting one in the winter. They have a pretty garden or a nearby village green that your dog can play in as you tuck into a superb meal. Very good food. Has won loads of foody awards and has 2 AA rosettes.
Access – the pub and restaurant are wheelchair accessible (they put a ramp up), and there are accessible loos.
T 01566 784666   SN PL16 0AA  W www.arundellarms.com

20 Miles
HORNDON – The Elephant’s Nest
Lovely old pub on the edge of Dartmoor, very comfortable and good reputation for food. Very dog friendly. They have a local walks guide on their website if you want to walk then eat…
Access – they have ramps they can put up to enable wheelchairs to get into the pub, but they don’t have wheelchair-accessible loos.
T 01822 810273   SN PL19 9NQ   W www.elephantsnest.co.uk

35.7 Miles
ST BREWARD – The Old Inn
Lovely pub, just off the moor. Dogs welcome in one of the bars and in the garden where water is available.
Access – wheelchair access is via a ramp at the back entrance, and there are accessible loos.
T 01208850711   SN PL30 4PP  W www.theoldinnandrestaurant.co.uk

22.4 Miles
NOSS MAYO – The Ship Inn
Traditional waterside pub. Very relaxed and dog friendly – dogs are more than welcome in the downstairs bar.
Access – an interesting one, as it depends on what the tide is doing!  The front entrance is accessible, but not at high tide (as it is then underwater…). The rear entrance has steps. There is an accessible loo. Just watch you don’t get stranded!
T 01752 872387   SN PL8 1EW   W www.nossmayo.com/

24.6 Miles
PRINCETOWN – Plume of Feathers Inn
This very dog friendly pub is in the middle of the Dartmoor National Park. Not only do they allow dogs but they also have a dog menu with doggy sausages, carvery titbits and doggy chews! Owners may prefer to eat from their impressive human menu. They carry a wide range of traditional ales (CAMRA approved).
Access – wheelchair accessible.
T 01822 890240   SN PL20 6QQ   W www.theplumeoffeathersdartmoor.co.uk/

24.6 Miles
NR PRINCETOWN – Two Bridges Hotel
Bang in the middle of the Dartmoor National Park. This dog friendly pub allows well behaved dogs in the bar and the lounge area.
Access – wheelchair accessible, with accessible facilities.
T 01822 892300   SN PL20 6SW   W www.twobridges.co.uk

22.5 Miles
PRINCETOWN – Fox Tor licensed Cafe
This pub is dog friendly inside and there are tables outside as well if you wish.
Open fire and log burner for chilly days! Coffees, cakes, brunches and sandwiches.
Access – steps up both front and back, so not wheelchair-friendly
T 01822 890238   SN PL20 6QS   W www.foxtorcafe.com

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