8 Of Our Favourite Dog-friendly Pubs in Cornwall

Who can resist a pub that has sea views? Or that has bench seats outside in a glorious garden? And during colder months, the draw of the roaring fire is irresistible. It’s so much better (in our opinion) when it can all be enjoyed with your dog too. Take this weekend for example, my husband and I decided to go to the Helford Passage for a little boat trip from the Ferry Boat Inn to Helford where The Shipwrights Arms sits peacefully on the tidal estuary. We chose not to take our dogs (we have 3) because we thought we’d enjoy the ‘child-free’ time. We spent the whole time doting after everyone else’s dogs at both pubs!

Here are 8 of our favourite dog-friendly pubs in Cornwall and we hope you enjoy reading and eventually visiting them all.

Ferry Boat Inn, Helford Passage

Photo Credit: Ferry Boat Inn website

The Ferry Boat Inn is on the Helford Passage and overlooks a small beach with a pontoon where you can catch a small ferry for £9 return to Helford. Remember this fact for the next pub we mention! There are a number of outdoor tables with uninterrupted sea views across the Helford Passage estuary. From here, the sight is simply beautiful! You will see small boats moored up and bobbing to the tide, folk serenely paddle boarding and families with young children playing safely on the shallow shores of the beach. Dogs aren’t allowed on the beach during the summer but this shouldn’t put you off as there are gorgeous walks all around the Ferry Boat Inn. One of the walks even passes Roger Taylor’s (from the rock band Queen) spectacular house along the way!

We have visited the Ferry Boat Inn with and without our dogs. We live near Hayle and it takes us about 40 minutes’ drive to get there. There is off-road parking on the lane approaching the pub which is free but you can park at a car park a little closer to the pub but remember to take coins.

Dogs are very welcome inside as well as outside of the pub and on our recent visit, there were a fair few gorgeous pooches with their owners. The pub serves a great pint, a perfect glass of Rose or a warming cup of coffee (with alternative milks available). As well as drinks, their food is of a gastro pub quality, hearty and very filling. On top of that,  the views from the pub are a winning feature as well as its laid back vibe.

The Shipwrights Arms, Helford

Photo Credit: The Shipwrights Arms website

The Shipwrights Arms is a beautiful thatched dog friendly pub in Cornwall on the shores of the estuary in Helford. We think it is worth a visit as it oozes charm and a restorative, relaxed vibe. Without a doubt, after we visited this weekend, we felt so much better for it!

Unlike St Ives, Helford has peaceful and narrow lanes connecting thatched cottages where the only sounds are birdsong and the quiet chatter of a few visitors. The Shipwrights Arms has outdoor benches that are quite in demand when the sun is shining! If you are lucky enough to bag a table outdoors, you will be up close and personal with all that is going on in and on the water. Inside the pub has flagstone floors and rustic wooden tables which makes for a relaxed ambience. When we visited, we ate a light lunch and had a cider each; their halloumi fries are undoubtedly the best I have eaten!

Dogs are very welcome at The Shipwrights Arms and the people who visit it all seem very like-minded in their adoration of dogs.

The Gurnard’s Head, Nr. Zennor

Photo Credit: The Gurnard’s Head

We love to stop at The Gurnard’s Head after a long walk either on the moors or the coastal path. Why? It oozes so much Cornish charm and is very welcoming. Indeed the flagstone floor, thick granite walls and fireplace undoubtedly hold so much history. The pub has rustic oak tables in the dining area heated by a log fire which burns constantly from Autumn to Spring.  In a separate area off the bar is a small lounge with comfy sofas. It’s especially relaxing with board games and books provided for those visiting alone or with friends.

The food at The Gurnard’s Head is simply delicious with extra special options. If you’re looking for pie and chips, you won’t find it at The Gurnard’s Head. In addition to great food, the pub serves an interesting selection of Cornish beer, ales, wine, gin and rum.

Everytime we have visited with our dogs, they have been warmly welcomed and all the staff like to greet them too. There are like-minded visitors at The Gurnard’s Head so the vibe is laid back and easy going. On warm days, there is a garden with picnic benches and stunning views onto the moors overlooking the pub. The walks from the pub are amazing so if you want to give the dog some great exercise (as well as yourself after a calorific lunch!), we recommend you pack your walking boots and dog leads.

We have also featured The Gurnard’s Head in our 10 best vegan and vegetarian places to eat in Cornwall.

The Ship Inn, Porthleven

Photo Credit: The Ship Inn website

If you are looking for a dog-friendly pub in Cornwall with masses of character, The Ship Inn at Porthleven is a winner. The pub has windows that face the harbour and pier so enjoying a drink or meal at The Ship Inn will undoubtedly mean incredible sea views. It’s a cosy pub with a fire for the chillier days. The bar is decorated in memorabilia that can keep your gaze busy all night long!

Being a smaller pub inside, does mean that your dog should be relaxed and happy around other potential dog visitors. Alternatively, during the warmer months, they open their bar right on the harbour front. This is much better for slightly nervous dogs as there is more space with outdoor picnic benches and cool vibes. The food at The Ship Inn is filling and delicious, certainly if you order their Harvey’s brothers steak burgers with chips you will leave very full. The pub’s evening menu has a lot more choice so, if you are looking for a meal out, a great pint with your dog as company, we recommend The Ship Inn. As a bonus, you may even visit on an evening where sea shanties are in full voice.

The Halzephron Inn, Gunwalloe

Photo Credit: Halzephron Inn website

There are so many lovely coves and walks at and near Gunwalloe. Stopping at The Halzephron Inn afterwards for a hearty lunch or evening meal with your dog is a must. Gunwalloe is on the Lizard Peninsula of Cornwall and is between Penrose and Poldhu Cove. Consequently, the walks with a dog beside you are absolutely beautiful! We recommend going to the two beaches; Dollar Cove and Church Cove. Nestled between the two beaches is the archaeological site of a grade I listed building built in the 13th Century. St Winwaloe Church (also known as Church of Storms) is right on the sandy dunes and definitely worth a visit.

With a happy dog in tow after such wonderful walks nearby, head to The Halzephron Inn for some excellent, traditional pub grub and a warm welcome. You and your dog will be invited into the old granite inn where history is dotted all around. Antiques, old photos and newspaper clippings tell a story that this pub has been around a long time. To be exact, the inn was built in 1468 and much of the timber is from shipwrecks!

The Old Coastguard, Mousehole

Photo Credit: The Old Coastguard website

Mousehole is a beautiful harbour town in West Cornwall that is famous for its Christmas Lights. It’s also known for being a hugely picturesque place to visit. It’s the sort of town where mooching along the narrow lanes with your dog while window and gallery shopping is pretty dreamy. Sadly dogs aren’t allowed on the beach during the summer but there is a wonderful coastal path walk between Mousehole to Lamorna Cove that is simply stunning. Remember to wear good shoes (for walking!) and keep your dog on the lead near cliff edges.

After a good walk taking selfies with the dog against a backdrop of the bright blue sea, we recommend a refreshing drink at The Old Coastguard. The pub is spacious and has tables for dining or relax chairs for chilling out and enjoying the amazing sea views. The sea views are extensive and best enjoyed with a nice cold drink in hand. Behind the bar is a cracking selection of Cornish drinks whether soft or alcoholic as well as a menu offering rather special lunches.

There is an enclosed garden at The Old Coastguard with benches offering captivating views of the sea. On a warm and sunny day, nothing beats a good dog walk followed by a cold cider gazing out to sea.

The Tinners Arms, Zennor

Walking into The Tinners Arms in Zennor is a bit like walking back in time. It’s a small inn that you would expect to feature on Poldark. It’s quintessentially Cornish with its rustic wooden tables, flagstone floor and huge open fireplace. When the fire is lit, this cosy little pub envelops all who walk in looking for food and drink. Zennor is a rural village on the west coast of Cornwall and has moors at its back and the sea to the front. As a result of its gorgeous location, the walks are simply amazing with your dog. Open moorland with extensive sea views and stone circles or coast path walking along cliffs to small coves, the choice of walks are fairly endless around Zennor.

Whether you fancy a Cornish Cream Tea as refreshment after a long walk or a pint with beer battered fish and chips, The Tinners Arms can satisfy you. Dogs on leads are super welcome inside and outside the pub. Given the pub is quite cosy, make sure your dog is happy with other dogs as there may be others very closeby. Outside there are plenty of tables and more space for the nervous dogs.

We have visited The Tinners Arms just for a drink and a wind down after a good walk and also for a meal with friends. Each time our dog has been welcomed and we have felt very relaxed in their laid back pub. We can definitely recommend this inn as a dog-friendly pub in Cornwall.

The Halsetown Inn, St Ives

Just 1 mile from St Ives is a small hamlet called Halsetown where you can find this excellent dog-friendly pub. It really exudes Cornish charm and friendliness as soon as you walk in. There is parking just across the lane from it. Even better is if you walk to it from St Ives through the rural network of footpaths offering great views. After a scenic walk, you and your dog can quench your thirsts at the bar or sat outside at their picnic tables. These tables are right outside the front of the pub and are a real sun trap in the afternoon.

Dogs are very welcome and staff are eager to make sure their thirst is quenched and snacks fed! In the winter, after a crisp winter walk (or soggy one most likely!), the fire is lit and there is nothing better than a warm drink and a hearty meal. The Halsetown Inn is a perfect dog-friendly pub in Cornwall with thoughtful food and a warm welcome for you and your best friend.