Big dogs, small dogs, dogs with waggly tails, water-loving, old and stately, young and springy… Whatever type of dog you’ve got, there are lots of places in Cornwall you can enjoy with your four-legged friend – you just need to know where to go.
Over the next few months, we’ll be putting together a series of ‘dog blogs’ about great places to explore with your canine companion.
This month, we’re focusing on dog-friendly gardens in Cornwall. There are so many beautiful gardens in the county, and many of them welcome dogs. Spring and autumn are ideal times to visit – the gardens are often less busy, and you can relax and enjoy them in all their glory.
Top 5 Dog-Friendly Gardens
1. Just down the road from Bosinver in Grampound is Trewithen Gardens, open between March and the end of September. A historic private estate, Trewithen is well known for its spectacular magnolias, and there is a lovely, peaceful woodland walk. Dogs on leads are very welcome.
2. Pencarrow House and Gardens, Bodmin
Pencarrow has 50 acres of formal and woodland gardens to explore, and they positively welcome well-behaved dogs. In the spring the gardens are a blaze of colour, with rhodedendrons, azeleas, camelias, and daffodils all vying for attention. Later on in the year, they’ll be transformed by bluebells and blue hydrangas.
3. A favourite with dog-walkers and families alike, Trebah (Mawnan Smith, near Falmouth) is rated among the finest 80 gardens in the world, and is well worth a visit at any time of the year. The lush tropical gardens give way to a private beach, which makes an ideal place to stop for a picnic.
4. Enys Garden (Penryn, near Falmouth) is one of the oldest gardens in Cornwall. Famed for its bluebells, Enys is glorious in May. Ideal for walkers; dogs welcome on leads. Check the website for opening days/times as this may vary during bluebell season.
5. Carwinion House and Gardens is located in the pictureque North Helford area. With a magnificent collection of bamboo, Carwinion is one fo Cornwall’s more unusual gardens to explore. Don’t miss their cream teas (served outside on the terrace, 2pm-5.30pm between April and September).
We’ve just picked a few of our favourite dog-friendly gardens – there are lots more. Take a look at the Gardens of Cornwall website to find more.
In some gardens you can take your dog off the lead in certain areas. Check with the garden when you arrive, as this can change depending on the time of year.
If you feel like a lazy day, there’s plenty of space to roam here at Bosinver. Our fields and woodland are pooch paradise, with lots of sights, sounds and smells to investigate…