In need of a super snug winter getaway? We've picked out 21 of our favourite hygge hideaways around the UK to help you banish the winter blues. Relax and recharge with soft blankets, toasty woodburners and king size beds at these totally cosy cottages, cabins and treehouses.
North Cornwall
Cornwall as a whole is a pretty perfect place to take dogs. But today we thought we’d focus on North Cornwall, and the many dog-friendly beaches it has to offer. This charming, windswept part of the UK has craggy coastlines and big, sprawling sandy beaches where your dogs can run to their heart’s content.
Rock is one of our favourite dog-friendly beaches in North Cornwall. Particularly great during low tide, when it links up with neighbouring Daymer Bay, Rock Beach is a giant stretch of sand backed by mountainous dunes where your pooch can run off and explore. Busy with other dog walkers in summer, come the off-season, you might just get a huge expanse to yourselves. Rock is also close to the amazing village of Padstow (pictured), which is home to a quaint harbour and some delightful places to eat and drink.
Another great dog-friendly beach in this part of Cornwall is Northcott Mouth, which is close to the popular Bude (Bude operates a dog ban during high season). Northcott Mouth is a National Trust owned beach that is peaceful and quiet and at times can feel like a secret cove thanks to its towering cliffs.
Other great dog-friendly beaches in North Cornwall include Porthilly Beach, Daymer Bay, Port Gaverne Beach, and Crantock Beach.
You may also wish to head inland and visit the dramatic scenery of Bodmin Moor. One of Cornwall’s Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Bodmin Moor is a stretch of remote granite moorland that is still grazed by moorland ponies. Dogs will love the giant, expansive space and the many walking trails, however, it is worth noting that by law, dogs must be kept on a short, fixed lead (no more than two metres long) between 1st March and 31st July. You should also keep them on a lead if you go near any livestock or wild animals.
Dog-friendly policies and local travel tips in North Cornwall
- Many beaches allow dogs year-round, but some have seasonal restrictions (summer bans during peak hours – always check local signage).
- On the South West Coast Path and cliff routes, keep dogs on a lead for safety (livestock, cliffs, nesting birds).
- North Cornwall holiday cottages often advertise pet-friendly features such as enclosed gardens and easy trail access.
- Popular attractions like Tintagel Castle permit dogs on leads in most outdoor areas, but always check ahead for restrictions.
Coastal walks and scenic headlands
- Pentire Headland: Circular 5.5 km route with panoramic cliff views and heritage landmarks.
- Watergate Bay to Newquay: ~6.4 km stretch along the South West Coast Path with dog-friendly beach access.
- Tintagel to Boscastle Coast Path: Dramatic cliffside walk past Tintagel Castle, with spectacular sea views; keep dogs on leads near steep drops.
- Bedruthan Steps (Mawgan Porth area): Famous clifftop views and rugged headland trails; seasonal dog restrictions on the beach below but excellent cliff walks.
Dog-friendly beaches and bays
- Daymer Bay: Sandy beach with dogs allowed all year, near Rock and the Betjeman Walk.
- Sandymouth Beach (Bude): Long sandy stretch with facilities, good for energetic dogs.
- Polzeath (out of summer season): Very popular surf beach, with seasonal dog restrictions (allowed October–May).
- Crackington Haven: Small, scenic bay backed by cliffs; dogs allowed out of peak summer season, with cliff paths leading onto the South West Coast Path.
Trails & Easy Routes
- Camel Trail (Padstow–Wadebridge–Bodmin): Flat, multi-use path ideal for dog walks and cycling.
- Sir John Betjeman Walk: 7.4 km loop with estuary views and historic St Enodoc Church.
- St Nectan’s Glen (near Tintagel): Woodland walk to a waterfall, with shaded paths perfect for dogs on warmer days.
- Bodmin Moor Trails: Open moorland with ancient stone circles and wide paths; ideal for adventurous dogs that enjoy longer walks.
Getting to North Cornwall
- By Car: From London or the South East, take the M4 or M3 to the M5, then join the A30 into Cornwall. Journey time ~4–5 hours from London.
- By Train: Direct services to Bodmin Parkway from London Paddington (approx. 4 hours); connections by bus or car hire into North Cornwall towns and villages.
- By Air: Cornwall Airport Newquay has flights from major UK cities; car hire and local buses/taxis available at the airport.
- By Coach: National Express and Megabus run routes to Bodmin, Wadebridge, and Newquay.
- Travel Tip: Roads can be narrow and busy in summer — plan extra time if visiting with dogs and luggage.
