St Austell, a charming town in Cornwall, offers a unique blend of natural beauty, historical intrigue, and modern attractions. Nestled close to the Cornish coast, this area is renowned for its rich china clay history and stunning landscapes. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or just looking for a relaxing getaway, St Austell’s distinctive features make it a must-visit for everyone.
Dog Friendly Things to do in St Austell
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Things to do in Cornwall with Dogs
In the heart of Cornwall, St Austell offers a rich blend of history, nature, and culture. Whether you’re interested in exploring local attractions, relaxing on the beach, or delving into the area’s industrial heritage, St Austell promises a memorable visit for all who come.
Free Things to Do in St Austell
If you’re watching your pennies or prefer to spend your money elsewhere, there are lots of free dog friendly things to do in Cornwall.
Menacuddle Well
Tucked away like a hidden gem, Menacuddle Well is a serene spot steeped in history and folklore. Known also as the Clay Trails, it was shaped by St Austell’s china clay mining industry. The scenic walking and cycling routes feature a distinctive terrain of clay pits and spoil heaps, now transformed into beautiful countryside. Wander through the lush greenery and let the soothing sounds of the waterfall wash over you. Legend has it the waters here have healing powers – so dip your toes (and paws) in and see if it cures those aches and pains.
Kings Wood
Kings Wood is a beautiful woodland area offering scenic walks, wildlife spotting, and a peaceful environment perfect for a family outing. The well-marked trails, suitable for all ages and fitness levels, provide a quiet escape and a chance to spot some local wildlife. It’s the perfect pet friendly walk.
Charlestown Harbour
Step back in time at Charlestown Harbour, where tall ships and maritime history come to life. This picturesque port, frequently used as a filming location for TV shows and films, is perfect for a leisurely stroll. Walk along the quayside, visit the Charlestown Shipwreck and Heritage Centre – which also welcomes dogs – and enjoy the maritime atmosphere.
Dog Friendly Beaches St Austell
St Austell offers a plethora of free activities where your four legged friends can join you. Explore these dog-friendly beaches in St Austell and get ready for an adventure-filled day.
Porthpean Beach
Porthpean Beach is perfect for a family day out, just a short distance from the town centre. Its sandy shores and calm waters make it ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking. Kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, windsurfing, and snorkelling are popular here. It’s also home to Porthpean Sailing Club, which has a slipway with easy access to the water.
🐾 Dogs are not allowed on the beach between 1 July and 31 August, from 10 am to 6 pm.
Carlyon Bay
Carlyon Bay is a stunning stretch of sand that is perfect for a day out. The westerly end, known as Crinnis Beach, is the most accessible and popular. The sand is almost two miles long, and the South West Coast Path runs along the clifftop.
🐾 Seasonal dog ban between Easter and 30 September.
Par Beach
Par Sands Beach is perfect for building sandcastles, flying kites, and playing beach games. You can also explore the nearby dunes and ponds for wildlife spotting. The water is ideal for children to swim and play in, although there’s no lifeguard service.
🐾 Dogs are allowed all year.
Explore the Coastal Path
Breathe in the salty air and feast your eyes on the stunning vistas of the South West Coast Path. The rugged coastline, with its dramatic cliffs and hidden coves, is a walker’s paradise. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins frolicking in the surf!
🐾 Dog friendly year round
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Things to Do in St Austell
From lush gardens and historical museums to serene landscapes and maritime history, there are plenty of dog friendly places to go in Cornwall.
Charlestown Shipwreck Treasure Museum
Charlestown, a historic harbour village, is home to the Charlestown Shipwreck Museum, which offers a fascinating glimpse into maritime history and shipwrecks around the Cornish coast. The museum features an extensive collection of artefacts from shipwrecks, including treasures, tools, and personal belongings. Visitors can also learn about the history of Charlestown, the harbour’s construction, and its role in the china clay industry.
UPDATE – The museum has permanently closed, but the 7000 items in its collection have been saved by the community.
🐾 Dog friendly. There are even water bowls dotted around the museum.
The Lost Gardens of Heligan
The Lost Gardens of Heligan are among England’s most magical and mysterious gardens. Discover the beautifully restored gardens, which offer a fascinating insight into Victorian horticulture and provide a serene setting for a stroll. Wander through a lush, subtropical garden featuring giant rhubarb, palm trees, and bamboo tunnels. Explore manicured lawns, vibrant flowerbeds, and quaint summerhouses.
🐾 Dogs on leads are welcome, including in the Heligan Kitchen and Steward’s House.
Caerhays Estate
Tour the grand Caerhays Castle, set within extensive gardens known for their camellia and rhododendron collections and architectural surprises. In spring, you can visit the castle and gardens, walk along the coastal path, and see the stunning beaches on the estate.
🐾 Dogs are welcome in the gardens on leads.
Wheal Martyn Clay Works
Dig deep into Cornwall’s industrial heritage at Wheal Martyn. This china clay mining museum offers interactive exhibits, nature clay trails, and even a chance to pan for gold. Dive deeper into the region’s industrial past.
🐾 Dog friendly, including the café.
Pinetum Gardens
Escape the hustle and bustle with a visit to Pinetum Gardens, a beautiful 30-acre estate showcasing a variety of themed gardens, each offering a unique horticultural experience. These beautifully manicured gardens are a haven of tranquillity. It’s the perfect spot for a peaceful stroll and a bit of soul-soothing nature.
🐾 Dogs on short leads are welcome.
Cornwall FootballGolf Park
A unique outdoor attraction combining football and golf, Cornwall FootballGolf Park is suitable for all ages. It has 18-hole courses where players kick a football into large holes in as few shots as possible.
🐾 Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome.
St Austell Brewery Tour
Established in 1851, St Austell Brewery is one of Cornwall’s oldest breweries. Get a behind-the-scenes look at one of Cornwall’s most famous breweries. The St Austell Brewery Tour offers an insight into the brewing process, a peek at the history of beer-making in the region, and – most importantly – a tasting session, including renowned ales Tribute and Proper Job. Visit the on-site museum and shop, and enjoy a meal or a pint at the Hicks Bar. It’s one of the best things to do in St Austell in the rain.
🐾 Dogs are allowed in the bar and restaurant but not on the brewery tour.
Knightor Winery
Knightor Winery offers in-depth tours of its vineyards and winemaking facilities, ending with tastings of its exquisite wines. The winery’s restaurant serves dishes made from locally sourced ingredients that pair perfectly with its wines. Look out for special events such as wine and food pairings, seasonal festivals, and live music nights.
🐾 Dog friendly.
Things to Do Near St Austell
St Austell is a charming destination in itself and a perfect base for exploring the stunning surrounding areas of Cornwall.
The Eden Project
No trip to St Austell is complete without a visit to the Eden Project. These iconic biomes house the largest indoor rainforest in the world. Wander through tropical jungles, admire the stunning gardens, and let the kids burn off some energy at the adventure playground. It’s an educational and visually stunning experience for families and nature enthusiasts.
🐾 Dog friendly in the outdoor gardens. There are also water bowls and an undercover area for dogs.
Luxulyan Valley
Luxulyan Valley is a hidden natural wonder just a short distance from St Austell. This lush valley is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and features a network of trails that wind through ancient woodlands, past impressive granite viaducts, and along the course of old tramways and leats. The valley’s industrial heritage and natural beauty make it a fascinating place to explore.
🐾 Dog friendly.
BookBeat – Soundtrack Your Dog Walks
If you love turning a simple dog walk into a mini adventure, BookBeat is the perfect companion. This audiobook app gives you access to over a million stories – from gripping thrillers to feel-good novels – all ready to stream straight to your phone.
Even better, there’s a 30-day free trial, so you can give it a proper go with no pressure. And if BookBeat isn’t the right fit for you? No problem at all – you can cancel your subscription whenever you like, making it a totally stress-free way to soundtrack your dog walks.
Roche Rock
Roche Rock is a striking natural and historical landmark. This jagged granite outcrop rises dramatically from the landscape and is topped with the ruins of a 15th-century chapel dedicated to St Michael. The climb to the top offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, and the rock itself is steeped in legends and local folklore, making it a fascinating spot to explore.
🐾 Dog friendly.
Mevagissey
Mevagissey is a quintessential Cornish fishing village located just south of St Austell. Known for its narrow streets, colourful houses, and bustling harbour, it is a delight to visit. Spend time exploring the charming shops, galleries, and seafood restaurants, or take a boat trip along the coast for a different perspective of this beautiful village.
Fowey
Situated on the west bank of the River Fowey, this picturesque town is famous for its scenic harbour, historic buildings, and literary connections with author Daphne du Maurier. Enjoy a stroll along the Esplanade, visit the Fowey Museum, and explore the independent shops and cafes – there are so many things to do in Fowey. No visit is complete without discovering St Catherine’s Castle or the nearby Restormel Castle – where English Heritage Members get FREE entry.
Take advantage of the opportunity to take a ferry across the river to Polruan for stunning views and coastal walks. The Fowey-Polruan Ferry runs every day of the year, apart from Christmas Day, and departs from each side every 10-15 minutes.
English Heritage Offer
English Heritage Deals: Get 20% off memberships purchased by direct debit by using the promo code PV20OFF at the checkout. It is valid until 31 December 2025. Making a single membership £57.60 per year and a couple’s membership £100.20. Get yours here.
Looe
Looe is a charming seaside town divided into East and West Looe by the River Looe. East Looe is known for its sandy beach, bustling fish market, and vibrant harbour, while West Looe offers a quieter, more residential atmosphere. There are plenty of things to do in Looe, including visiting the Looe Museum, taking a boat trip to Looe Island, or simply enjoying the local seafood at one of the many restaurants. The town also hosts an annual music festival, adding to its vibrant cultural scene. Check out these things to do in Looe with dogs.
Polperro
Polperro is a beautifully preserved fishing village with a rich history and stunning coastal scenery. Wander through the narrow, winding streets, visit the Polperro Heritage Museum of Smuggling and Fishing, and take in the breathtaking views of the south coast. Check out these dog friendly things to do in Polperro.
For such a small village, you will experience outstanding local food in all of these dog friendly places to eat in Polperro.
Dog Friendly Pubs St Austell
St Austell is home to various dog-friendly pubs, perfect for enjoying a relaxing pint with your furry friend. The Western Inn, a traditional Cornish pub, allows dogs inside. Also, the Holmbush Inn is a spacious tavern serving English grub, beer and cocktails. Whereas Hicks Bar is a welcoming bar, restaurant and visitor centre complete with a sunny outdoor seating area.
Dog Friendly Restaurants St Austell
St Austell boasts several dog-friendly restaurants, so you won’t have to leave your furry friend behind when dining out. The Longstore, located in the picturesque Charlestown Harbour, welcomes dogs in its outdoor seating area, where you can enjoy delicious steak and seafood dishes with a stunning view. The Polgooth Inn offers a warm welcome to dogs both inside and in its spacious garden, perfect for a relaxed meal with your pet.
Dog Friendly Hotels St Austell
St Austell offers a range of pet friendly hotels that ensure a comfortable stay for both you and your furry friend. The Cornwall Hotel Spa & Estate is a top choice, with spacious rooms and beautiful grounds where dogs are welcome to explore. For budget travellers, the Travelodge St Austell has dog friendly rooms. For those looking for a cosy stay, the Pier House Hotel in Charlestown offers charming rooms with stunning harbour views and welcomes dogs for a small additional fee per night. Many of these hotels also provide convenient amenities such as on-site parking, making it easy to enjoy your stay.
Dog Friendly Places to Visit in Cornwall
There are so many unique things to do in St Austell; it’s full of surprises. Whether you’re a family, a couple, or exploring solo, this charming Cornish town has something for everyone. So, the next time you’re looking for places to visit in Cornwall with dogs, visit St Austell. Be sure to venture off the beaten path and enjoy these unique activities.
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