Welcome fellow travellers and your four-legged friends to the charming coastal haven of Polperro. Nestled along the rugged cliffs of Cornwall, this picturesque village offers plenty of things to do in Polperro with dogs. Polperro promises an unforgettable experience for both of you.
What to do in Polperro with Dogs
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Is Polperro Worth Visiting?
Polperro is almost our second home. We know it so well, having visited at least once a year since 2013. With narrow streets, pretty cottages that cling to the hillside, and a harbour, Polperro village is undeniably attractive. You can’t drive into it; the roads are too narrow, meaning you explore on foot.
There is a car park, with short and long stay options. Or, you can get the bus, with routes from Looe, St Cleer, Liskeard, Widegate, Pelynt and Plymouth.
Polperro Things To Do
Polperro finds its roots in medieval times. It is known for its history of smuggling, including tobacco, brandy and gin. The working harbour still has pride of place in the village today, and you can even purchase fresh fish caught in the area. Plenty of attractions will satisfy solo travellers, couples, and families today. So, what is there to do in Polperro with your dog?
Polperro Model Village
The Polperro Model Village and Land of Legend has been a Cornish tourist attraction since the 1940s and has survived fire and floods. Alongside this is a model railway that will give you a unique opportunity to learn about the legends and superstitions of Cornwall.
Open Easter to November between 1030 and 1700. (Closed on Saturdays) Adults are £3, children and seniors are £2. There is no charge for dogs.
Polperro Heritage Museum
The Polperro Heritage Museum of Smuggling and Fishing is located in The Warren overlooking the harbour. The museum is in an old pilchard factory. It has a collection of exhibits showcasing Polperro’s history. There is also a remarkable collection of photographs dating back to 1860. The highlight is the model ships.
Open Easter to October between 1030 and 1630. Adults are £3, and those under 16 are free. Of course, dogs are more than welcome.
Shell Cottage
During your visit, you’ll want to admire Shell Cottage. The house depicts Eddystone Lighthouse and took five years to complete in the 1930s. Samuel Puckey, a retired sailor, did the design.
Polperro Beach
Cornwall is packed with dog friendly beaches. The quaint beach in Polperro is accessible when the tide is out. The sheltered sandy beach has hidden coves and rock pools outside the harbour walls. Dogs are welcome on the beach all year but must be on leads between 10am and 6pm. It’s ideal for splashing paws in the sea or sitting and watching the boats return to the harbour.
The Net Loft
Chapel Rock, also known as Peak Rock, is at the entrance to the harbour. Nestled into the rocks is The Net Loft, the Grade II listed building is thought to have been a chapel. In recent years, before it was abandoned, the ground floor was used to store sails and pilchard nets. It may have also been a lighthouse. Now looked after by the National Trust, it has been restored.
Fishing Trips and Boat Tours
Don’t let the adventure end on land! Treat your pup to a boat tour around Polperro’s stunning coastline. The highlight of my holiday is a boat trip, usually across to the village of Fowey.
Pulling into Polperro harbour from the sea is an unforgettable experience, even more so if you bring back a bucket of fish, you caught yourself. Booking a fishing trip or pleasure cruise from the quayside is easy. You’ll find boards around the harbour with trip details and mobile numbers.
Polperro Dog Walks
If you and your pooch are looking for dog-friendly walks in Polperro and its surroundings, then you are not going to be disappointed.
Chapel Cliff Walk
A challenging coastal walk, where the sea views will make up for any exertion. Follow the route; as you take the steps up the hill, blocked-off caves are on the right-hand side. You’ll pass through an area where the fishermen used to have allotments and then into woodlands.
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.
South West Coast Path
The south coast walk will take you past beach rockpools and remnants of shipwrecks. The Polperro to Looe walk along the South West Coast Path, or vice versa is brilliant for those who want to do something more energetic. Some steep hills can cause legs to complain, but it will be worth it. The walk takes about 90 minutes. About halfway is Talland Bay, where you can get a drink and use the facilities if needed. Don’t want to do the walk back? Get a bus or a boat trip.
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Dog Friendly Polperro Restaurants
Polperro has everything if you’re craving traditional pub fare, fresh seafood, or a cosy tearoom experience. Polperro’s dog-friendly places to eat offer diverse culinary experiences, catering to your taste buds and providing a warm welcome to your canine companions.
Polperro Dog Friendly Pubs
I love pub crawling through Polperro. It starts at the Crumplehorn Inn, the start of the village, by the car park and bus stop. Highlights along the route are the Ship Inn, which hosts live music and themed parties throughout the year, and the Three Pilchards, a small pub with a fantastic beer garden that goes upwards. You’ll end up at the Blue Peter Inn. Most pubs have water bowls and treats behind the bar for your dog.
Shops in Polperro
If retail therapy is your thing, you will be spoilt shopping in Polperro. I’ve rummaged through the antiques in Car Booty, bought vintage china in Tussie Mussie, and memorabilia for our garden pub in Polperro Home and Garden. There’s also clothing, sweet treats, art, jewellery, souvenirs, local food and drinks, including homemade chilli sauce. The majority of them are dog friendly.
Ebenezer Gallery Polperro
One of the things to do in Polperro is to visit Ebenezer Gallery. The gallery exhibits work created by members of the East Cornwall Society of Artists. The building was originally a chapel but closed in the 1930s before becoming a builder’s workshop. Displays are across two floors and include paintings, glass wear and ceramics. There’s also a shop.
Open Easter to October between 1100 and 1600. It is also dog friendly.
Dog Friendly Cottages Polperro
Nestled amidst the charming village streets or overlooking the serene coastal landscape, plenty of dog-friendly cottages in Polperro provide a cosy retreat. Imagine curling up by the fireplace after a day of exploration or enjoying a lazy morning on a sunlit terrace. Your pup will thank you with a contented sigh as they settle into their home away from home, making memories that will last a lifetime.
National Trust Holidays
National Trust Holidays offers a selection of holiday cottages, campsites and bunkhouses set in spectacular locations. Sleeping 2 – 12 guests, they have everything you need for a night away, from kitchen facilities to cosy gardens to relax in during warmer weather.
Things to do Near Polperro
There are so many places near Polperro to visit and explore.
Looe
The charming seaside town of Looe, where the sun, sea, and sand combine to create the paw-fect staycation destination for you and your four-legged companions. There are plenty of tail-wagging things to do in Looe with dogs.
St Austell
Don’t leave your furry friend behind on a beach day! St Austell boasts several stunning dog-friendly beaches where your dog can run, play, and swim to its heart’s content. Here’s a guide to the best dog friendly beaches in St Austell.
Fowey
Coming soon
Dog Friendly Polperro
There you have it – a guide to Polperro that’s as wag-worthy as a pup’s enthusiasm for a game of fetch! Whether your four-legged friend is a seasoned traveller or a first-time explorer, Polperro guarantees an unforgettable experience for both of you.
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This is really helpful, thank you!