Dog-friendly Cornwall
With a new addition to the family, 2018 has been all about discovering great places in the UK to visit with our lovable cockerjack Django in tow. We presumed our summer holiday to Cornwall would involve a lot less days out at local attractions. I was wrong; it just involves a little more research and planning. So when I discovered that The Eden Project has been named the best dog-walking destination in the world I knew I had to return.
One of my last memorable trips with my adventurous nana (before true old age got the better of her) was to Eden, when it had only just opened to the public. An avid gardener, she was blown away by the sheer potential of the site – the size of 30 football pitches – I only wish she was still around to see what it’s become. While everyone talks about the tropical and temperate plant-filled domes, known as biomes, it’s just as exhilarating to wander the now mature and well established outdoor gardens that nestle in this huge crater. Back in 1998 this site was a barren landscape, with no soil and no plants. Today it celebrates our dependence on plants, presents our cultivated and wild landscapes and explores their importance.
Dogs sadly aren’t permitted inside the biomes, but the attraction positively encourages pets to sniff out and explore almost all other areas. Wherever we went Django had a great time – fussed over by the friendly staff dotted about the attraction and fun encounters with other intrepid dogs. It’s so rare to feel welcome when you go out and about with your four-legged friend, so Eden made for a great day out for all of us.
With more than four miles of outdoor paths – all accessible to dog-walkers – taking a route through the Eden Project's scenic gardens, there’s lots to see and experience without feeling like you’re missing out. There’s ample water bowls, an undercover dining area for dogs and dedicated bins for dog poo. Just beyond the visitor attraction are many miles more of dog-friendly, traffic-free footpaths. Next stop Lost Gardens of Heligan, St. Austell.
Dog-friendly attractions in Cornwall
The Eden Project, Bodelva, St Austell, PL24 2SG
The Lost Gardens of Heligan, Pentewan, St.Austell, PL26 6EN
Trebah Garden, Mawnan Smith, Falmouth, TR11 5JZ
