A week in Cornwall
We spend a week in Cornwall in December 2024 and we really enjoyed this part of England. There are lots of opportunities for wonderful hikes, beautiful beaches and more. Read below about the highlights:
– Truro Cathedral Pets Carol Service
– Cornish Seal Sanctuary
– Land’s End
– Kynance Cove
– Godrevy Beach
– Bodinnick Ferry
– St Mawes
– St Agnes Head
– St Ives
– Michael’s Mount
Truro Cathedral
Christmas mass
Truro Cathedral claims to be the first cathedral where dogs are allowed. The church believes that God also created animals and so animals are more than welcome is this beautiful cathedral. What makes the cathedral even more special is that it organises a special Christmas mass for pets every year. This mass is called the Pets Carol Service and it is truly a wonderful initiative!
Every year, hundreds of people attend. We found this mass very unique. There were many dogs, but also cats, rabbits and even mice. It was a pleasure to be part of this experience!
Cornish Seal Sanctuary
This seal sanctuary offers help to seals in need for short-term stays, but there are also seals that have been staying here for decades. The staff work hard to give the seals a better life. You can watch the seals being fed at certain times and before this they give you a lot of fun information about the specific seals.
It is quite pricey to gain access to the sanctuary, but in return you help to give the seals a better life ánd you get access to the sanctuary throughout the year with one ticket.
The Cornish Seal Sanctuary also opens its doors to dogs, so if you’re looking for something other then a hike, this is definitely a must.
Hikes and beaches
Land's end
“How special is it to visit the westernmost point of England? The coast at Land’s End offers stunning views, and you can see the rock formations up close.
Kynance Cove
The coast at Kynance Cove is also well worth a visit. During your walk, you can experience the peacefulness of the sea. Be sure to stop by Housel Bay Hotel for a delicious hot chocolate. Dogs are allowed in here!
Godrevy beach
There are many places in Cornwall where you can see seals, as large seal populations live in this part of the sea. However, the first place where we spotted many seals together was at Godrevy Beach.
If you start your walk, your dog can first enjoy playing with other dogs on the beach. After that, you can continue your walk through a meadow, past the horses, to the viewpoint where you can see the seals resting on the beach below. You’ll see some seals in the water, but many are also happily chilling on the sand—a unique experience! Make sure to keep your dog on a leash and speak softly to avoid disturbing the seals.
Bodinnick Ferry
One of the walks we really enjoyed was the loop near Fowey Hall, where you take two ferries to cross the water. You start your walk at Bodinnick Ferry, and further along the route, you take the Polruan Ferry.
Fowey and Polruan are cosy towns where you can sit for a coffee.
Before setting off, check the ferry timetable to make sure they are running. Also, be sure to bring cash, as the Bodinnick Ferry only accepts cash payments. Dogs are welcome on the ferry as well!
St Mawes
Walking around St. Mawes Castle is absolutely wonderful. You start your walk on a small beach and then head towards St. Mawes Castle, where dogs are also welcome. After that, you continue your walk and can enjoy the tranquility and the sight of boats gently bobbing along the coast.
St Agnes Head
Another stunning coastal route is St Agnes Head. Halfway through your walk, you’ll find a beautiful beach where your dog can run and play with other dogs and you can even explore part of a cave. Simply breathtaking
St Ives
We had planned to take a beautiful walk from St Ives, but once we arrived, it turned out to be impossible to find a parking spot. Apparently, everyone had the same idea. So, we decided to start our walk from just outside St Ives, making our way into town and back again. Once again, we enjoyed stunning coastal views, and in St Ives, we had a fantastic meal at The Rum and Crab Shack.
Michael's Mount
St Michael’s Mount is a stunning castle located on a tidal island that isn’t accessible all day. During high tide, you can’t reach the island on foot. So, be sure to check the timetable if you plan to walk across. In the summer months, you can also take a small boat to the island, but in winter, the gate to the island is only open at specific times. The castle is not open for public in winter times, but it’s also a wonderful experience to admire the castle and the island from the outside.
