Described by Dylan Thomas as ‘the loveliest village in Britain,’ we headed to dog friendly Mousehole for a few days of sun, sand and surf.
As we drove through the sun-drenched streets of Penzance, I could hardly believe our luck. Our mini break in Mousehole had coincided with a glorious burst of Autumn sunshine.
Having stopped off at Perranporth beach to stretch our legs and break up the journey, you could be forgiven for thinking you’d landed in some European holiday resort. Everyone basking in the heat of the day and relaxing in their swimwear. Boy had we timed it right with the weather!
Situated in the thriving village of Mousehole on the south-west coast of Cornwall, Mousehole Cottage is a true Cornish gem. Tucked away down a narrow leafy lane, this charismatic cottage exudes charm and sophistication from the moment you walk through the door.
Conveniently, the cottage has its own parking space which I felt really quite smug about given that parking spaces in Mousehole are like gold dust!
Having parked the Dottymobile and bundled our belongings into our cosy abode, the girls were eager to explore their surroundings for the next few days.
Mousehole Cottage – A Dog-Friendly Delight
Spotlessly clean, and brimming with personality, this delightful coastal cottage has a real country vibe. Providing its guests with the perfect haven of tranquility away from the hustle and bustle of village life.
Striking just the right balance between luxurious and welcoming, Mousehole Cottage is decked out in calming neutral tones. And whilst portraying a fresh contemporary feel throughout, it still maintains that all-important cottagey ambiance.
With tasteful furnishings, complimented by Orla Keily blinds and subtle seasidey nods here and there, it has just the right amount of nautical niceties to satisfy my seaside fascination!
Downstairs, there is hardwood flooring, making it super practical as a dog-friendly holiday pad. Complete with a log-burning stove to cosy up on chilly evenings and big comfy sofas to sprawl out, the sitting/ dining room is perfect to kick back and relax.
A Warm Welcome
Despite the sketchy 4G signal in the village, the cottage has excellent Wi-Fi to keep you in touch with the outside world. And with an array of TV channels, Netflix and Amazon Prime available, you’ll be able to keep your paw on the pulse.
The immaculately presented farmhouse-style kitchen has everything you need for a self-catering holiday. With a built-in dishwasher, fridge freezer, and washing machine, you could happily hunker down for the week without having to go too far.
That said, if you don’t fancy slaving over a hot stove, there are plenty of places to dine out in and around Mousehole. (More on that later!)
Waiting for us on arrival was a very welcome bottle of red, along with a vase of fresh flowers and some scrummy Cornish Shortbread. [Which Winnie and Gertie instantly had their eyes on!]
Upstairs, the light and airy double bedroom is decked out in calming colours and boasts awe-inspiring views across the jumble of chimney pots and down to the shimmering ocean below. [The dogs had great fun engaging in staring competitions with the local seagulls who were perched on the roof tops!]
Also on the first floor is a twin bedroom and a bunk room, along with a bathroom that has the most amazingly powerful over-the-bath shower.
The cottage has its own enclosed garden, laid to shingle. So there’s no need to worry – those late-night and early-morning comfort breaks are catered for! There is also a large outside dining table and chair set, complete with barbecue – ideal for a spot of alfresco dining on balmy Summer evenings, as you watch the sunset over the harbour.
For the dogs at Mousehole Cottage
Our four-legged friends are made to feel very welcome at Mousehole Cottage. With some doggy biscuits, a handy roll of poop bags, and snuggly blankets and throws waiting for them on arrival, Winnie and Gertie soon felt very at home.
Whilst there are no set dog rules, obviously it goes without saying that guests must be considerate to others. Dogs are allowed to relax on the furniture with you, providing you use throws and blankets to protect the soft furnishings.
I always take my own bed linen when we go away. I think it’s only polite to launder my own sheets when cottages have been kind enough to let your canine companions share your sleeping quarters!
‘The Loveliest Village in Britain’
Meandering through the streets, it’s easy to see why Mousehole has long lured visitors with its pretty little harbour, its honeycomb of winding streets and alleyways, and its laid-back seaside charm.
Dylan Thomas once described the village as ‘the loveliest village in Britain,’ and I can see why.
Far from a sleepy backwater, this idyllic little Cornish village is a bustling hive of activity. With a generous smattering of irresistibly tempting eateries and delis, and tasteful trinket shops galore, it’s little wonder Mousehole is such a tourist hot spot.
By day, what was once a thriving fishing port, comes alive with day visitors. And the unseasonably warm weather had certainly brought them flocking in their droves. That said, Autumn and Winter is the time to visit Mousehole, as the harbour walls come alive with a rainbow of twinkling lights. Sadly we were just a little too early to see them, but I’ve been at New Year before and they really are a spectacle worth seeing.
Dog-friendly places to dine in Mousehole
As luck would have it, Mousehole Cottage is right next door to The Old Coastguard. With a mouthwatering menu, this top-notch watering hole is well worth a visit. Whilst we ran out of time to sample their fare on this occasion, we have recently visited their sister pub, The Felin Fach Griffin, and it was honestly one of the best meals I’ve had in a long time.
I can also highly recommend the Mousehole Kitchen and Deli situated on the harbourfront. They do a pretty mean takeaway breakfast bap and a flat white, which set me up nicely for a day of exploring!
Does Mousehole Beach Allow Dogs?
Unfortunately, whilst many of the shops, cafes, and restaurants in Mousehole welcome our four-legged counterparts, dogs are not permitted on the harbour beach or on the quay walls at any time of year. Every time we walked past the strip of inviting soft golden sand, I could feel Winnie’s lead tighten somewhat!
So, unable to satisfy our insatiable desire for sandy snoots in the local vicinity, we were just forced to adventure further afield.
This part of Cornwall is a dog-friendly dream. With days out aplenty, a stunning coastline to explore, and an abundance of picturesque towns and villages, you’ll leave with an incomplete wish list as long as your arm!
And if you visit out of season, like us, you’ll avoid seasonal dog bans and restrictions on the beaches.
What beaches are dog-friendly near Mousehole?
Just a few miles from Land’s End is the breathtaking Sennen Cove (also called Whitesands Bay). Backed by rugged cliffs and the South West Coastal Path, this pristine sandy beach is a surfer’s paradise. A stimulus for artists and photographers alike, it’s easy to see why this beach inspires such imaginative creativity. With its large expanse of soft white sand, azure blue waters, and far-reaching views of the Atlantic Ocean.
The dogs and I happily spent a few hours here. In fact, it was a great opportunity to brush up on a bit of recall training with Winnie! Trying to distract her from all the fellow canines and the numerous surfers laden with their brightly coloured boards was somewhat of a challenge. But, you know what they say, practice makes perfect, and I can’t think of a more idyllic location for dog training to take place! [Beats a stale-smelling village hall any day!]
Porthcurno Beach
Hemmed in by dramatic cliffs on either side, Porthcurno beach is an oasis of natural beauty. With stark white sand and turquoise blue waters, it’s rather like a scene from the Bounty advert!
Located at the western extremity of Porthcurno Beach, is the Minack Theatre. This iconic structure, set into the granite rock, is still home to many outdoor theatrical performances.
It’s well worth the walk along the cliff top to take in the glory of this historical masterpiece whilst you’re in Porthcurno.
Praa Sands
Situated between Helston and Penzance, Praa Sands is an impressive mile-long stretch of enticing white sand.
With lots of space to stretch those paws, it’s the perfect destination for a dog walk. Backed by sand dunes and a nice dog-friendly cafe for a post-walkies pit stop it’s little wonder it made our hit list!
Porthleven
Just three miles from Praa Sands is the fishing village of Porthleven. Famed for being Great Britain’s most southerly port, Porthleven is steeped in history and is the ideal place to spend an afternoon.
With a double harbour and a beach (if the tide is out) there’s plenty to do to while away the time.
After a tasty sandwich at The Ship (which I’d highly recommend), we enjoyed an hour or two mooching around the local art galleries, and boutique shops and chatting to the locals! [Travelling solo with two characterful terriers is the best ice breaker when it comes to striking up a conversation with strangers!]
A Fond Farewell
I can always tell how much we’ve enjoyed a place but how quickly the time passes, and before we knew it, it was time to head home and bid a fond farewell to Mousehole Cottage.
The cottage is owned and let by Phay MacDowel who runs a holiday cottage letting agency called Stylish Cornwall Cottages. They have a fabulous selection of properties in their portfolio, all of which welcome dogs.
So, next time you’re looking for a coastal getaway with your dog, do check out Stylish Cornwall Cottages, and if you’re looking to bag a last minute break check out any offers they may have available. (Who doesn’t love a deal!)
There is so much to explore in this area of Cornwall, we’ll definitely be returning in the not-too-distant future to sniff out all the places we ran out of time to see.
For lots more photos and videos of our holiday in Cornwall check out the story highlights on our Instagram page.
Join us on our next adventures, when we will be exploring dog friendly Dartmouth.
Woofs and Wags
Kate, Gertie and Winnie
xox
*We were offered a complimentary stay in return for an honest review.
Aww this looks gorgeous Kate and how did they know about your fave chicken wine? Lovely write up and photos as always! xx
Ahh thank you – it was a gorgeous little cottage and in such a lovely Cornish village. As always thank you for taking the time to read about our adventures xx