Life doesn’t get any more idyllic than at The Little Loft St Ives. It’s the perfect dog friendly holiday home, nestled in the backstreets of this historic Cornish town. Long sandy beaches, quaint cobbled streets and a bustling array of independent shops, cafes and art galleries.

Porthmeor Beach St Ives

I love last minute surprises, so when Becky and Alex got in touch to see if Pops and I would like a weekend away in their newly refurbished holiday home, The Little Loft in St Ives, we were giddy with excitement!

Having wound our way through the narrow, cobbled streets of St Ives, we parked the Dottymobile in the public car park. The car park is just a half a minute walk away from the apartment. I was determined my car was not going to move for the whole weekend.

This was going to be a weekend of relaxation, walkies and exploring. I was determined that by the time we left, I was going to know this quintessential seaside town inside out!

Poppy Dog on Porthmeor Beach

The perfect dog friendly retreat in St Ives

Accessed by a set of steep steps, The Little Loft provides a cosy bolthole for couples looking to get away from it all.  The minute Pops and I stepped inside the apartment, we felt at home.

Freshly painted walls, homely rugs and cushions, and carefully chosen wall art and decor make it feel like a home from home. I could already tell, saying goodbye was going to be hard!

The Little Loft consists of two main living areas. The kitchen/ living room and a large king sized bedroom with an en-suite bathroom.

The modern fitted kitchen has everything you could want and more for the perfect stay. Complete with an integrated cooker and hob, a microwave oven and every cooking utensil, pot and pan under the sun. [I mean there’s even egg cups – something that, in my experience, very few places think to provide, and I do love a boiled egg to start my day!]

Cosy Bedroom at The Little Loft St Ives

All the mod-cons

There is a Smart TV in the living room, and a larger one in the bedroom, so cosy nights in with my girl were spent catching up on my favourite drama series that I’d not had time to watch.

The bedroom has lots of storage space and in the corner is a very tasteful, well-appointed en-suite bathroom with one of the best showers ever! I had to literally prize myself out each morning – there’s nothing quite like a powerful, hot shower to set you up for the day ahead!

Throughout the flat there are lots of thoughtful little touches to make it feel welcoming and homely. A rustic little hamper where guests can help themselves to tea, coffee or hot chocolate, and there’s even a cute jar of dog biscuits, dog bowls and an essential supply of poo bags for the most impawtent members of the family. 

Dog Friendly Coves and Beaches in St Ives

The flat boasts the most perfect position and is conveniently located for all the local amenities, beaches and attractions. It’s just a stones throw from Porthmeor Beach, a magnificent long stretch of golden sand, studded with rock-pools to dabble those paws in, and overlooked by a cosy cafe serving coffee and cakes for that all important post-walkies pit stop.  [They have outdoor heaters on the covered terrace for us dog owners in the Winter months which were very much appreciated after a chilly stroll]. 

Poppy Dog on Porthminster Beach

Along the coastline line (all within walking distance) are many, equally beautiful, picturesque coves and beaches. All the beaches in the area allow dogs in the Winter months. However there is a seasonal dog ban is in place which runs from the Sunday before Easter until the 30th September every year. 

Pops and I decided to embark on a ‘beach crawl’ on our first morning [rather like a pub crawl minus the alcohol, and quite frankly a whole lot more enjoyable at my time of life!!] 

Dog Friendly Porthminster Beach

On our tour, we took in the fabulous Porthminster beach, where incidentally Becky and Alex have another holiday let,  Little Haven. The beach is lined with boldly painted beach huts and is the epitome of the traditional British seaside scene.

From there we meandered along the coastal path to Carbis Bay. It’s about a half an hour walk, but well worth it for the stunning views along the way. We sat and enjoyed a coffee whilst taking in the fabulous scenery. It struck me as being the Sandbanks of Cornwall – clearly where the wealthy hang out! [It’s okay, Pops and I managed to blend in for half an hour!]

Poppy Dog on the Rocks at Porthwidden Beach

Along our journey, it soon became obvious when we were approaching the next stretch of sand. I could feel Pops’ pace quicken in her best efforts to get us there in lightening speed! She’s such a beach babe at heart! Despite not being a keen swimmer, she loves nothing more than scooting about in the waves with her ball.

Poppy Dog by the Beach Huts at Porthwidden Beach

Dog Friendly Places in St Ives 

There are various routes you can take into the centre of St Ives, (all of which take about five minutes from The Little Loft) but we tended to walk along the beach – any excuse for a few extra throws of the ball and a chase through the waves!

St Ives itself has a unique charm and character all of its own. Everything you need is on the doorstep. You are literally spoilt for choice when it comes to dog-friendly cafes, pubs and restaurants. Becky has considerately listed all the places not to be missed in a handy information folder.

St Ives Harbour at Night

We didn’t get to try all of the recommendations, [always good to leave some for our next visit!] but two of our favourites were The Beach Cafe at Porthgwidden and Scoff Troff Cafe. The Beach Cafe not only serves the best breakfast I’ve ever had, [it was so good I went back two days running!], but the views are just breathtaking.

It really is the idyllic way to spend a Sunday morning; eating scrummy food and drinking coffee. All whilst watching a pack of deliriously happy dogs bound through the waves and chase each other across the sand on Porthgwidden cove below. 

Poppy Dog in the sun on Porthmeor Beach

Scoff Troff Cafe was another firm favourite and luckily [for my waistline!] I didn’t discover it until our last day, otherwise a return visit would have been compulsory! With huge slabs of mouth-wateringly tasty homemade cakes and a sign on the door warning that ‘dogs are welcome and humans are tolerated!’ What’s not to love? It was like paradise!

St Ives at Night

Dog Friendly Shopping

Lots of the shops welcome furry friends, so there’s no excuse to miss out on a spot of retail therapy. And it’s so lovely to see a town that’s actually thriving.

With a whole host of independent, boutique style shops, jewellers and art galleries to browse around you can easily while away an afternoon or two. Not to mention spend some of those hard earned pennies! [We discovered a lovely art gallery on the harbour front selling dog prints. Needless to say we had to buy a couple – you need a holiday souvenir to take back with you after all!]

The Pawfect Holiday

The Little Loft made me realise that so often I choose to stay in places that are rather remote. As someone who tries to fit as much as possible into everyday, holidays can sometimes feel a little manic! I often feel pressured to see everything an area has to offer. As a result, I end up planning numerous trips out in the car. [Never very relaxing when you have a sense of direction like mine!!]

The Cove at Porthwidden

The beauty of St Ives, is that all you could possibly need is on your doorstep. A late evening drink by the harbour, a stroll along the sand, a wander around the shops. There’s no need to go anywhere else. It really is the perfect place to chill out, relax and enjoy some time with your furry friend.

Poppy Dog in St Ives

One thing that really struck me is that St Ives is incredibly dog-friendly. There were lots of pampered pooches, all wrapped up in quilted coats. All enjoying quality family time in a place where dogs are made to feel as welcome as their human counter parts. In my own little fantasy world, everywhere will be just like this one day.

What can I say…..St Ives, you’ve stolen a little piece of my heart – we will definitely be back.

Kate Taylor and Poppy on Porthminster Beach

A huge thank you to Becky and Alex for letting us be the first guests in your lovely new dog friendly pad. It has been a complete honour and a true privilege.

If you would like to make an enquiry to book The Little Loft please visit their listing.

Woofs and Wags

Kate and Pops 

xox

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