Where to shop with your four-legged friends
As a team of dog-lovers, we appreciate how important it is to include your pets in your day-to-day activities, especially when you’re on holiday. Whether that’s a roast on the coast, a beach stroll or a wander around a harbourside town, it’s nice to know your four-legged friends will be welcomed with open arms wherever you go. For those staying in one of our dog-friendly holiday homes this year, we’ve rounded up our favourite homeware, clothing, farm and pet shops who encourage canine customers to join you for a browse (albeit without muddy paws).
Pet Shops
© Left: Slickers Doghouse. Centre: Bella's Pet Boutique. Right: The Doghouse Deli and Bar.
Slickers Doghouse, Padstow
For those holidaying in Padstow, thanks to our beautiful dog-friendly homes Kilden Mor and Harbour Walk, days spent exploring the town will easily slot into your itinerary. Winners of the Independent Pet Shop Award in 2021, Slickers stocks luxurious, eco-friendly pet supplies and sits on the edge of Padstow’s harbour. Of course, dogs are allowed in for a look around and inside you’ll find cosy beds, coats, leads, toys and treats. Open all year round, expect dog-friendly ice cream in the summer and festive frosted ‘woofin’s come Christmas.
Bella’s Pet Boutique, Wadebridge
A hub of independent businesses, Hawksfield in Wadebridge provides a wonderful setting for a stroll after lunch at dog-friendly Strong Adolfo’s. With the Camel Trail making its way through nearby Wadebridge it’s easy to incorporate a walk with a pitstop here. Open Tuesday – Saturday, Bella’s Pet Boutique is the place for natural treats and eco-friendly toys. They even stock Dryrobes for dogs, so trips to the beach will become even more enjoyable for your companions.
The Doghouse Deli & Bar, Polperro
Nestled in the picture-perfect town of Polperro, The Doghouse Deli & Bar has become a reason to visit the town in itself. Known for their wide range of toys, snacks and picnic boxes, their playful shop is certainly something to behold. As expected, four-legged friends are encouraged through the doors with the staff experts on all things paw-friendly. They’re always willing to share details on local walks, with many documented by collie dog Jones, on Instagram.
For those wishing to escape to South Cornwall for a dog-friendly getaway, take a look at Eden in nearby Downderry. With the beach close by and the idyllic Rame Peninsula yours to uncover, there’s every reason to bundle everyone up for a week of walking, swimming and exploring.
Homeware and Lifestyle
© Left: The Webb Street Company. Centre: &Kin and Brocante. Right: Alice in Scandiland.
The Webb Street Company, Fowey
When it comes to dog-friendly Cornwall, Fowey is easily up there with the most accommodating and welcoming. Known for its sailing scene and great restaurants, this waterside town makes a great day trip or week’s stay, thanks to our dog-friendly barn conversions, Daymarker, Lantic Barn and Little Polkerris. The town itself is brimming with interior shops, bakeries and art galleries, with The Webb Street Company one of our favourites.
Run by local artists, the shop is known for its superb collection of prints, jewellery and books. A warm welcome always ensues and with so many lovely items, it's easy to pick up a few keepsakes to remind you of your Cornish staycation.
& Kin, Nansleden
A Duchy development on the edge of Newquay, Nansleden is quickly becoming one of the county’s most coveted shopping destinations. Encompassed by colourful streets, independent shops, bakeries and delis are opening up and showcasing the very best of Cornish businesses. With all of them welcoming dogs, means no one is left outside holding a lead, & Kin is no different. This beautiful clothing and lifestyle store is the place to go for cosy knits, colourful dresses and organic linens. Known for their friendly customer service, it’ll become a must-visit stop after days spent on the north coast’s beaches and coast paths.
While in the area, be sure to also call into Love of Lemons, Teylu and Marcel Rodrigues – all of which warmly welcome dogs.
Brocante, Fowey
Another of Fowey’s stunning interior stores, Brocante is loved for its vintage-style homewares and luxurious accessories. Great for gift shopping, pick up scented candles, woollen blankets and beautiful ceramics. Or for anyone currently undergoing an interior project, they also have furniture pieces, plant pots and mirrors – all they ask is soggy dogs to wipe their paws outside before venturing in for a look around.
For those visiting Fowey, be sure to book a table at one of their restaurants. Appletons is among the best and are dog-friendly, while their pubs and cafés also warmly welcome everyone in for a bite to eat.
Alice in Scandiland, Lostwithiel
An interiors dream in the form of beeswax candles, hand-thrown pottery and stoneware bottles, this shop is a real hidden gem. Situated in Cornwall’s ancient capital, Lostwithiel flies under the radar when it comes to places to visit in the county. Encompassed by enchanting woodlands, a 12th century castle and the River Fowey, it’s a place to while away the hours with dogs in tow.
Many visit for the Duchy of Cornwall Café but there’s every reason to stay, with independent shops lining the high street and Alice in Scandiland the jewel in its crown. With everchanging window displays, Alice warmly welcomes pups in for a look around – although perhaps make this your first port of call, pre-river dip.
There are plenty of walks around Lostwithiel too, with routes taking you along the river in both directions. Head along Coulson Park for an easy-going stretch or take to Restormel Woods for a longer stroll. If hungry bellies call, stop by Nellie’s for a hot Cornish pasty or retreat into the Globe Inn. Their bar area and garden are dog-friendly – you’ll often spot an old lurcher beside the bar – so settle in for lunch after an afternoon dipping in and out of shops.
The Painted Bird, St Ives
Nestled in the picturesque fishing village of St Ives, The Painted Bird is a delightful hidden gem that celebrates all things handmade, natural, and unique. The store offers a carefully curated range of home, body, and living products for those who appreciate quality and originality. From delicate silver jewellery to hand-carved coffee mugs, have fun browsing with your four-legged friends for company.
Uneeka, Truro
"Uneeka" is a quirky lifestyle store in Truro where fans of colorful cushions, upcycled furniture, and ethically produced textiles can find all their favorite things under one roof. Located in the heart of Cornwall's capital city, this independent store perfectly showcases a range of lifestyle and homeware items that are unlikely to be found in any high street store. After browsing the shelves, head upstairs to enjoy a cosy cafè serving chai tea and homemade cakes.
Ann's Cottage
This popular chain of stores can be found across multiple locations in Cornwall, including Polzeath, Fistral, and Wadebridge. They offer a wide range of surf apparel, equipment, and accessories from top brands. If you have developed an interest in surfing or bodyboarding during your visit, the shop's friendly and knowledgeable staff can assist you in choosing the right products to meet your needs.
Farm Shops and Garden Centres
© Left: Newquay Garden Centre. Right: St Kew Farmshop.
Trevisker Garden Centre, Padstow
We’re fans of garden centres – they allow our dogs in for a look around, they have a great selection of plants and there’s usually a café too, what’s not to love? With that in mind, Trevisker in Padstow makes it onto our list of dog-friendly shops. It’s situated a short drive from Padstow itself, but it’s worth stopping by, even if it’s just to while away an afternoon. Wander the outdoor nurseries in search of seedlings and stems or shop for succulents and trailing plants in their indoor store. There’s also a homeware section for those looking to pick up beautiful interior touches and a dedicated pet shop too. What’s more, there’s free parking outside so why not pay a visit after a morning walk over Little Petherick Creek.
Stay nearby at The Baobab. A hidden architectural gem, this waterside home warmly welcomes dogs and is surrounded by endless gardens, enchanting woodlands and estuary walks.
Newquay Garden Centre, Newquay
Not far from the dog-friendly beaches of Crantock, Watergate and Fistral, Newquay Garden Centre is great for a pitstop after sandy excursions. The staff are nothing short of welcoming, so four-legged friends can expect a warm greeting as they accompany you for a wander around. They have a large range of indoor and outdoor plants, as well as gifts, cards and local produce. A dedicated pets section also makes it worthwhile for your furry companion, thanks to their pick-and-mix dog treats and squeaky toys.
Their on-site café is one of our most-loved dog-friendly recommendations. The Potting Shed is open for delicious breakfasts, roast lunches and sweet treats, so it makes the perfect excuse for a day trip.
St Kew Farmshop, St Kew
Situated on the outskirts of St Kew, the farmshop is a wonderful pitstop for holiday supplies, home accessories and takeaway coffee and cake. Often found curled up on a chair or roaming the shop, their own little Pomeranian, Selby, assures dogs are more than welcome for a look around. Split into two, the first part of their shop is where you’ll find fresh fruit and veggies, as well as store cupboard essentials, local wines, cheeses and chutneys. The other half is their ‘greenhouse shop’, complete with houseplants, hardback books and ceramics, and this is where your basket will fill with beautiful keepsakes to decorate your home.
What’s more, their café is also dog-friendly, so why not stop for a bite to eat too. Their menu changes monthly, but expect warming dahls, vibrant salads and fresh fish dishes. Dogs needn’t be forgotten though, with their farm shop offering a selection of treats for canine companions.
Where to stay
From left to right: Kilden Mor, Harbour Walk, Amar, Lantic Barn, Daymarker and The Baobab.
Hoping to book your 2024 getaway? Browse our selection of luxury dog-friendly holiday homes or contact our Property Advisors on 01208 895 570 or info@perfectstays.co.uk to secure your stay.
Image credits: Slickers Doghouse, Bella's Pet Boutique, The Doghouse Deli & Bar, The Webb Street Company, &Kin, Brocante, Alice and Scandiland, Newquay Garden Centre and St Kew Farm Shop all via Instagram. The main image is our own.
Posted by Bethany Walton
Beth can usually be found on a Cornish beach or enjoying a swim in the sea. She has great insight about where to visit across the county, plus plenty of recommendations for finding the best Cornish ice cream.