More holidaymakers bringing dogs to South West

The owners of Bubbles, on holiday in Polperro, say Cornwall is very dog-friendly and the two-year-old Maltipoo is welcomed wherever he goes

Visitors have been sharing experiences of dog-friendly holidays in the South West, as tourism bosses in Cornwall and Devon highlight rising numbers of people visiting with pets since the Covid-19 pandemic.

According to Visit Cornwall, pet visits had "significantly" increased, "with businesses rapidly progressing from simply accepting dogs to catering for them in more and more lavish ways".

Some accommodation providers and attractions offered specific activity areas and dog spas, with tailored menus in cafes to create a "dog home-from-home experience".

Visit Devon described the county as a "dog haven", with 300,000 of them estimated to visit annually.

Cockapoo Waffle, from Derby, enjoys morning swims in Polperro

In Polperro, Cornwall, four-year-old cockapoo Waffle is on holiday from Derby, with her owners, Tracy Tweed and Ben Young.

"It's unbelievable", Mr Young said, about the harbour village's approach to dogs.

"She goes on the beach and swims in the harbour every morning, whilst we just wander around the gorgeous streets showing her off.

"All the pubs have big 'dogs are welcome' signs outside, it's just lovely", he said.

Another visitor, two-year-old toy maltipoo Bubbles, is a regular at the resort's weekly 'Woof Wednesdays' socialising event, held at The Blue Peter Inn.

The pub gives treats to the pets, and puts photos of the dogs on its wall of fame.

Abbie Rendell from the pub said: "Recently, we have started doing 'dog of the week' which we almost wished we hadn't as it's so tricky - they are all beautiful, and people love it."

Bubbles's owner Barry, visiting from the Midlands, commented how he's offered "biscuits all the time, dog ice cream, if he wants it" and that "everybody wants to stop and talk to him".

He said dogs had been accepted and welcomed at all Cornish places they had visited, including Charlestown, Fowey and Falmouth.

Mae enjoys puppuccinos, on offer from some cafes in Polperro

Down the road in the village, pet-shop turned deli and bar, The Doghouse, offers its customers a range of natural treats, dog beer, an ice bar, along with photo opportunities and fun activities - the most popular being its ball pool competition.

Business owner Gareth Evans said he can sell between 20 to 30 dog beers a day and was expecting this to be his "busiest season yet".

"I personally believe Cornwall is getting a really good reputation as a place to bring your dog with you on holiday. The obvious draws are the amazing beaches and walks of which there are so many," he said.

"Many of the shops keep jars of treats. Of the 20 or so eateries in the village, all but one happily accept dogs.

"It's also not unusual for some establishments to provide a welcome pack for your dog on arrival. Dogs are also allowed to go on the boat trips too."

'Dog haven'

In Devon, 300,000 dogs are estimated to visit each year, according to the South West Visitor Economy Hub.

Visit Devon's director, Sally Everton, said: "We've certainly seen an increase in dog visitors to Devon, especially since the pandemic. With our two coastlines and national parks, it's idyllic, it's dog haven.

"So long as people adhere to some seasonal restrictions, it's a very dog-friendly county," she said.

One holiday company, Holiday Cottages Polperro, which allows dogs to stay for free, said approximately 70% of its bookings included dogs this year.

Another, Holiday Cottages UK, said 67% of its properties in Cornwall were dog-friendly.

Ms Everton appreciated not everyone liked dogs, highlighting how access to some beaches in Devon and Cornwall is seasonal.

She added owners should be aware of any local restrictions when visiting with their pets.