Dog-Friendly, Five-Star Stays at The Headland, Newquay
Nestled on the clifftops above Fistral Beach, The Headland offers the perfect setting for five-star stays with your four-legged companion. Whether you’re planning windswept coastal walks, sandy beach days, or cosy evenings together, dogs are warmly welcomed in selected rooms and cottages across the resort, and always greeted with plenty of fuss from our team.
To make this page a complete resource for anyone searching for a dog-friendly hotel in Cornwall, we’ve expanded it to include:
- Clear dog policies & info
- What we provide for dogs
- Dog-friendly beaches and walks, with distances & seasonal info
- Local dog services
- A practical checklist
- A full FAQ answering every common question
Why Choose The Headland for a Dog-Friendly Hotel Stay in Cornwall?
✔ Five-star comfort for you, thoughtful touches for them
Dogs staying at The Headland receive a warm welcome including a water bowl, treats and local advice on the best walks.
✔ Steps from Fistral Beach
One of Cornwall’s best-known beaches sits right below the hotel. Dogs are welcome on Fistral Beach year-round.
✔ Dog-friendly rooms & cottages
Choose from selected dog-friendly hotel rooms or one of our luxury, self-catering cottages; perfect for longer stays or extra space.
✔ Dining options for every guest
Dogs are welcome in our dog-friendly dining areas, and outdoor spots are perfect for relaxed meals after a beach run.
✔ Miles of coast path on your doorstep
The South West Coast Path passes right by the hotel, offering spectacular, dog-friendly walking routes.
Our Dog Policy: Everything You Need to Know
We want your stay to be as smooth and enjoyable as possible, so here is our full, transparent dog policy.
Allowed accommodation: Selected dog-friendly rooms + all cottages
Max dogs per room: 2
Extra charge: £33 per dog, per night
Assistance dogs: Always welcome
Allowed areas: Your four-legged friends can also visit RenMor and The Ballroom but not the AquaClub or The Spa
Public spaces: Please keep dogs on a lead inside the hotel
Leaving dogs unattended: Dogs may not be left alone in rooms
If you're unsure about anything, our team is always happy to help before or during your stay.
What We Provide for Your Dog
We believe holidays should feel special for every member of the family, including the four-legged ones.
Included dog-friendly touches:
- Water bowl
- Treats
- Dog towels
- Local walking recommendations
- Outdoor washing stations for sandy paws
Available on request:
- Spare blankets
- Additional towels
- Advice on dog sitters and groomers
The Best Dog-Friendly Beaches Near The Headland
Cornwall is known for its spectacular coastlines, and many beaches are dog-friendly all year round. Below is a curated list of our favourites, all distances are measured from The Headland.
Fistral Beach (0.1 miles)
Just a short stroll from the hotel, Fistral Beach is dog-friendly all year. It’s perfect for energetic pups who love wide-open spaces and playing in the waves.
Crantock Beach (2.3 miles, 8-minute drive)
A quieter alternative to Fistral with expansive dunes. Dogs are welcome, and the Gannel Estuary offers sheltered sandy spots.
Watergate Bay (4.3 miles, 13-minute drive)
A stunning two-mile sandy beach, dog-friendly year-round. Great for long walks and watching surfers.
Polly Joke (4.5 miles, 14-minute drive)
A hidden gem, known for wildflowers in early summer and calm waters. There are no seasonal dog restrictions.
Seasonal note
Most beaches near Newquay welcome dogs year-round. A few beaches in Cornwall have seasonal restrictions from 1 July to 31 August. Our reception team can provide the latest guidance for any beach you’d like to visit.
Dog-Friendly Walks We Recommend
Cornwall’s coastal paths and countryside trails offer endless options for exploring with your dog. Here are some of our favourite local walks.
The Pentire Headland Walk (1.2 miles)
An easy loop with spectacular sea views, perfect for sunrise or sunset strolls.
Newquay to Watergate Bay (4.5 miles)
A moderate walk along the South West Coast Path. Reward your efforts with food at one of Watergate Bay’s beach cafés (most have dog-friendly areas).
Crantock & The Gannel Estuary (3 miles)
A scenic circular walk with soft sands, sheltered waters and birdlife. Great for dogs who enjoy a paddle.
Walk difficulty ratings
We’ve added difficulty ratings and estimated times to help you choose routes that suit your dog’s energy levels. Feel free to ask at reception for personalised recommendations.
Local Dog Services (Vets, Groomers & Emergencies)
It’s always good to know what’s nearby when travelling with a dog.
Vets
- Penmellyn Vets, Newquay – 2.1 miles, 7 minutes (24/7 emergency care available.)
Groomers
- Cornwall Canine Centre – 0.7 miles, 3 minutes
Pet shops
- The Pet Centre, Newquay – 1.5 miles, 7 minutes
Our team is happy to help with directions or additional recommendations.
Thoughtful Touches for a Stress-Free Stay
To help your dog settle in more easily:
- Let them explore the room before heading out
- Bring their favourite blanket or toy
- Use the designated dog-friendly dining areas
- Be mindful of other guests in shared spaces
- Take advantage of early morning or late-evening quiet walks
These little moments help ensure your dog feels as relaxed as you do.
Packing Checklist for Dog-Friendly Holidays
To help you plan ahead, here’s what we recommend bringing:
- Collar & ID tag
- Lead
- Towel (we provide some extras!)
- Dog food & treats
- Favourite toy or blanket
- Poo bags
- Portable water bottle for longer walks
- Any medication your dog needs
Tip: Cornwall is wonderfully dog-friendly, but cliff paths can be steep. A secure harness can be helpful on certain routes.
What Our Guests Say
Guests staying with dogs often tell us that The Headland feels like a second home. Here's one of our most recent reviews:
“Three nights of luxury, relaxation, and dog-friendly everything!”
★★★★★
– Jane
“Super dog-friendly which is lovely.”
★★★★★
– Melanie
“Dog-friendly with a welcome treat as they enter.”
★★★★★
– Jacqueline
Dog-Friendly FAQs
Is The Headland a dog-friendly hotel in Cornwall?
Yes, we welcome dogs in selected hotel rooms and throughout all cottages.
How much does it cost to bring a dog?
An extra charge of £33 per dog, per night, applies. Well-behaved dogs with pet owners are welcome to stay at The Headland.
Are dogs allowed in restaurants?
Your four-legged friends can also visit RenMor and The Ballroom but not the AquaClub or The Spa (Guide Dogs are of course welcome).
Can dogs go on Fistral Beach?
Yes, Fistral Beach is one of Cornwall’s most popular dog-friendly beaches, and it allows dogs all throughout the year.
Do you provide beds or bowls?
We provide bowls, treats and towels. If you'd like a blanket or extra towels, simply ask.
Can I leave my dog in the room?
While our hotel is dog-friendly, we ask that they are not left unattended to help keep your pup safe and comfortable.
Ready to Book Your Dog-Friendly Stay?
Whether you're planning a short break or a longer Cornish adventure, The Headland makes it easy to bring your dog along for the fun.
