Everyone has seen the stunning photos on Instagram and Facebook, maybe you’ve heard about the Minack Theatre from friends? Maybe you love the theatre and are passionate about the performing arts and need to visit the Minack Theatre? Maybe you’ve seen the jaw dropping photos of the view of the Minack Theatre online and need to see it for yourself? Or maybe you have never heard of the Minack Theatre and are wondering what I’m going on about?! Either way, I can assure you that it is a day well spent.
First things first. What is the Minack Theatre? From a visitors’ perspective, it is a stunning and architecturally pleasing amphitheatre carved precariously out of the cliff in Cornwall near Porthcurno Beach. With a unique position overlooking the sea, you swing from being mesmerised by the performance or the ever changing sea-scape. The Minack Theatre is open air so takes the full brunt of the Cornish weather from blisteringly hot sunny days to gale force winds and hammering rain. The Minack Theatre gets it all.
The winding paths through the botanical gardens at the Minack Theatre
Minack comes from the old Cornish word “meynek” meaning rocky place and it was on this rocky outlook that Rowena Cade started her journey of building the Minack Theatre. You might be forgiven for thinking this was an ancient theatre, the architecture takes influence from ancient Greek structures but you might be surprised to hear that the theatre is less than 100 years old. The Minack Theatre was a labour of love for Rowena Cade and you can learn all about her life and the building of the theatre (a lot by hand) in a special exhibition dedicated to her at the theatre (admission is included with your ticket).
If you are staying at Rock Cottage then you will be based just outside Padstow on the North Coast. Now, whilst the Minack Theatre is not exactly on our doorstep, nothing in Cornwall is that far away from Rock Cottage so plan a whole day out exploring the South West Coast and you’ll discover even more of Cornwall from the ease of Rock Cottage’s great location. Pack up the picnic (cooler bag, tupperware & plates are in the Cottage to borrow) or why not seek refreshment in the cafe at the Minack Theatre?
Explore the many pathways around the theatre to make the most of the unique cliff top location
On arrival to the Minack Theatre take care driving up the winding lanes before parking comfortably in the large field car park. There will be attendants to show you the best spot to park your car. The theatre welcomes dogs on a lead but please bear in mind there are a lot of steps so it might not be suitable for very small dogs (you could carry them?) or elderly/infirm dogs.
Tickets for various performances are available online but I’m not going to go into details about what to expect in this article. I want to concentrate on a day trip to see the sights of the Theatre and basically have a wander around. Full information on upcoming performances and tickets can be found online at the Minack Theatre website.
To visit the gardens and theatre, tickets can be purchased online or you can pay on the day. It can get busy during the Summer so I would strongly suggest booking in advance especially if travelling from Rock Cottage (I wouldn’t want you to be disappointed if they are at full capacity). A ticket to visit the garden and explore the theatre is just £8 per adult (parking is free) which I think represents excellent value for a good long morning or afternoon out. Your visit will probably take around 2 to 3 hours, or if you are in a rush – around 1 hour. I strongly recommend taking your time and savouring the unique position and outlook from the theatre.
As you enter the theatre you will first be greeted by a panoramic view over the whole of the site towards Porthcurno Beach and a great viewing platform. You’ll find handy little photo spots all over the theatre and you won’t be disappointed with the view!
The view of Porthcurno Beach can’t be beaten from the Minack Theatre. Look at how turquoise the sea is!
The winding path leads from the car park through the beautiful botanical gardens towards the amphitheatre itself. The planting scheme is stunning and colourful. The gardens extend to 1.5 acres and a subtropical paradise. The Minack Theatre describes their gardens as a “living art” and even the most ardent gardeners will be impressed. A selection of their plants raised from seed are available to purchase at the entrance – maybe take a little piece of Cornwall home with you!
At the top of the site you will find an adorable little cafe serving a variety of refreshments, the views from the large glass windows are incredible. Seating indoors is limited but there is plenty of capacity to enjoy a bite to eat as a takeaway sat in the theatre. At this level you will also find the Rowena Cade exhibition and public conveniences.
Carry on down into the main theatre. I don’t want to give too much away but you’ll explore the tiered seating carved from stone, the stages, and of course the view (did I mention the view enough yet?!).
The seating is a mixture of grass and stone benches – look out for the seats with the carved names of the performances from over the years.
In all, a fabulous outing. I’d suggest choosing another attraction to make the drive worth it from Rock Cottage. We tied a visit the Minack Theatre in with an afternoon at Porthcurno Beach. Literally a perfect day.
To book your stay at Rock Cottage (sleeps 4) then please check out our availability page or contact us by email
Well, I can’t think of a better place to take a dog on a UK holiday than Padstow in North Cornwall! Possibly one of the most dog friendly areas in Cornwall. If you are in two minds about whether to bring your dog on holiday to Cornwall, or want to know what to expect when bringing your four legged friend with you, then read on. I’ll explain everything you need know, from what doggy equipment is provided to where is the best place to get doggy ice-cream in Padstow. Walks from the door? yes! And insight into where you can take your dog to eat out and dog friendly tourist attractions. And of course, we are a dog friendly holiday cottage (I felt like I didn’t need to say that bit – but just in case you were wondering).
Dog friendly Padstow
Firstly I’d like to say that Padstow is extremely dog friendly. You will see every breed in the town, from tiny Dachshunds to Great Danes, you’ll find that your doggy companion is welcome nearly everywhere. Most shops have dog water bowls outside and lots of the cafes or pubs allow dogs inside and definitely outside on their terraces. Padstow even has its own specialist “dog shop” called Slickers Doghouse packed full of interesting treats, collars, harnesses, toys and even dog buoyancy aids. The owners are very welcoming and happy to offer advice, and there are plenty of little treats for your dog too.
If you are looking to choose somewhere to visit where you know your dog will be welcome in Cornwall then you have found the right place.
Our dachshund loves exploring Padstow
Bringing a dog to Rock Cottage – What to expect
I have tried to make Rock Cottage the perfect balance of dog friendly but also a touch of comfort and luxury for the human guests. We very much welcome dogs (we have 2 ourselves) but we don’t compromise on cleanliness or nice furnishings. And by booking our dog friendly holiday cottage direct from the owner (us!), you avoid commission and booking fees. Win win.
The Cottage:
On the ground floor, all the flooring is hard (either Cornish slate or luxury vinyl planks) which makes washing a breeze. If you need it, you will find a dust pan and brush, a handheld Dyson and a mop & bucket. We all know that dogs love to find a muddy patch (or bog, my dog always find the bog) and love getting as sandy as possible. We are lucky to only be a short drive from multiple dog friendly beaches and dogs love to run on the sand and swim in the sea! We don’t have an outside tap at Rock Cottage but in the left-hand outhouse you will find a portable dog shower. You can fill this with lovely warm water from the kitchen tap and gently shower the excess dirt off your dog in the garden. Both my dogs love the shower! (I think its because it’s warm…!)
In the kitchen you will find a dog eating mat perfect for placing your own feeding and water bowls. I did consider providing bowls, but knowing that every dog prefers their own bowl and with the big variety of breed sizes, I ask guests to please bring their own dog bowls. I’ll post a doggy packing list below.
I always leave a Welcome Basket for the guests (tea, coffee, a sweet treat or two) and the four-legged friends don’t get left out either. A little bag of treats for the dog always goes down well. Home from home!
The kitchen and lounge are open plan with a wooden “baby” gate separating them. The gate provides a handy barrier for keeping most dogs in the kitchen when you need them to, my little Dachshund can sneak under though! The kitchen has an outside door into our garden which is enclosed and gated, perfect for night time ablutions. The garden is fully enclosed with fencing and gates on all sides (and is sufficient to keep our labrador and daschund in) but if you have any questions about the fences (do you have an escape artist?!) then please get in touch. Please do supervise your dog in the garden as I can’t promise it is dog proof.
Why not have a look at our website to check out our gallery of photos, more dog information and everything you need to know about booking a dog friendly holiday cottage? Click here
What to pack for a dog going on a dog friendly holiday to Padstow?
You will need:
Your preferred collars, harness and leads (make sure you have your identity tags)
A stash of dog poo bags for all those lovely walks
A bed or crate
A couple of towels for drying off sandy paws
Feeding and water bowls
Folding travel water bowl for use at the beach
Toys to keep them occupied (whilst you enjoy a glass of wine in the evening)
A few pounds to treat your dog to a doggy ice-cream in Padstow
Your phone camera & charger to capture all those amazing photos on the beach
We provide:
Dog feeding mat to put your bowls on
Dog treats
Dog shower
A full size freezer (ideal for a raw food diet)
A long lead for beach roaming if your dog needs to stay on the lead (stored in outhouse)
A comfortable and warm home with gas central heating and log burner
A unique location with plenty of walks from the door
Relaxing at the end of a long day exploring
Where can I walk my dog?
You can walk right out of the door of Rock Cottage! The cottage is nestled in the centre of Saint Issey village on a quiet side road, just a short drive (or long walk!) from Padstow on the North Coast of Cornwall. Rock Cottage enjoys the stunning Cornish countryside right on its doorstep and lots of the walks have panoramic views over the estuary. Why not explore the South West Coast Path and really take in the dramatic Cornish coast line? Or maybe wandering around tiny cornish villages is more your thing? You’ll find it all within easy reach of Rock Cottage.
We often take our dogs on a quick early morning stroll by turning left out of the front door. Walk around the road until you come to the play park, here you will find a green field perfect for a quick stretch of the doggy legs and lots of bushes for sniffing. If you cross the field then you will come out into another street, then past a dog poo bin at the bus stop (perfect) then home. This is a quick 15 minute walk just to get some fresh air.
For more exciting adventures you might need to consult the OS Map (you’ll find one in the drawer in the lounge). Behind the Ring O Bells pub there are multiple public foot paths which cross farm land and lead you down to the Camel Trail (or you can take a walk down the country lanes if you prefer). At the Camel Trail, your dog can swim in the tidal estuary! Dog heaven! There are lots of little beaches along the river, not the kind that you would pitch up with your bucket and spade but perfect for a dog swim. Old Town Cove is ideal for a dog swim at high tide too. The walk takes approximately 45 minutes each way.
If you want to stretch your legs even further then from the Camel Trail near Saint Issey (Old Town Cove) you can walk on to Padstow or to Wadebridge. This is quite a long walk and you may want to bring water with you for your dog. If you find the walk too long to do on the way home then you can easily catch the bus ( number 10) from Padstow back to the village. The bus allows dogs onboard and there are also dog friendly taxis available (telephone numbers are provided in our welcome pack).
This is a photo of a guest’s dog enjoy a swim in the River Camel having jogged down from Rock Cottage (photo used with permission).
Cornish dog friendly beaches
Lots of the beaches are dog friendly all year around and are only a short drive away. So if you are looking for a dog friendly holiday cottage near a beach, then bear us in mind! Some have seasonal restrictions or are closed to dogs during high season. Take a look at the attached link with info about all the dog friendly beaches, I really don’t think I can improve on the information they provide. From a personal point of view we enjoy Constantine, Harlyn Bay and Holywell (free National Trust member parking!) during the high season with our dogs. We also take our dogs to the other beaches in out of season for a change of scenery.
Don’t forget to take your travel water bowl and a supply of water if spending the day at the beach with your dog during the summer. Take care that your dog doesn’t over heat, try to provide some shade if you can or avoid the midday sun. If your dog is prone to sunburn (like my sister’s Dalmatian) then don’t forget the sun cream! If your dog struggles with recall, especially on a large Cornish beach, then feel free to borrow the long leash in the outhouse at the cottage. It gives your dog the freedom to explore without them getting lost.
Ice-cream for dogs! Where can I find this lovely treat?
Lots of places in Cornwall sell doggy ice-cream but a quick list for Padstow:
What about days out with my dog? What dog friendly attractions are near Rock Cottage?
So if you have booked your perfect dog friendly holiday cottage in Cornwall, then your next question is going to be – “what else can we do?”. Cornwall is packed full of dog friendly days out even when it is raining and you are looking for things to do.
Let’s start with the Lobster Hatchery in Padstow. Located on the quay, the large hanger style building houses the Lobster Hatchery who are a marine conservation charity focused on the education, research and preservation of the European Lobster. The interesting tour includes seeing lobsters at all different stages of life including the maternity wing, as well as exhibits about the work they do in the wild. In 2021, Rock Cottage adopted a baby lobster and followed its progress until it was released near Newquay.
Can I really bring my dog into this indoor lobster exhibit? Yes, you can! Dogs on a lead are welcome and your admission ticket allows you entry for a whole year. Why adopt your own lobster and come back to follow its progress when it is released into the wild?
Sorry about the blurry photo but Monty was enjoying looking at the lobster so much he wouldn’t keep still!
Botanical gardens – The Eden Project and Lost Gardens of Heligan
About 30-40 minutes drive to the south of Rock Cottage are the famous gardens at the Eden Project and the Lost Gardens of Heligan. Both welcome dogs on leads. At the Eden Project the dogs are not able to go inside the domes but there are extensive other gardens to explore and enjoy, making a great day out with your dog in Cornwall. The Lost Gardens of Heligan are particularly dog friendly with dogs welcomed in all areas, they even provide you with a map with dog waste bins clearly marked. The Lost Gardens of Heligan have miles of paths to explore, tropical gardens, kitchen gardens and more (there is also a large children’s play area). Both attractions will take a full day to do in depth.
Explore the Lost Gardens of Heligan with your dog
Taking your dog to the Cornish Seal Sanctuary
The Cornish Seal sanctuary is a lovely dog friendly day out in Cornwall, and not too far from Padstow – approximately 1 hour. It might sound like a lot but its well worth it and can be combined with a visit to the South of Cornwall to make the trip worthwhile.
The Cornish Seal Sanctuary welcomes dogs in all areas apart from the Seal Hospital. Our two dogs loved their day out. The Seal Sanctuary even feature a “dog of the week” on their social media pages! We particularly loved the dog refreshment stops around the site, with water bowls, shade and a place to rest. They are so dog friendly they even provide free degradable dog poo bags and treats in the ticket office! We enjoyed meeting all the seals and listening the talks about their rehabilitation.
Meeting the seals at the sanctuary – they have such great personalities. A great doggy day out!
Other dog friendly attractions in Cornwall?
There are quite a few others too, but as we haven’t personally visited with our dogs, I haven’t included them here. The Lappa Steam railway is one we have heard of and will check out soon. Watch this space for more dog friendly days out in Cornwall! Because after all, if youare staying at a lovely dog friendly holiday cottage near Padstow then you want to be sure that you get to explore as much as possible! One thing is certain, you certainly won’t get bored in Cornwall – no matter what the weather.
So, will my dog love a holiday in Padstow at Rock Cottage?
With lots of walks on the beach, stunning cliff top walks on the South West Coast Path, in the countryside direct from the door and around the interesting fishing villages, your pooch will be having the time of their lives. Let’s not forget swimming in the sea and river. Cosy evenings in front of the log burner? Or sat out in the garden with a glass of wine? And best of all, you by their side all the time! With such a dog friendly county to explore you don’t need to leave your four legged friend behind.
Cornwall, on the whole, is extremely dog friendly, and no where more so than Padstow. Nearly every beach welcomes dogs with only very limited restrictions during peak months. Some of the beaches have restrictions on dogs between 10am & 6pm, or operate a “lead only” policy. BUT as we move into October even those restrictions are removed.
Enjoying the beach
The only beaches to have a year round dog ban are:
Let the dogs out! Dogs are allowed to run free on the beaches – hurray. The temporary and seasonal dog restrictions are removed from 30th September so embrace long walks with your furry friends! Obviously you always have to have your dog under control and good recall would be a sensible precaution – have you seen how big the Cornish beaches are?! My dog Monty absolutely adores stretching his legs and running on the beach, swimming in the sea, dipping his nose into rock pools and making lots of doggy friends.
This website has a plethora of information on dog friendly beaches including the individual rules applying to the each beach.
Sometimes, there are so many dogs on the beach that it seems like a dog party. Waggy tails galore. And the varieties of dogs are endless (and amazing). If you enjoy a bit of dog spotting then you can’t go wrong with pulling up a folding camping chair or picnic blanket and just sitting back and watching the dogs run past. I would describe myself as a lifelong dog fan but still I see breeds that I’ve never seen before. Glorious.
Sandy paws
No dog makes it home without at least some sand on their paws. Or in most cases, a complete coat full of the stuff.
At Rock Cottage, I have provided the next best thing to a hose (sadly we don’t have an outside tap) – a portable doggy shower. If you have never used one before then I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how easy they are to use and how effective. Leave your doggy friend in the garden (don’t forget to shut the gate onto the road) and find the doggy shower unit in the left hand outhouse. It can be filled with water from the kitchen tap. I suggest using slightly warm water to truly pamper your pooch and keep them comfortable. At the end of the hose is a small shower head, pump the handle to put the water under pressure then squeeze the handle and the water will come out of the shower head just like a human shower. Hose the dog off outside and let the water run away (down the drain). A quick rub dry and your dog will be ready to be let into the Cottage. Perfect! Why not light the log burner and cosy up together.
Resting after a long walk on the Cornish Coastal Path
