Dog days at the beach

Dog-friendly days out at Carlyon Bay this winter

By Heidi, founder of Manor Made Beach Cafe

If you've got a dog and a free day, Carlyon Bay in winter is hard to beat. The beach is long and sandy, there's room to run, and when the wind picks up there's a hot drink and something warm from the oven waiting at the blue and white striped cafe on the sand. That's us.

Here's my guide to a proper dog-friendly day out on our bit of the Cornish coast.

Is Carlyon Bay dog friendly?

Yes. Dogs are welcome on the beach year round, and they're very welcome at our cafe. We keep treats behind the counter, and you'll find a water bowl out front.

Getting here and parking

Head for the car park above the beach, its free, then walk down the steps and turn left on the sand. You can't miss our stripes. If you can't manage the steps, ask security about parking at beach level. There are toilets on the beach, close to the cafe.

A walk to build an appetite

The South West Coast Path runs right past Carlyon Bay. Head west along the cliffs and you'll reach the harbour at Charlestown, or go east towards Par. Both are good, steady walks with big sea views. Keep dogs on a lead near the cliff edges and around livestock, and check the tide times before you set off along the sand.

What to order when you get back

In winter, it's all about warming up. Our regulars swear by:

- A loaded hot chocolate, especially after a sea swim.

- Homemade soup, which changes with the season.

- A sausage roll (a silver winner at the Taste of the West Awards) or a cinnamon bun on Saturdays.

- A proper coffee, made the right way. I'm a coffee snob, so I promise it's good.

When we're open

The Beach Cafe is open every day, all year, from 9.30am to 4.00pm. If the weather closes us, we'll post it on Instagram and Facebook first, so check before a long drive.

Before you go: a few handy things

- Bring a towel for a sandy, soggy dog. We have blankets for the people.

- Bistro tables and mean you can sit together, dog included.

- Bags and bins: there re bins for dog poo.

See you on the sand. Bring the dog. You're welcome.

Heidi x