Dog-Friendly Cornwall: Bluebell walks

BLUEBELL WALKS

Bluebells are at their finest in Cornwall in late April and early May, and the good news is that some of the finest displays in Cornwall are in dog-friendly gardens. Here’s a selection of the best, courtesy of www.dogfriendlycornwall.co.uk

Enys Gardens, near Penryn These beautiful gardens just outside Falmouth are famed for vast swathes of bluebells, especially in the oftphotographed Parc Lye. The best chance to see the flowers in all their glory is in early May. There’s also a lovely tea room where you can sit outside with your dog. Other features include a lake and a walled garden – even without the bluebells, this is a glorious place to walk your dog at any time. Tel: 01326 377621 www.enysgardens.org.uk

Godolphin Estate, near Helston The bluebells come out early at this National Trust estate, and you can enjoy them as you stroll through the woods from the car park to the main house, where parts of the most recent Poldark series were filmed. Dogs are welcome in the gardens and estate and there are dog-friendly seating areas at the café, situated at the entrance to the main house and grounds. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/godolphin Cardinham Woods, near Bodmin There are some beautiful displays of bluebells here. Run by Forestry England, the woods are very family friendly with several marked walks, while the dogfriendly Woods Café offers lovely cakes and Tregothnan tea. www.forestry.gov.uk/cardinham

Idless Woods, near Truro Around two miles north of Truro, Idless is listed by Forestry England as one of its top ten bluebell sites in the UK. It’s a lovely dog-friendly walk with good parking, and refreshments available from the Woodman’s Cabin. www.forestryengland.uk/idless-woods

Tehidy Woods, near Redruth The popular woods are carpeted with bluebells at this time of year and they are a lovely place to explore with your dog. Keep your dog on a lead if they like to chase wildlife and note that dogs are not allowed near the lakes. Do watch out for swans, especially as they are nesting at this time of year. There is a café at the main South entrance, where you can sit with your dog at the outside tables. www.cornwall.gov.uk

Trelowarren, near Helston Ten minutes' drive on to the Lizard (towards St Keverne) is Trelowarren, a beautiful estate with really lovely bluebell walks. The New Yard restaurant allows dogs in the courtyard area. www.trelowarren.com

Lanhydrock The wooded estate around the main gardens and house of the National Trust’s Lanhydrock is a haven for dogs and their walkers. From Respryn car park or the main car park, you can set out on walks along the River Fowey. Pick up walk and trail maps from the kiosk at the gatehouse, reception and shop. Dogs are not allowed in the main gardens, but you can sit outside with them at the Stable Café which sells homemade dog treats. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lanhydrock l

For more dog-friendly inspiration for Cornish adventures, visit www.dogfriendlycornwall.co.uk