Sailing with a dog into Falmouth

Leaving Penzance feels like slipping away from the very edge of Britain. Nestled in Mount’s Bay, it’s a harbour steeped in history and Cornish grit. We cast off just before dawn, clearing Carnarvon Rock and weaving past the fishing fleet. As the bay opened, the sun rose behind us and the silhouette of St Michael’s Mount gave a golden farewell.

Ahead lay the challenge: The Lizard. This southernmost tip of mainland Britain is a place where tides collide and seas can stand up sharp. Timing is everything. With the west-going stream beneath us, the boat surged forward as the cliffs loomed, crowned by the twin lighthouses. We reached the point just before High Water, keeping two miles south to avoid the notorious overfalls of the Lizard Race. On a calm day you might hug the shore, but in wind-over-tide conditions it quickly becomes a washing machine.

Entering Falmouth Harbour felt like stepping into a sailor’s dream: deep water, shelter from all winds, and a town buzzing with maritime life. Having just missed Falmouth Week, we found space at Falmouth Yacht Haven, tying up alongside the pontoon. With rafting three-deep the norm, Svea was delighted we’d landed on the inside berth - her first easy hop ashore in nearly two weeks.

Falmouth has a reputation as one of the most dog-friendly ports on the south coast. It was time to find out if that was true.

⛵ Marinas & Dog Policies

• Falmouth Haven Marina

  Having moored up, we were welcomed by a harbour master who could not have made us more at home. The Yacht Haven is located in the heart of town, perfect for stepping ashore. Dogs are welcome on pontoons and ashore, but must be kept on a lead. There is easy access to green spaces just beyond Customs House Quay.

  
  

🌿 Best Dog Walks in Falmouth

• Pendennis Point - A scenic loop from town, with sweeping views over the harbour entrance and open sea. Plenty of grassy spots for dogs to stretch their legs.

• Gyllyngvase Beach & Coastal Path - Just a short walk from town. The beach has seasonal dog restrictions (usually allowed October–Easter), but the coast path is always open. Head east toward Swanpool for a pretty clifftop walk. We avoided the beach due to the current no dog restrictions in summer.

• Trefusis Point (via ferry to Flushing) - Hop on the Flushing Ferry with your dog and enjoy a quieter, less-trodden path with harbour views.

• The Helford Passage (short sail away) - Stunning creek walks, woods to explore, and year-round dog-friendly paths.

🍻 Dog-Friendly Pubs & Cafés

• Royal Cornwall Yacht Club – At last, a yacht club that welcomes dogs indoors! Housed in a beautiful building with exquisite views, the RCYC was catching its breath after a hectic Falmouth Week when we stopped by for a pint. Svea was greeted warmly and made to feel at home, both inside and out.

RCYC - Dog friendly Yacht Club

• The Chain Locker (on the waterfront) - Historic sailor’s pub, dogs welcome inside and out. Perfect for a pint overlooking your boat (or waiting for a cheeky Thai curry from round the corner).

• The Front (Alehouse by Customs House Quay) - Legendary among locals, super dog-friendly, great selection of Cornish ales.

• Gylly Beach Café - Dogs allowed outside on the terrace, right above the sand.

• The Boathouse - Perched above the harbour, famous for its views and relaxed, dog-welcoming vibe.

• Windjammer Cafe and Bar - Stunning outlook, with lovely staff and a great selection of coffee, cakes and cocktails. Bar staffed love Svea!

  
  

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  The Windjammer Cafe and bar

  
  

Provisions, Food & Memories

Falmouth is more than marinas and moorings — it’s also a great place to restock and indulge. Alongside a couple of Tesco stores and local Co-ops, there are traditional fishmongers and butchers aplenty. Pete treated Jen to freshly caught turbot — a cool £23 a catch, but worth every penny. Sometimes, a proper dinner after a hard sail feels priceless.

For Jen, this visit also carried a little nostalgia. The last and only time she had been to Falmouth was after a failed Fastnet Race attempt in 2019. She remembers spending a long, hazy day in a bar before limping back to Plymouth in the X332. They say ignorance is bliss… back then she had no idea what an amazing town she was missing. These few days more than made up for it.

Why Falmouth Works for Dogs

After a long sail, the last thing you want is stress on the quay. Falmouth makes things easy: marinas welcome dogs, walks start right from the pontoons, and pubs open their doors without fuss. It’s the kind of port where you can stretch your legs, fill your belly, and feel like both sailor and dog are home for the night.

In short: Falmouth isn’t just a safe harbour for sailors – it’s also one of the best dog stops on the south coast. With marinas that welcome pets, walks that start right from the pontoon, and pubs that keep the water bowls full, it’s a port where both skipper and canine crew can relax and recover.

Rating: Svea gives Falmouth an 8 paw rating - 🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾.