Because your car and your sanity deserve a break

When you’re heading off on a dog-friendly holiday to Bed and Basket in Cornwall, it’s very tempting to pack everything your dog has ever looked at lovingly. Beds. Crates. Towels. Toys. Possibly the entire contents of your living room.

Before you wedge that final “Just in case” item into the boot and shut it with your knee, let us help. At Bed & Basket, we’ve already thought of most things, which means there’s quite a lot you don’t need to bring.

Here’s our slightly cheeky (but very useful) guide to What not to pack for your Cornish dog-friendly holiday at Bed and Basket.

Dog Crates (Please leave them at home)

We love dogs. We love comfort. But dog crates? They take up a lot of room in the car and spend the entire journey rattling like a tambourine in the boot.

Good news: we supply dog crates.
Even better news: you get to hear your car stereo on the drive to Cornwall instead of the soundtrack of clanking metal.

Dog Beds (We’ve got that covered)

No need to bring your dog’s bed.  We can provide moulded dog beds of all sizes from Great Dane to Tea Cup Chihuahua. One less bulky item to squeeze into the car.

That said, we do recommend bringing:

• Their favourite blanket
• Or something that smells like home

It helps them settle in quickly and avoids the dramatic “everything smells weird” stare when they arrive.

Sofa Protection (We know)

Let’s be honest.
Your dog isn’t sleeping on the floor.

They’re snuggling right there on the sofa and we’re completely fine with it. We supply throws for the sofa, so there’s no need to sneak cushions around or pretend nothing happened. We see you. We understand you. Our dogs snuggle on the sofa with us too.

Dog Towels (Nope, not needed)

This is Cornwall. Your dog will be sandy, muddy, wet, or all three within minutes.

Don’t pack dog towels as we supply them, ready to use after your pup enjoys the warm-water dog shower on the patio. It’s basically a spa experience, just with more shaking and less dignity.

A Suitcase Full of Dog Toys

Your dog will be far too busy:

• Exploring beaches
• Sniffing seaweed
• Judging seagulls

So no, they don’t need 47 toys. Maybe just their favourite one or two.

Instead, we provide a Dog welcome pack, which includes:

When Kerra and Stuart arrived for their short stay in one of our barns, there was a sense that everyone just needed a pause. A change of scene, some space to breathe, and time away from the noise of everyday life. For their dog, it was also a chance to slow down and feel safe, something that isn’t always easy in busy, home environments.

This is exactly why we do what we do.

At Bed and Basket, our barns are designed specifically for dog friendly holidays. Set in peaceful Cornish countryside, they offer a quiet, comfortable place to relax. There’s no rush here. No pressure. Just space, calm and the chance to step out of everyday routines.

Alongside their stay, Kerra and Stuart booked some sessions with Brian at K9 Mentor. There was no fixed plan or tick list to work through. Instead, sessions focused on what their dog needed in that moment; building confidence, improving focus and helping everyone feel more at ease together. Progress was gentle, kind and realistic.

One of the most powerful parts of combining training with a dog friendly holiday in Cornwall is what happens in between the sessions. After working with Brian, Kerra and Stuart could head straight into one of the enclosed paddocks or enjoy quiet countryside walks, practising new skills while everything was still fresh. There was even the chance to take a walk into the village and enjoy lunch at the nearby dog friendly pub. Evenings were slow and settled, giving their dog time to rest, process and relax. Learning happened naturally, woven into real life rather than feeling like hard work.

By the end of their stay, the change wasn’t dramatic or forced — it was calm and steady. The kind of progress that lasts.

Their words captured it better than we ever could:

“A calm dog. A relaxed owner. Space to breathe. Real progress made through kindness and understanding.”

For us, this is what dog friendly holidays in Cornwall should feel like. Not just somewhere to stay, but a place where dogs and their people can reset, reconnect and move forward together.

At Bed and Basket near St Austell in Cornwall, our dog friendly holidays are all about creating memorable experiences for you and your four-legged friends. We love hearing about the moments that make your stay extra special. Recently, we asked our guests one simple question: What are your dog’s favourite holiday activities when staying at Bed and Basket?

The results were brilliant and very Cornwall. Here’s what you told us:

Joint Third Place: River Splashes and Pasty Sharing

Some of our dogs love a playful splash in the river, while others can’t resist sharing the crimp from your Cornish pasty. Clearly, dogs know how to enjoy the finer things in life! We can direct you to both nearby rivers to play in and fabulous locations to buy a tasty pasty!

Second Place: Zoomies in the Enclosed Paddocks

With 20% of the votes, the second dog favourite activity was running free, with zoomies in one of Bed and Basket’s enclosed paddocks. There’s nothing like that burst of energy and joy. It’s a pleasure to see.

First Place: Running on the Beach

By far the most popular dog friendly activity was a good old run on the beach. Sand, sea, and plenty of space make this a favourite for dogs of all shapes and sizes.

We’ll be sharing more in future blogs about dog friendly Cornwall adventures, including:

• The best beaches for dogs in Cornwall
• Where to find the tastiest Cornish pasties for you and your pup
• And plenty more ways to enjoy your dog friendly holiday in Cornwall

Stay tuned for tips and guides to make your next Cornwall dog holiday unforgettable!