Tucked away in the picturesque landscapes of South Cornwall lies a haven for both two-legged and four-legged adventurers alike. Blankednick Boltholes, owned and hosted by Lou and Ben, offers a trio of self-catered dog-friendly accommodation options: The Lodge, The Summerhouse, and The Nook – each promising a unique experience tailored to suit every traveller’s needs.
Recently, Moose and I had the pleasure of staying at The Lodge, and oh, did it exceed our expectations! In this blog review, I’ll be sharing why Blankednick Boltholes stands out as one of the best dog friendly stays in Cornwall.
LOCATION
The Boltholes is situated amidst six acres of farmland, with sweeping views across Kennall Vale, between the bustling towns of Truro and Falmouth. Despite its secluded ambiance, the Boltholes is conveniently located just a short drive from both Cornwall’s South and Atlantic coasts, making it the ideal base for exploring all of region.
Blankednick Boltholes offer self-check-in and prior to our arrival, Lou and Ben made sure we were well-equipped with all necessary information we needed for a smooth arrival experience. Their family home being on the estate offered a reassuring presence throughout our stay. While they graciously respected our privacy, they were readily available for any assistance or simply a friendly chat. One of the highlights of my mornings was catching up with Lou, discussing our plans for the day, and hearing her valuable tips that we wouldn’t have considered otherwise.
THE LODGE
Arriving at The Lodge felt surreal. Having followed Blankednick Boltholes online for quite some time, finally, being there in person felt like a pinch me moment. As we pulled into the guests’ private parking area in front of The Lodge, I immediately noticed a furry bundle of joy bounding up from the Boltholes reception. It was the infamous Lola, their four-legged family member, eager to introduce herself and ensure we felt right at home.
With boots off, we stepped inside our new home for the next few days, and Moose and I were immediately in awe of its quintessential Cornish charm. As the jewel in the crown of Boltholes holiday lets, The Lodge boasts two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a spacious living, kitchen and dining area. Lou and Ben have thought of all the details. One of my favourite features was the log burner in the lounge, complete with a basket of freshly cut logs awaiting cosy evenings ahead.
Making our way through the glass doors onto our private balcony, we were greeted with south-facing views across Dynamite Valley. I couldn’t help but notice the fairy lights strung around The Lodge, knowing the magic they would bring after nightfall. Beyond the balcony, there were steps that led down to a private garden, and beyond that, the six acres of land for guests to explore at their leisure. Eager to explore, Moose wasted no time at all getting familiar with his new surroundings. However, something in the kitchen piqued his interest, beckoning to his strong sense of smell.
As if the warm welcome from Lola wasn’t enough, our arrival was sweetened by a delightful surprise awaiting on the dining table: homemade lemon drizzle cake for us humans and doggy biscuits. Unable to resist, we tucked straight in.
FOOD AND DRINK
This section could almost warrant its own blog post. Staying in our own self-catered, dog-friendly accommodation, meant we had all the essentials and more to prepare our own breakfast, lunch and dinner each day. Which, is an excellent option if you’re looking to cut down extra costs on dining expenses and instead allocate your budget towards other experiences say.
However, for us, a visit to Cornwall wouldn’t be complete without sampling some of the local cuisine. The welcome pack provided by Blankednick Boltholes offered a treasure trove of recommendations. Whether you’re seeking somewhere within walking distance or in one of the nearby towns, a family-friendly venue, a romantic dining experience, budget-friendly options, vegan or vegetarian, or in our case somewhere dog friendly, they had it covered. My list of must-visit eateries quickly grew to over 40, though I knew fitting them all into our four-day itinerary would be a challenge. Nonetheless, it’s served as the perfect excuse for a return trip. As I say, this section deserves its own dedicated review, however, for now, here are some standout highlights from our Cornwall culinary experiences, all of which are dog friendly:
- Indidog, Falmouth (The restaurant with a view, offering the best dog-friendly brunch)
- St Agnes Bakery, Saint Agnes (Home to the best sausage rolls in Cornwall)
- Ugly Butterfly, Carbis Bay, Saint Ives (A relaxed restaurant bar experience with surreal surroundings)
- Thai Station Takeaway, Falmouth (Serving up fresh, authentic, and delectable Thai cuisine)
- Hooked On The Rocks, Falmouth (A seafood lover’s paradise, offering the freshest Cornish catches)
- Harbour House, Flushing, Falmouth (A modern take on a waterside Cornish pub)
MOOSE AND HIS STAY
It’s no secret that Cornwall is a dog’s paradise, and Moose’s stay at Blankednick Boltholes epitomised the perfect, or should I say, ‘pawfect’ getaway for any four-legged friend.
Lou and Ben, being devoted dog lovers themselves, welcomed Moose with open arms, treating him as if he were their own. It was evident that every aspect of the Boltholes has been thoughtfully designed with all types of guests in mind, including our dogs. From the little touches like the treats awaiting Moose upon arrival to ensuring his safety and happiness as he explored the surrounding farmland. But Lou and Ben’s dedication extended far beyond the confines of our Lodge. Their expansive knowledge of Cornwall was evident when it came to recommending the best dog-friendly beaches, walking trails, restaurants, hidden gems, must-do day trips across the region and local insider tips for navigating Cornwall. They couldn’t have done more.
Moose’s tail never stopped wagging during our stay, and on the day of check out, Moose’s reluctance to leave Blankednick Boltholes spoke volumes about the unforgettable experience he’d had.
The myriad activities and experiences we got up to during our stay could easily fill a blog post of its own, and as such I’m currently writing up our itinerary to share with any of you planning you own dog friendly holiday in Cornwall.
It was a bittersweet moment when it came to check out. Our stay at Blankednick Boltholes was nothing short of extraordinary, thanks in large part to the exceptional hospitality of owners Lou and Ben. We are so incredibly grateful to them for making our first trip to Cornwall an unforgettable one, and as we pulled away out the drive to start our journey home, one thing became abundantly clear: this wouldn’t be our last visit to Cornwall.
See you soon Blankednick Boltholes.
