The Old Sunday School

a beautifully renovated Grade II listed former Sunday School

There’s nothing like hearing or reading a review from a trusted source to help you make a decision as to whether a holiday home is going to be the right one for you, especially when travelling with four-legged friends. So earlier this month, we sent Cara (one of our roving reporters – @alwaystakethedogs) and her family to check out The Old Sunday School in Harrowbarrow in Cornwall and report back on what makes this rural retreat a truly special place for a dog friendly staycation.

A trip to Cornwall can often invoke the idea of beaches packed with holiday-makers and scrambling to find walks without seasonal dog restrictions. However, away from the usual Cornwall hotspots and tucked away in the village of Harrowbarrow on the edge of the Tamar Valley AONB, The Old Sunday School is a haven of relaxation and really gave us the switch off we long for in a weekend away.

Within minutes of arriving at The Old Sunday School, we knew Jay and Lisa had created something pretty special. From the underfloor heating throughout, to full Sonos sound system, Sky TV and log burner of dreams, everything has been completed to the highest standards. Even all of the glassware and crockery is beautiful! However, it’s the little extras that really set the Old Sunday School apart. A hamper packed full of local Cornish produce had been left for us along with decanters of gin and port for an evening tipple which was much appreciated after our long drive down from the Cotswolds.

In terms of the extra touches for the dogs, I think we can honestly say that this might be the warmest dog friendly welcome we’ve ever received. There were dog bowls, locally sourced dog treats and even a personalised embroidered towel waiting for each of the dogs. It immediately felt like Poppy and Maple were embraced as members of our family and very welcome at The Old Sunday School. It was also so refreshing to not have a page long list of dog rules to abide by. With a hose outside for cleaning off boots and muddy paws and plenty of towels and blankets, we could just pop one of these on the sofa when the dogs wanted a snooze.

We often find staying in cottages just for two that everything can feel a little bit cramped. This certainly wasn’t an issue at the Old Sunday School, with heaps of space for the two of us and the dogs (and an alarming amount of luggage for two nights). The interior of The Old Sunday School is sleek and modern, with a light and airy double height ceiling over the open plan kitchen and lounge area downstairs.

Upstairs, the master suite has the comfiest of king size beds, ample storage space and an ensuite complete with fluffy bath robes. Of course, the star of the show is that incredible floor to ceiling glass window looking onto the lounge and kitchen area below.

We were treated to a beautiful sunrise on our first morning so enjoyed sitting on the terrace with our morning coffee and views over the surrounding countryside. Just beyond the terrace, dogs can have a good run around and toilet in the adjacent field. Jay and Lisa have an agreement with the local farmer that guests can use the field as long as dogs are cleared up after, this was a huge bonus for us to have somewhere so close to exercise the dogs quickly first and last thing.

Thankfully we struck lucky with the weather for our stay, but there is an excellent selection of board games, local guide books and other things to entertain yourself with if the weather isn’t in your favour.

On our final morning, Jay was kind enough to introduce us to the resident pack of rescue animals, including chickens (you’ll find their freshly laid eggs waiting for you on arrival), pigs, goats, horses and Shetland ponies. This really was a perfect ending to a fabulous weekend at The Old Sunday School and the perfect dog friendly getaway. We can’t wait to go back and are already trying to work out when we can squeeze in another visit!

DOG FRIENDLY PLACES TO GO NEAR THE OLD SUNDAY SCHOOL

Kit Hill

Just five minutes from The Old Sunday School, Kit Hill marks the highest point in the Tamar Valley and benefits from over 400 acres of beautiful heathland to explore. It’s completely dog friendly and both Poppy and Maple were able to roam off lead, though we did bump into the occasional wild pony!

We visited for a quick sunset walk straight after we arrived at The Old Sunday School and were treated to the most spectacular far reaching views towards Dartmoor in the east and Plymouth and the sea to the south. At the summit, three viewing tables help you identify features as you gaze at the surrounding countryside.

Golitha Falls

Just 25 minutes from The Old Sunday School, Golitha Falls (pronounced Gol-eye-tha) are a series of cascades and waterfalls along a section of the River Fowey as it makes its way through the ancient oak woodland of Draynes Wood. The woodland itself is utterly enchanting (albeit very muddy when we visited) and makes for a perfect dog walk in picturesque surroundings.

Dogs are welcome all year round and we were happy for Poppy and Maple to run around off lead, though do be careful around some sections of fast-flowing river for those water loving pups out there. There are several marked routes through the nature reserve, though we chose to amble alongside the river and turned back when our tummies started rumbling and we were ready for some lunch. Do make sure to stop by Inkie’s Smokehouse before or after your walk for a lunch to remember.

Whitsand Bay

Thirty-five minutes from The Old Sunday School and located in Cornwall’s forgotten corner, we think Whitsand Bay offers everything you could wish for in a dog friendly day out.

Comprising of several beaches including Portwrinkle, Tregantle, Tregonhawke, Freathy and Polhawn, Whitsand Bay really comes into its own at low tide. Only then do all of these beaches join together to become one huge three-mile-long expanse of sand for dogs to run free. Rock pools are scattered along the all the beaches, perfect for splashing around in. Poppy and Maple had the time of their lives running around on the beach and in the shallows. Better still, it’s dog friendly all year round with no seasonal restrictions.

If you’d like to extend your walk, you can pick up the South West Coast Path which runs adjacent to the beach and visit Rame Head and its tiny chapel, with panoramic views over the surrounding coastline.

Find out more about The Old Sunday School and book your Cornish staycation.