Trenython Manor Hotel, a 4-star hotel and former Bishop’s Palace in Cornwall.
Address: Trenython Manor, Tywardreath, near Fowey, Cornwall, PL24 2TS.
There’s something truly special about spending time in a stunning historic place — one rich in original character and set in a corner of the world you love. This perfectly describes the dog-friendly Trenython Manor Hotel in Cornwall, which charmed us with its fascinating past and exquisite architecture.
We chose the hotel not only for its rich history and inviting spa, but also for its superb location near Fowey, the Eden Project, and the enchanting Lost Gardens of Heligan — all of which we had planned to explore.
Our first impression? Visitors to Trenython Manor are invariably struck by its high ceilings and grand doors. There’s a good reason for this — both the man for whom the house was built and the man who built it were of truly impressive stature. Built in 1872 by an Italian architect, Trenython Manor was commissioned by the legendary General Garibaldi as a heartfelt gesture of gratitude to Colonel Peard (1811–1880), a local military hero and close friend. Both men were tall, broad-shouldered, bearded, and immensely courageous. In fact, the Manor’s lofty ceilings and grand doors were designed specifically to accommodate Colonel Peard’s imposing height.
However, it wasn’t long before the Manor changed hands. In 1891, Bishop Gott, the third Bishop of Truro, purchased the house, and it remained a Bishop’s Palace for the next fifteen years. He enhanced its historic charm and had the dining room walls panelled with intricately carved wood, mostly oak, sourced largely from churches. Some of the fine panelling came from York Minster and Worcester Cathedral, with the oldest pieces dating back to the 16th century. A grand staircase leads up to the first floor, where a balcony overlooks the reception area below.
The grandeur of the house extends to its rooms, each as spacious as the mighty man for whom it was built. We stayed in a room with a terrace — huge and freshly renovated, with plenty of space for us and our dog, Winnie (by the way, only rooms with terraces are dog-friendly, so bear that in mind when booking).
There were also several thoughtful touches that made our stay particularly enjoyable. The Temple Spa, complete with swimming pool, jacuzzi, and sauna, was well maintained, and the staff were wonderfully friendly. We also loved the charming terrace with tables offering panoramic views over St Austell Bay, as well as the beautifully kept grounds dotted with self-catering cottages — perfect for a relaxing stroll with the dog.
Of course, as is often the case, there was a small fly in the ointment. The breakfast arrangements could use some improvement: when we arrived for our booked time slot, there was almost nothing left. We had to wait around half an hour for the buffet to be replenished — a real disappointment that nearly spoiled our stay. Additionally, no dog welcome pack was provided, despite the £15 per dog per night charge.
Dogs at Trenython Manor Hotel
Dogs are genuinely welcome throughout most areas of the hotel, with the exception of the main restaurant. However, they are allowed on the terrace, where you can enjoy breakfast on a sunny morning.
There was no welcome pack provided for our dog in the room, and the receptionist seemed rather unsure when we enquired about a dog bed. Considering the £15 per dog, per night charge, one might reasonably expect at least a small pack of treats or some kind of gesture — certainly something rather than nothing.
It’s also worth noting again that only rooms with terraces are dog-friendly. These rooms are on the pricier side, but they are very spacious, making a stay with a dog particularly comfortable.
Parking
Ample parking is free for guests.
Website
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