Is Porth Hellick Down Burial Chamber dog friendly?

Yes, dogs are welcome at Porth Hellick Down Burial Chamber. The site is unstaffed and carries no published dog rules, and it's best reached on foot or by bike — both of which suit a dog perfectly. The surrounding downland and the nine-mile St Mary's coast path make it a genuinely rewarding day out with a dog.

Are dogs allowed at Porth Hellick Down Burial Chamber year round?

The site is free and permanently open, so there are no seasonal restrictions on access. That said, the surrounding heathland supports ground nesting birds, so it's worth keeping your dog on a lead throughout the year to protect the wildlife.

What should I know before visiting Porth Hellick Down Burial Chamber with my dog?

The most important thing to plan ahead is getting to the Isles of Scilly itself — whether you travel by ferry or flight, dog policies vary by operator, so check well in advance. Once on St Mary's, keep your dog on a lead on the surrounding downland, as there are ground nesting birds in the heathland. There are no facilities at the site itself, so come prepared.

AttractionEnglish Heritage

Porth Hellick Down Burial Chamber

Isles of Scilly, Cornwall

The finest Bronze Age entrance grave on Scilly, best reached with your dog on foot or by bike, with a nine mile island coast path to extend it.

Scilly has its own distinctive kind of prehistoric tomb, and this is the best example. Porth Hellick Down Burial Chamber dates from around 2000 BC and is a large, imposing Scillonian entrance grave, with the kerb, inner passage and burial chamber all clearly visible. Entrance graves are concentrated almost entirely in the Isles of Scilly and west Cornwall, which makes them a genuinely regional monument type.

While you see exactly how it was constructed, your dog gets the island. It sits on the eastern side of St Mary's above Porth Hellick beach, and English Heritage note it is best accessed by bike or on foot, which suits a dog perfectly: St Mary's has a coast path circuit of about nine miles taking in beaches, headlands and downland, and traffic is minimal.

Free and permanently open. This site is unstaffed and carries no published dog rules. The surrounding downland is heathland with ground nesting birds, so keep your dog on a lead. Getting to Scilly means a ferry or flight, so check the operator's dog rules well in advance. No facilities.

At a Glance

Site Type: Prehistoric Site
Entry: Free
Members: Free for English Heritage members

English Heritage Membership

Planning Your Visit

Opening times and prices were checked on 26 August 2026 and are subject to change, and some sites close for events or over winter. Confirm on the English Heritage site page before you travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Porth Hellick Down Burial Chamber dog friendly?
Yes, dogs are welcome at Porth Hellick Down Burial Chamber. The site is unstaffed and carries no published dog rules, and it's best reached on foot or by bike — both of which suit a dog perfectly. The surrounding downland and the nine-mile St Mary's coast path make it a genuinely rewarding day out with a dog.
Are dogs allowed at Porth Hellick Down Burial Chamber year round?
The site is free and permanently open, so there are no seasonal restrictions on access. That said, the surrounding heathland supports ground nesting birds, so it's worth keeping your dog on a lead throughout the year to protect the wildlife.
What should I know before visiting Porth Hellick Down Burial Chamber with my dog?
The most important thing to plan ahead is getting to the Isles of Scilly itself — whether you travel by ferry or flight, dog policies vary by operator, so check well in advance. Once on St Mary's, keep your dog on a lead on the surrounding downland, as there are ground nesting birds in the heathland. There are no facilities at the site itself, so come prepared.

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St Mary's

Isles of Scilly TR21 0NY

49.9178, -6.2789

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