Kate W
05 November 2019
There’s so much for you and your dog to see and do across dog-friendly Devon, it can be difficult to know where to begin!
Do you head to the dramatic cliffs and sandy beaches along the North Devon AONB, or venture inland to see for yourself the beauty of Dartmoor National Park? The southern coast offers tranquillity and serenity while Exmoor is home to those famous friendly ponies and even more beautiful coastline; this region was made to be enjoyed by dogs and their human companions.
To get you started planning your dog-friendly holiday to Devon, we’ve put together this guide detailing a few of our favourite places to visit with the hound. There are wonderful walks, exciting attractions and unmissable places to visit - we’ve even included some top dog-friendly holiday cottages that we think you and your canine companion will love.
Find out all about this fantastically dog-friendly region. Where will you visit first?
Beaches for salty paws and sandy toes!
Stroll along Exmouth’s shore, race around Wild Pear Beach or splash through the waves at Salcombe. From Black Pool Sands to Putsborough, this coastline is ready and waiting for canine explorers who love a day at the beach. Big, open spaces impose a wonderfully outdoorsy way of life on all who live and visit this county - as a result, it’s just the place for dogs and their owners.
Top three dog-friendly beaches…
Instow beach Saunton Sands Soar Mill Cove
An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the North Devon Coast boasts dramatic clifftops and wide flat expanses of sand, while the tranquil southern coast is home to scenic sandy spots and hidden coves waiting to be uncovered. Besides the walking, sunbathing and breathtaking views you can enjoy with the pup by your side, active humans can get involved in a whole host of fantastic water sports too.
Find more fantastic beaches so you and your dog can enjoy days beside the seaside, beside the sea...
Walks for dogs to explore
This sprawling region has seemingly endless footpaths to follow but, of course, this county boasts one particular favourite among all dog walkers: the South West Coast Path. This footpath starts in Somerset, loops right around Devon and Cornwall and ends in Dorset, so if you are staying near the beach, you’ll soon find an awesome coastal walk to explore.
Top three dog walks in Devon…
Stover Country Park Tarka Trail Cookworthy Forest
Besides the epic South West Coast Path, Devon is crisscrossed with a variety of excellent dog-friendly walks, from ancient forest walks to riverside rambles for you to enjoy. Set foot on Dartmoor or Exmoor to roam the moorland and meet the local wildlife, or wander country lanes to pass through the charming villages and towns that make up Devon.
Discover 11 dog walks you and your canine companion have got to try…
Explore some of the best Devon dog walks
Welcoming dog-friendly pubs in Devon
Country pubs are at the heart of this rural region, with roaring fires, cosy seating and warming pub grub to be found throughout Devon. Some of these pubs even offer snacks and treats for weary pups - check out the doggy menu at Pig on the Hill below.
Top three dog-friendly pubs in Devon…
Cott Inn, Dartington The Pig on the Hill, Westward Ho! The Westleigh Inn, Bideford
Dining out with your dog is just as important as all the adventures you’ll go on while on holiday; luckily, pubs are often a safe haven for tired dogs and their owners in need of a bite to eat and a sit down.
Take a look through these pub walks in Devon…
Dine out in Devon
Fun attractions for humans and your doggo companion
Get out and about while on holiday, see the sights and enjoy fun days of adventure. Visitor attractions can be tricky if you have a dog by your side as there are lots that don’t allow pets, whether to protect the attraction or protect the dogs.
However, many more do allow dogs! Outdoor heritage sites, ruins and museums are often pet-friendly, and your dog will always enjoy a day exploring the great outdoors. Visit pup-friendly gardens or head to public spaces like harbours and nature reserves for a day out with your dog.
Top three dog-friendly attractions in Devon…
Okehampton Castle South Devon Railway Dartmoor Prison
National Trust attraction for four-pawed pals
As these wonderful heritage sites often have beautiful grounds for you and your canine companion to explore, we thought that these National Trust centres deserved a whole section of their own.
The National Trust offers a whole host of attractions throughout the county for you and your dog to explore with fantastic museums, gardens and outdoor areas waiting for our four-pawed pals to investigate. Enjoy a fun trip to a National Trust property or an exquisite, well-managed natural space with your playful pup during your dog-friendly holiday to Devon.
Top three National Trust attractions in Devon…
Arlington Court Greenway House Baggy Point
Final dog-friendly places not to miss
With characterful villages, places of interest and nature reserves scattered throughout the county, there’s no shortage of dog-friendly places to visit. From the busy city of Exeter to the palm-tree laden streets of Torquay, you and your dog can enjoy a wonderful trip together venturing across this vast landscape.
Top three dog-friendly places to visit…
Valley of the Rocks Becky Falls Clovelly
Pick out a beautiful, tranquil spot where you can while away a day with the family or an epic, dramatic place to take your partner and your pup for a wilderness walk. Inland, national parks contend with rolling countryside and, by the coast, you’ve got bays, cliffs and breathtaking views to discover.
Here are a few more fantastic places to visit in Devon…
Go on an adventure
Dog-friendly holiday homes in Devon
With so many beautiful dog-friendly holiday cottages throughout Devon, you are spoilt for choice! We’ve narrowed down our vast collection to some of our top picks.
Take a look at a few of our favourites below or head over to our blog revealing six of Devon’s best dog-friendly cottages.
A stylish former fisherman’s cottage in the waterside village of Appledore, just 5.5 miles from Instow beach; the first of many dog-friendly beaches along this AONB coastline.
Sit in the quaint courtyard for your morning coffee with Rover at your feet or curl up around the wood burner during lazy evenings – perfect for warming toes and paws.
Mid/East Devon: Widecombe Longhouse, Widecombe-in-the-Moor
Set in the heart of the renowned Dartmoor National Park, this warm and welcoming holiday cottage is surrounded by beautiful natural spaces like Haytor Vale and Golitha Falls to discover.
Chunky beams, whitewashed stone walls and a feature fireplace containing a wood burner provide a wonderfully historic feeling – after all, this is a 15th century Devon longhouse! The best part is that up to three canine companions are welcome to stay with you in this six-person abode.
South Devon: Beach End, Dittisham
Welcoming three dogs and their 12 humans, this large holiday home is right on the water with breathtaking views and an exquisite interior.
Settle back on sumptuous sofas and watch the boats come and go on the River Dart or take long walks beside the river.
Another waterside beauty, this six-person holiday cottage welcomes three dogs, with a cosy interior and grassy exterior space for you and your pets to enjoy.
Explore nearby Tamar Valley (5 miles) or epic Dartmoor National Park (6 miles) or stay in and make the most of the bubbling hot tub and BBQ facilities.
Head over to our insider’s guide to Devon to uncover local knowledge on this incredible county or, to begin planning places you’ll visit during your holiday, check out our interactive map of Devon. Browse through the rest of our holiday cottages in Devon and find your perfect dog-friendly getaway.
Find a dog-friendly cottage
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.