Elianne Reed
27 June 2019
While exploring the breathtaking Devon coastline and countryside should be firmly on everybody's bucket list, it's no fun if your favourite family member can't come along. Nobody wants to be left at home when there are so many sandy beaches to scamper along, so much misty moorland to discover and all those dog-friendly attractions to enjoy. And let's face it, a holiday home's not a home when there's no canine companion to curl up with in the evening.
Who wants to gaze out at the ocean alone or sit in front of a roaring wood burner, knowing that your favourite canine could be enjoying all of this too? Not us, and that's why we've put together some of our favourite pet-friendly pads where four legs will be just as welcome as two.
You may be looking for a base for a coastal walking holiday, a romantic retreat for the three (or four) of you, or a magnificent manor house to celebrate a glittering occasion with family and friends. Whatever your reason for coming to Devon, we have a fantastic collection of dog-friendly cottages of all shapes and sizes which you can browse. And for 6 of the best, take a peek at this guide and find that perfect place for the whole tribe.
Sleeps two guests and two dogs
Hot tubs and hounds - what could be a better holiday combination? This detached barn conversion set in spectacular surroundings is the perfect romantic retreat for two, plus four or eight lucky paws. Original features including exposed stone walls and wooden beams sit comfortably with contemporary décor; the highlight being the huge glass patio doors that open onto a garden terrace, ideal for a spot of sunbathing while Rover scampers around the enclosed garden.
Lazy evenings come easily at this gorgeous cottage, where a BBQ and dip in the bubbling hot tub are the perfect end to a long day. When it's time to retire, head upstairs to bed in the en-suite king-sized bedroom with vaulted ceiling, and sink into a deep sleep. Welcome in the new morning through the floor-to-ceiling windows from beneath the sheets - you don't even have to get out of bed to experience the lovely views at this property!
Tails will wag for:
- Its fantastic position on the edge of Exmoor National Park
- Large enclosed garden for siestas and playtime
- Boot room for drying off muddy paws after walks
- Warming wood burner to stretch out in front of on winter days
- Far-reaching countryside views for essential wildlife spotting
Sleeps six guests and four dogs
One for the multi-dog family, this detached bungalow is set in five acres of gardens and apple orchards; an ideal setting for morning wanders and afternoon naps. Just a 7-mile drive from the beach, you'll be throwing frisbees and splashing about in the cool blue waters in almost no time. A huge stretch of sand makes walkies a doddle, just remember there are summer restrictions for dogs.
Back at the property, making the most of the breathtaking views from the comfortable living space; curl up in front of the wood burner on winter days or throw open the patio doors to the terrace on balmy summer evenings and sit back with something cool as the sun sets, pups snoozing at your feet. Just be sure to sneak in something to eat before the nudges for evening walkies begin.
Tails will wag for:
- Its superb location, just a 7-mile drive from the delightful Croyde Beach
- 5 acres of grounds including an enclosed garden and apple orchards
- All on one level, so elderly dogs won't have to worry about stairs
- Warming wood burner to rest weary paws after long walks
- Decked terrace running along the rear of the property with fabulous country views
Sleeps ten guests and two dogs
Bring ten of your favourite people and up to two dogs to celebrate in style at this spectacular 16th-century Elizabethan manor near Axminster. Ideal for special birthdays, family reunions or just a holiday with a touch of history, you'll be hard pushed to leave for the fabulous days out on offer in the area. Historical hounds will love the grandeur of this property, whether sitting at their master's feet in the Long Room or sniffing for titbits after a formal dinner in the imposing Great Hall.
The grounds are a dog's dream - acres of land to explore with a lucky owner, while the other members of the party head down to the private tennis courts for a pre-lunch match or a dip in the outdoor pool during the summer months.
Tails will wag for:
- Expansive grounds to uncover, including 100 acres of bluebell woods
- Cosy evenings relaxing in front of the roaring wood burner in its own inglenook fireplace
- Movie nights (and doggy popcorn) with all the family in the dedicated cinema room
- Afternoons spent at the side of the tennis courts, waiting for errant balls to fetch
- Only a 2-mile drive from the Blackdown Hills AONB, packed with excellent walks
Sleeps two guests and one dog
Quirky, stylish, with its very own hot tub and a pretty riverside setting close to the characterful town of Totnes, this wonderful retreat is the perfect spot for couples to relax and get away from it all in South Devon. The charming pod is equipped with all your home comforts, making innovative use of a small space to create a cosy hideaway for a pair and their pup. A porthole window in the sleeping area and circular glass frontage looking out over the garden flood the pod with light.
Lending itself to a blend of indoor-outdoor living, the hot tub and fire pit ensure that even when night rolls in, the outdoor spaces can be enjoyed to the full. Sip your favourite tipple on the decking, enjoying the peaceful location with your pup by your side, before retiring to the snug double bed where you can continue to admire the view from your pillow as you sink into a blissful slumber.
Tails will wag for:
- The lawned garden where they can play while you watch from your comfortable spot on the decking.
- The firepit, close to which they can stretch out and recharge their batteries for the following day’s adventures.
- Sleeping in the same room as you – perfect for pups who are used to company during the night.
- Dog walks in the beautiful South Hams – from beaches to glorious countryside and woodland walks, the possibilities are endless!
Sleeps two guests and two dogs
This delightfully-named retreat offers the perfect mixture of both countryside and coast. Set within a tranquil farm courtyard setting, it's one of four properties that can be booked solo for a romantic escape or together, for a much-awaited reunion of friends and family. Under 20 miles from the fantastic sandy North Devon beaches of Westward Ho! and Croyde, you're also a short drive from the delightful pannier markets, shops and restaurants of South Molton and Barnstaple.
Beautifully furnished throughout, the property's contemporary cool tones are the ideal match for the exposed stone and high barn ceilings that feature throughout, a reflection of its serene surroundings. If you want to immerse yourself further, you can just grab your leads and walk directly out from the farm along the banks of the River Taw or explore the picturesque local woods - what could be better than that?
Tails will wag for:
- Private patio area for summertime snoozes and morning explorations
- Secure dog-walking area to keep dogs safe and happy at all times
- All rooms on one floor, ideal for dogs who like to have their family close by
- The wonderful walks at Exmoor National Park are just a 12-mile drive away
- Great for making friends with other canine visitors who are on holiday too
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This North Devon property is deep in the sleepy countryside village of Buckland Brewer. This former coach house was built in the early 20th century and is well-situated for guests who love to get away from it all. There are walking trails for you and your dog, there is also a pleasant, enclosed garden to the rear for you to relax and play. The house has been tastefully furnished and has all the mod-cons to make your stay an easy-going one. There is even a woodburner effect fire in the lounge with space reserve for your dog to get themselves cosy of an evening. Sleeping four guests, you can also bring an extra dog by special arrangement if you like.
Buckland Brewer is a lovely village, with a popular pub and some useful shops. Ross Cottage is just 5 miles from the ancient port town of Bideford, which has ties to Sir Phillip Grenville and the authors Charles Kingsley and Henry Williamson. If you are a fan of Tarka The Otter, the upper reaches of the River Torridge are where the eponymous creature was born - you can walk alongside it on the Tarka Trail! 3 miles beyond Bideford is the North Devon Coast where you can enjoy the beaches of Instow and Westward Ho! Both beaches have some restricted zones where dogs aren't permitted, however the beaches are huge, so there's room for everybody.
Tails will wag for:
- The lovely garden lawn to play in and to bask in the sun
- The rustic fireplace where the pooch can stay warm and dry after playing in the river or sea
- Just 8 miles from the beaches, 5 miles from the Tarka Trail, offering great prospects for wayfaring
- Lots of choice of places to sleep
- The potential for one for extra dog to join in the fun!
Fancy a stay at one of our dog-friendly cottages in Devon? As well as our featured 6, we have lots of equally lovely pet-friendly pads to base yourself as you discover the beautiful Devon coastline and gorgeous countryside. From sweet little stone cottages for that last-minute escape and converted barns on working farms where all the family are welcome, to contemporary coastal properties with a view just minutes from the beach, we will have the perfect place for you.
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.