Blessed with beautiful beaches, spectacular scenery and never-ending countryside, Devon is all about the great outdoors; making it a fantastic place for a dog-friendly holiday. From seaside strolls to national parks, we’ve picked out the best things to do in Devon with your dog.
1. A walk on the beach
Devon is rightly famous for its fabulous beaches and we all know how much our hounds love a romp in the sand. Blow the cobwebs away with a brisk walk in winter, or enjoy the summer sunshine – a beach walk is always a joy. There are plenty of spots that welcome dogs. Choose from Saunton Sands, Braunton with its 3.5 miles of sand in North Devon, or Shelly Beach, Exmouth in East Devon is one of any number on the English Riviera near Torbay.
2. Becky Falls, Newton Abbot
Enjoy a fabulous day out with the family – and Fido – at Dartmoor’s iconic landmark. A walker’s paradise suitable for all levels of fitness, Becky Falls has woodland and waterfall walks from gentle strolls to steep descents. Dogs are more than welcome to join you but must be kept on a lead at all times. There is a small petting zoo for children too.
STAY AT: Bovey Castle & Spa, Devon
3. Victorian Cliff Railway, Lynmouth to Lynton
For things to do in Devon with glorious views, take to the cliff railway. A return train ticket for you and your pet costs just £1.50 on the unique water powered Victorian Cliff Railway. You can enjoy the amazing views of the North Devon coast and enjoy a a cup of tea or an ice cream at the licensed cafe at the top. After sitting still on the train, your pup can enjoy a run on the sand at Lynmouth Beach.
STAY AT: Hunter’s Inn, Devon
4. The Waterfront, Plymouth
Set on the waterfront of Plymouth’s Grand Parade, this dog-friendly bar and restaurant was almost wiped off the map in 2014 by one of the UK’s fiercest storms in history. Now reopened – you and your pooch can sit inside or outside on the large decked terrace to enjoy some drinks, food or even a cream tea.
STAY AT: Boringdon Hall Hotel & Spa, Devon
5. Geocaching, Devon
Embark on a digital treasure hunt with your hound in tow! Seek out hidden containers or ‘caches’ containing little treasures using your smartphone. There are over 25,000 geocaches in Devon waiting to be sniffed out by you and your pooch – all you need to do to get started is create an account and download the app which will give you clues on where the nearest geocache is hidden. Once you find a cache and open it, the idea is to then replace the treasure with something of equal value. This is a fantastic way to have some fun and see the beautiful Devonshire countryside!
STAY AT: The Fox & Hounds Country Hotel, Devon
6. Clovelly, Bideford
A privately owned village with a small fee covering admission to the village, car parking and entry to Clovelly Court Gardens and the two museums; Fisherman’s Cottage and Kingsley Museum, all mechanised transport is banned from this village, which has been privately owned since the time of Elizabeth I. Man powered sledges transport all the goods, groceries and furniture although a Land Rover is available to carry visitors who need help. Little cobbled streets tumble down towards the fishing harbour and there are craft workshops and a visitor centre. Make a day of it and introduce Fido to a bygone age!
STAY AT: The Shippen, Devon
7. Arlington Court and Carriage Museum
Close to both Exmoor and Barnstable, Arlington Court features a carriage museum in the old stable block. Dogs on leads are welcome throughout, and there are lovely walks through the gardens and grounds of the National Trust estate.
8. Dartmoor National Park, Devon
Explore Devon’s great moorland and embark on a day out in Dartmoor National Park with your furry friend. Not only are there countless paths and routes to take through the park, you can also enjoy cycling, canoeing, trail running, wildlife spotting as well as other activities – great for families and adventure-seekers.
STAY AT: The Horn of Plenty, Devon
9. Doone Valley, Lynmouth
If you’re a fan of Lorna Doone then the village of Malmshead is a must-visit. This tiny village is in the heart of Lorna Doone country and provides great walks for you and your pooch. Dogs are welcome in the gardens of the Lorna Doone Farm.
STAY AT: The Northfield Hotel, Somerset
10. The South West Coast Path, Devon
Devon is blessed with miles and miles of trails and walks where you pooch can roam freely – not least on the famed South West Coast Path! With over 630 miles of coastline to see and explore, no matter where you and Fido are in Devon, you’ll be spoilt for choice on where to walk first.
STAY AT: Soar Mill Cove Hotel & Spa, Devon