The 10 Best Dog-Friendly Pubs in Devon

Devon has a wealth of fabulous pubs – most of them welcoming your furry friend to join you while you tuck into delicious Devon fare (much of it locally sourced from nearby farms) and sit beside roaring log fires after a bracing walk with your dog by your side.

The Bear & Blacksmith 

Address: The Main Road, Chillington, Kingsbridge, South Devon, TQ7  2LD

The award winning, dog-friendly pub in Chillingham in the South Hams is run by farmer and chef Malcolm and Claire who rear their own pigs and sheep, as well as having their own flock of chickens and vegetable garden. All their relishes, chutney and breads are homemade and fresh fish comes from Beesands plus crabmeat from Slapton.

Great dishes include farm terrine, Bear and Blacksmith burger and fresh Brixham dayboat fish and chips.

The Five Bells, Clyst Hydon, Cullompton

Address: Clyst Hydon, Exeter, Devon EX15 2NT

Another lovely pub in the village of Clyst Hydon, just 10 miles from Exeter but arriving here feels like stepping back in time.  You will be driving through winding green Devon lanes past fields and forest to reach the pub but its well worth the effort.  Its a 16th century Grade ll listed thatched picture perfect building with stone floors and wooden beams yet with all modern comforts.  Ex-Gidleigh Park

Head Chef Ian Webber heads up the kitchen so expect good grub. Specialties include the One-pot South Devon ribeye and the one-pot Road Devon ‘ark’ Chicken.

The Rock Inn, Georgeham

Address: The Rock Hill, Georgeham, North Devon, EX33  1JW

This pretty 17c dog-friendly pub in the lovely village of Georgeham in North Devon is a real gem. It has a great atmosphere and is very dog-friendly, serving delicious food including favourites like Doombar Ale Pie and Lee Bay crab. The cosy fireside bar in the pub is famed for its Sunday lunch – perfect for a pit stop after a day of walks.

The Sea Trout Inn, Staverton

Address: Staverton, Totnes, Devon TQ9 6PA

Owners are actively encouraged to bring their dogs along to the Sea Trout Inn in Staverton – a relaxed 15^th Century Inn. The Sea Trout serves delicious fare including seafood risotto with squid, scallops, tiger prawns and clams and pub classics like lambs liver, smoked bacon, and mash. Plus, most of the ingredients sourced from South Devon farms and fisheries.

The cosy lounge bar has a wonderfully warming log fire – the perfect place for you and your dog to relax after a long walk.

The Thatched Tavern, Steep Hill, Maidencombe

Address: Steep Hill, Maidencombe, Torquay, Devon TQ1 4TS

Nestled in the heart of Maidencombe, this picture perfect pub is located in a gorgeous village in the Torbay countryside and just 300 metres from the beach.  Expect a cosy bar, roaring log fires, and delicious locally sourced food.  The pub is famous for its pies and the steak or game pie come highly recommended.  It also recently won the Hall & Woodhouse Best Beer Quality Award 2015.

The Mason’s Arms, Branscombe

Address: Branscombe Village, Branscombe EX12 3DJ

After dining on seasonal, locally sourced food in the pub’s restaurant or cosy bar, walk it off on beautiful Branscombe Beach, a 10-minute stroll away.  This archetypal English Country pub is combined with stylish bedrooms that look like they’re straight out of a Boutique Hotel and where dogs are welcome to stay in the Cottage rooms.  Inn Heaven!

The Three Crowns, Chagford

Address: High St, Chagford, Devon TQ13 8AJ

A picture-perfect thatched pub – dating back to the 13^th century – in the centre of the stannary (tin mining) town of Chagford, the Three Crowns has an impressive reputation for food and 21 ensuite, boutique-style bedrooms.

Chagford is known as one of the prettiest small towns on Dartmoor with a vibrant Summer Arts’ Festival and some fabulous local walks.

The Maltsters’ Arms, Tuckenhay

Address: Tuckenhay, Totnes, Devon TQ9 7EH

Once owned by flamboyant TV chef Keith Floyd, The Maltsters’ is a riverside pub tucked away on the banks of Bow Creek and featured in The Times’ Best 50 Places to eat Al Fresco.  The pub provides something for everyone; stunning off-the-beaten-track location, home-cooked food (including take away fish and chips and homemade pizza) and most critical, dogs (and well-behaved children) are very welcome.

The Rose and Crown, Yealmpton

Address: Market St, Yealmpton, Plymouth, Devon PL8 2EB

This dog-friendly pub, just five miles from Plymouth, specialises in award-winning food at pub prices.  In fact, the pub is renowned locally for the freshest and best seasonal ingredients and locally sourced produce.  The walled garden is the perfect spot for summer lunch, whilst the leather sofas and open fires in the bar provide a cosy place to curl up with lunch, the Sunday papers, and the dog!

The Duke of York, Iddesleigh

Address: Iddesleigh, Winkleigh, Devon EX19 8BG

Ensuring its literary (and animal loving) credentials, The Duke of York’s claim to fame is that it is where Michael Morpurgo came up with the idea for War Horse.  It was also Ted Hughes’ local.  Justifiably proud of its CAMRA listing, the Duke of York has a great range of real ales served direct from the barrel.  No jukeboxes, fruit machines, karaoke nights or pool tables – just roaring log fires, generous portions of home cooked food in an impossibly picturesque English village.