Devon
PetsPyjamas’ Guide to Dog-Friendly Devon
Home to spectacular beaches, dramatic coastal paths and exceptional landscapes, Devon is one of the best dog-friendly holiday destinations.
There are five Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and large areas of moorland in the Dartmoor National Park and Exmoor. Plus, there are two World Heritage Sites – the incredible Jurassic Coast and the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape. The rugged North Coast has about 100 miles of coastline from Cornwall to Exmoor. The South Coast has over 60 miles of beautiful coastline from Torbay to Plymouth.
Famous beaches to visit include Saunton Sands, Babbacombe Bay, Slapton Sands and Thurlestone beach, where dogs are welcome year-round. The moorlands of Dartmoor and the sailing town of Salcombe are perfect for a dog-friendly escape. The same can be said for South Hams, one of the most beautiful areas of Devon. South Hams boasts lovely unspoilt villages like Dittisham on the River Dart.
Within this guide, we have rounded up all the best dog-friendly places to stay. We’ve also sniffed out the best spots for walkies, dog-friendly attractions, beaches and country pubs to stop at along the way.
Bow-Wow Factor
It must be the combination of wooded hills and moorland of the Dartmoor National Park as well as the fabulous beaches – many dog-friendly all year round.
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Dog-Friendly Pubs and Eateries
Our Favourite Dog-Friendly Beaches
Dog-Friendly Places to Stay in Devon
There’s a wonderful variety of dog-friendly places to stay in Devon, many with PetsPyjamas exclusive offers attached. Whether you’re looking for a luxury spa hotel, a Castle hotel in Dartmoor, or a cosy seaside retreat, we’re sure you’ll find the perfect stay.
Suitable for all breeds and budgets, our dog-friendly properties have all been given the PetsPyjamas paw of approval.
Dog-Friendly Hotels in Devon
Our pet-friendly hotels are incredibly dog-welcoming; with each one given our paw of approval. Suitable for all breeds and budgets, here are a few of our favourite dog-friendly hotels in Devon.
Cary Arms & Spa, Devon
If you are looking for a luxury coastal retreat on the South Coast, one of our favourite hotels is The Cary Arms at Babbacombe. It’s a beachfront inn with a buzzy gastro pub and seaside chic rooms that truly welcome dogs! Stay in one of the new luxury beach huts with an uninterrupted view across Lyme Bay, or one of their coastal rooms or holiday cottages – the choice is yours.
Bovey Castle & Spa, Devon
Another equally delightful Devonshire hotel is Bovey Castle, a former manor house with a spa, pool and golf course. Right in the heart of Dartmoor National Park, you and your beloved canine companion can navigate the 275-acres of beautiful countryside and rolling hills. After long walks exploring everything Devon has to offer, retreat to the spa for a pamper session.
Whilst you’re there, there’s a pooch parlour for doggy pampering and sprucing up after long muddy walks. This means your lovely furry friend doesn’t have to miss out on the fun.
Hotel Endsleigh, Devon
If you fancy a holiday exploring the stunning Dartmoor and Devonshire countryside, then we recommend Hotel Endsleigh. A beautiful historic house, Hotel Endsleigh is set in 100-acres of fairytale woodland for you and your four-legged friend to explore.
As this stunning dog-friendly accommodation is nestled right on the edge of Dartmoor, you can enjoy easy access for daily walks with your furry friends. Hotel Endsleigh is super accommodating, so expect a fabulous welcome, great food and top-class hospitality.
Soar Mill Cove Hotel & Spa
Tucked away in a valley just outside Salcombe, dog-friendly Soar Mill Cove & Spa is a secluded slice of paradise. The perfect destination for pups thanks to the sandy beach that’s dog-friendly year round, and coastal walks for seaside adventures. Located within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Soar Mill Cove Hotel overlooks the most dramatic seascape that will have you wanting to come back for more.
The Fox and Hounds, Devon
The Fox & Hounds is a lovely country hotel on six acres by the River Taw. Awarded a Traveller’s Choice Award in 2023 due to its consistently fabulous reviews, The Fox & Hounds offers everything you need for a relaxing dog-friendly holiday.
With 22 fully-equipped rooms and a handful of luxury suites, there are plenty of options for you to choose from. So, after long walks in the Devon countryside, you can look forward to coming back to pure comfort within The Fox & Hounds hotel.
Dog-Friendly Pubs & Eateries in Devon
After a busy day exploring the wonders of Devon, you’ll be looking for somewhere to eat that truly welcomes dogs. Luckily, Devon is teeming with dog-friendly places to eat whether it’s the countryside or a coastal pub with wonderful views out to sea.
There are some fabulous gastropubs in the area in picture-perfect villages with food to match. For example, the Rock Inn in Georgeham or the Bear & Blacksmith in Chillington – an award winning pub with a fabulous dog-friendly atmosphere.
We’ve put together some of our favourite dog-friendly pubs in Devon where you can enjoy fabulous food while your dog is spoiled with treats, biscuits and even a gourmet meal of their own!
Our Favourite Dog Walks in Devon
Dog-friendly Devon has a wonderful array of walks your dog will love! Enjoy the South West’s gorgeous coastline by taking your dog for a walk along the South West Coast Path. This trail stretches across 205 miles of north and south coasts! Or, you can explore the forests, moorlands, valley trails and craggy landscapes of the Dartmoor and Exmoor National Parks with your best furry friend in tow.
Your dog will revel in the myriad of different smells and exciting places to run about on Dartmoor. Lovely walks can also be found in the South Hams area and Thurlestone Beach, where you can run across the sand and splash in the waves together.
Porlock combines a woodland and beach walk if you’re looking for the best of both worlds, or you can explore the amazing scenery on a walk from Branscombe to Beer.
So, why not embark on one of the countless country trails and coastal walks with your canine companion? Witness fantastic views, fresh air as well as off lead frolics! You may even discover some interesting haunts and historic sites along the way.
Dog-Friendly Beaches in Devon
Devon is blessed with miles of walking trails where your best furry friend can roam freely – not least on the famed South West Coast Path! With over 630 miles of coastline to see and explore, you’ll be spoilt for choice on where to walk first.
Devon is home to 100-miles of fabulous coastline, including 33 dog-friendly beaches, some of which are dog-friendly year round. Many of the beaches are long and sandy with a backdrop of stunning cliffs, others are delightful coves where your dog can enjoy running free and dashing in and out of the sea.
Whilst some beaches have sections that are dog-free in the summer months, this should not deter dog owners. Usually, there is still a sufficient amount of beach left for strolls and off lead frolics with your four-legged friend.
Here are three of our favourite dog-friendly beaches in Devon, open year-round to your furry friend. At these beautiful destinations, you will both be able to enjoy seaside fun on some of the best beaches the UK has to offer. Plus, you’ll be delighted to know that PetsPyjamas has a range of dog-friendly holiday cottages and hotels, some with exclusive offers, just a stone’s throw away.
PetsPyjamas Top Picks:
Babbacombe Bay
A lovely dog-friendly beach near Torquay, a mix of sand and shingle surrounds a gorgeous little cove. Babbacombe Beach is backed by thick wooded cliffs dotted with little houses to admire. And above this gorgeous location lies one of PetsPyjamas’ most popular dog-friendly hotels, The Cary Arms. During your stay, relish in fabulous coastal walks along the cliffs to Babbacombe itself, or enjoy the little sheltered beach where your dog can roam freely.
Salcombe North Sands Beach
In an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, North Sands dog-friendly beach is situated between two gorgeous headlands near the South West Coast Path. With a great section of sandy beach, there’s plenty of space for you and your dog to run around when the tide is out.
Nearby, is a car park as well as dog-friendly cafés and shops so the beach is easily accessible. After the beach, pop along to the charming town of Salcombe for a well-deserved cream tea or ice cream for you and your pup!
Slapton Sands
Close to Kingsbridge in South Devon, Slapton Sands is mainly a shingle beach, but nevertheless enormous and is backed by Slapton Ley – a freshwater lake. You can access this dog-friendly beach from the car parks at Torcross, Strete Gate Beach or central monument. A lovely year-round dog-friendly beach with a three-mile walking route, Slapton Sands has plenty of history attached. For example, the beach was used for rehearsals for the D-Day invasion!
Dog-Friendly Days Out in Devon
With the most amazing beaches, dramatic coastlines and fabulous walks, Devon has much to offer you and your best furry friend. No need to leave them at home – they can enjoy a fun-filled day out in Devon with you and the whole family.
You’ll be amazed at just how many top attractions in Devon are open to four-legged friends. These attractions include historic castles, museums, gardens and even a dog-friendly steam railway!
So take a trip on the Victorian Cliff Railway, enjoy a woodland or waterfall walk at Becky Falls or walk around the grounds of Agatha Christie’s famous summer house, Greenway House. The possibilities are endless!
PetsPyjamas Top Picks:
Becky Falls
Enjoy a fabulous day out with the whole family and your four-legged friends at Dartmoor’s iconic landmark. A walker’s paradise 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 even a small petting zoo for children too.
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 an ice cream at the cafe. After sitting still on the train, your pup can enjoy a run on the sand at Lynmouth Beach.
Greenway House and Garden
Situated in Kingswear, Greenway makes a lovely day out for you and your dog. This former summer home of Agatha Christie and her family is now a National Trust property.
While dogs are not allowed in the house itself, they are welcome to stroll around the grounds. From here, you can appreciate breathtaking views of the River Dart together. And when you need a break, there is a dog-friendly cafe on-site serving delicious afternoon teas!
Explore Devon