PetsPyjamas’ Guide to Dog-Friendly Devon
Home to spectacular beaches, dramatic coastal paths and exceptional landscapes, Devon is undoubtedly one of the best holiday destinations for you and your dog.
There are five Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and large areas of moorland in the Dartmoor National Park and Exmoor as well as two World Heritage Sites – the incredible Jurassic Coast and the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape. Its rugged North Coast consists of around 100-miles of coastline between Cornwall and Exmoor, whilst the South Coast has over 60-miles of captivating coastline between Torbay and 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 as is South Hams, one of the most beautiful areas of Devon, with lovely unspoilt villages like Dittisham on the River Dart. Other dog-friendly attractions include a must-do trip on one of the heritage steam railways, providing wonderfully scenic rides across the Devonshire countryside.
We have rounded up all the very best dog-friendly places to stay. We’ve also sniffed out the best places for walkies, dog-friendly attractions, the best 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 year round.
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🍽 Dog-Friendly Pubs and Eateries
🏖 Our Favourite Dog-Friendly Beaches
Dog-Friendly Places to Stay in Devon
There is a wonderful variety of dog-friendly places to stay in Devon, many with PetsPyjamas exclusive deals attached. Whether you are looking for a luxury spa hotel, a Castle hotel in the middle of Dartmoor, a cosy seaside or countryside cottage, or a charming country pub, you are sure to find the perfect stay for you and your hound.
Suitable for all breeds and budgets, our pet-friendly Devon hotels and cottages have all been given our PetsPyjamas paw of approval.
Dog-Friendly Devon Hotels
Our PetsPyjamas 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 to Portland Bill across the Jurassic coast, or one of their coastal rooms or 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 pet can navigate the 275-acres of beautiful countryside and rolling hills. Stay in the luxurious hotel or in one of their super cosy dog-friendly lodges. And as well as a luxury spa for humans, there’s also a pooch parlour for doggy pampering and sprucing up after long muddy walks.
Hotel Endsleigh, Devon
If you fancy a holiday exploring the stunning Dartmoor and Devonshire countryside, then we recommend Hotel Endsleigh. A historic house set in 100-acres of fairytale woodland for you and your four-legged friend to explore, it is also right on the edge of Dartmoor, where you can take guided leisurely walks with Fido or an extended trek with wild camping. Expect a fabulous welcome for you and your pooch as well as great food and top-class hospitality.
Dog-Friendly Devon Cottages
Our PetsPyjamas cottages are super dog-friendly; with each one given our paw of approval. Suitable for all breeds and budgets, here are a few of our favourite pet-friendly cottages in Devon.
Luxury Lodges at Bovey Castle & Spa, Devon
Located in the grounds of the 5-star Bovey Castle, these stylish and contemporary three-storey country lodges are fashioned from local granite and vaulted with English oak. The lodges act as a secluded sanctuary, set within 400 acres of Devon countryside and moments away from the splendid hospitality at Bovey Castle. Each of the dog-friendly lodges features three beautiful ensuite bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen and an open plan lounge and dining area, leading out onto a balcony with wonderful views over the grounds.
The Barns at Anran, Devon
A collective of stylish barns, dog-friendly Anran in Devon is a set of dairy farm buildings that have been beautifully restored into luxurious dog-friendly holiday pads. Offering rural charm and modern boutique luxury, guests have the option of renting the whole barn – sleeping up to 30 people – or taking one of the suites for a more intimate party for two. Set in stunning countryside, you and your pet will be able to explore miles of glorious walks.
Myrtle Cottage, Devon
This charming white washed, thatched property is in a prime position for exploring South Devon. The cottage has two bedrooms, a large beamed living room with wood burning stove and wooden floor, kitchen and dining room with french doors leading to an enclosed rear garden and patio. Situated in the village of Chillington, which has an award winning pub, the property is just nine miles from dog-friendly Salcombe, just two miles from Torcross and is close to Slapton Sands and Bantham Beach.
Dog-Friendly Pubs & Eateries in Devon
After a busy day exploring the wonders of Devon – the Dartmoor National Park and the fabulous beaches and picturesque villages, you’ll want to find somewhere to eat where your four-legged friend will be as welcome as you are. 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 like 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 Devon pubs where you can enjoy fabulous food, locally sourced while your dog will be spoiled with treats, biscuits, doggy beer or maybe their own gourmet meal.
Our Favourite Dog Walks in Devon
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 which stretches across 205 miles of north and south coasts or 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 and there are also guided walks including dog welcome walks. Other lovely walks can be found in the South Hams area of Devon, in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty as well as walks along Thurlestone Beach. Porlock combines a woodland and beach walk, or 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 and enjoy 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 trails and walks 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, no matter where you and Fido are in Devon, you’ll be spoilt for choice on where to walk first.
With around 100-miles of fabulous coastline, there are more than 33 dog-friendly beaches in Devon, 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, playing catch and dashing in and out of the sea. Whilst some beaches have sections of the beach that are dog-free in the summer months, this should not deter dog owners as there is usually sufficient beach for strolls along the beach and off lead frolics.
Here are three of our favourite dog-friendly beaches in Devon, open year-round to your furry friend, where you will both be able to enjoy seaside fun on some of the best beaches the UK has to offer and as well as that you will be delighted to know that PetsPyjamas has cottages and hotels, some with our 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. It is backed by thick wooded cliffs dotted with little houses and above it lies one of PetsPyjamas’ most popular dog-friendly hotels, The Cary Arms. There are fabulous coastal walks along the cliffs to Babbacombe itself or enjoy time on the little sheltered beach where your dog is free to run and play and can swim in the sea year-round.
Salcombe North Sands Beach
In an Area of Outstanding Beauty, North Sands dog-friendly beach is situated between two gorgeous headlands with the South West Coast Path close by. There’s a great section of sandy beach so 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. After you have enjoyed time on 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 a mainly shingle beach, but nevertheless enormous and is backed by Slapton Ley – a freshwater lake. You can access this dog-friendly beach from the car park at Torcross or from the car parks near Strete Gate Beach or the central monument. A lovely year-round dog-friendly beach with a three-mile walking route to enjoy – it also has plenty of history attached as the beach was used for rehearsals for the D-Day invasion.
Dog-Friendly Days Out in Devon
As well as having some of the most amazing beaches in the country, dramatic coastline and fabulous walks in the Dartmoor National Park, Devon has much more 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 family where they will be as welcome as you are.
You’ll be amazed at just how many top attractions in Devon are open to four-legged friends, including 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 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.
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 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.
Greenway House and Garden
Situated in Kingswear, South Devon, Greenway makes a lovely day out for you and your dog. The former summer home of Agatha Christie and her family, it is now a National Trust property and whilst dogs are not allowed in the house itself they are welcome to stroll around the grounds which have breathtaking views of the River Dart and beyond as well as a dog-friendly cafe which serves delicious afternoon teas.
Explore Devon