Dog-Friendly Holidays Devon
The delightful county of Devon in the UK’s Southwest showcases scenic natural wonders, delicious local produce and dog-friendly hotels. For everything you can think of in a perfect holiday, your dog is welcome to join you. Discover Devon’s beauty with our curated list of hotels and cottages for your idyllic short break with your furry best friend.
Umberleigh, EnglandEastacombe is a traditional, detached village cottage that has undergone a complete transformation, having been totally renovated and extended in 2022/23. Access by car is easy to Eggesford Forest (10 miles towards Exeter), with the local country pub just a bit further along the A377 where you can have lunch before a walk in the woods. If you like a round of golf, more locally is Libbaton Golf Club at High Bickington, just 3 miles away, where anyone can have a game along with a beer or two and a meal.
The amazing accommodation on offer comprises four bedrooms on the first floor; two with lovely en-suites and all with Smart TVs. On the ground floor you’ll find the fifth bedroom, plus there’s a handy additional wet room. The living spaces include a huge open plan living space with a kitchen and large breakfast bar, as well as all the cooking utensils you may need. If you fancy relaxing away from the rest of the group there’s a gorgeous snug with a cosy wood burner at the front of the cottage. Outside you’ll find the patio and lawned garden, with a purpose built outdoor cooking area with a pizza oven and barbecue, and then there’s the hot tub you can relax in under the stars. And if you fancy some entertaining, you’ll love the games room which has pool and table tennis tables, table football and a dart board, plus a games console and its own toilet.
Within easy reach by car are the county’s two National Parks; Exmoor and Dartmoor. The location is 8 miles from the regional capital town of Barnstaple with its many cafés and restaurants, Queens Theatre, multi-screen cinema, leisure centre with swimming pool, a purpose-built tennis centre with indoor and outdoor courts, and an indoor trampoline centre. Just 30 miles to the south is the historic city of Exeter.
North Devon is famed for its fantastic natural attractions such as Exmoor National Park, with its magical night skies in Europe’s first ’Dark Sky Reserve’, the many rugged coastal towns and quaint villages such as Lynton and Lynmouth, Ilfracombe and the world-famous Clovelly Village. If stunning beaches are your thing, then the region will leave you spoilt for choice with Saunton, Woolacombe, Croyde and Westward Ho! Beaches. The fantastic South West Coast Path runs through the region’s rugged coastline, perfect for walkers and view seekers and offering 90 miles of stunning walks.£235From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & book
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Hartland, England
5.00The Old Roundhouse is a unique escape in sumptuous accommodation, the perfect holiday retreat in genuine peace and tranquillity. This stunning, spacious, detached barn conversion with original roundhouse enjoys total seclusion within its own large gardens on the edge of the owner’s farm, with no near neighbours. Nestling in this designated AONB, uninterrupted and magnificent views of the surrounding countryside abound and lovely walks can be enjoyed from the property. A 10-minute walk over the owner’s fields and woods leads to Hartland village with shops, three pubs and a lovely coffee shop. Sandy Spekes beach is just over a mile walk. A fabulous, picturesque, hidden treasure, great for rockpooling and surfing. The owners have maintained many original features - exposed internal stone walls, beams and wonderful slate floors with underfloor heating throughout. Everything has been thought of to ensure an incredible holiday to please everyone. The Old Roundhouse is a really special holiday home and a warm welcome awaits with complimentary chilled beer and wine, cream teas, fresh flowers and toiletries - all ingredients for a well earned break. The stunning World Heritage coastline abounds with family activities, from pretty beaches to hidden coves, once the haunt of smugglers. Hartland Abbey is worth a visit, as is the famous Clovelly. Bude and Bideford are within easy reach with their shops, attractions and leisure pursuits. Shops ½ mile.£194From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Newton Abbot, EnglandThatched Cottage is a spacious detached six bedroom property for 12 guests and is suitable for a large family or a group of friends. It is a beautifully furnished converted restaurant set within the town of Kingsteignton, 2 miles from Newton Abbot and 1 mile from Newton Abbot racecourse. Spend some time unwinding in the open plan living and dining area on the ground floor which is light, airy and has plenty of room and home comforts for everyone to spread out. Perfect for a relaxing evening indoors when you’re not out exploring the delights of the local area. Next door, the kitchen is well equipped to prepare a family dinner. It is perfect for socialising whilst cooking a home-cooked meal. From the living room three steps lead down to a separate games room area which houses a pool table, a bar with stools, a gaming fruit machine (which is free to use with no prizes), a 40” Smart TV with Freeview and Netflix. Upstairs are 6 bedrooms each with a Freeview Smart TV with Netflix. The enclosed garden is great for pets and it features a 5-seater hot tub, a barbecue, 2 picnic benches on the lawn plus a small patio area with a bench, great for enjoying your morning coffee.
Kingsteignton has a choice of shops, pubs, a variety of eateries and sporting facilities, and the nearby towns and villages offer a variety of attractions. Nearby Newton Abbott can be reached from the doorstep along the walking and cycling path which takes you through the Hackney Marshes nature reserve. The ancient market town offers plenty of local shops, high street chains and supermarkets. There’s also a racecourse where National Hunt racing takes place from spring until autumn, with craft fairs during the winter.
There are a number of beaches within easy driving distance including Teignmouth, Torquay and Paignton, which also has a zoo. Spend a day on the beach building sand castles and walk the impressive Victorian Pier at Teignmouth. Enjoy the stunning beaches around Torquay and the many hidden coves such as Meadfoot, Oddicombe, and further afield, the pretty Ness Cove. And of course, the South West Coast Path provides stunning seascapes across the bay, with a popular stretch from Torquay Harbour to Daddyhole Plain.
The Dartmoor National Park is nearby with rugged and stunning scenery where you can enjoy walking, cycling, horse riding, climbing and canoeing. You can see the ponies, walk the Tors or simply stop off in one of the many villages for a Devon cream tea. For the children, there is Crealy Adventure Park or Go Ape in Haldon. There are many cycle ways off road, including Powderham Castle where there is a cycle track along the estuary. Other memorable days out include the Round Robin Bus Trip, Paignton Zoo, Woodlands Adventure Park, Babbacombe Model Village and Kents Cavern. Beach 3 miles. Shop and pub ¼ mile, restaurant 1 mile£263From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Torquay, EnglandThe Lookout Pod is located in a well regarded residential area of Torquay. Accessible via a gate from the adjoining road, guests after walking up the stone steps find themselves in the garden area. This elevated area boasts a 6 person hot tub, distant sea views and seating. There is also a cold water outdoor shower for hosing off any sandy pups or wetsuits, and a washing line, along with outside electric sockets if needed. The structure consists of a door leading into the bedroom and general living space, with double bed, kettle and toaster. (Please note these are the only cooking facilities). From another door accessed to the side of the pod there is an outside toilet. The pod, although small and with limited facilities, offers guests an up-market like camping experience yet in a much more desirable location if being close to Torquay town, beach and amenities is what you are looking for.
There is so much to see and do in the local area, including visiting the many beautiful beaches, greens and coastal paths. Around Torquay’s marina there is an abundance of quality restaurants, bars and pubs as well as amusements and a theatre. Torquay’s surrounding areas such as Brixham, Dartmouth and the city of Exeter, all make for great days out, as do many of the towns within the South Hams. Sit back and relax in the hot tub while enjoying a late night drink after a long day exploring all the English Riviera has to offer!£58From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Bideford, EnglandHigh Park House is the perfect venue for a large family holiday or group reunions/getaways. Built in 1845 High Park House features on the ground floor two living rooms with cosy wood burners and smart TVs, a formal dining room, a large kitchen/diner perfect for creating holiday feasts. There’s also a utility room, a handy separate toilet and a boot room. And for some family fun there’s a games room with a pool table. Up on the first floor are seven bedrooms with five en-suites, to comfortably sleep sixteen guests. Within the grounds is an indoor swimming pool and hot tub which can be booked for exclusive use and a large natural lake with a decked terrace, to the front of the house is a large private lawn area and ample parking.
High Park House offers easy access to beaches, moors, golf courses, children friendly fun parks, and many other recreational activities. Bideford is the second largest town in North Devon with plenty to see and do including a lovely river front and port. The Southwest Coastal Path is a must for keen walkers and runners, as is the popular Tarka Trail, which stretches for c.180 miles and can be accessed locally. Swimming, surfing, canoeing and entertainment for all the family plus fishing are all close by. For a day with a difference why not take a trip across to Lundy Island? With regular trips from Bideford, measuring just 3 miles by ¾ mile, this entire island has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Westward Ho!, the nearest seaside village offers an array of seaside amenities including some fascinating curiosity shops, restaurants and cafes. Within easy reach are two popular top attractions, The Big Sheep amusement farm park and The Ultimate Adventure Centre! Being very close to the A39 Atlantic Highway, the property is conveniently located for day trips to other beautiful places such as Exmoor National Park with stunning dark skies for great star gazing and locations such as Clovelly, Hartland and North Cornwall. Beach 4 miles.£391From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Tavistock, EnglandThe Old School House is a superb property situated in Horrabridge, on the edge of Dartmoor National Park.
It’s an extremely spacious 5000 square foot, late-Victorian former schoolhouse, built in 1875 of local stone and slate. This beautiful seven-bedroom holiday home comfortably accommodates up to twenty two guests and presents a wonderful base for a group of family and friends to enjoy a luxurious and relaxing break. The property showcases two hot tubs, six bathrooms, bath tubs lavishly positioned in two of the bedrooms, a games room, large garden, and a children’s play area. The main part of the building on the ground floor has a magnificent large kitchen and dining area with seating for up to twenty guests, an island worktop, exquisite quartz countertops and plenty of appliances. Other features include a pantry, boot room, cloakroom, the enormous living room with two large seating areas and a wood burner, patio doors opening out into the garden and a games room with a pool table and dartboard.
The annexed area at the far end can be accessed through a connecting hallway or via a separate entrance and it contains an additional open plan kitchen, living and dining area, a shower room and a staircase leading to the two bedrooms above. This beautiful, detached home has three staircases in total leading to the first floor which divides two bedrooms at the far end for eight guests, the extraordinary master ensuite bedroom in the middle for a couple and the other three bedrooms at the other end accommodating up to twelve guests. The final en-suite double bedroom is located on the ground floor. The private enclosed garden has a large lawn, a sprawling decked area, barbeque, outdoor seating, children’s play area, plus a large shed for all outdoor activity equipment. In front of the property is a large parking area with space for up to eight vehicles plus a covered carport.
Horrabridge is a beautiful village with a village green and medieval bridge on the banks of the River Walkham. It is serviced by a selection of shops including a post office and stores, bakery, fish and chip shop, art gallery and two pubs. Tavistock, a nearby thriving market town rich in history and tradition dating back to the 10th century, just 3½ miles away to the northwest.£957From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Torrington, EnglandFour Seasons Cottage is a beautiful cottage with a gorgeous, comfortable interior. There’s a living room with a wood burner and Smart TV, and the kitchen/diner is the hub of the cottage with all you’ll need for your holiday. Indulge in the cinema room with a 55” cinema-style Smart TV. Outside there is plenty to do from lounging on the patio and pebbled garden to having a soak in the hot tub! Between April and October, the outdoor above-ground pool (non-heated) will be available to use. Shared facilities include a sports/games lawn and access to 7.5 acres of land including free coarse fishing on the private lake. The owner will accept up to three/four horses on request, subject to availability. There are several resident horses on site, and you can arrange a grooming session at no cost during your stay, supervised by the owner and subject to availability. You are also welcome to collect eggs from the free-range chickens, proving great fun for everyone.
The property is a great base for exploring both North Devon and North Cornwall, boasting some of the best beaches in the country many of which are dog friendly and around 20-minute drive away. The famous Tarka trail walk is in easy reach just a few minutes’ drive away from the cottage, Along the way you will find many dog-friendly pubs and restaurants. Regularly used by walkers, runners and cyclists. There are many family attractions a short drive away including mini theme parks, farm parks, adventure centres for those adrenaline seekers, gardens, museums and stately homes. Just over 5 miles from Torrington or Great Torrington, a town built on the site of an ancient settlement at the top of a cliff with the river Torridge below. The town benefits from some great views and a regular pannier market. 18 miles from the capital town of Barnstaple with its Queens Theatre, cinema, leisure centre, tennis centre and indoor trampoline centre.
North Devon offers fantastic attractions such as Exmoor National Park with its ‘Dark Sky Reserve’. Explore coastal towns and villages such as Lynton and Lynmouth, Ilfracombe and Clovelly village all boasting breathtaking scenery. You’re spoilt for choice for beaches with Saunton, Woolacombe, Croyde and Westward Ho! all within easy reach by car. The Southwest Coastal Path runs through the rugged coastline offering stunning walks, and the Tarka Trail can be accessed locally, providing opportunities to follow a disused railway line and will take you through places like Fremington Quay and Yarde, Instow with its estuary beach and view towards the fishing village of Appledore through to Bideford, Barnstaple and beyond. And don’t forget Exmoor and Dartmoor National Parks, both within easy reach by car.£186From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Tiverton, EnglandThe Knowstone and Rackenford glamping pods at Secret Skies are located within a rural smallholding between South Molton and Tiverton, offering a peaceful retreat with easy access to the North Devon link road. This is a glamping experience with stunning views across Exmoor and the surrounding fields with ponies and sheep grazing, an enclosed garden and an open plan kitchen, dining and sleeping area. As you enter the pod, you will be welcomed into the cosy open plan kitchen, dining and sleeping area which is comfortably furnished with an adjoining shower room. The kitchen is equipped with a two-ring electric hob, convection oven microwave, under-counter fridge and breakfast bar with two stools. The kingsize bed is positioned in the centre of the pod to make the most of the beautiful countryside views and it also faces the Smart TV. The shower room is fitted with a shower cubicle, heated towel rail, toilet and sink. After a busy day exploring the area, step into the fully enclosed garden which has a fire pi/BBQ, outdoor seating and a hot tub. This outdoor space is a real sun trap and it is a great spot for enjoying your morning coffee.
The accommodation is peacefully located 3 miles from the small local village of Rackenford which offers a good local shop, and the bustling market town of South Molton is 11 miles away. Keen walkers should know that you are able to walk to the moors from the property! Head to Exmoor National Park which is just a short drive away and the beautiful North Devon coastline is within a 40-minute drive. To the north you have the beautiful sandy beaches at Combe Martin, Croyde and Woolacombe and a collection of pretty fishing villages and towns such as Clovelly, Lynton, Lynmouth and Porlock. To the south you have the dramatic red cliffs of Sidmouth, Beer and Branscombe with its pebbled beaches, and Exmouth with its various water sports on offer. For those looking for an adventure, then you must discover the National Parks of Dartmoor and Exmoor which are renowned for their changing landscape, stunning views and rugged, wide open spaces. With lots of day-out opportunities from your doorstep, make Secret Skies glamping pods the base for your next North Devon holiday.£134From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Tavistock, EnglandSherrill Farm Holiday Cottages is a complex of 13 delightful self catering cottages (refs UKC1427 to UKC1439), converted from the original 300 year old barns and farmhouse set within 16 acres of Devon farmland. Clustered around the central courtyard, the properties retain many original features and are charmingly furnished and decorated, with well-equipped kitchens. (Some properties are adjoining, whilst others occupy either the ground floor or the first floor of the same cottage). Located near Dartmoor and midway between Tavistock and Launceston on the Devon/Cornwall border, in wonderful rolling countryside.
Approached by its own private driveway, Sherrill Farm is a perfect spot to relax and unwind or to use as a base for exploring north and south Devon, and Cornwall.
This farm complex is a superb place for the entire family, and all guests have use of the large indoor heated swimming pool, Jacuzzi, gymnasium, bowling alley and games room. This leisure complex is open daily until 9pm. After an energetic swim you can step out onto the surrounding sun terrace and enjoy the stunning south-facing views, whilst the children keep themselves entertained in their own play area. There is also an all-weather tennis court available and rackets can be hired on site; a picnic area and a summerhouse along the banks of the ponds. This really is a beautiful area offering perfect family accommodation, peace and tranquillity.
There are three ponds within the grounds, one has been especially created to encourage wildlife and is set in beautiful surroundings. The other 2 ponds have been stocked with fish for those wishing to try their hand at this relaxing pastime (rods can be hired on site). Many bird species can be seen in the area as it is so quiet here and foxes and badgers are often seen on a summer’s evening.
A short drive away is the beautiful Tamar Valley dividing Devon and Cornwall, with picturesque and historical riverside villages including Morewellham. Within minutes you can be venturing out onto the Dartmoor National Park with over 250,000 acres of wild rugged open moorland, a haven for hikers or dog walkers. There are many exciting places to visit including Morwellham Quay and the National Trust properties of Cotehele, Buckland Abbey and Lydford Gorge with its White Lady Waterfall.
The historic market town of Tavistock is just 6 miles away and is a popular town with indoor pannier market and local shops selling locally produced foods. Horse riding is also available locally, as is trout fishing. Why not try canoeing on the River Tamar, or perhaps cycling on the Plym Valley track? The north and south coasts of both Devon and Cornwall are within easy reach by car and offer an amazing choice of splendid sandy beaches, a variety of water sports, cliff top walks, swimming, surfing and other seaside activities. The owners can also recommend local caterers, and guests can contact Lifton Farm Shop to organise a hog roast. Beach 20 miles. Shop 4½ miles, pub 1 mile and restaurant 1¼ miles.£48From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Paignton, EnglandSituated between wild Dartmoor and the holiday town of Paignton, Newbarn Farm is the perfect base for exploring dozens of attractions. The farm really does have everything: glorious views, barbecues, even a football field. There are lots of special touches to make your holiday magical, and adults will love the breathtaking views.
As you meander down the private drive to Newbarn Farm, you’ll discover just how special it is, and a haven you’d never expect to find just a stone’s throw away from so many amenities. Newbarn Farm is home to several holiday cottages, each with its own character and charm. Renovated to a very good standard, each cottage is extremely thoughtfully equipped, and is ideal for families, for friends to get together, as well as couples, and offers all the creature comforts to help you relax after exploring Devon. If you want a ‘good for the soul’ living experience, the complex is close to an abundance of fine dining and is relatively close to Michelin Star restaurants. It is central to a plethora of food fairs and shows, which after having visited, you can relax outside, barbecue some steaks, open some claret and champagne and watch the hot air balloons float across Dartmoor. When you have pampered your palate, take a walk from the property, with or without your dogs, and admire the sea views. Just before you go to bed at the end of a perfect day, look up to the night sky, ablaze with stars arching across the world and sliding down over Dartmoor, then wake up in the morning to the plaintive cry of a buzzard, the call of a pheasant, or watch the deer and trace the occasional fox slinking along the hedgerows.
Ideas about what to do on holiday include experiencing wild Dartmoor and enjoying Devon ice cream in Paignton. Or take a birdwatching trip from the harbour. You can do nothing or everything from your holiday base at Newbarn Farm which is situated on the south coast of Devon. It is in an ideal location for fishing with well-stocked, tranquil lakes easily accessible. The county promises to leave a lasting impression, and with breathtaking scenery; it is the perfect place to introduce the family to carp and specimen fishing. There are a number of lakes at the property and payment is available per day, or you can get a 24 hour ticket to go night fishing. Walkers and hikers can also enjoy the wild and rocky coastline, which is ideal for birdwatchers, dog walkers, or just to enjoy some peace and quiet. South Devon has much to offer including Paignton with its steam railway, which will take you to Dartmouth. The award-winning Paignton Zoo makes a great day out for the whole family, and there are sandy beaches at Goodrington and Paignton. Take a trip to Brixham and nearby Dartmouth to see the castle and take a boat trip around the bay. Torquay has a theatre with many shows, the Living Coasts (a coastal zoo) is ideal for a family day out, and there are also many NT properties close by including Agatha Christie’s summer home Greenway. Shop, pub and restaurant ½ mile.£58From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
