Devon Dog Friendly Holiday Guide

Dog-Friendly Towns and Villages in Devon

Devon's picturesque towns and villages combine historic charm with relaxed, dog-friendly hospitality - whether you're strolling harbour frontages or browsing local shops. Many pubs, cafés and inns welcome well-behaved dogs with outdoor seating and water bowls to help you unwind after a day of exploring.

Totnes

Totnes is a lively and historic market town in South Devon, set above the River Dart and known for its steep High Street, Norman castle, independent shops and strong alternative, community-minded atmosphere. It's also a notably dog-friendly place: locals often walk their dogs along the riverside paths, on nearby countryside trails and through the town's green spaces, and many cafés, pubs and small businesses are welcoming to well-behaved dogs. With scenic walks starting almost from the town centre and a culture that embraces outdoor living, Totnes is a popular spot for visitors and residents who like to explore with a canine companion in tow.

Link: Dog friendly holiday cottages in Totnes

Salcombe

Salcombe is a picturesque coastal destination in South Devon, known for its vibrant sailing scene, scenic estuary and inviting sandy beaches. The town's winding streets are lined with independent shops, cosy cafés and welcoming pubs, creating a relaxed holiday atmosphere. It's also widely recognised as a dog-friendly hotspot, offering beaches such as North Sands that allow dogs throughout the year, ferries that welcome four-legged passengers to explore further along the coast, and a great choice of places to eat and stay where dogs are warmly received.

Link: Dog friendly holiday cottages in Salcombe

Budleigh Salterton

Budleigh Salterton is a peaceful coastal town on the Jurassic Coast, valued for its sweeping pebble shoreline, beautiful clifftop walks and unhurried pace of life. It's also a welcoming place for dog owners, with areas of the beach open to dogs throughout the year, a promenade well suited to gentle walks, and a friendly selection of cafés, pubs and local services - including a dog grooming salon (Budleigh Dog Grooming) - that happily cater for visiting pets.

Link: Dog friendly holiday cottages in Budleigh Salterton

Beer

Beer is a charming fishing village on East Devon's Jurassic Coast, known for its shingle shoreline, traditional pubs, inviting cafés and scenic coastal walks. Although summer restrictions apply to certain areas of Beer Beach, dogs are welcome on the eastern end throughout the year, making it an ideal place for a refreshing seaside stroll before discovering the village itself or heading out along the South West Coast Path.

Link: Dog friendly holiday cottages in Beer

Ilfracombe

Ilfracombe is a vibrant harbour town on the North Devon coast, set against striking cliffs and rugged seascapes. With a variety of beaches, coastal paths and green spaces, it offers plenty of opportunities for exploring with a dog. The town is well known for its welcoming attitude to pets, with many cafés, pubs and shops happy to accommodate well-behaved dogs, and popular walking spots ranging from Wildersmouth and the Harbour beaches to cliff-top trails and nearby parks with sweeping sea views.

Link: Dog friendly holiday cottages in Ilfracombe

Tip: Always check individual café and pub policies before entering. Many towns offer water bowls for dogs outside shops and eateries.

Dog Friendly Beaches in Devon

Devon offers miles of coastline on both the north and south shores, with many beaches welcoming dogs year-round or outside peak summer months. From long sandy expanses to hidden coves, these beaches are perfect for fetching, paddling, and seaside strolls with your dog.

Saunton Sands

This huge, golden beach near Braunton is ideal for dogs, with plenty of space to run freely and explore dunes. Dogs are welcome all year round, making it perfect for off-peak trips.

Woolacombe Beach

One of Devon's most famous beaches, Woolacombe allows dogs outside peak summer months. The long, sandy stretch and nearby coastal paths make it ideal for energetic pups.

Bigbury-on-Sea

On the south coast, Bigbury-on-Sea offers a dog-friendly beach and access to Burgh Island. Dogs can enjoy exploring sandbanks at low tide and scenic walks along the shore.

Other Notable Beaches

Westward Ho! - Wide open sands and dunes, popular with dogs off-lead outside summer.
Holcombe Beach - Quiet, secluded, perfect for dogs who love to explore rock pools.
Bantham Beach - South Devon beach with open sand and dog-friendly walks along the estuary.

Tips: Check seasonal restrictions as some beaches have summer dog bans. Early morning or late evening visits often provide the best opportunity for off-lead fun.

Dog-Friendly Walks in Devon

With rugged moorlands, wooded valleys, and sweeping coastal paths, Devon is a walker's paradise for families and their dogs. From gentle riverside strolls to dramatic cliff-top routes, you'll find walks to suit every energy level and adventure style.

South West Coast Path - Stunning coastal trail with views across both north and south Devon; popular sections include Ilfracombe to Woolacombe and Salcombe to Bantham.
Dartmoor National Park - Open moorlands, rivers, and tors for adventurous dogs; many dog-friendly trails to choose from.
Exmoor National Park - Peaceful forest and valley walks, ideal for dogs who love exploring varied terrain.
Wistman's Wood - Ancient oak woodland on Dartmoor, dog-friendly on leads and perfect for a nature-filled walk.
South Devon Coastal Walks - Estuary paths around Kingsbridge and Salcombe, flat and suitable for dogs of all ages.

Tip: Keep dogs on leads near livestock and cliffs. Bring water, especially on long walks, and consider using dog boots for rocky terrain.

Dog-Friendly Attractions in Devon

Devon boasts a variety of attractions where dogs are genuinely welcome, particularly at outdoor and historic sites. National Trust properties and scenic reserves provide engaging days out for you and your four-legged friend.

National Trust Sites

Castle Drogo - Dogs on leads welcome around the gardens and estate grounds.
Greenway House - Agatha Christie's former home, dogs allowed on leads in garden and woodland walks.
Berry Pomeroy Castle - Dogs allowed on leads around grounds and woodland trails.

Other Attractions

Crealy Adventure Park - Outdoor areas allow dogs on leads.
Devon Railway Centre - Outdoor grounds welcome well-behaved dogs.
Paignton Harbour - Dog-friendly waterside strolls and cafés with outdoor seating.

Tips: Check specific site policies and seasonal restrictions. Always use leads in gardens, parks, and historical ruins to ensure safety.

Dog-Friendly Days Out

Beyond beaches and walks, Devon has plenty of dog-friendly experiences to fill your holiday itinerary, from heritage railways to riverside picnics and coastal boat trips. These days out offer a mix of activity, scenery, and local flavour that both you and your dog will enjoy.

Harbour walks and coastal town explorations.
Dog-friendly boat trips from Salcombe, Dartmouth, or Torquay.
Pub lunches in dog-friendly inns.
Scenic picnics in Dartmoor or Exmoor National Park.

Tips: Plan your day around your dog's stamina and the weather. Early morning walks and off-peak sightseeing help avoid crowds and provide cooler temperatures.

Dog-Friendly Devon Itineraries

Planning your days can help you make the most of Devon's diverse landscapes and dog-friendly hotspots - whether you're here for a short break or a week-long escape. These suggested itineraries blend coastal walks, countryside adventures and town explorations ideal for visitors with dogs.

Weekend Trip (2 Days)

Day 1: Saunton Sands morning walk, visit Ilfracombe for lunch, explore coastal cliff path to Woolacombe, settle in dog-friendly cottage near Braunton.

Day 2: Dartmoor National Park short walk, picnic at Wistman's Wood, afternoon visit to Totnes or Salcombe, return home.

Tips: Check tide times for beach walks and pack towels for muddy paws.

3-Day Trip

Day 1: Same as Weekend Day 1.

Day 2: Exmoor National Park walk, explore Dunster village, pub lunch with outdoor seating.

Day 3: Bigbury-on-Sea beach walk, coastal stroll to Burgh Island, depart.

Tips: Alternate busy beaches with quieter inland walks to give your dog rest.

5-Day Trip

Day 1: Saunton Sands & Woolacombe coastal walks.

Day 2: Dartmoor short hikes, Wistman's Wood, Totnes riverside stroll.

Day 3: Salcombe harbour, South Devon coastal walks, dog-friendly café lunch.

Day 4: Exmoor National Park walks, Dunster village, cream tea stop.

Day 5: Bigbury-on-Sea and Bantham Beach strolls, depart.

Tips: Mix beaches and woodland walks for variety and avoid over-exertion in hot weather.

7-Day Trip

Day 1: Saunton Sands morning walk.

Day 2: Woolacombe and Mortehoe coastal walk.

Day 3: Dartmoor short hike and Wistman's Wood picnic.

Day 4: Salcombe harbour and South Devon coastal trail.

Day 5: Greenway House & garden walk.

Day 6: Exmoor National Park walks and Dunster exploration.

Day 7: Bigbury-on-Sea & Bantham Beach stroll before departure.

Tips: Always pack water, poop bags, and a towel for muddy paws. Plan flexible days to accommodate weather and dog energy levels.

Tips for Choosing a Dog-Friendly Cottage

The right cottage can make all the difference to your Devon holiday with a dog - offering comfort, convenience and easy access to outdoor adventures. Look for properties with secure gardens, nearby walks and amenities that cater to dogs to ensure a stress-free stay for everyone.

Check dog allowance and any breed or size restrictions.
Look for properties with secure gardens for safe off-lead play.
Choose cottages near beaches, walks, and dog-friendly pubs.
Prefer hard floors and dog-friendly furnishings for easy cleaning.
Consider proximity to facilities such as vets, groomers, and dog-friendly parks.

Tips: Always confirm policies directly with the property. Properties closer to beaches and scenic walks reduce travel time and allow more outdoor time for your dog.

Find your perfect dog friendly cottage in Devon

Devon offers a perfect dog-friendly escape, combining beaches, moorlands, historic towns, and scenic attractions. With a carefully chosen cottage and this guide to walks, beaches, and attractions, you and your dog are guaranteed an unforgettable holiday.

Ready to start planning? Explore our dog-friendly cottages in Devon and find your ideal base for a memorable holiday with your furry friend.

Some of our dog friendly cottages in Devon

A small selection of dog friendly holiday cottages in Devon, including cottages in Dartmouth, Brixham, Weare Giffard, Salcombe, Kingston, Cornworthy, Bideford, Honiton, Uplyme, Cadeleigh and Kingsteignton.