Dog Friendly Devon: A Guide to the Best Days Out, Walks & Beaches
We just can’t keep ourselves away from Devon. From sun-drenched streets on the English Riviera to ancient tales whispered by leafy woodlands, England’s only county with two distinct coastlines has an irresistible appeal for dog owners.
Spend your days unwinding in seafront bars sampling the catch of the day, exploring some of the UK’s most spectacular coastal scenery, or strolling through a patchwork of fields that have remained unchanged for centuries: the choice is yours. Whether you prefer coast, countryside or country pubs, a trip to Devon guarantees a tail-waggingly good time from the moment you arrive. And if the dogs of the DFD team had one recommendation, it would be to make time for a doggy ice cream along the way.
Ready to start exploring? Whether your dog loves sandy zoomies, scenic hikes or simply sniffing out the next dog-friendly cafe, these are the places we’d recommend adding to your Devon itinerary.
North Devon
The Atlantic frontier of North Devon is a world of wave-battered cliffs and headlands, occasionally cloaked in vibrant, emerald woodlands. This is an area shaped by millennia of Atlantic storms and relentless winds – but on a sunny day, you’ll find some of the most rewarding walking along the South West Coast Path. This is Devon at its most rugged and elemental.
Lynton and the Valley of Rocks
Picture-postcard Lynton and its Victorian cliff railway seems to have been lifted straight from the pages of a historic novel. Take a ride on England’s highest and steepest water-powered cliff railway (dogs £1 each way) before lacing up your walking boots and setting off along the South West Coast Path.
A lung-busting climb out of the village is rewarded with uninterrupted views out to sea: look out for seals, porpoises and basking sharks, which all frequent these waters. Dogs should be on leads due to the sheer drops (keep well back from the edge), but it’s not too far until you reach what is surely one of the most memorable landmarks in Devon: the Valley of Rocks.
Home to a herd of feral goats, these craggy, indomitable rock formations feel like stepping out of Devon and into another world. Explore the rocky trails leading up to several viewpoints and look out for Mother Meldrum – a white witch said to haunt the Devil’s Cheese Ring outcrop, immortalised in R.D. Blackmore’s novel Lorna Doone.
Saunton Sands
Surely it doesn’t get better than three miles of glorious golden sand? Actually, it does – because at Saunton Sands, dogs are welcome all year. There’s just one small section near the main slipway where dogs aren’t permitted, but the rest of the beach is completely free from restrictions.
Backed by Braunton Burrows, a vast expanse of sand dunes, spiky marram grass and a whole host of rare plants and wildlife, Saunton Sands is the kind of place you never want to leave. Popular with surfers thanks to its long, slow waves, the gentle shallows here are the ideal spot for dogs (and owners) to enjoy a paddle.
If zoomies on the beach aren’t quite enough to tire out your pooch, you can extend your day with a climb up to Saunton Down. At 160m high, this gorse-cloaked ridge offers a bird’s-eye view over the beach and surrounding countryside. And if your dog’s still got some energy left after a beach day and a hill climb, finish off with a trip to the dog friendly Beachside Grill for a mouth-watering bite to eat.
Hartland Abbey
If you’ve watched the film adaptation of Enid Blyton’s Malory Towers, Hartland Abbey might look familiar. The house, walled gardens and wider estate all feature in the TV series, with the ‘Malory Towers Trail’ bringing the filming locations to life during your visit.
You don’t have to have watched the show to enjoy a day out here. Recognised as one of Devon’s finest country houses, the gardens, woodland walks and parklands are nothing short of delightful.
Dogs on leads are welcome in the outside areas. Explore the eighteenth-century walled gardens, the Bog Garden and the fernery to experience a riot of colours and scents, with camellias, azaleas and hydrangeas galore, as well as countless other plants.
Extend your visit with a walk to Hartland Quay: one of the most imposing and dramatic spots on the South West Coast Path. While you’re there, stop for lunch at The Wrecker’s Retreat. Dogs are welcome inside, but if the weather allows, we’d recommend grabbing a table outside and keeping your eyes peeled for seals. With its wild Atlantic setting, it’s hard to imagine a more dramatic place for a sunset.
South Devon
Home of the English Riviera, South Devon is characterised by glittering, serpentine rivers, salt-kissed estuaries and charming historic towns nestled on the shores of turquoise waters. Although it’s one of Devon’s most visited corners, the South Hams offer slightly more breathing room than the Riviera towns of Brixham, Paignton and Torquay. But really, if you’re coming to South Devon, you’re here for long seafood lunches and slow, sun-soaked beach days more than anything else. Bring your appetite and find a sunny terrace.
Salcombe
The South Hams haven of Salcombe is our favourite of South Devon’s bustling harbour towns. Perched on the shores of the Kingsbridge Estuary, Salcombe is packed with dog friendly shops and eateries. There’s no shortage of choice, but our top picks are The Salcombe Coffee Company and Seagrass. If you’re visiting in summer, arrive early: Salcombe is a popular destination and parking can be challenging if you’re arriving later on.
When you’re ready to feel the sand between your toes (and paws), head to the beach – Salcombe’s North Sands is dog friendly all year round. Along the coast you’ll find even more options for beach outings, with Hope Cove, Soar Mill Cove and Bigbury on Sea all within easy reach. We hope you’ve packed your beach towel!
It’s not all about the beach, with Salcombe’s location in the South Devon National Landscape providing ample opportunities for coast and countryside walks: a romp from East Soar to Bolt Head offers some of the finest views in the area. And of course, it’s compulsory to sample the local Salcombe Dairy ice cream before you leave. You’ve earned it with all that walking, right?
Coleton Fishacre
Return to the 1920s with a visit to the Arts & Crafts house at Coleton Fishacre. Tucked away in a sheltered valley, this RHS accredited garden is home to lush, tropical planting featuring species from as far afield as New Zealand and South Africa. Beyond the formal gardens, the twisting trails around the estate lead you to an array of stunning viewpoints.
Don’t miss the two-mile walk around the garden: expect woodland, sea views and maybe even a peregrine falcon if you’re lucky. Springtime brings a vibrant carpet of bluebells, primroses and violets for another layer of colour. If this was your garden, you’d spend all of your time outside.
Free for National Trust members, Coleton Fishacre is a three paw print rated place – the highest rating possible. Dogs on leads are welcome in the garden, cafe and shop, and you’ll find water bowls for dogs in the main courtyard. You can even pick up a ‘pooch passport’ from the main entrance to record your dog’s National Trust exploits.
South Devon Railway
All aboard the South Devon Railway for a historic journey along the banks of the River Dart on a heritage steam train. Sit back, relax and watch the wild landscape of Dartmoor and the rolling Devon countryside through the window while you take the weight off your feet.
This seven mile route between Buckfastleigh and Totnes explores some charming dog-friendly stops, and is the longest established steam railway in the south west. Explore heritage railway stations, visit the quirky independent shops and cafes of Totnes or take a walk from one of the stations: South Devon is your oyster.
Dogs are welcome to join you with a doggy ticket (£2.50 return). Operating throughout the year, even if the weather doesn’t play along, a day out on the railway should keep you (mostly) dry.
East Devon
Follow the Jurassic Coast west from Dorset and you’ll find a quieter stretch of coastline in East Devon, where ancient landscapes meet the sea. Less explored than Devon’s southern and northern coastlines, East Devon is as underrated as Devon gets. This is a land of shady woodland adventures through enchanting river valleys, forgotten history and salt-scented sea breezes drifting across sandy coves. This is the place to come if you want to follow the Devonian road less travelled.
Killerton
Spanning more than two thousand hectares, dogs are welcome across all of the outdoor spaces at the National Trust’s Killerton. Dogs on leads are welcome in the gardens, where you’ll find a dizzying array of plants year round, as well as in the Stables Coffee Shop and in the parkland.
Not your average walk in the park, visitors to Killerton can climb an extinct volcano, explore an Iron Age fort and enjoy serene countryside views looking towards Dartmoor. The National Trust has designated clear ‘off lead zones’, so that you don’t need to worry about letting your dog off lead in the wrong place by accident. Multiple routes are available, or why not go off-piste and make your own adventure.
Dog owners are truly welcome at Killerton. Water bowls are provided around the site, picnic tables have tether points so you’re not juggling a lead while you eat, and there’s a dog wash station in the car park if your walk gets a little too wild, if you know what we mean.
The Donkey Sanctuary
Not all dog friendly days out require a long walk in the middle of nowhere… If you fancy something a little different, a visit to The Donkey Sanctuary near Sidmouth is well worth incorporating into your plans.
This free to visit attraction is a haven for hundreds of donkeys who have been rescued and given a safe home here. Meet the donkeys, explore the award-winning gardens and enjoy a slice of cake or a cream tea after wandering the site. Remember, it’s clotted cream first in Devon!
Dogs are welcome at The Donkey Sanctuary, including in The Kitchen restaurant, but must be kept on leads at all times for everyone’s safety. If you do visit, while entry is free, consider making a donation to support them to continue their vital work.
Blackbury Camp
From a sweep of violet bluebells in spring to a burnished tapestry of reds, browns and oranges in autumn, Blackbury Camp has a constantly evolving beauty which endures year round. Dawn visitors who catch the lingering early morning mist can experience the fort at its most ethereal and haunting.
Once home to the ancient Dumnonii tribe, or perhaps the neighbouring Durotriges who lived close to the border, this Iron Age hillfort dates back to the fourth century BC. Now overtaken by the earth once more, all that remains are a series of earthworks – but there is surely no finer spot for a picnic.
Dogs are welcome to join you as you explore Blackbury Camp, and you can easily extend your visit with a walk through the surrounding countryside. Popular routes include explorations of the nearby Southleigh Hills and longer walks to Branscombe Beach to the south.
Dartmoor
Dartmoor is where Devon’s hiking gets serious. A sometimes bleak and barren wilderness, when the weather descends, the rolling moors of Dartmoor can quickly become disorienting. On inclement days, walking is best left to experienced hikers. But when the weather is fair? Discover some of Britain’s best riverside strolls, climb windswept granite tors and wander sun-dappled paths in ancient woodland. Outdoor lovers, Dartmoor is calling.
Lydford Gorge
Gossamer streams of silver water tumble down the rock face at the White Lady waterfall. This other-worldly cascade must be the centrepiece of any walk through Lydford Gorge, one of the most beautiful places on Dartmoor.
Visitors have been drawn here for centuries, with the Victorian fascination with natural beauty acting as the spark which brought Lydford Gorge to wider attention. Deeper than any other river gorge in the south west, the River Lyd puts on an impressive display as it carves its way through this ancient wood of oak, ash and hazel.
One of Britain’s last pockets of temperate rainforest, Lydford Gorge offers multiple walking trails and is home to dozens of rare species of flora and fauna. Because of this, dogs must be kept on leads and out of the water: rare moss and lichen species grow on the river bank, and these delicate plants would be damaged by dogs splashing in and out of the stream. Making up for this, dogs are very welcome in the tea room and book shop here.
Fingle Bridge
If there’s one walk that encapsulates the fairytale feeling of Dartmoor’s rivers and woodlands, it’s the walk along the River Teign to Fingle Bridge. Featuring every shade of green on the spectrum in spring and summer, as the year starts to turn the woods are soon aflame with autumn colour.
Start your walk from Castle Drogo, said to be the last castle built in Britain, and follow the river, stopping for a paddle or maybe even a wild swim on the way. Eventually you’ll reach the seventeenth century Fingle Bridge: a fine example of a three arched packhorse bridge.
On your return, stop off at Mill End Hotel for lunch or dinner: dogs are welcome, with dog towels available to dry off any wet paws after a swim in the river.
Bellever Forest
Combine woodland trails, panoramic views and one of Dartmoor’s trademark granite tors with a trip to Bellever Forest. This is a place that has it all.
From winding forest paths to blustery open moor, Bellever ticks all the outdoor lover’s boxes. With several ancient sites scattered among the trees and tors, history lovers aren’t left out either. There are several walking trails to choose from, including a visit to the trig pillar at Bellever Tor, and the only way to satisfy your adventurous side is to keep coming back until you’ve walked them all. That’s what your dog says, anyway.
As well as wildlife in the forest like goshawks, salmon and even otters, on the moor you’re likely to encounter the native Dartmoor ponies. Keep dogs on leads around the ponies and make sure you close all gates to keep them in the right place. Tempting as it might be, please don’t feed the ponies, as this encourages bad behaviours like biting. They all have owners who ensure that they’re well fed and cared for.
From rugged coastlines and sandy beaches to ancient woodland, wild moorland and plenty of welcoming places to indulge your foodie side, Devon really does have something for every kind of dog and their owner. Whether your four-legged explorer loves a long hike, a seaside paddle or simply sampling the next cream tea, there’s no shortage of adventures waiting to be discovered.
Feeling inspired? Discover our dog friendly places to stay in Devon and start planning your next adventure.
