Dog Friendly Attractions in Devon

By: Jayden Walton
Updated: October 31, 2022
boating on the Kingsbridge Estuary

Dogs are fun, loving, loyal, and great to be around. But the problem begins when you want to take some days off from your daily routine by taking your dog out and visiting a few places around town.

We’re here to aid you in finding the perfect places you can visit with your dog and the entire family.

This article brings together over 40 places to visit and things to do in Devon. We have everything you need, from dog-friendly attractions in Devon to kid-centric places to visit and fun activities that work for everyone in the family. Keep scrolling for some exciting suggestions.

Things To Do in North Devon With Dogs

Here is your chance to enjoy Devon’s fun side alongside everyone you care about.

This exhaustive list includes Devon’s best dog walks, parks, pubs and cafes. We’ve also included some beautiful beaches you can visit with your furry friend and enjoy the refreshing ocean breeze.

Best Dog-friendly Walks in North Devon

Take your dog for an adventurous walk in North Devon. Here are some places to consider.

Baggy Point to Woolacombe

You can start walking from either side of the route. Enjoy the walk while catching the sea view, the beach, and the dunes.

Wistlandpound Reservoir

Enjoy the stunning view of the glassy lake enclosed by pine trees and classy play equipment, among other exciting features, at The Wistlandpound Reservoir.

Heddon’s Mouth Walk

Heddon valley at Heddons Mouth in Exmoor

Take your dog into a world of ancient woodlands, cliffs, and babbling streams. You may also spot some birds and beautiful wildflowers if you’re here during the right season.

Watersmeet

Your dog deserves adventurous walks along the Hoar Oak and East Lyn rivers. Also, catch a glimpse of the coastal regions full of dramatic sights.

Hillsborough Sleeping Elephants

The walk doesn’t even reach 2 miles but takes you and your dog for a satisfying adventure on uneven and rocky paths. The path has picturesque views of Lundy Island, some wildlife, and the Welsh coast. 

Dog-friendly North Devon: The Must-Sees

There are a lot of dog-friendly attractions in North Devon. Here are some exciting must-see features, attractions, and places for every dog lover in the area.

Exmoor National Park

Exmoor National Park

Among the things to explore here include:

  • Waterfalls
  • Rivers
  • 700 miles of footpaths

You can also visit Tarr Steps and take the circular route into Withypool village and the tea rooms.

Saunton Beach Villas

Enjoy the beautiful view of the waters at one of the most popular North Devon’s dog-friendly beaches and settle at this epic destination.

The Milky Way Adventure Park

The Milky Way Adventure Park is an epic destination for kids and dogs that offers everything, including slides, live shows, crafting sessions, roller coasters, rides, and different sports. Always ensure your dog is on a lead at this park.

Okehampton Castle

The Okehampton Castle is a large castle with a lot of space for dog walks and stunning riverside and woodland regions perfect for family picnics.

The Boathouse

After an adventurous day in Devon with your dog, visit The Boathouse, sit on the rooftop deck, and enjoy a perfect beach view while sipping your favourite local beer or having a delicious lunch.

Best Dog-friendly Pubs and Cafes in North Devon

You’ll need a place to relax and pass the evening, especially after an adventurous day with your dog and family. Here are some dog-friendly cafes and pubs for your visit to North Devon.

The Thatched Inn

Enjoy a comforting menu packed with homemade dishes, some dynamic specials, and a famous beer garden in a traditionally set pub in Abbotsham.

Pig on the Beach

Book into this picturesque countryside pub and spice your North Devon stay with a fantastic American-style dinner, other unique dishes, and an extended outdoor sun walkway.

Barricane Beach Cafe

The joint serves a delicious lunch, with their less-known Sri-Lankan curry attracting crowds of guests daily.

The Instow Arms

The pub reigns in North Devon, with mouthwatering menus (including vegetarian options), an epic location at the waterfront, and family-favourite drinks. 

Days Out With Dogs in South Devon

The southern part is just as impressive as the northern side of Devon, featuring dog-friendly attractions, parks, and more. Here are some of our top suggestions.

Dartmouth Railway and River Cruises

Enjoy the various routes and transport systems available on this side of South Devon. Take a boat ride along River Dart, enjoy a steam train trip moving from Paignton and Kingswear, or explore both options.

Singing Paddles

Go to Singing Paddles and enjoy thrilling watersports. Enter a canoe and go on tours around Salcombe and Kingsbridge. You don’t have to pay additional fees to enjoy the tour with your dog.

Becky Falls

Landscape of Becky Falls

At Becky Falls, you can visit the awe-inspiring waterfall or tour the small animal zoo and look at the beautiful animals onsite, including Chipmunks, rabbits, meerkats, and more. 

Take your dog everywhere except the Animal Discovery Zone and Animal Petting Area.

Saltram

The National Trust House and Parkland feature 19th and 18th-century orangeries and follies gardens that make up for an exciting adventure. 

Your dog can explore all the gardens and parklands, but they can’t go inside the house.

The Donkey Sanctuary

Learn what happens at this Donkey Sanctuary near Sidmouth and how the sanctuary helps these animals. 

Also, explore the fun-filled dog walks in this area, see the donkeys in the barns and paddocks, or visit the café at the alfresco area without paying any admission fees.

Dog-friendly Places to Visit in East Devon

Are you visiting East Devon? Don’t conclude your stay before you take your family to these exciting dog-friendly attractions in Devon.

Killerton National Trust

Explore the countless dog walks in Killerton, the adventurous playground, or take your children to the kid-centric extensions and tree swings.

Bicton Park Botanical Gardens

Visit the 300-year-old horticultural history gardens, the countryside museum, the perfectly landscaped park, the nature trail, and the maze.

Likewise, you can enjoy a woodland train trip and mini golf or take your kids to the indoor and outdoor play areas at Bicton Gardens. You may have to pay a small access fee.

Seaton Tramway

Catch an unrivalled sight of the paddling bird life while riding in the Seaton Tramway and traversing the glorious Axe Valley. The list of things to experience and attractions to explore here will keep you and your dog happy.

Forde Abbey

Forde Abbey contains everything, including beautiful gardens, a chapel, a tea room, a letterboxing trail, and a gift shop. You can bring your dog on board, but keep them on leads.

Dog-friendly Places in West Devon

Are you wondering where to start? West Devon is brimming with some exciting destinations for every family with a furry member. 

Visit the attractive beaches, explore the parks, or wine and dine at the high-ranking pubs and cafes. Check out these famous destinations.

Langstone Manor Holiday Park

This destination perfectly matches every dog owner looking for a rural getaway in west Devon. Come camp for the night or simply enjoy the stunning landscape.

Lydford Caravan and Camping Park

Enjoy a magnificent view of Dartmoor from a peaceful park between Devon’s coastlines. You can also walk around and experience the tranquillity of the waterfalls just five minutes from this location.

Woodleigh Caravan Park

This destination is a perfect spot for stargazing. Go and enjoy onsite fishing, and when lunchtime comes, grab the menu and order your favourite at the café and restaurants in the park.

Roadford Lake

Radford Lake is a perfect destination for you, especially if camping is your thing. Hop in the boat, ride the bikes, or go walking and explore the countryside experience in this awe-inspiring region.

Dog-friendly Places to Visit in Mid Devon

Is exploring the countryside on your checklist of things to do in Devon? You can’t go wrong with Mid Devon, given this destination’s beautiful countryside experience. Here are some suggestions to explore with your dog.

West Farleigh

Located close to River Exe is West Farleigh, a perfect destination for guests looking for dog-friendly lavish decking options. Treat yourself to the hot tub and stunning views of nature.

Lakemoor Devon

Go glamping and camping on River Taw. It’s an opportunity for you to enjoy kayaking, exploring Devon’s rural life, and some wild swimming.

Deer Barn Retreats

Are you tired of the hustle and bustle of urban life? Deer Barn Retreats allows you to enjoy peaceful glamping in Devon’s countryside. 

Places to Visit With Dogs in Dartmoor

Like any other part of Devon, Dartmoor has a lot to offer on your next visit. Here are a few things you can explore and places you can visit with your dog.

Haytor Rock

Haytor Rocks, Dartmoor's most famous landmark

Take your dog for a walk on the famous granite rock. It’s a lovely, challenging walk with a fantastic view of the natural landmark.

Burrator Reservoir

Dog walking is one of the most dominant things you can do with your dog in Dartmoor, and the Burrator Reservoir has a fantastic trail. The circular walk is perfect even for wheelchair and pushchair users.

Bovey Tracey

Pack up and head to this beautiful town with the beautiful River Bovey curving its way through the centre and old stone cottages.

Café on the Green

Visit Widecombe-on-the-Moor and dine at the town’s spectacular café and tea room. It’s also the place to have a tasty cream tea whenever you’re in Devon.

Dog-friendly Devon Beaches

Dogs playing at the coast

Devon boasts several attractive dog-friendly beaches in all areas. Here are some of the best beaches you can visit with your dog from all parts of Devon.

Dog-friendly Beaches in North Devon

Are you looking for beaches to visit with your dog? Try these suggestions from North Devon.

Lynmouth Beach

Stretching approximately 500 meters wide, Lynmouth Beach is a perfect destination for all family members, including four-legged friends. It’s open for dogs all year round.

Mouthmill Beach

Mouthmill is another perfect dog-friendly beach you can visit at any time of the year. Discover the photogenic rock formations, rockpools, woods, and a waterfall.

Westward Ho

Dogs are banned from some parts of this beach. However, there’s still a significant stretch of this location you can explore alongside your furry friend. Check it out and see why you may want to include it in one of Devon’s must-visit dog-friendly attractions.

Dog-friendly Beaches in South Devon

Are you touring South Devon? Consider the following beaches.

North Sands

Situated approximately a mile from Salcombe, the North Sands is a dog-friendly beach that allows you to walk with your furry buddy any time of the year.

Soar Mill Cove

Soar Mill Cove lies in a secluded vale outside Salcombe. It’s a perfect destination for a coastal dog walk and offers all-year-round access to four-legged guests.

Sugary Cove

Take your dog with you despite the time of the year you’re travelling, and enjoy a peaceful stay at this small, secluded beach.

Salcombe North Sands

Holiday pictures offer an excellent way to keep memories. Take them at the picturesque Salcombe North Sands cove towering over the Kingsbridge Estuary’s mouth.

Dog-friendly Beaches in East Devon

East Devon also offers a rich experience for those interested in visiting beautiful beaches with their dogs. Here are some suggestions.

Monmouth Beach

Take an adventurous walk on the steeply and pebbly shelves of Monmouth Beach. The cove is open for dogs all year round and offers several facilities to fit your stay in Devon.

Jacob’s Ladder Beach

Enjoy the feeling of sand beneath your feet at Sidmouth’s sandy and pebbly town cove. The beach has cliffs at the back, which make up excellent protection from the breeze. There’s more to explore on the beach, including several rock pools.

Cobb Gate Beach

Cobb Gate Beach is an all-year-round dog-friendly cove that offers you an excellent stay at a sandy and flat bay. 

Final Thoughts: Explore Devon With Your Dog

Travelling is an exciting way to connect with your family and take a break from work. However, not all places accept dogs.

With over 40 suggestions, this list offers all the perfect places and things to do in Devon, including attractions and pubs to book with your dog.

It’s time for some memorable adventures, so pack your bags now!