Dog-Friendly Holidays in Devon | Pawfect Stays
Devon

Dog-friendly Holidays in Devon

Devon is the only county in England with two separate coastlines, and that makes it wonderfully varied for a holiday with your dog. The north has big surf beaches at Woolacombe, Croyde and Saunton, while the south is gentler, with sheltered estuaries, harbour towns and the red cliffs of the Jurassic Coast. In between lie Dartmoor and Exmoor, two National Parks of open moorland where you can walk all day without a beach rule in sight.

We’ve explored Devon from Hartland to the Exe, and this guide puts everything in one place: the stays that genuinely welcome dogs, which beaches you can use in summer, the best moorland and coast path walks, and where to eat out together afterwards. Start with an area below, or head straight to the kind of stay you’re after.

Featured Businesses

Discover some of the best dog-friendly businesses in Devon

Explore by area

Where to go in Devon with your dog, from the north coast surf to the open moor

Where to Stay

Dog-friendly places to stay in Devon

On the Map

Every dog-friendly place we list in Devon. Tap a pin to take a look.

Out and About

Where to eat, dog-friendly places to visit and more

FAQs

Dog-friendly Devon: your questions answered

Are dogs allowed on Devon beaches?

Yes, on most of them. Each district council sets its own rules, and most summer restrictions run from 1 May to the end of September. Outside the summer, almost every beach is open to dogs.

  • Restricted May to September: Croyde Bay and Combe Martin in North Devon. At Westward Ho!, dogs can only use the Sandymere end in summer.
  • Dogs on leads May to September: Barricane Beach near Woolacombe
  • Dogs welcome all year: Lynmouth, Heddon's Mouth, Rockham Beach and Watermouth. Saunton Sands and Crow Point also allow dogs all year, though leads are needed in some areas.

South Devon, Torbay and East Devon have their own lists, so check the signs at the beach before you go.

Are dogs allowed on Dartmoor?

Yes. From 1 March to 31 July, dogs must be on a short lead, no longer than 2 metres, on Dartmoor's open access land. This protects lambs and ground-nesting birds. For the rest of the year, keep dogs under close control and on a lead near livestock.

Is Exmoor in Devon or Somerset?

Both. About a third of Exmoor National Park is in Devon and the rest is in Somerset. Lynmouth and Lynton make a good base for the Devon side, with moorland and coast walks close by.

Where can I stay in Devon near the moors and the coast?

Mid and South Devon put you within easy reach of both. You can walk on Dartmoor in the morning and be on a dog-friendly beach by the afternoon. Browse our dog-friendly places to stay in Devon to find the right base.

Do dog-friendly pubs in Devon let dogs inside?

Most country pubs do, and many keep water bowls and treats behind the bar. It's always worth asking. Most will happily find you a table where your dog can settle at your feet.

What are the best days out in Devon with a dog?

Try a steam train ride, a walk on Dartmoor, a dog-friendly beach or a riverside pub lunch. With two coastlines and two national parks, there's plenty to fill a week.

Do dog-friendly places to stay charge extra for dogs?

Some do and some don't. Many hotels and cottages charge a small fee per dog, per night or per stay, while others welcome dogs free. Each of our dog-friendly places to stay in Devon explains its dog policy, including how many dogs are allowed and any rooms or areas they can't go.