The Lyn Valley Dog House

Lots of shops let dogs in, but this one is built entirely around them. The Lyn Valley Dog House is an independent, dog-friendly shop on Church Hill in the heart of Lynton in North Devon, and it’s the kind of place where your dog will have made up their mind before you’ve got through the door.

Owner Jacquie, better known here as Mrs Dog House, moved to this beautiful corner of Devon with her husband and their dogs. It wasn’t long before she noticed the gap: plenty of dogs on holiday and out on walks in Lynton and Lynmouth, but nowhere local stocking the natural, thoughtful products she wanted for her own. So she opened the doors herself. The shop has since taken the top spot for retail at the North Devon Business Awards and been named in the UK Top 100 Small Business list by Small Business Saturday and Mastercard.

The shop is split across three rooms. Come through the door and you’ll find blankets, jumpers, coats, toys, leads and collars. The middle room starts with the spa and first aid section, then leads into a well-stocked barkery, an ice cream and doggy chocolate stand, and a deli of natural meaty treats and frozen raw food. At the back is Dexter’s Pantry, named after Jacquie’s much-missed dog and home to the shop’s own dog food, a wide choice of dry and wet foods, plenty more treats and the amazing sausage station. Whenever you visit, Jacquie or Sian will be ready with a warm greeting and plenty of fuss for your dog.

If you can’t get to Lynton, you can order online, with delivery across the UK, and there’s a subscription service for regular treats. Staying nearby? Jacquie also works with local accommodation providers on bespoke welcome boxes for their furry guests.

It’s an easy stop on any dog-friendly day out in Lynton and Lynmouth. Treat your dog here, then head off along the Exmoor coast for a walk, with the Cliff Railway and Watersmeet both close by.