Dog-Friendly Devon
Dog-Friendly Devon: Our Recommendations
Over half our Devon Holiday Cottages are dog-friendly and Devon is most certainly one of the UK’s most pro-pup regions. With plenty of dog-friendly beaches, businesses, parks and pubs, don’t worry about kennels or dog care, just bring them along! To help you navigate where to go and what to see with your four-legged friend, this guide has our recommendations for great doggy days out in Devon.
Take Your Pup on an Adventure in Saunton Sands
Once you pass the first ‘zone’ on your walk entering the beach, where your dog has to be on the lead, the rest of Saunton Sands beach is entirely dog friendly, all year round. With miles of golden sands and shallow waters, Saunton Sands is the perfect place to take your pup for a run and splash around. Saunton has hosted events in the past such as Paws on the Beach dog surfing competition, so there’s no doubt that this beach doesn’t love dogs!
Canoeing in Salcombe
While a walk on the beach or in a park is always a guaranteed hit with an energetic furry friend in tow, dogs enjoy a change of scene as much as we humans! Singing Paddles canoeing in Salcombe welcomes dogs on their guided canoe tours for free. Guide Dave has outstanding knowledge of South Devon’s waterways and will gently guide you through the tour which is bound to delight every member of your holiday party and get tails wagging, but be sure to book ahead to make sure your canine companion can definitely join in the fun.
Wander through the Woods at Castle Drogo
Closest to our South Devon Cottages, Castle Drogo is an immense 20th-century castle with 1,000 acres of land that looks out onto the misty Teign Gorge. The one-mile circular towards Teign Gorge begins in the car park at Castle Drogo, goes through Piddledown Common, turning around at Sharp Tor. But there are also plenty of dog-friendly walking routes that castle more ground at Castle Drogo too and the only place they cannot venture is inside the castle.
A Quick Hike at Canonteign Falls
On the northeastern edge of Dartmoor National Park lies Canonteign Falls, a large country estate that is home to the highest man-made waterfall in Devon. The 90 steps walk up to the waterfall is a little steep in places, so perhaps better suited to high-energy dogs, but the views at the top are truly spectacular. There is also a cafe on-site, as well as plenty to keep kids entertained, such as a giant dinosaur named Terrance and an assault course for them to run off some steam. Dogs must be kept on leads on the waterfall walk for their own safety.
Splash in the Waves at Watermouth Bay
Nearby Ilfracombe, Watermouth Bay is a small sandy cove that is dog-friendly all year round. Looking like it came straight out of a postcard, many small boats bob along in Watermouth Bay’s waters and the small town is dominated by its harbour. Overlooked by Watermouth Castle and green fields, Watermouth Bay perfectly encapsulates where the British coast and country, past and present so often meet. For a cool drink and bite to eat, head to dog-friendly Sawmills House.
