You can choose to explore woodlands, hills and valleys because it’s all available nearby. The Southwest Coast Path goes through these parts – it’s 630 miles long in total, so you decide which part you want to join. There are plenty of dog-friendly days out in Devon for you to choose from, so book your holiday today!
The Best Places To Take Dogs in Devon
Take your binoculars with you as there is wildlife of all kinds to spot on this self-catering break. The English Riviera spreads along the southern coast and offers so much to do with many dog-friendly trails; you’ll need more than a week to enjoy it all. Stretching from Torquay, past Paignton and Brixham, there’s a waterpark, adventure golf, caverns, a pier and a funicular all within just a few miles.
Adventure Okehampton is on the northern edge of Dartmoor, and it offers climbing, canoeing, abseiling and gorge scrambling for those who live an active life. Near to Newton Abbot, there’s the House of Marbles where 4 museums – one for games, glass, pottery and marbles – will keep your interest piqued, and the Devonshire pubs, shops and cafes here welcome dogs as well.
With so much to do, even the pickiest person is satisfied with the amount of top days out available. And here are 7 more dog friendly attractions in Devon:
Activites & Places To Visit
Find below 7 of the best days out in Devon for dogs
1. Hike on Dartmoor
Dartmoor is in the heart of Devon and is known for being pet-friendly. It’s famous for its ponies, granite tor and wild landscape. It’s a great place to ramble and cycle with the whole family, and dog companions will love it. There are several marked routes of different lengths and difficulties; you can choose a 2-mile stroll or a 12-mile hike – it’s completely up to you. And when it comes to refreshments, you can find quaint cafes and traditional pubs around Dartmoor serving up drinks, cream teas and hearty lunches. There are also usually water bowls for your dogs.
2. A Trip to the Beach
Breaks in Devon wouldn’t be complete without a day on a dog-friendly beach, and this county comes with a north coast and a south coast to choose between. Slapton Sands is a dog welcoming stretch that goes on for 3 miles and has a nature reserve nearby. Hele Beach is a pretty cove just outside Ilfracombe where the dogs can play all year round and adults can look for sea glass and shells. Fairy Cove is ideal if you are near Paignton – it is just behind the harbour and has red sand and shelter from the wind.
3. Try Geocaching
Geocaching is great family fun, and it’s something you can do with all ages and the dog. It’s a treasure hunt that uses a smartphone’s GPS, and you uncover hidden containers as you walk, moving on until you’ve found them all. Devon has many geocache locations, both in the north and south, so download the app and get out there. Some of the best dog walks in Devon are along these routes. Then in the evening, return to your pet-friendly retreat and simmer in your private hot tub.
4. Visit Plymouth Hoe
A vast public space, Plymouth Hoe offers views of the Plymouth Sound and is pet-friendly. Take a picnic as there are plenty of grassed areas to stop, and stop by Smeaton’s Tower lighthouse, the cliffs, the open-air lido, sensory gardens and the Royal Citadel. Statues line the route, as do benches and refreshment kiosks, so you can take it nice and easy. If the sun is out, you could spend hours slowly exploring this lovely part of Devon with your dog.
5. Step Back in Time
Dogs are welcome at Bygones, a museum that brings history to life, and they welcome doggies, too, if they are on a lead. Spread over 3 floors, you can walk down a Victorian street lined with shops, experience a WW1 bunker and see what life was like in the 50s and 60s. Toys, food, brands and sounds from the past will take you on a trip down memory lane. They also run events here throughout the year, especially when the children finish school.
6. Pat the Donkeys
The Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth is home to hundreds of donkeys and mules, and many of them love a pat and a stroke. It’s free to enter the sanctuary, and well-behaved canines can come along too. There’s an educational visitor centre where you can learn interesting donkey facts and a walking trail where you can all stretch your legs.
7. Ride the Dartmouth Railway
The Dartmouth Steam Railway runs from Torquay to Dartmouth, taking in most of the English Riviera on route. They offer all kinds of packages here, and they all welcome dogs. One of the popular tickets includes a trip on a boat and the journey by train, so it’s a full day of fun. Choose a package with a cruise along the Totnes River; there’s an onboard narration too, so you will really get to know this beautiful area of Devon.
Looking at Visiting the Area
Our top picks for dog-friendly places in Devon isn’t the only thing we’ve been checking out in this stunning county. We have also searched for the best holiday accommodation that welcomes dogs
Holiday Cottages
Whether you want to relax in the English Riviera surrounded by palm trees or hike across Dartmoor with Fido by your side, you’ll find plenty of Devon dog friendly cottage holidays nearby.
We also cover Devon hot tub cottages for pets here.
Log Cabins
Boasting a range of amenities such as spas, kids play areas and activities dog friendly lodges in Devon are a great option for families and couples alike.