From the white sands and blue sea to 450 acres of parkland on the outskirts it is no wonder Torquay is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the UK. You can go out to sea for some sardine fishing in the morning and soak up the sun’s rays at Babbacombe Beach. Take a drive to Paignton and walk your dog down its famous pier or go underground in the fascinating Kent’s Caves. The best dog friendly pubs in Torquay are not all on the seafront though and can be found further inland.
The Best Pubs in Torquay where Dogs are Welcome
Pubs that take dogs are very much part of Torquay’s welcoming atmosphere and it is rare that this laid-back town’s pubs and bars will say no to Fido. With miles of coastal dog walks in Torquay, the pubs are set up for a bite to eat after a long day on your feet.
The best Torquay dog pub list could go on forever but here’s seven that are as much of a hit with locals as they are with visitors. Visiting Torquay doesn’t mean coming on holiday without your fur baby in tow.
Here are our favourite Torquay pubs that allow dogs that are going to contribute towards making your stay on the west coast one to remember.
Our Top 7 Choices
Find below 7 of the best pet friendly pubs in Torquay
1. Hole in the Wall, Harbourside
Built in around 1450, the Hole in the Wall is said to be one of Torquay’s oldest pet-friendly pubs. There’s a cobbled floor and the exposed beams make for a cosy atmosphere for you and your dog. You can find a proper pint here including Sharp’s Doom Bar, Butcombe and Otter Bitter as well as a host of guest ales. Within walking distance of the beach it isn’t surprising that seafood dominates the food menu with daily deliveries fresh off the boats. On the specials board you can find Torbay scallops served with a brandy cream sauce.
2. Offshore Bar, Vaughan Parade
If walkies find you at the harbour then you can take a refreshing drink at Offshore Bar, a pub where dogs are welcome. It serves a great range of beer, cocktails and food. You can eat alfresco on the decking outside and watch the boats go by with Fido at your feet. Not far from this dog friendly bar is Livermead Beach where your dog can splash in the waves all year round. A lot of dog walkers make the Offshore their last stop after an energetic stint on the beach with their pooches.
3. Visto Lounge, Main Beach
If you visit off-season your pet can romp in the waves outside this trendy establishment with sea views. It is a popular place for locals and visitors alike and is renowned for its contemporary menu that includes slow-cooked brisket chilli. Other than its wide range of cocktails and comprehensive wine list, Visto keeps Punk IPA and Dead Pony on tap, as well as Dark Side stout. Dog owners often meet here for slap-up breakfasts where, over coffee, they swap pup notes and enjoy pet friendly beaches in Torquay.
4. Drum Inn, Cockington
Fresh from a million-pound restoration this thatched country pub is on the outskirts of Torquay. One of the reasons it is such a popular dog pub is its close proximity to 450 acres of parkland that is Cockington Country Park It is a Torquay pub that allows dogs in the bar area, expect fresh water, treats and a lot of fuss. You can also enjoy the good weather in the beautifully landscaped garden. Dating back to 1936 this picture postcard thatch was designed by internationally acclaimed architect Sir Edwin Lutyens. It serves seasonal fare and has craft beers such as Hiver Honey and the popular alcohol-free ale, St Peter’s Without.
5. The Devon Arms, Harbourside
Well behaved adults, children, dogs and even pirates are welcome at this traditional bay side boozer that has a sterling reputation with locals. It has an open mic night on Mondays and Thursday and features local live music on Fridays and Saturdays. This dog-friendly pub that was refurbished four years ago, is steeped in history. Originally a gin house it was a haunt for sailors and their colourful ladies. During WWII, the American 4th Infantry had last knockings here before being deployed to Utah Beach on D-Day. More recently, it was once singer Ruby Murry and Donovan’s local.
6. The Buccaneer Inn, Babbcombe
On a clifftop promenade with far reaching views across Lyme Bay inn serves three St Austell cask ales and the legendary Cornish Rattler. It is renowned for its shellfish specials which can be enjoyed on the decking overlooking the sea and where Fido is more than welcome too. The popular beaches of Oddicombe and Babbacombe are connected by the Babbacombe Cliff Railway which is only 200 metres from the inn. The Downs and Babbacombe beaches are dog-friendly with access to the Devon Coastal Path if you want to take a long walk either out to Lyme Bay to the east and Torbay to the west.
7. The Devon Dumpling
This community establishment is well-known for its pub grub with provenance such as the chef’s fish pie made with catch of the day. If you want to get to know the real Torquay then attend the Sunday Cheese Society here but not before you have tucked into a generous roast dinner. You might be invited to play a game of darts. Treats and a lot of fuss are the order of the day for your fur baby here. It has a lovely outdoor area where locals and their pooches meet for a chinwag.
Last Word
Torbay, with Torquay at the centre, is home to 22 miles of spectacular coast path, stretching along the entire length of what has fondly become known as the English Riviera. It’s the ideal walking ground for you and your dog with plenty of Torquay dog friendly pubs that will welcome you and your pooch with open arms.
For other great activities, see our full write up on dog days out in Torquay and where to stay with our guide on pet friendly cottages in Torquay that welcome pets just as much as humans. Or perhaps you might want to view all the pet friendly log cabins in Torquay instead.