10 Family & Dog Friendly Days Out in Devon
It’s so much easier to plan a day out if the dog can come along too so check out our round up of child and dog friendly days out in Devon this summer including some dog walking routes.
River Dart Country Park
Clamber nets at River Dart Country Park. Photograph credit: Deborah Nicholls-Lee
One of Devon’s best loved family days out, this was a firm favourite with my own children when they were younger. Set in 90 acres of parkland within Dartmoor National Park, the River Dart Country Park is full of activities and very dog friendly too. Great for a day out or stay longer from their award winning campsite and holiday park. The site is really dog friendly with lots of riverside walks and generally lots of space for dog walks.
2. Haldon Forest Park
Situated only 15 minutes outside of Exeter is Exeter Haldon Forest Park and with over 3500 acres of woodland there are miles of trails for walkers and cyclists with an adventure trail for the children.With lots of amazing views and picnic spots this is a great choice to get the dog and kids out to burn off some energy this summer.
3. Seaton Tramway
We haven’t visited SeatonTramway yet but it’s on our list. A tram ride through the beautiful Axe Valley with views along the River Axa and Seaton Wetlands . Dogs can ride on the lower decks of all the trams and you can make the most of your day out to Seaton with a trip to the beach. You will find an all year round dog friendly section of this pebbled beach at the far west end and dogs are allowed on the whole beach from October 1st to April 30th.
Dogs Walk Close to SeatonTramway
Not far from Seaton you will find Morgan Hayes Forest Trail, which has a 4.3 circular woodkland walk - perfect for dogs and kids.
4. Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary
Sidmouth’s Donkey santuary is a free to visit award winning attraction with lots of adorable donkeys to meet. In a beautiful setting there are plenty of scenic trails to walk with your dog as well as activities, engaging exhibits and a new play area for the children.
Photo credit : Sidmouth Donkey Santuary
Dog Walks Close to Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary
This stretch of coastline is so stunning so lots of great dog walking opportunities. I have added a link here to the National Trust which have several walks around this area. An accessible short walk from Salcombe Hill ,so ideal if you have small children or reduced mobility and a spectular circular 5 mile walk from Salcombe Hill that runs right past the Donkey Sanctuary.
Dog Walks Close to Devon Railway Centre
Fancy a walk too? We can recommend the beautiful Bickleigh Castle loop. A 4 mile walk in the lovely Exe Valley which takes in country lanes, farmland and one long steep track . All the details, including an interactive map, can be found here.For the perfect end to a day out why not stop in at Bickleigh Mill for a cream tea or coffee and cake!
6.Morwellham Quay
Morwellham Quay is a working village, Mine & Craft Centre situated near Tavistock and part of the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape World Heritage Site. A popular family attraction with lots of interactive and hand on activities . Dog welcome on leads
Dog Walks Close to Morwellham Quay
There are over 25km of beautiful walking trails from the Tamar Trails Centre. A ideal chance to explore the area and enjoy the stunning views of the Tamar Valley. All dog friendly and some buggy friendly trails if you have young children. You can find info and a detailed trails map here on the Tamar Trails Website so you can get out and about and make the most of your day.
Tamar Trails . Photo Credit : Visit Dartmoor
7. Outdoor Cinema Event - Exeter Racecourse
Pack your rugs, popcorn and bring along the kids and the dog at the Outdoor Cinema Event taking place at Exeter Racecourse this August. The under 16’s film choices are Lion King and Encanto being shown on 14th August and Harry Potter on 13th August.
Dog Walks Close to Exeter Racecourse
Fit ina dog walk at Haldon Forest before the film and let the kids and dog run off their energy. Lots of walks and trails at Haldon Forest Park, a short drive from Exeter Racecourse.
8.Quince Honey Farm
Quince Honey Farm is situated just outside the historic market town of South Molton and is a working honey farm with lots of activities to ghet Involved with . A real educational visit with daily Beekeeping Demonstrations,visit the Honey Factory and explore the Nectar Gardens along with a large indoor/outdoorplay areas. Dogs on leads are welcome.
Dog Walks Close to Quince Honey Farm
South Molton is known as ‘The Gateway to Exmoor’ located just a stones thrown from the beautiful moors of the National Park so you really are spolit for choice with places to walk your dog and enjoy the amazing scenery of Exmoor. Lots of routes to chose from - have a look at The Best of Exmoor website for lots of walking suggestions.
9.Beach Day
Head to the beach this summer for a splash about .When it comes to a beach day out we are spolit for choice here in Devon. Check out our list of dog friendly beaches to visit and make the most of the summer and the chance to get out and about . When the weather is hot we head out early in the day to the beach with the dog or later in the evening when the weather is cooler and the beaches are quieter.
10. Stuart Line Cruises
Stuart Line Cruises, based in Exmouth, is an all weather dog friendly , family favourite day out. A family business that has been running since 1968 and is a widely recognised tourist attraction in the area with boats sailing our beautiful coast around Exmouth, Exeter, Torquay and Sidmouth. A very dog friendly attraction and a great way to see this amazing coastline.
Stuart Line Cruise. Photo Credit : Red Zeppelin Photography & Videography.
There you have it, some suggestions for both the children and dog this summer.
Please do let us know any dog friendly places in Devon you visited this summer