Favourite Dog Friendly Beaches in Devon.
Devon is one of the best places in the UK to go on holiday with your dog. We are spoilt with a fabulous coastline from long sandy beaches to small coves where your dog can enjoy running free and dashing in and out of the sea.
Here is a whistle stop tour of some of our most favourite beaches where dogs are welcome all year round although some restrictions may still apply. We’ve also added in a few recommendations for nearby dog friendly cafe and restaurants too.
Always worth checking tide times when you are planning your day out at the beach . You can check the tide times of Devon Beaches here
North Devon
Woolacombe
It’s easy to see why Woolacombe is an award winning beach with it’s three mile stretch of golden sand , good access and plenty of parking.
We like this beach as due to its size there is always quieter spots to be found so plenty of space for both kids and dogs.
Restrictions: Dogs are welcome all year on certain parts of the beach.
The Porthole Cafe is a favourite spot for refreshments with amazing views and dog friendly.
Saunton Sands.
This one is our family favourite ! I have spent many a weekend heading off early with the kids and dog packed in the camper to make the most of this glorious beach. The reason why it’s so popular is due to it’s 3 and a half-mile stretch of golden sands backed by dunes perfect for the family and dog walking. There is enough space for everyone to claim a spot and at low tide the beach is really enormous!
Dogs are welcome 365 days of the year with just a couple of restrictions to bear in mind:
As you reach the end of the slipway, dog walkers are asked to please turn LEFT; dogs are not permitted on the small space to the right of the slipway. If the beach is busy, dog owners are politely asked to keep dogs on the lead until they are past the crowds. If you have a reactive dog and wish to avoid crowds, there is a shortcut through the dunes (accessed from the left-hand side of the car park) that leads directly on to the beach further down. Check out all the details on Saunton Sands beach here.
After you have walked the dogs why not head to the Beachside Grill which overlooks the beach. They are happy for dogs on the balcony but not inside the restaurant.
Putsborough.
A long and sandy beach which is one of the finest beaches in the South West and due to its location on the south side of Woolacombe and away from the hotels and cafes it is usually quieter. Popular surfing spot and you can hire all the equipment at the Putsborough beach shop if you fancy a go.
Restrictions: Dogs banned below the beach shop from 1st April to 31st October. North of the shop, dogs are welcome all year round.
Westward Ho
Westward Ho! is a popular family beach. It is a long sandy beach backed by a pebble ridge with Northam Burrows Country Park accessible at one end this beach offers both beach and nature reserve in one visit. Check out all the detail here
Restrictions: Dogs welcome at the north end of the beach all year, restrictions apply in the south during the summer months.
South Devon
Salcombe- North Beach
Take a short walk along the coastline from beautiful Salcombe and you will come across North Sands , one of the most popular dog-friendly beaches in the area.
A really safe sandy beach where you can appreciate the views of the Salcombe estuary and although it does get busy in the summer months if you visit at low tide there is plenty of space for dogs to have a good run.
We recommend the dog friendly cafe here - The Winking Prawn which is situated behind North Sands .
Bantham
Bantham is a favourite spot for surfers and bodyboarders. With its beautiful views across the estuary to Bigbury-on-Sea and lots of rock pools and dunes to explore it's a great day out.
Restrictions: Dogs banned on the main beach between 1st May and 30th September however they are welcome on the estuary side all year round and at low tide there really is a lot of space for dogs to exercise and enjoy.
Dawlish Warren
Dawlish Warren is a traditional seaside bucket and spade resort with cafes and amusements as well as the Dawlish Warren Nature Reserve to walk and explore. This Blue Flag family resort sits at the mouth of the Exe Estuary near Exeter and Dawlish and is a favourite spot with dog walkers as you can access the coast path and walk to Dawlish and onto Teignmouth if you are feeling energtic or head off on the opposite direction and enjoy the Exe Estuary towards Starcross . With the train stopping along this scenic route it is easy to walk and hop on the train back to save your legs! The Orangery Cafe at Powderham is a favourite stop for us at Devon With Your Dog, perfect end to a great walk.
Restrictions: Dogs are allowed all year round between groyne 3 and 9. Dogs are banned beyond groyne 9. Up to groyne 3 dogs are not permitted from 1 April to 31 September.
Ness Cove – Shaldon
A popular beach with locals, this secluded cove is tucked underneath the cliffs of the Ness Headlands and is usually less busy than nearby Teignmouth beach. All year round dog friendly with no restricted areas and a great spot for swimming too. At high tide most of the beach is submerged so definitely check the tide times before you visit. Access to the beach is through the Smugglers Tunnel with steps down to the beach .
Although there are no facilities at the beach we can recommend visit to https://odetruefood.com/ .
Babbacombe Bay, Babbacombe
In the English Riveria , just East of Torquay is Babbacombe Bay a small pebble beach that is dog friendly all year round. If you have the energy you can walk up the steep slope to Babbacombe Downs and Gardens or save your energy and just hop on the Babbacombe Cliff Railway (dog friendly , once you reach top the views across the bay are breath taking.
For food and drinks we recommend the Cary Arms and if you really want to push the boat out check out their doggy getaways .
Devon has miles of glorious coastline to walk, explore and enjoy .You can find lots more info on Devon Beaches at www.thedevonbeachguide. Let us know your favourite Devon beaches in the comments below.