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With spectacular coastline, sweeping moorland and rolling hills to explore with your four-legged friend, it’s no surprise that Devon is one of the most popular UK staycation destinations for dog owners. North and South Devon offer the perfect backdrop for a dog-friendly holiday, with an abundance of idyllic coastal locations welcoming dogs all year round.
Whether you’re looking for an expanse of glorious, golden sand, with facilities galore, or you’d rather escape to a peaceful, secluded cove, the plethora of beautiful beaches in Devon has something for everyone. We’ve shortlisted our top 10 dog-friendly beaches for unforgettable seaside adventures, plus other things to do with dogs in Devon.
1. Dog-friendly beaches South Devon
2. Dog-friendly beaches North Devon
3. Tips for visiting dog-friendly beaches in Devon
4. Where to stay with your dog in Devon
Bigbury-on-Sea is home to one of the best dog-friendly beaches in Devon, with ample space for your four-legged friend to roam free. Well-known for its tidal causeway, connecting the beach to the iconic Burgh Island, dogs are welcome anywhere along this long stretch of sand, from October to May. It’s worth noting that, during the summer season, from June to September, canine companions must stick to the west of the causeway.
Boasting rolling green hills and turquoise waters, this beach is a popular choice with watersports enthusiasts, families and dog owners. For the best experience, visit Bigbury Beach at low tide to enjoy the long stretch of sand, all the way to Burgh Island, or take a ride over on the sea tractor if the tide is high. Round off the day with a drink at dog-friendly pub, the Pilchard Inn, soaking in the spectacular sea views.
Facilities: toilets, showers, parking, disabled access to the beach, beach café, surf school and beach shop.
Hope Cove consists of two picturesque Devon beaches for dogs: Inner Hope and Outer Hope. The seasonal lifeguards and secluded location make the sandy beaches perfect for families and dog walkers. Outer Hope, also known as Mouthwell Sands, is popular with swimmers and watersports enthusiasts, whereas Inner Hope offers a calm, sheltered area that’s great for sun-bathing and exploring.
Shimmering, soft sand, scenic countryside views and glistening emerald water come together to create a dreamy Devon day out. After a busy day ambling along the beach and splashing about in the shallows, find refreshments at The Hope & Anchor pub or the Cove Café and Restaurant.
Facilities: parking, toilets, pubs, restaurants, shops, and disabled access to the beach.
Nestled on the South Devon coast, in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Thurlestone Beach is surrounded by sweeping green hills and scenic coastal walks. Renowned for its long stretch of sand and shingle, Thurlestone has plenty of space for your curious canine to explore.
The shallow, azure waters offer the perfect spot for a dip, whilst at low tide, discover exposed rockpools full of diverse marine life. Enjoy a picnic on the beach or head into nearby Thurelstone village, where you’ll find a delightful array of pet-friendly pubs and restaurants, including The Village Inn and The Sloop Inn.
Facilities: Parking is available here but there are no toilets or other facilities. Head to nearby South Milton Sands for toilets and a beach café, or Thurlestone village for shops and restaurants.
Situated in a secluded spot, popular with hikers and dog-walkers alike, Soar Mill Cove is one of Devon’s hidden treasures. The 15-minute ramble from the car park is well worth it when you see the breath-taking views of the dramatic coastline and feel the soft sand between your toes.
Due to its isolated location, this pretty cove is perfectly placed to escape the crowds. Frequented mainly by fellow dog walkers and the occasional stop-off point for a sailing boat or kayak from Salcombe, your dog will have free reign to run in and out of the rolling waves.
Facilities: The beach is a 15-minute walk from the car park along the coast path. There are no facilities here but there are a variety of eateries in nearby Salcombe and Hope Cove. It’s worth checking tide times here before you visit.
© Trinity Kubassek via Pexels (left) | Spoba via Pixabay (right)
For those who wish to head off the beaten track, without compromising on space, West Combe Beach is a top choice. Tucked between towering, rugged rock formations and luscious green hills, this secluded stretch of sand is ideal for adventures with your four-legged friend.
Spend the day soaking in the stunning surroundings, paddling along the shoreline, or playing fetch with your pup. We recommend packing a picnic to enjoy whilst listening to the calming sound of the waves and gazing out towards the horizon. After a fun-filled day at the beach, why not head to nearby Bigbury-on-Sea for dinner?
Facilities: Due to the remote location, there are no facilities here. The nearest car park is at Ringmore, so a visit to this beach is best tied in with a walk on the coast path.
One of the most accessible dog-friendly beaches in South Devon, North Sands is located on the Salcombe Estuary and sheltered from the elements, making it the perfect spot for sun-bathing and swimming. Saunter along the sand with your hound, or take a dip in the crystal clear, gentle water.
We highly recommend visiting at low tide to enjoy sandcastle building, rock-pooling and beach games. At high tide, the beach is completely submerged, offering the perfect opportunity to enjoy some sumptuous seafood at The Winking Prawn, or stroll into Salcombe town, where you’ll find a good choice of pubs, including the dog-friendly Victoria Inn.
Facilities: parking, toilets, café/restaurant, and disabled access to the beach.
Backed by dazzling green fields and a freshwater lake, where you’ll find a vast array of birds and wildlife, Beesands Beach offers the ideal opportunity to appreciate the natural beauty this area has to offer. Just a short drive from Kingsbridge, this blue flag beach is a must-visit for those holidaying in South Devon.
Take a moment to notice the glorious surroundings, as you amble along the mile-long shingle beach, offering plenty of space for waggy-tailed zoomies. Whether you decide to partake in some wildlife-watching, watersports, a spot of fishing, or simply enjoy a leisurely stroll, Beesands Beach is a blissful destination for a beach trip.
Facilities: road parking, toilets, café, shop, and a children’s playground.
Picture-postcard Clovelly in North Devon is a charming village with a small pebble beach, perfect for adventures with your four-legged friend. A multitude of marine life can be found here, making it a popular spot for wildlife enthusiasts and snorkelers.
Traverse the winding, cobbled streets to discover the enchanting harbour and 14th century quay. One of the best North Devon towns for a day trip, a visit to Clovelly Beach feels like stepping back in time, creating the prime destination for escaping the stresses of daily life.
Facilities: All amenities can be found in the village, including toilets, shops, pubs and restaurants. The beach itself is accessed along steep, cobbled streets, with a Land Rover service for those who don’t fancy the trek.
For one of the best dog walks in Devon, head to Welcombe Mouth and take in the breath-taking, dramatic coastline. The jagged rocks and unique landscape offer a magical backdrop for adventures with more energetic dogs.
A firm favourite with locals, this unspoilt sand and pebble beach has a winding stream which flows through the valley, forming into a spectacular waterfall, which cascades onto the pebbles below. Enjoy some calm and serenity as you meander along the beach, peering into rockpools and soaking up the sensational surroundings.
Facilities: There's a car park on the cliffs, with steep paths leading down to the beach, but no other facilities.
Leave pawprints in the golden sand, at this three-mile-long beach, nestled between the towns of Braunton and Croyde. One of the most sought-after locations for surfers, families and dog walkers, Saunton Sands offers all the ingredients for a wonderful day at the beach.
Despite its popularity, a peaceful spot can always be found along this vast stretch of sand. This is a great location for families and their dogs to splash about in the shallows, as you need to wade out quite far before the water gets deep. Beyond the beach, the sand dunes are home to a diverse variety of plants and birds, whilst the multitude of footpaths, cycle paths and cliff walks offer plenty of opportunity to explore.
Facilities: parking, toilets, showers, refreshments, and surf hire.
© brixiv via Pixabay (right)
With many beaches welcoming dogs all year round, you’re spoilt for choice for your summer holiday in Devon. During the off-peak season, there are even less dog bans, opening up an even greater choice of beaches for walkies.
Devon's surfing capital, Croyde allows dogs from October until April, whilst popular blue flag beach Woolacombe welcomes dogs on leads in certain areas all year round. Dogs can run free at Woolacombe from November until April - ideal for those visiting Devon during the quieter season. To make the most of your trip to North Devon, we recommend The Thatch in Croyde and The Barn in Woolacombe, just two of many dog-friendly pubs in Devon.
Woolacombe Beach can be accessed via a slipway, with beach wheelchairs and mobility scooters available to hire. At Croyde, the north end of the beach offers wheelchair access. Both beaches have parking, toilets, shops and cafés.
We recommend bringing your own water and dog food with you and to keep dogs on leads on coastal paths where possible. It’s worth noting that not all beaches have lifeguards all year round. We also advise checking tide times, to ensure you don’t get cut off at any of the more remote locations.
Our property portfolio consists of some of the best places to stay with dogs in Devon, including Clifftop, Overcombe and Beachfront in Bigbury-on-Sea, and Tamarisks in Hope Cove.
Left: Beachfront | Middle: Clifftop | Right: Tamarisks
Image credits: Trinity Kubassek via Pexels | Spoba via Pixabay | Brixiv via Pixabay | All other images are our own.
Laura has lived in Cornwall most of her life and loves writing content about South West holiday destinations. When she's not in the office, she can be found walking the coast path, sunset chasing and camping with family or friends.
A striking amalgamation of glass and wood, Beachfront is a Scandi-inspired beach house overlooking the water in Bigbury-on-Sea. Four serene bedrooms and a light, bright open plan living space meet an expansive front deck that's ideal for al fresco breakfasts, and just a minute's walk from sand and surf.
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Find yourself a stone's throw from Agatha Christie's iconic Burgh Island. As featured on Fantasy Homes by the Sea, Overcombe is home to some of the most spectacular views in South Devon. Set over one level, its spacious living areas, wraparound deck and five bedrooms make it a magical setting for multi-generational holidays.
A real coastal haven, this large and luxurious home enjoys jaw-dropping views over the golden sands of Hope Cove Beach and the glistening sea beyond. Indulge in sunny lunches on the wraparound terrace or play games with the little ones in the secure garden. Just a short drive to the foodie town of Salcombe, it’s the perfect base to explore the wonderful South Devon coast.
Settled above the waves amid the rugged Devon landscape, you’ll find this dreamlike retreat. Clifftop has been carefully renovated by VESP Architects into a true sanctuary, sleeping up to 14 guests. Home to panoramic ocean views over Challaborough Bay, it lends itself to spa breaks and family getaways, thanks to its seven bedrooms, direct coast path access, sea-view hot tub and sauna.
