Devon has a wonderful selection of beaches to choose from, but some of the more popular spots often have restrictions on when and where dogs are allowed. Here are some local beaches where your furry friends are free to roam, even in the busier summer months.
Slapton Sands
Slapton Sands is a popular sandy beach, often frequented by swimmers and kayakers, which is also dog-friendly year-round, often being named as one of Devon’s best beaches for dogs. This stretch of beach in South Devon connects to the South West Coast Path, making the area around Slapton Sands great for dog walking as well.
Attribution: Slapton : Slapton Sands by Lewis Clarke
Beesands Beach
This mile-long shingle beach just outside of Kingsbridge is a great spot to take your dog, particularly with the nearby walking paths, which are perfect for dog walkers. Located about forty-five minutes outside of Dartmoor, the beach can be accessed from the nearby car park, which offers free parking.
Attribution: The beach at Beesands by Bill Boaden
Goodrington Sands (North Beach)
While the South Beach at Goodrington does not allow dogs on the sand during the summer months, the North Beach is a great beach to bring dogs at any time. Dogs must be kept on leads on the promenade, but are free to run around on the North Beach year round and the South Beach between October and April.
Attribution: Dog-walkers, Goodrington Sands North by Derek Harper
Anstey’s Cove
South of Dartmoor in Torquay, Anstey’s Cove is a small pebble beach which is open to dogs at any time of year. Anstey’s Cove is a favourite amongst locals, though its somewhat concealed location means that many visitors miss out on its picturesque views. The beach is accessed by a steep slope from the car park, so keep in mind that it is not wheelchair or pushchair friendly.
Attribution: Anstey’s Cove by Maurice D Budden
Things to Do With Dogs in Devon
Teignmouth Back Beach
Unlike Teignmouth Seafront, which has restrictions against dogs during the summer months, the Back Beach in Teignmouth is dog friendly across the whole beach year round. The beach has a wonderful view and is fairly easily accessible from Teignmouth town. The ferry across the estuary to the village of Shaldon also welcomes dogs aboard!
Attribution: Nilfanion
Ness Cove Beach
Just across the water from Back Beach in Shaldon is the Ness Cove, a somewhat secluded beach perfect for dogs, even having a designated dog exercise area. This beach is not ideal for people or dogs with limited mobility due to the only access to it being via a tunnel and some steep steps.
Attribution: Derek Harper / Ness Cove / CC BY-SA 2.0
Maidencombe Beach
This sandy beach is a favourite for local dog walkers, being somewhat secluded and open to dogs all year. It is also a wonderful – and usually not too busy – beach for swimming and sunbathing as well. Maidencombe Beach has restricted access via some steep and uneven steps, so it is inaccessible for those with mobility issues. This Beach is also close to the south west coast path.
Attribution: Maidencombe Beach by Philip Halling
There are plenty of beaches in Dartmoor’s surrounding area which allow dogs, but these are some of the most dog friendly seaside spaces in the county. Although you should check each beach’s restrictions on pets before visiting, most beaches in the area are generally welcoming to dog owners, with many only implementing specific dog-free zones during the peak summer season.
If you’re looking for a dog-friendly hotel in Devon, then Mill End Hotel in Chagford is an ideal location. Nestled in the Dartmoor countryside, you’ll have plenty of space for paws to roam!