Devon might be famous for its vast open spaces and stunning scenery, but that’s not all we have to offer! With many unique towns and traditions, Devon is filled with exciting indoor activities for all ages, perfect for rainy days when staying at our dog-friendly hotel in Devon.
Our green county is one of the most dog-friendly places in the UK. Dogs are very common across our countryside, so many of our most popular attractions cater very well for four-legged visitors. If you need something to do indoors and want to bring your furry friends along, check out some of these great activities.
South Devon Railway
Location: Buckfastleigh, TQ11 0DZ
Website
One of Devon’s most popular attractions is this award-winning heritage railway. Step back in time with a steam train journey along seven miles of former Great Western Railway track, with views over beautiful Devonshire countryside, including the River Dart.
Dogs are welcome on the railway (excluding their dining and murder mystery experiences) so they can join your journey through time.
Powderham Castle
Location: Exeter, EX6 8JQ
Website
One of many beautiful manor houses across Devon, Powderham has been a family home for over 600 years. Filled with stories of life in Devon, as well as stunning architecture and gardens, Powderham is a truly inspiring place to spend an afternoon.
Another plus is that Powderham is perhaps one of the most dog-friendly manor homes you’ll ever find. Dogs on leads go free and are allowed in most areas, including inside the buildings themselves.
Image Credit: Powderham Castle by Andrew Abbott, CC BY-SA 2.0
Quince Honey Farm
Location: South Molton, EX36 3RD
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Devon is proud of its local produce, and Quince Honey Farm embodies this more than most. As well as being a working honey farm supplying honey sold nationwide, there is a selection of both outdoor and indoor exhibitions, including their factory tour, and a popular shop and restaurant, all celebrating their produce.
Well-behaved dogs are allowed everywhere at Quince Honey Farm except for the soft play area. There are also free doggy treats!
Bygones
Location: Torquay, TQ1 4PR
Website
One of the quirkier Devon attractions, Bygones is a charming old building housing over 2,000 historic artefacts from yesteryear. From a Victorian jail cell to a 27-tonne steam train, Bygones takes you through a century of British life across three carefully curated floors.
Dogs are welcomed by Bygones and are allowed on a lead throughout the building, meaning they can enjoy the walk through time with you!
Dartington Crystal
Location: Torrington, EX38 7AN
Website
Explore one of the UK’s finest glassware manufacturers, nestled in the rolling hills of North Devon. The busy factory, producing over 12,000 pieces a month, also houses a popular visitor centre where you can learn about their techniques and history, while there’s also a large shop where you can browse their finished products.
Dartington Crystal welcomes dogs in most areas, including their Visitor Centre exhibitions and creative activity spaces, where you can even get your pet’s paw cast in glass! The only place they can’t go is the factory tour for safety reasons.
Relax in A Dog-Friendly Pub or Restaurant
No Devonshire town is complete without a warm and welcoming pub or restaurant where you and your family can relax. As a dog-loving county, many of our most popular pubs accommodate well-behaved dogs, and many restaurants do, too.
At Mill End Hotel, we love accommodating your four-legged friends. We have dog-friendly rooms, a boot room for cleaning pups after walks, and cosy pet-friendly lounges and dining spaces where you can relax after a day’s walking with your pooch.
With so much to discover and a traditional warm welcome, Devon really is the perfect place to holiday with your dog, no matter the weather!
