Devon is a county of dog lovers, with an abundance of countryside and coastlines to keep furry friends entertained. Our love of dogs is part of what makes dog-friendly hotels in Devon like ours so popular.
It’s not only Devon’s wonderful natural landscapes that can be enjoyed with a four-legged pal. Many of Devon’s most popular attractions are dog-friendly, making it easy to have a great time away with your pets. Here are just some of our favourite places to go with dogs in Devon.
Explore the Wonders of Dartmoor
A holiday to Devon would only be complete with a trip along the magnificent landscapes of Dartmoor. Devon’s iconic national park is full of wonderful places to explore for everyone from families and cyclists to our four-legged friends.
Note that there are specific guidelines on visiting Dartmoor with your dog, including rules on when they need to be on a lead due to the other wild animals that call Dartmoor home. However, with stunning views across ancient landscapes, Dartmoor may be the best place on earth for your daily dog walk.
Castle Drogo
Castle Drogo is one of the most unique buildings in Dartmoor. The last castle built in England, it’s a beautiful piece of classical architecture built into a stunning gorge with incredible views across the valley.
As with many National Trust buildings on this list, dogs are not allowed into the castle itself. However, with access allowed to the grounds, gardens and shops, combined with the incredible walking spots around Castle Drogo, this is still a great place to come with your furry friend.
Castle Drogo is also within walking distance from us at Mill End. Situated in the heart of Dartmoor, our hotel is the perfect base from which to explore Devon’s beauty.
Image: Castle Drogo by Colin Smith. CC BY-SA 2.0
Quince Honey Farm
Located in South Molton in North Devon, Quince Honey Farm is a wonderful day out for families. A fully functioning honey farm, it allows guests to explore the honey-making process from flower to jar with a range of beautiful honeycomb-shaped plots that showcase the natural landscape, as well as millions of bees!
Beyond being a popular place for families, Quince Honey Farm prides itself on being very dog-friendly. Dogs on leads are allowed across the whole site except for the indoor play area, making this a perfect place for a lovely day amongst the flowers.
Haldon Forest
Devon has an abundance of lovingly cared-for forests for you to discover. With an abundance of shade, maintained walking paths and plenty of space for family activities, these are great places that are often very dog-friendly.
A great example is Haldon Forest. Located just outside Exeter and Newton Abbot, it has cycling and walking trails for all abilities, alongside activities like treetop ropes that kids will love.
Image: Haldon Forest Trail by Roger Cornfoot. CC BY-SA 2.0
Buckfast Abbey
Situated on the southeastern edge of Dartmoor, Buckfast Abbey is a beautiful, fully-operating Abbey that’s home to a community of Roman Catholic Benedictine Monks. A wonderfully welcoming place, Buckfast Abbey is free to visit and includes gardens, exhibitions, shops and cafes.
Dogs are welcomed on leads across the grounds and on the sheltered cafe and restaurant terraces, but cannot go inside buildings. Still, with an abundance of tranquil outdoor spaces, this is a wonderful place to visit for a few hours and unwind.
Image: Buckfast Abbey by pam fray. CC BY-SA 2.0
Devon’s Beaches
Devon, alongside its neighbour Cornwall, is renowned for excellent beaches that are enjoyed by surfers year-round. Even in the coldest of winters, beaches are a wonderful place for relaxing walks and to let dogs run off their energy.
Many of Devon’s most popular beaches operate seasonal dog policies where dogs can only be let off their lead outside of the peak summer months. However, there are a lot of lesser-travelled beaches that allow dogs to run free all year, and most beaches will allow dogs during the winter.
Canonteign Falls
Home to South-West England’s biggest waterfall, Canonteign Falls is a large, predominantly outdoor attraction with over 90 acres of woodland, falls, lakes and more to discover. With fern gardens, adventure playgrounds and both serene and challenging walks, this place has something for everyone and is the perfect way to spend a sunny day.
Dogs are welcome to explore Canonteign Falls on a lead, with water bowls and treats available across the grounds.
Image: Canonteign Falls: Canonteign Waterfall by Lewis Clarke. CC BY-SA 2.0
Arlington Court
Located on the edge of Exmoor National Park in North Devon, Arlington Court is something of a hidden gem when it comes to Devon’s National Trust buildings. Once a family estate, this secluded manor includes well-kept gardens, ponds and woodlands that offer a variety of walks with wonderful views.
Arlington Court is a particularly dog-friendly location. While only guide dogs are allowed in the house itself, all dogs are allowed across the other grounds and in the Carriage Museum. There is also an indoor seating area for those with dogs where you can rest and enjoy some food from the cafe.
Image: Arlington Court by Peter Kazmierczak. CC BY-SA 2.0
This list only paws at the surface when it comes to places in Devon to enjoy with your pooch. If you want to visit somewhere in Devon that doesn’t allow dogs, Mill End can facilitate dog sitting for guests if given advanced notice – just speak to our team.