The Best Dog-friendly Things to do in Devon
At Hazelwood Holiday Park, we want your four-legged friends to enjoy their stay as much as you do. So, we’ve put together this guide to the best dog-friendly things to do in Devon.
From our favourite dog-friendly beaches to nearby walks, you’ll find plenty of dog-friendly attractions in Devon. Plus, practical tips to help you make the most of your stay.
Just make sure you check the latest guidance on where and when you can take your dog, as it can vary by location and season.
Dog-friendly beaches in Devon
You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to dog-friendly beaches in Devon. Many welcome dogs year-round, but some have restrictions or designated areas, so it’s essential to check local guidance and signage.
Below, we share three of our favourites:
Ness Cove
Nestled amongst sheltering cliffs, this is a great option if you’re looking for a secluded beach to let your dog run free. In the popular village of Shaldon, access is via the historic Smugglers Tunnel. But with steps and a sloping path, care should be taken.
Exmouth Beach
At Exmouth beach, you can take a stroll along the two-mile promenade. Plus, with designated dog-friendly areas year-round, you can enjoy some beach time. But we recommend visiting the East Devon Council website for more information about any restrictions.
Dawlish Warren Blue Flag Beach
With designated off-lead areas and a nearby nature reserve, this beach has it all. Dogs are allowed on the beach year-round between groyne 4 and groyne 9 and on the nature reserve on a lead. With two large car parks, toilets and plenty of attractions, it’s the perfect day out for all the family.
Dog-friendly Attractions in Devon
There are lots of dog-friendly attractions in Devon, making it the perfect destination for a pet-friendly stay. Some attractions have restrictions in place, such as only welcoming dogs on a lead. So knowing about these restrictions beforehand can help you plan your day. Below we’ve rounded up our top three dog-friendly attractions in Devon:
The Donkey Sanctuary
The Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth offers free, wholesome fun for the whole family. Welcoming dogs on leads throughout the sanctuary grounds, and with a dog-friendly restaurant, you can enjoy a full day out. The sanctuary is open daily from 9am – 4pm. Entry is free and booking isn’t required, but donations are welcome to help their mission to rescue and care for donkeys.
South Devon Railway
Enjoy the sights of Devon from a heritage steam train with South Devon Railway. Well-behaved dogs are welcome on all trains except on Dining and Murder Mystery Experience trains. Tickets for your pooch can be purchased online or from the ticket office for £2.00. Combine your experience with a riverside walk to give your dog the chance to run off some steam of their own.
Babbacombe Model Village
Experience a day out like no other at this charming model village. Set within four acres of beautifully kept gardens with over 13,000 miniature people, model railways and scenes of English life across the decades, this is the ideal attraction for all the family.
Dogs are welcome across all the outdoor areas, but must be kept on a short lead and stay on designated pathways.
Dog-Friendly Walks in Devon
With miles of footpaths and trails, it’s easy to enjoy dog-friendly walks in Devon.
Below, we’ve shared three of our top walks:
Noss Mayo & Revelstoke Drive
This charming coastal walk takes you across a section of the South West Coast Path. Starting and ending in Noss Mayo, and at just over four miles long, you can stretch your legs before enjoying a drink or two in the village’s dog-friendly pubs.
The walk follows the coastal path, so is largely accessible, but care should be taken on sections close to the cliff edge.
Plymbridge Woods & Plym Valley
With miles of woodland trails, Plymbridge Woods is the perfect place to explore the outdoors with your dog. A great place to let your dog off lead, there are some lead-only areas, all of which are clearly signposted. Park up at Plymbridge, Cadover Bridge and Shaugh Prior car park, for easy access to the woods.
Haldon Forest Park
Haldon offers various walking trails through scenic forest landscapes. From short, gentle strolls to more challenging hikes, there’s something for everyone. For a post-walk pick-me-up, the café offers a selection of drinks and treats. Parking is chargeable and can get very busy at weekends and school holidays.
What to Check Before Travelling with a Dog in Devon
To enjoy seamless travel in Devon with your dog, check restrictions before you travel, such as local council websites or specific attractions.
Wet-Weather Options that Still Feel Like a Good Day Out
If you’re looking for rainy-day dog-friendly attractions in Devon, we’ve got you covered:
· Pubs – many local pubs in Devon have dog-friendly areas.
· Woodland Walks – With dense canopy cover, your dog gets to go out, but you won’t get soaked.
· Historic sites – Some historic houses and sites allow dogs or have covered walkways in the grounds so you can enjoy a stroll without getting wet.
Dog-Friendly Cafes and Pubs
Across Devon, you’ll discover lots of dog-friendly cafes and pubs. To avoid disappointment, we recommend contacting the venue to check if dogs are allowed.
Make Hazelwood Holiday Park the easy base for dog-friendly Devon days out
With a section of dog-friendly chalets and lodges, Dawlish Warren beach on our doorstep, and lots of other top Devon attractions within easy reach by car, Hazelwood Holiday Park is the perfect destination for your next dog-friendly getaway.
Enjoy days at the beach, discovering local dog-friendly attractions and exploring the outdoors with our accessible, family-friendly accommodation.
Book a dog-friendly stay at Hazelwood
For the paw-fect dog-friendly getaway for all the family, check our availability and book your stay at Hazelwood Holiday Park today.