With mild temperatures and stunning beaches, Devon is the ideal holiday destination. There’s plenty to do for our four-legged friends too, from rolling around on the sand to climbing the cliffs and rock formations. Here is our guide to dog friendly beaches in Devon.
North Devon
Dogs welcome all year round
Hele Bay
To the east of Ilfracombe, Hele Bay is a small beach in an AONB right next to the Hillsborough Nature Reserve. At low tide there are caves and rock pools on either side of the bay, perfect for doggie paddling. Type of beach: sand and shingle.
Rockham Beach
This secluded beach can only be visited at low tide, so make sure you check the tide times beforehand. The beach is accessible via a 2km coastal walk from the historic village of Mortehoe. Dogs will love playing on the sand, climbing the rock formations and splashing in rock pools. Type of beach: sand and rock.
Wild Pear Beach
This is a lesser-known beach near Combe Martin. Access to the beach is a bit challenging, as you’ll have to go via a steep 2km walk – so make sure you’re wearing the right footwear. It’s worth the walk though, and your dog will love the vast stretch of quiet sands. Type of beach: sand and rock.
Restricted access for dogs
Putsborough Sands
This is one of the best beaches in North Devon with wide panoramic views. It’s popular with surfers and has some protection from south-westerly winds. No dogs in the beach shop between 1st April and 31st October. North of the shop, dogs are welcome all year round. Type of beach: sandy.
Woolacombe
Woolacombe Beach is a favourite with both dogs and humans, as there are three miles of golden sands to run around on. There are restricted areas between 1st April and the first Monday in November. To the south of Mill Rock, dogs are welcome all year round. Between the stream and Mill Rock, dogs are allowed on a lead. From the rocks to the stream, dogs are banned. Type of beach: sandy.
Westward Ho!
This uniquely named beach near Bideford is a favourite amongst dog-walkers. There is a long stretch of soft sands, in addition to grassland on the other side of a pebble ridge. Dogs are welcome all year round at the north end of the beach, but during the summer restrictions apply at the south end. Type of beach: sandy.
Croyde
Croyde Beach is a wide, sandy bay backed with sand dunes. It sits between two headlands and there are rock pools waiting to be explored at either end. Dogs are banned between 1st May and 30th September. Type of beach: sandy.
Instow
This beach is made up of sand dunes and a narrow sweep of sand on the banks of the River Torridge. There are beautiful views over the estuary to Appledore, as well as several dog-friendly restaurants on the beach. Some restrictions apply near the town end between 1st May and 30th September. Type of beach: sandy with sand dunes.
South Devon
Dogs welcome all year round
Soar Mill Cove
Soar Mill Cove is one of the prettiest beaches in Devon and is accessible via a mile long walk along the South West Coast Path. The beach is surrounded by plenty of rock formations for dogs to climb and when the tide is low, there are soft golden sands and rock pools to play in. Type of beach: sand and rock.
Salcombe North Sands Beach
One of the many beaches in Salcombe, North Sands Beach is a 15 minute walk from the town centre. The beach is quite small compared with other beaches in the area, but has soft golden sands and sparkling blue waters. The Winking Prawn beachside restaurant has been going for over 20 years and serves a delicious array of food. Type of beach: sandy.
Ness Cove Beach
Ness Cove Beach is near Teignmouth but doesn’t have any busy crowds. The beach lies underneath the cliffs of the Ness Headland and is accessed via Smuggler’s Tunnel, which goes through the Jurassic Cliffs. Although submerged during high tide, at low tide the beach has plenty of rock pools and a specially designed dog exercise area. Type of beach: sandy.
East Portlemouth
Across the harbour from Salcombe, this quiet beach has a long stretch of sand with rock pools at low tide. Dogs will love splashing about in the clean, shallow water. The beach is accessible via a ferry from Salcombe. Type of beach: sandy.
Restricted access for dogs
Blackpool Sands Beach
This crescent shaped beach has a Blue Flag Award and is backed by evergreens and scented pines. There is a range of facilities including a beach shop, showers, toilets and sandpits. Dogs are banned between mid-March and the end of October. Type of beach: sand and shingles.
Wembury Beach
Wembury Beach is set in a cove and backed by small cliffs. There are sandy areas for dogs to play on, in addition to areas of rock and shingle. Dogs are banned between 1st May and 30th September. Type of beach: sandy.
Bantham Beach
This is one of the widest beaches in Devon and has stunning views over the estuary to Bigbury-on-Sea. With miles of beach, rock pools and sand dunes, dogs will surely love an outing here. Dogs are banned on the main beach between 1st May and 30th September. On the estuary side, dogs are welcome all year round. Type of beach: sandy.
East Devon
Restricted access for dogs
Exmouth Beach
This two mile stretch of sand is a great choice if you’re looking for dramatic views. There is a promenade with many shops, cafes and amusements. Dogs are welcome all year round on some parts of the beach, but are banned between 1st May and 30th September on the main beach. Type of beach: sandy.
Dawlish Warren
This sandy beach has miles of soft, golden sands which extend north to the mouth of the River Exe. There are tons of amusements, shops and cafes lining the beach. Dogs are welcome all year round between groyne 3 and 9. Up to groyne 3, dogs are banned from 1st April to 30th September. Type of beach: sand and shingle.
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