Encompassing a mild climate, a delightful blend of scenery, and many quaint fishing villages and harbours, Devon is a destination that keeps people coming back for more.
As one of England’s largest counties it has lots to offer visiting dog owners and their pets. Whether you want to explore Dartmoor or Exmoor, spend time soaking up the sun on the beautiful English Riviera, or travel around taking in all the sights of this stunning county, Devon definitely has something to suit all tastes.
Dog-friendly places to visit in Devon
Devon is scattered with lots of quiet chocolate-box villages and towns, has two buzzing cities, two national parks, and magnificent beaches and landscapes.
The county is split into north Devon and Exmoor, where visitors will find dramatic cliffs and winding deep lanes; south Devon, home to historic towns and river estuaries; Dartmoor and west Devon, which offer quiet countryside and ancient landscapes; the heart of Devon, where explorers can unravel the mysteries of the Jurassic Coast; and the sunny English Riviera — England’s very own slice of the Mediterranean.
If you pay a visit to north Devon you can take advantage of many different activities such as walking, cycling, fishing, and horse riding. Towns worth stumbling across on your travels include Holsworthy and Hatherleigh, as well as South Molton for art and antique lovers.
Another must-see is Exmoor, an area combining a rugged coastline, ancient woodland, and open moorland which is full of wildlife and rare plants.
South Devon has been attracting holidaymakers for hundreds of years and is a good year-round destination. It’s blessed with some of the most beautiful beaches in the country and is a great area for crabbing. Popular towns are Totnes, Kingsbridge, and Salcombe.
Dartmoor, the largest area of open country in southern England, which spans over 368 square miles, is breathtaking and offers more to visitors than just its wild and rural scenery. The River Dart has some of the best canoeing in the country and enthusiastic ramblers can climb to a staggering height of 2,040ft after tackling High Willhays. The area is also dotted with towns and villages, such as Tavistock, Widecombe, and Chagford.
Dog-friendly beaches in Devon
The English Riviera region of Devon is one of its most popular, set along 22 miles of unspoiled coastline. It covers the three towns of Torquay, Paignton, and Brixham, and is abundant with stunning scenery, a relaxing friendly atmosphere, and various irresistible attractions. With its European atmosphere holidaymakers will feel like they’re basking in the Mediterranean sun during the busy summer months.
Devon beaches are very dog friendly and there are many across the county that welcome our canine friends, notably those at Woolacombe, Instow, Saunton Sands, Woody Bay, near Lynton, and Westward Ho, near Bideford — all of which are open to dogs year round.
If you’re heading to Devon’s Jurassic Coast be sure to have a camera at the ready; visitors are frequently amazed at its beautiful landscape, wildlife, and geology. UNESCO awarded Natural World Heritage Status to east Devon, along with the coast of Dorset, for its unique landscape which is hundreds of millions of years old.
Along the Jurassic Coast you might be lucky enough to spot dolphins and basking sharks, plus hundreds of different bird types. If all this sounds appealing to you why not make Devon the one place you visit with your dog this year?