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<p><img src="https://azure.wgp-cdn.co.uk/app-yourdog/posts/at_the_beach_main.jpg" alt="At The Beach" /></p><p>Emily Wardle and Matthew Martin tried and tested a dog-friendly apartment in Devon with their Cocker Spaniel Charlie and here’s their verdict...</p>
Accommodation: Self-catering apartment.
Cost: From £292 for three nights.
Tested by: Emily Wardle, Matthew Martin, and Cocker Spaniel, Charlie.
The new year is the perfect time to start planning your next dog-friendly getaway. Finding accommodation which truly welcomes pets, and is situated in an area where there is lots for you and your dog to enjoy, will ensure your holiday is a real adventure. Your Dog stayed at 4, At the Beach in Devon to see if the property would be an ideal choice.
The Accommodation
We stayed in a stylish and spacious ground-floor apartment located in the At the Beach complex in the historic village of Torcross in Devon. The first thing that strikes you when you arrive is how close the apartment is to the beach; the smell of sea air hits you immediately. The two-bedroom apartment has two double bedrooms and a sofa bed in the living area.
In the open-plan living area there is a flatscreen TV with a DVD/CD player, and a small selection of books, games, and DVDs (the master bedroom also has an LCD TV). The modern kitchen has a dining table with seating for four people, as well as integrated appliances and a full range of utensils and accessories. There are two bathrooms (one en-suite) which gives added convenience. The apartment also benefits from having its own small courtyard, complete with patio furniture.
There is a free, private car park for residents staying at the complex (one space is permitted per party). Although you will struggle for mobile phone signal in the area, there is free Wi-Fi. Up to two dogs are allowed to stay in the apartment, at no extra charge.
What makes the apartment Dog-friendly?
Although the apartment doesn’t benefit from the views of the upper apartments, being on the ground floor means that the property has its own courtyard, which is great for letting your dog out for a wee.
A curious dog might be able to get to next door’s courtyard — although this wasn’t a problem with Charlie. The apartment also has wooden floors throughout so if your dog does spill a bit of his dinner, or comes in from a walk with muddy paws, you don’t have to worry about ruining someone else’s carpet. There is a dog bed for your pet, as well as food and water bowls, and a slip-proof mat.
The exterior of the property and the surrounding village isn’t well-lit, so it may be worth wearing a head torch if you want to take your dog out at night.
Out and About
*A short walk away from the apartment is the Torcross Boathouse restaurant and takeaway, which welcomes well-behaved dogs. There is also a dog bowl inside and some treats on the counter for you to give to your pet. The view of the sea from the restaurant is stunning and the fish and chips were the best we’d ever tasted!
*Slapton Sands is right on the doorstep of the apartments. Even in autumn, when we visited, the beach was very appealing and you could walk for miles along the pebbles. The wide beach is dog friendly all year round and is great for giving dogs space to run around off-lead or on an extending lead if you prefer.
*Slapton Ley National Nature Reserve is also nearby, and although dogs must be kept on a lead, it’s definitely worth a stroll to take in the views — it’s perfect for spotting wildlife and birdwatching too.
*The cafe at Seabreeze serves an inviting menu of home- made food. Although dogs aren’t allowed inside, there are plenty of seats outside where you and your dog can enjoy the views over Slapton Sands.
*Just a short car drive away is the popular resort town of Salcombe, which is definitely worth a visit. There are lots of delightful restaurants, cafes, and little shops to explore — and most of them welcome dogs.
*You can join the South West Coast Path in Torcross. The National Trail has won awards for being dog friendly and there are lots of shorter or longer walks you can explore.
*Other villages and towns to visit nearby include Beesands, Dartmouth, Blackpool Sands, and Kingsbridge.
History of the Local Area
Torcross is a little village full of history — and the perfect place to explore with your pet. The area played a vital part in the preparations for the D-Day landings during the Second World War, as it provided a training ground for US army forces. In the middle of the village, there is an old American Sherman Tank, which was lost at sea in 1944 and recovered from the water off Torcross in 1984. It stands in honour of the servicemen who lost their lives in the war and marks the importance of the surrounding area to the war effort.
At a Glance
Charge for dogs? No.
Maximum number of dogs allowed: Two.
Enclosed exercise area/garden? There is a small courtyard at the back of the apartment.
Want to find out more?
Contact Blue Chip Holidays, 1 Cranmere Court, Lustleigh Close, Exeter, Devon EX2 8PW; call 0333 9206 388 or visit www.bluechipholidays.co.uk