19 dog-friendly beaches in Devon

Salcombe North Sands Beach

Location: Salcombe

Dogs allowed: All year round

Facilities: Toilets, parking, nearby cafes and shops

Lodged within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Salcombe’s North Sands Beach is a brilliant option for picturesque dog walks and scenic photo ops. At low tide, there’s a wide expanse of sand to run around on, plus a couple of places nearby to grab a drink. Time your visit right, though, as most of the beach is submerged at high tide.

Dog-friendly place to stay: Blueboat Cottage

Beesands Beach

Location: Beesands

Dogs allowed: All year round

Facilities: Toilets, cafes and shops, parking

Fishing boats catching crabs and lobsters bob about in the sea just off Beesands Beach. The unassuming pebble beach close to Kingsbridge is a nice spot for a leisurely walk and always welcomes dogs. Once you’re done breathing in the fresh sea air, join the South West Coast Path which trails its way through lush green fields.

Dog-friendly place to stay: 2 Bayview

Hollicombe Beach

Location: Torquay

Dogs allowed: Restricted between May and November

Facilities: Limited/no facilities

Attractive Torquay is a popular pick for a beach staycation. Most of its beaches are dog-free during the summer months. Nevertheless, if you’re visiting off-season, make sure you take a walk along Hollicombe Beach. Dogs will love zooming across its red sand, while shell-collectors will find lots of lovely trinkets washed up in the shallows.

Dog-friendly place to stay: Harbourside Cottage

Soar Mill Cove

Location: Soar, Salcombe

Dogs allowed: All year round

Facilities: Parking

Soar Mill Cove is a pretty cove not far from Salcombe and a lovely destination for a swim and a sunbathe. Its location along the South West Coast Path makes it a good pitstop if you’re hiking from nearby Salcombe. Dogs will love its many rock pools and caves, while humans will appreciate the vibrant sunsets.

Dog-friendly place to stay: 5 Ocean Reach

Exmouth Beach

Location: Exmouth

Dogs allowed: All year round, except between May and October when they’re only allowed at the two far ends of the beach

Facilities: Toilets, lifeguards in summer, parking, cafes and shops, wheelchair access

Another seaside town with lots of amenities AND a dog-friendly beach is Exmouth. Located at the mouth of the River Exe and not too far from Exeter, the town is blessed with a stunning sandy beach. Visit Exmouth Beach for a day of walking, paddling and dining on local fare at one of several eateries on the shoreline.

Dog-friendly place to stay: Ty Glas

Ness Cove Beach

Location: Shaldon

Dogs allowed: All year round

Facilities: Toilets, parking, cafes and pubs

With dramatic cliffs on one side and the deep blue sea on the other, Ness Cove Beach provides the ideal backdrop for family (and four-legged friend) photos. You’ll find it at the tip of the Ness Headland, just east of Shaldon, and it’s accessed through an old smugglers tunnel. Quieter than other beaches in the area, it’s brilliant for a beach day out on your dog-friendly holiday to Devon.

Dog-friendly place to stay:Ness Dene House

Blackpool Sands

Location: Blackpool, Dartmouth

Dogs allowed: Yes, except between March and October

Facilities: Toilets, lifeguards in summer, parking, cafes and shops, water sports hire

Despite its name, Blackpool Sands sits nowhere near the famous seaside resort. In fact, it’s one of the most dog-friendly beaches in Devon and you’ll discover it close to Dartmouth. The spectacular sandy beach is privately managed and has Blue Flag status, making it a great place to day trip with kids.

Dog-friendly place to stay: Little Seawatch

Wonwell Sands Beach

Location: Kingston, Kingsbridge

Dogs allowed: All year round

Facilities: Limited access and parking

Wonwell Sands Beach lies on the estuary of the River Erme in South Devon and is surrounded by lush rolling hills. It’s a peaceful location for a stroll with your pooch, especially because it’s rarely busy. Make sure you visit when the tide is out, though, otherwise you’ll get very soggy feet/paws!

Dog-friendly place to stay: Kings Corner

Weston Mouth Beach

Location: Sidmouth

Dogs allowed: All year round

Facilities: Limited access

If you’d rather your canine didn’t get all sandy, a pebble beach like Weston Mouth Beach is a great pick. The vast coastal stretch sits east of Sidmouth and it’s a real hidden gem. There’s no car park nearby. In fact, the best way to access it is on foot along the South West Coast Path from Sidmouth or Branscombe.

Dog-friendly place to stay: Otters Corner

Although Devon might be a prime spot to take your dog for a walk, there are plenty of other locations that are worth checking out. Explore the UK's best beaches for your dog!

Find more dog-friendly cottages in South Devon >