Over 20 Top Dog Friendly Things to do in Devon
Dogs deserve a day out too and to be a part of your next family day out. There are many dog friendly Devon attractions who openly welcome our adorable four legged friends. You can take your pet pooch on our steam trains, trams and boat cruises, wander the grounds of Devon’s top stately homes and gardens and let them explore our natural attractions out on Dartmoor. At attractions who have livestock, dogs aren’t permitted but some do have lockable kennels, water and exercising areas. Take a look and check out all the places you can visit with your faithful friend and plan your next dog friendly day out.
Over 20 Dog friendly attractions
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Why is Devon such a doggy destination hot spot?
Devon is often described as ‘dog friendly Devon’ and the county has long been known as a top dog friendly location to take a dog friendly holiday and to enjoy dog friendly days out. Both Devon accommodation providers and Devon attractions embraced the whole dog friendly phenomenon some years ago and Devon is now rated as one of the best dog friendly destinations in the UK.
Many of us have a four-legged friend as part of the family. In fact, 26% of the UK adult population have a dog and an estimated population of 9.9 million pet dogs are our faithful friends. So, when it comes to taking a holiday or having a day out. Its no wonder, we want our pet pooch to be included and not be left home alone.
20 dog friendly Devon attractions
Dogs deserve a day out too, so if you are looking for a day out in Devon and want to take your furry friend along with you then Devon is a number one choice. Devon’s Top Attractions not only offer the very best days out in Devon but many offer extra doggy facilities and warmly welcome and cater for our faithful canine friends. There are a great range of attractions where you can take your pet dog. Here’s five dog friendly attractions.
How about a steam train on the South Devon Railway, tram at Seaton Tramway or boat cruise with Stuart Line Cruises? Or a wander round the grounds of one Devon’s stately homes and gardens at Powderham Castle? You can even let them explore Devon’s natural attractions on Dartmoor Becky Falls. Some of the attractions who have livestock can’t allow entry to dogs, but some do have lockable kennels, water and exercising areas so you can still enjoy your day out knowing your dog is safe and close by.
RHS Garden Rosemoor are currently trialling a ‘paws on paths’ pilot of dog friendly days every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesdays until 17 September. To preserve the horticultural integrity of the planting and safeguard the visitor experience for families, dog owners are asked to keep to paths and off lawns as they explore the 65-acre site near Great Torrington. However, in the summer heat, these constraints can be an issue for pets and they have launched a new leaflet provided on entry which highlights the areas of the gardens that offer plenty of shade to ensure paws are protected when temperatures rise. The map also shows another shorter and fully accessible route suitable for visitors with less time to spare or looking for easier dog walks. Extra watering points, provided by local natural pet food manufacturer, Forthglade have also gone into the garden and visitors with dogs can now enjoy increased access to catering facilities, so that everyone can keep well hydrated. Additional tables have been provided on the main restaurant terrace so walkers can enjoy lunch with garden views and the outside.
Take a look at the full list of Devon’s dog friendly attractions.
Dog walks in Devon
As Devon is the third largest county in the UK you won’t be surprised to know that it offers mile after mile of the most perfect dog walking terrain. With its abundance of coast and countryside, two beautiful coastlines and 300 miles of stunning Devonshire shoreline, two National Parks including Dartmoor and five official Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It’s no wonder the county continues to be a huge magnet for the nation’s dog lovers.
Dog friendly holidays in Devon
Devon excels in its huge choice of dog friendly accommodation on offer. From the happy camper to the 5-star hotels, Devon offers a great variety of accommodation and something to suit all budgets. But its not just the choice of accommodation available, it’s the doggy extras that our accommodation providers offer that really pleases the dog owners.
The Welcome Family Holiday Park knows how much we all love our pets and has a super selection of pet friendly accommodation. Don’t leave your dog home alone, they deserve a holiday and a change of scenery too. Their pet friendly caravans are great for short breaks in Devon and will mean that you won’t need to arrange for someone to dog-sit while you are away. Whether you want to explore the moors or walk along the beach, visit attractions or eat out in restaurants with your furry friend. Devon offers every option and the Welcome Family not only offers fantastic value on pet friendly accommodation but, located in Dawlish, is the perfect base from which to explore the county.
Cofton Holidays
Cofton Holidays in Dawlish is a self-catering option where four-legged friends are always welcome, they even have doggy activities and their very own Cofton Dog Show where they judge the coolest of canines.
River Dart Country Park
Dog owners can delight in a stay and play break at the award-winning River Dart Country Park. Your dog will love all the sights, sounds and smells of the 90 acre park. With lots of space for long riverside walks and country air, they will be able to enjoy the great outdoors just as much as the rest of the family.
More dog friendly holidays can be found on visitdevon.co.uk/explore/dog-friendly.
Devon dog friendly pubs and places to eat
Devon is famous for its great food and drink and we don’t want man’s best friend to miss out either. Many of Devon’s eateries, including pubs and cafes and even some restaurants, now welcome dogs with open arms. Dogs are allowed inside at many. Several have superb outdoor dining facilities where dogs are openly encouraged to join their owners. Many provide water and treats and some even stock a popular Devon-made doggy ice cream.
Devon rightly continues to bark up its own tree at how dog-friendly Devon is. So why not try a Devon dog friendly holiday or a dog friendly Devon day out and see whether your four-legged friend gives it the biscuit?
Dog friendly beaches in Devon
Devon is blessed with over 64 beaches, many of which are award winning and carry ‘Blue Flag’ and ‘Seaside Award’ status. These are 15 stunning beaches in the North Devon area and over 50 stretching from Seaton to Plymouth in the East and South Devon area. Many of these beaches allow dogs, however some are restricted during the height of the season. However some do have a designated section of beach that is reserved especially for dogs. In addition, Devon’s coastline is part of the 630 mile South West Coast Path and offers some stunning coastal walking that can also be enjoyed by our four legged friends and of course their owners.
See a full list of Devon’s dog friendly beaches in our latest brochure.
