Best Dog Friendly Family Holidays In Devon

Why is Devon a Dog-Lover’s Paradise?

Looking for a Dog Friendly Family Holiday in Devon? Looking for a short break in Devon with children and a dog? Imagine sandy beaches, winding trails through moorlands and coastal paths, cosy country inns and tourist attractions where your four-legged friend is always welcome. Add in an amazing choice of dog friendly accommodation from cottages to holiday parks — welcome to dog-friendly Devon! Whether you are looking for a short family break in Devon, adventure holidays in Devon or themed glamping in Devon – there is something for everyone, including bringing the family dog.

Where are the Best Dog-Friendly Beaches in Devon?

We have many dog friendly beaches county-wide in Devon. It’s important to check if there are any restrictions in the summer months – see our website for further details or our latest DATA Guide for a comprehensive list of dog friendly beaches.

Where can I find Dog Friendly Walks and Hikes?

The South West Coast Path: Stunning sea vistas and miles of coast path to explore around the coastline of Devon. Make sure you have your dog on a lead if you are near the cliff edge.

Dartmoor and Exmoor National Parks: A must for adventurous dogs — forests, tors, and streams. However, be aware of livestock that may be grazing freely across moorland and always put your dog on a lead or be under close control if you see any animals. Also be aware of seasonal nesting birds.

There are numerous walks at National Trust properties across the county – see more details on their website. Plus there are many forests such as Ashclyst Forest and Eggesford Forest and woodland trails such as the Plym Valley Trail, Drakes Trail and Tarka Trail – all great routes to explore with your four-legged friend. See more details: 14 Best Dog Walks in Devon for You to Explore

Where can I stay in Devon with Children and Dogs?

If you are looking for a dog friendly place to stay in Devon that children will love we have several of our own attractions that offer great family staycations at theme parks and activity centres in Devon. Our attractions have some of the best camping and glamping spots in the county that offer the most unique family stays in Devon. Families looking for themed glamping or camping in Devon can stay at Crealy Theme Park & Resort, Woodlands Family Resort or River Dart Country Park where accommodation sits within family-focused attractions. Add the newly renovated apartments at Watermouth Castle (all dog friendly except the Clock Tower) and The Red Lion Hotel at Clovelly Village which has three dog friendly rooms and our attactions offer a great selection of unique family stays in Devon.

Crealy Theme Park & Resort – Dog Friendly Holidays In Devon at Crealy Theme Park & Resort – Calling all families & their four legged friends! Discover the ultimate dog-friendly holiday at Crealy Theme Park & Resort in Devon. Whether you’re looking for a luxury hot tub lodge, themed Glamping or a perfect pitch for camping, we have the ideal dog friendly option for you.’

Woodlands Theme Park – Get ready to create lasting family memories in South Devon at Woodlands Caravan and Camping Park! There are camping and touring pitches as well as new glamping pods (a small number are dog friendly). Well behaved dogs are welcome but need to be kept on a lead at all times. There is a dog walking area. Reception has details of dog friendly beaches nearby. Unstaffed kennels are available for day use if you wish to visit the theme park.

River Dart Country Park – their award-winning family friendly campsite and holiday park in Devon has excellent camping facilities, generous pitches for your touring caravan, tent, motorhome or motor caravan, and is the ideal holiday base for exploring Devon and Cornwall. Well behaved pets welcome, must be kept on a lead at all times. (Max of 2 dogs). There is a dog walking area available.

Watermouth Castle – A holiday in style – stay in an English castle! Within the castle itself, Watermouth boasts 7 grand self-catering apartments. The apartments are all dog friendly (apart from Clock Tower) and can accommodate 2 – 6 people. Guests staying at the apartments will enjoy free entry to the castle and grounds when it is open.

Clovelly Village – The Red Lion Hotel is an 18th Century 4-star Inn that stands on the quay alongside Clovelly’s ancient harbour in North Devon. To wake up to the sights and sounds of Clovelly’s ancient fishing harbour and the sounds of the sea at the Red Lion Hotel is a unique and unforgettable experience. (There are dog-friendly rooms available in the Hotel).

For a list of dog friendly accommodation please check out the Visit Devon website.

Are you looking for a Dog Friendly Theme Park or Attraction in Devon?

We have over 20 Top Dog Friendly Attractions in our group. Dogs must be kept on leads at our attractions and be aware that at a few of our attractions you are not allowed to bring your dog into the attraction but there are kennels available for your use – some need to be booked in and others it is first come first served. As listed above, we have family theme parks with accommodation in Devon. Please check online or ring before you visit.

Canonteign Falls: Discover the highest waterfall in the Southwest with wonderful views. Dogs are free of charge but must be on a lead. There are water bowls and treats available.

Becky Falls: Ancient woodland park with trails, animals and nature challenge. Dogs on leads are very welcome anywhere on site except the Animal Discovery Zone.

River Dart Country Park: 90 acres of parkland and playgrounds to explore plus Dartmoor Bike Park. Dogs are welcome for day visits and for camping trips. There is lots of space and a range of doggy essentials and treats are available in the Park Shop. Plus there is a Doggy Dinners Menu and a dog water station with water bowls dotted around the site.

Haldon Forest Park: Easy to follow walks and cycle trails, stunning views and activities for all ages. Dog bins on the trails and water bowls near the main cafe.

Killerton Estate: One of the National Trust’s magnificent estates with many trails to discover. Dogs are allowed on short leads everywhere outside. Dogs are welcome in the Stables Coffee Shop.

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Buckfast Abbey: Located on the edge of Dartmoor, Buckfast Abbey is home to a community of Roman Catholic Benedictine Monks. The Abbey Church, car park and gardens are free to the public. Well behaved dogs on a short lead are permitted outside.

The Donkey Sanctuary: Explore award winning gardens and scenic coastal paths and engaging exhibits plus meet hundreds of donkeys. Dogs are welcome at the sanctuary but must be kept on a lead at all times. They are welcome in the restaurant but need to be kept under your table.

Bicton Park Botanical Gardens: Devon’s most magnificent historic gardens with over 60 acres of beautiful gardens lawns, fragrant English borders and formal Gardens to explore. Dogs are allowed on leads.

Clovelly: Clovelly Village Devon is a picturesque, historic, fishing village, steeped in maritime atmosphere and history, and was once owned by the Queen of England. Dogs on leads are very welcome. Dog litter bins can be found on the street and at the harbour. The Visitor Centre reception can provide you with dog bags if you run out.

Quince Honey Farm: an award-winning working honey farm based in South Molton, offering a full day out for the whole family to enjoy. Well behaved dogs on leads are welcome everywhere excluding the indoor Play Hive. Poo bins are situated around the site and they have spare bags if you need one. Water bowls are placed around the attraction and free doggie treats are available too.

Dartington Crystal: offers an unforgettable visitor experience on their factory tour and a fantastic shopping destination.

Devon Railway Centre: based at Bickleigh near Tiverton, offers a unique railway experience and boasts a host of attractions. Bring your furry friend with you – they are not permitted in the model railways and indoor play areas but can ride on the trains.

Seaton Tramway: Dogs can join owners on trams through the Axe Valley countryside. Dogs are allowed in all areas of the tramway and standard tram service but must travel on the lower decks.

RHS Rosemoor – certain days are dog friendly. Set in a beautiful valley in the heart of North Devon near Torrington, this 65-acre haven for biodiversity and wildlife has something for everyone. Their trial of dog friendly days have been extended to end of March so you can bring your dog Monday-Wednesday and must be on a lead and paws kept on paths at all times.

Powderham Castle: on the banks of the River Exe immerse yourself in seven centuries of history through the lives of the Earls of Devon.

South Devon Railway: jump into a world of nostalgia where their heritage steam trains meander alongside the River Dart. Well behaved dogs are welcome at the railway. Dog tickets can be purchased from the ticket office for £2.50. Dogs are not allowed on the Dining Experience or Murder Mystery Experience trains.

Babbacombe Model Village: explore 4 acres of award-winning gardens with hundreds of models, scenes and over 13,000 miniature residents. Dogs must be kept on a short lead and stay on the designated pathways. Dogs are not allowed in the coffee shop but they are allowed on the outdoor terrace. The ‘Starbarks Yappy Hour’ and ‘Paws for a Drink’ water stations are the perfect pit-stop.

Bygones: walk through a wide variety of interactive displays and over 2000 genuine artifacts from yesteryear and find the unexpected! Bygones are dog friendly in the whole building!

Stuart Line Cruises: For over 50 years, they’ve been offering unforgettable boat trips on the stunning River Exe. They are dog friendly and there is no additional charge for your dog. They are welcome on the vast majority of cruises but some are not suitable – please see the website for details. Dogs must remain on a lead all the time and all 4 paws on the ground. Doggy water bowls are available – just ask the crew.

The Milky Way Adventure Park: is an all-weather family attraction packed with rides, live shows, indoor play, and hands-on fun located near Clovelly. Small, calm, friendly dogs on a short lead are welcome. You must book a ticket for your dog and there is a small charge and a form to sign. Dogs must not be left in any vehicle parked at the park.

Watermouth Castle: Based at Berrynarbor, Ilfracombe is the West Country’s Premier Visitor Attraction with an enchanting mix of children’s rides and attractions. Well behaved friendly dogs are allowed but must be kept on the lead at all times. There are dog bins and water bow stations around the site. Some areas are not suitable for dogs. Not all dog breeds are allowed entry – see the website for details.

Dunkeswell Raceway: This professional 750m track near Honiton delivers heart-pounding go-karting for all ages and abilities.

Where Can I Eat Out and Bring My Dog?

There are many dog friendly pubs, cafes and restaurants across Devon. Please see some useful links below for more information:

Dog Friendly Pubs, Bars, Cafes And Restaurants in Devon

Dog friendly restaurants in Devon 2024 | Where To Eat | The Good Food Guide

Out & About – devon LOVES dogs

Devon — The Paw-fect Destination for you and your dog!

Whether you’re looking for family glamping breaks in Devon or immersive stays in Devon the county has something for everyone and dogs are very well catered for. With miles of open space for you and your dog to explore on moorland, beaches, coastal and woodland trails plus pretty and historic villages to wander through there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Devon is a destination that makes tails wag and leaves hearts full.