Renowned for the number of dog-friendly attractions and beautiful walks available, Devon is the perfect holiday destination for families and their four-legged friends.
With 509 miles of coastline, there are also plenty of spots to watch your pup splashing around in the surf and playing in the sand.
Do beaches in Devon allow dogs in summer?
While many beaches in Devon welcome dogs year round, some do impose seasonal restrictions. These can start as early as Easter, but are most commonly in place from May until the end of the summer. You may find that dogs aren't banned entirely, but instead have a designated section for exercise during these months.
It's always worth doing a bit of research before heading to the beach to make sure your dog will be welcome. There are also important safety tips to keep in mind when bringing your dog to the beach in summer.
The best dog-friendly beaches in North Devon
North Devon is known for it's breathtakingly beautiful coastline. With rugged, tall cliffs, it's more open to the elements than South Devon, resulting in bigger waves and longer, sandy beaches.
1. Lynmouth Beach
The picturesque beach of Lynmouth is dog-friendly year round. With rock pools to splash around in and lovely walks in the surrounding area, this beach is definitely not to be missed when visiting North Devon.
2. Woolacombe Beach
Woolacombe Beach has won a number of awards over the years and is widely recognised as one of the best beaches in the UK. Dogs are welcome year round, but they aren't allowed between the rocks at the north end of the beach and the stream, from Good Friday until September. With three miles of golden sand, there's still plenty of space for your pup to run and play.
3. Saunton Sands
Saunton sands is dog-friendly 365 days of the year, without restriction once on the beach itself. Dogs must be kept on-lead as they approach the beach, and owners are asked to keep a safe distance from any cattle grazing on the dunes.
4. Broad Sands
Not to be confused with Broadsands in South Devon, Broad Sands is ironically not very broad, and not very sandy. This is a shingle, sheltered cove beach, by the border of Exmoor National Park . The 200 steps that lead down to the beach mean it's fairly secluded, making it the perfect place for your dog to let loose and enjoy their time by the sea.
5. Putsborough Beach
With clean water and beautiful views, Putsborough is popular with surfers and families alike. This North Devon beach allows dogs all year round, but it is worth noting that there is one small zoned area to the left of the beach. Dogs are not allowed in this space between Easter and December the 1st.
The best dog-friendly beaches in South Devon
The South Devon coastline has a selection of smaller beaches, that are more sheltered from the winds in North Devon. Many of the beaches are well equipped with facilities and welcome dogs year round!
6. South Milton Sands
South Milton Sands is a must for visitors to the area, who are actively encouraged to bring their dogs with them. Dog-friendly year round, there are no restrictions on this beautiful beach.
7. Beesands
This mile-long shingle beach is nestled between fields, lake Widdicome Ley and the sea. It's a lovely spot for picnics, while your dog enjoys splashing in the waves and digging in the sand.
8. Slapton Sands
Also known as Torcross, Slapton Sands is a sand and shingle beach near Kingsbridge. An area of outstanding natural beauty and an important nature reserve, the beach plays a part in the survival of rare flora and fauna of the UK. Dogs are allowed on the beach year round.
9. Soar Mill Cove Beach
This tiny, sandy beach is accessible only by foot, via the south west coast path. Surrounded by dramatic cliffs, this cove beach is considered one of the prettiest in Devon. Dogs are welcome without restriction.
10. Ness Cove Beach
Picturesque Ness Beach is thought to have been used by smugglers in the past. The beach is accessed via Smuggler's Tunnel, and is very dog-friendly. Here you'll even find a designated exercise area for your dog to play in.
Dog-friendly beaches near Paignton
11. Fishcombe Cove
Just along the coast from Brixham lies Fishcombe Cove, a small shingle beach protected by cliffs. If you're lucky, you may bump into one of the visiting seals!
This South Devon beach allows dogs all year without restriction.
12. Churston Cove
Accessed via a long, steep path, Churston cove offers stunning scenery and crystal clear water. The beach is open all year, and being dog-friendly, you won't have to leave your pup behind.
13. Fairy Cove
To the south of Paignton Sands lies Fairy Cove, a red sand and shingle beach that's popular with families. There are lots of rock pools for your dog to explore, and no seasonal restrictions apply.
Dog-friendly beaches near Plymouth
14. Bovisand Bay
The secluded beach of Bovisand Bay is just 15 minutes from Plymouth city centre. If you're looking to escape the city for some rest and relaxation, this is just the place for you. The main beach is dog-friendly all year round.
15. Langdon Beach
While the better known Wembury Beach bans dogs between the 1st of May and the 30th of September, Langdon Beach is just around the corner and it's dog-friendly year round. It runs from Wembury Point to Wembury beach, and as a rock and shingle beach, it's the perfect spot for your dog to run and play.
The number of beaches in Devon that allow dogs means you'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to picking your destination. Whether they're a swimmer or a digger, your dog is sure to love that they can come along for the adventure.
