Wanting to take your dog to the beach but unsure where you can take them? There are actually seventy-six beaches across Devon that dogs are allowed on, with a further thirty-six with restrictions. Therefore, there are endless options for you and your pooch to have a fun day out. But if you are looking for our recommendations for dog-friendly beaches in Devon, keep reading!
A shingle beach backed by fields and rolling hills. The village and beach are reached down an old country lane. Beesands is family- and dog-friendly, with a children’s playground and dogs welcome throughout the year. There are two delicious restaurants located in Beesands with sea views. If you are heading down that way, be sure to check out Britannia @ The Beach and The Cricket Inn.
Located between Watermouth and Combe Martin, the cove is tucked away and generally very sheltered. It is cited as one of the best swimming beaches on the coast; however, there are no facilities present. There is lots to explore for you and your pooch, with dogs being allowed on the beach throughout the year. This relatively undiscovered gem is one of the best dog-friendly beaches in Devon due to its natural beauty. Though, be prepared for the two hundred and forty steps down to the beach.
Clovelly has a small pebble beach just below the car-free, historic village. Apart from the picturesque village, a major draw to the village is the diverse marine wildlife found in the bay. The area is a good snorkelling spot. Park at the top of the village and walk down the cobbled streets to access the beach.
A little shingle beach at Fishcombe Cove, just outside of Brixham. With the hillside and cliffs behind being covered in woodland, this is a really pretty spot. Access to the beach is both picturesque and challenging, involving a steep walk from the car park or via the steps from Battery Gardens. There is an excellent café open here during the warmer months.
Lynmouth is a shingle beach just below the village on the northern edge of Exmoor National Park. It is surrounded by spectacular high cliffs, hills, and woodlands. Given the right conditions, it is known as one of the best surf spots in Devon. It is also used for fishing, and, at low tide, there are some good rockpools. There is plenty of parking and you can even take a ride on the Lynton Cliff Railway up to the town of Lynton, a unique experience that’s worth a go.
A wonderful, secluded pebble beach with sand exposed at low tide. It is accessed only on foot from Sharkham Point along the coast path or by walking from the carpark at Woodhuish Lane. The beach is backed with grassy hills and is flanked by rocky slopes. When the tide is out, there is lots to explore. However, there are no facilities down at the beach.
A stunning, privately owned beach at the mouth of the Salcombe estuary. There is a small car park at the beach or access it using the East Portlemouth ferry from Salcombe. Or if you and the pooch fancy a stomp down to the beach, park at Start Point Lighthouse and walk on over along the coast path.
This remote beach is situated on the harsh stretch of coast towards Hartland Point in North Devon. It is sometimes referred to as the “Iron Coast” owing to the inordinate number of ships wrecked here. It is this rocky landscape that defines Mouthmill beach, however, on occasion patches of sand do appear on the beach. Without doubt the most notable feature of Mouthmill is the stunning triangular form of Blackchurch rock arch. There is much exploring to be done at Mouthmill. One of the best things about Mouthmill is the woodland walk down through Brownsham Wood. These pretty old woods are like something straight out of a fairy tale with coastal glimpses and wooden footbridges over babbling brooks. Be sure to not miss one of the best dog-friendly beaches in Devon on Your Devon Escape.
Rockham Bay, known locally as Mortehoe Beach, is a lovely, secluded beach in a bay backed by rocky cliffs. The beach must be visited at low tide so be sure to check the tide times before heading out. It is a great spot for rockpooling. There is no vehicular access to the beach, so it is not suitable for persons with mobility problems. Leave the car in the charming village of Mortehoe and take the scenic coastal walk down to the beach.
Despite the name, this stretch of beach is mostly shingle and pebble. However, this does not affect its popularity and beautiful scenery. Slapton Sands also sits across from the Ley which is a haven of beauty and wildlife. The beach is also a point of historic interest, as it was used in the D-Day Landing practices of 1943. Head on down to the beach with your dog, have a run, a swim and learn a bit of the area’s history.
This small, remote beach is a genuine rural idyll and one of the prettiest in Devon. It is surrounded by dramatic rocks and cliffs and the craggy heath of Bolt Head. There are rockpools at low tide, a stream running through the middle of the beach and lots of wildlife in the area. It is one of the best dog-friendly beaches in Devon, and perfect for the whole family. There is, however, no road access to the beach. Enjoy a stroll along the coast path, or the walk from The Soar Mill Cove Hotel, down to the beach.
SOUTH MILTON SANDS, SOUTH DEVON
Accessed by a single-tracked road, you often don’t find hoards of crowds here. The beach lies in the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and it’s easy to see why. A notable feature is the famous Thurlestone Rock – an arched natural rock formation lying just off the rocks at one end of the beach. The beach is also known for its water sports. Bring your pooch down on Your Devon Escape and see what all the fuss is about.
SUGARY & CASTLE COVE, SOUTH DEVON
Overlooked by Dartmouth Castle, Castle Cove is a tiny, relatively wild, sand and pebble beach looking out onto the mouth of the River Dart. It is easy to miss because it is hidden by trees and there is no beach at high tide. Park by the Castle, walk from town or catch the Castle ferry to visit the beach. Be sure to check the tide times before hitting it up. There are a few other coves to check out if you head out on the coast path, including Sugary Cove.
If you want the full list of dog-friendly beaches across Devon, head to The Beach Guide!
For more ideas for what to do on Your Devon Escape, why not check out our journal for recommendations. Or make us all jealous on Your Devon Escape by sharing your adventures with #yourdevonescape or tag us on Facebook @YourDevonEscape, on Instagram @your_devon_escape or TikTok @yourdevonescapeltd.