When you’ve got a four-legged friend, it can be a challenge finding days out to please everyone. But the more places you can visit together the better, particularly when you want to bring your pooch along for Your Devon Escape. Check out our recommendations below for dog friendly activities in South Devon that will keep everyone happy.
If you want to visit a national trust site in Devon, Coleton Fishacre beautifully situated along the coast. Be travelled back to the Jazz Age of the 1920s. Get an insight into the life of the wealth during the era, from the glamorous Saloon and the airy servants’ rooms. If the home isn’t for you, then take a walk through the grounds. With glimpses out to sea, weave through the plants from across the globe and tranquil ponds as you wander along the paths. The gardens are dog friendly, so bring your pooch along for a stroll.
DARTMOUTH STEAM RAILWAY AND RIVER CRUISES
Offering steam train rides between Paignton and Kingswear, alongside boat trips along the River Dart, this is one of the best ways to explore South Devon. If you are looking for dog friendly activities in South Devon, this is a great one. Visit local towns and travel on age-old transportation, admiring the local landscape and imagining how the area used to be throughout history. If you fancy making it a loop, join the Round Robin: a boat, bus, and steam train trip with stops in local towns between. Take your dog for a walk around before continuing your journey. This is an excellent way to explore a lot of South Devon in a day.
This National Trust property in Devon is home of author Agatha Christie, explore the house and gardens that she once resided in. The house is set in the 1950s, allowing you to step back in time and visit the house that Christie spent summers and Christmases. The house is filled with a vast collection of novels, ceramics, silvers and more collected by Christie’s family over the years. Explore the history pre-Christie when the house was built and owned be a sea merchant. Explore the garden and boathouse, wandering down to the river edge. Look out across the Dart estuary towards Dittisham and why not even hop on the ferry across to explore the village. If you are looking for local history, culture, and exploration on Your Devon Escape, then this is the place to go. The grounds are dog friendly so be sure to take your pooch along for a walk by the River Dart.
Home to the Earl and Countess of Devon, this six-hundred-year-old manor near Exeter is full of local history. From castle tours, a deer safari, adventure playgrounds and walks aground the grounds, there is a whole day of fun at this historic castle. Powderham is a dog friendly castle except for the deer safari and within the walled gardens so be sure to check it out on Your Devon Escape.
Offering canoe tours around Kingsbridge, Salcombe and other waterways in South Devon, this is an excellent way to explore the area by sea. Singing Paddles offer a variety of guided canoe tours in stable canoes, with extra seats for family members and dogs not wanting to paddle. They welcome anyone of any age to join the tours with previous guests ranging in age from six to eighty. Travel at a leisurely pace on this dog friendly South Devon activity, stopping occasionally to have a look at and talk about the abundant wildlife in the area. Dogs can join the ride for free!
This steam railway and museum runs between Buckfastleigh and Totnes. It is the longest established steam railway in the South West. The railway is an all-weather attraction and one that allows you to bring your dog along. This train ride can take you to other attractions such as the Totnes Rare Breeds Farm. The railway holds events throughout the year so watch their website to keep up to date. Open March to October, take a ride on Your Devon Escape.
If you are looking for dog friendly activities in South Devon be sure to check out the Golden Hind. Take a trip to the harbour and explore history in the modern day. This is the main family attraction in Brixham and combines living history with plenty of pirate fun. Step back in time and explore the five decks of the full-sized replica of Sir Francis Drake’s Tudor galleon. It is the perfect day out, no matter the weather, and you can bring your pooch along too!
A Norman motte and bailey castle that you can climb. Head to the top of the keep and enjoy stunning views over the town of Totnes and the River Dart. Enjoy a picnic in the grounds, with plenty of space for families to relax and run around. Pre-booking is recommended or use your English Heritage membership. Open March to November, make sure to take your dog along for the adventure.
Or if you fancy a trip to the beach, check out our journal on dog friendly beaches in Devon.
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.