Devon is easily one of the best pet-friendly destinations across the southwest. With extensive moorlands and long stretches of sand, there’s lots of room for your four-legged friends. It also has the largest open space in England – Dartmoor National Park, where guests and their most loyal companions can spend their afternoons playing fetch. And when the adventure is over, quickly retreat to Devonshire’s many charming lodges!
Devon Dog & Pet Friendly Cottages With a Hot Tub
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Quantock Barn
Stockland near Honiton, Devon
Sleeps 6 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 3
Contemporary home facing vast valley. Bedrooms can fit up to six guests. Nearby woodland perfect for short walks.
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Long Linney
Littleham near Bideford, Devon
Sleeps 4 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 2
Located on working sheep farm. Home features gorgeous stone wall and woodburning stove. Lots of room in enclosed garden.
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Higher Forda
Bradworthy, Devon
Sleeps 8 Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 5
Barn conversion with modern furnsihings. Countryside views from all windows. Property includes children’s play area.
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Houndbeare Barn
Teign Valley, Devon
Sleeps 6 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 2
Cosy dwelling on the edge of Dartmoor. Converted garage bedrooms with natural sunlight. Local walking trails outside of property.
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Log Cabin in North Devon
Barnstaple, Devon
Sleeps 4 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms 2
Bright and airy luxury lodge with skylights. Beautifully landscaped gardens and pond. Four-legged friends are welcome.
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The Old Kennels
Sidmouth, Devon
Sleeps 4 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms 1
Converted cottage featuring decked patio. Panoramic valley views. Built on tranquil and secluded area near village of Sidford.
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Barn in Mid and East Devon
Crediton, Devon
Sleeps 2 Bedrooms 1 Bathrooms 1
Refurbished barn set on the edge of family-run farm. Scandinavian-style interiors. Unique features include vaulted ceiling and exposed beams.
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Cottage in North Devon
Barnstaple, Devon
Sleeps 2 Bedrooms 1 Bathrooms 1
Luxurious cabin boasting treehouse-style interiors. Sun-trapped porch facing the countryside. Well-behaved pets are welcome.
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Log Cabin in South Devon
South Brent, Devon
Sleeps 2 Bedrooms 1 Bathrooms 1
Luxurious pod for romantic getaways. Secluded garden open to pets. Property comes with bookable country pursuits.
Dog Friendly Things To Do in Devon
You’ve booked your holiday home with your pet in tow, now what? No worries! When in Devon, you’ll never run out of adventures. Beaches along the coastline welcome pets all year long and the county’s hiking trails are great for tiring out their paws. And when it comes to nature, Devon has many parks where your dogs can sniff and run to their hearts’ content. For first-time explorers, the choices are endless and it can be difficult to pick. Luckily, you can check out this list of highly recommended spots to visit, especially during the dog days:
Chase the waves at Saunton Sands.
Located between the coastal villages of Braunton and Croyde is Saunton Sands. While this three-mile beach is best known for its spacious shores and consistent waves, it’s also one of the best pet-friendly beaches in the county. Dogs are welcome to sniff the shoreline for crabs and shells. For active pooches, there’s an endless rolling of waves for them to catch. The best part is that the coast is always open to dogs no matter the season!
Take a stroll along Instow Beach.
Instow Beach is the main beach of a quaint fishing village of the same name. Situated just south of Saunton Sands, this small shingle beach is popular with tourists looking to experience a classic seaside holiday. Instow is also pet-friendly with restrictions only during the peak season. Other than that, you’re free to roam the coast and the harbour with your furry friend. Dogs with excellent sea legs can also go on adventures in dinghies across the estuary!
Experience an idyllic seaside holiday at Soar Mill Cove.
Nestled between Salcombe and Hope Cove is the remote Soar Mill Cove. It’s a small inlet with ample beach and rock pools during low tide. The cove is also surrounded by dramatic cliffs and hillsides boasting beautiful wildflowers and various species of birds. Dogs love trekking along the side of hills and catching the crashing waves. Since it’s a remote area, there’s a big chance that you’ll have the spot all to yourself. The cove doesn’t have any restrictions on pets, so you can bring your pooch any time!
Enjoy the fresh air at Stover Country Park.
Stover Country Park is located in the parish of Teigngrace and within driving distance from the city of Exeter. Covering at least a hundred acres of land, Stover Country’s ultimate feature is Stover Lake. Surrounding the lake are luscious grasslands and thick woodlands full of birds and insects. While there are guidelines for four-legged visitors, your pets can pretty much explore most of the park’s walking routes and picnic areas. For safety reasons, ensure that your dog is on a leash, especially when touring the lake!
Challenge yourself through the Tarka Trail.
If you’re up for a challenge, why not go on an adventure with your dog on the Tarka Trail? Considered to be the best pet-friendly trail in the southwest, the Tarka Trail is a mix of walking, cycling, and sightseeing. The route stretches up to 180 miles, starting from Barnstaple and ending on a train ride from Eggesford. Along the way, witness several of nature’s stunning estuaries and fascinating wildlife which your dog will surely enjoy. Don’t forget to rest and explore the villages along the route!
Follow the trail into Cookworthy Forest.
Another pet-friendly trail in Devon is Cookworthy Forest. Located near Holsworthy, this 400-acre woodland is filled with conifer trees and flourishing fauna. It has plenty of open paths and walking trails for families and their beloved pets to enjoy. Well-behaved dogs are also free to sniff around the forest floor and observe wildlife from a safe distance. Overall, it’s an exciting family adventure that will stretch out your legs or paws and get some fresh air!
Explore the ruins of Okehampton Castle.
Okehampton Castle is the largest castle in Devon, dating all the way back to medieval times. Most of the castle is gone, but much of its structural remains are still intact today. Aside from being a magnificent piece of history, the castle and its immediate woods are very welcoming to guests and their pets. Dogs can roam the ancient ruins and explore the nearby thicket. And on sunny afternoons, the riverside provides a lovely setting for family picnics!
Visit the countryside on the South Devon Railway.
Want to see more of the country but don’t want to leave your pet behind? Great news! The South Devon Railway is pet-friendly and for a small fee, you can bring your furry friend along for the ride. Originally built in 1872, this steam engine train runs for seven miles between Buckfastleigh and Totnes. Not only will you get to ride on a vintage-style train, but you’ll also get to see more of Devon’s gorgeous rural scenery!
Learn more about prison life at Dartmoor Prison.
Dartmoor Prison is another must-see location that’s steeped in history. If you’re a history buff with an equally curious dog, you’ll love learning about life from the inside. With over 200 years’ worth of stories, Dartmoor Prison showcases its lore through multiple exhibitions. Many of its displays include prison memorabilia, famous prisoners, and prison uniforms. Here’s another fun fact: a large part of the institution is still used as a working prison today!
Run wild on the grounds of Dartmoor National Park.
Located just hours away from Plymouth and Exeter is the massive Dartmoor National Park. It’s the largest open space in England with many guests and their pets visiting all year round. The park itself is filled with vast moorlands and river valleys, making it the perfect place for your dogs to run wild. With tons of natural attractions, you can spend days exploring the area with your furry buddy.
More Holiday Cottages & Lodges With Hot Tubs in Devon
Devon Hot Tub Breaks
Devon Cottages, Lodges & Cabins With a Hot Tub