All dog owners know that it’s not really a holiday unless you can bring your four-legged friends. Well, dog owners rejoice, as Devon is one of the most dog-friendly places in the country! Whether your dog loves digging on the beach, or walking across open moorland, they’ll find it here. With Dartmoor, Haldon Forest, Exmoor, and nearly 200 miles of coast, this county truly does have it all. Stunning beaches, rolling countryside, hidden coves, rugged paths, peaceful forests, and open moorland, all make this the perfect place for the pooch to mooch about in.
Before heading back to your lovely dog-friendly Devon cottage for the night, why not check out these dog-friendly pubs. Whether you prefer to sit next to a roaring fire, take lunch in the garden, enjoy a Sunday roast, or sit at the bar and meet the locals, there will be a pub here to suit you and the pup - after all, Devon is full of fantastic eateries whether you fancy an afternoon tea with a twist or some Michelin-starred fare.
This list isn’t just a round-up of decent pubs that just happen to allow dogs, either, they’re all excellent pubs that welcome you and your furry friend with open arms. With seafront inns, hidden getaways, and town centre pubs, there’s something for every dog owner and their best friend here.
Without any further ado, let’s take a look at the best dog-friendly pubs in Devon that are sure to get the tails wagging!
South
The Ship Inn
Noss Mayo PL8 1EW
This fabulous waterside pub lies in the interesting artsy town of Noss Mayo, which lies on the south side of the stunning Yealm estuary, surrounded by trees and gentle hills. In the adjoining hills there is a fantastic circular walk incorporating the cliffs, which is around 5 miles long and great for your daily stroll with the dog before a pub lunch. The creek at Noss Mayo is a sailor’s paradise, and many people arrive at the pub by boat, sometimes carrying their small pooches in the handles of their life jackets.
The owners have their own little dog called Peanut, and water bowls are always on hand, both good signs that dogs are at the heart of things here. Food is served all day and there is an extensive outside seating area, which you can’t book, meaning that there is usually a chance to grab a table. Try the ribeye steak served with wild mushroom sauce, chips, and vegetables, or the fillet of seabass with lobster bisque. The garden is surrounded by large olive trees with twinkling fairy lights that create a beautiful romantic atmosphere into the evening. We wouldn’t blame you for turning up at lunchtime and staying well after the sun has gone down!
The Cricket Inn
Beesands TQ7 2EN
Are you ready for a foodie pub with sea views and the freshest, tastiest fish? Beesands is a working fishing village that has hardly changed for centuries. This charming place still makes its living from the sea, and the fish on sale in the village pub will always be the freshest. How about a king prawn massaman curry, or a fruit de mer linguine with prawns, scallops, mussels and squid. The Cricket Inn is a great village pub that always has a warm welcome for visitors with two or four legs.
Dogs will receive treats, and water bowls are provided so they too can quench their thirst after a day on the cliffs. They are welcome in the front bar and part of the restaurant, too. This pub has established itself as a destination pub for food-lovers, and has an AA rosette to its name. But, like the village itself, it still has a rugged, earthy charm. Both village and pub are situated on the South West Coast Path, so they are quite used to welcoming weary ramblers and walkers and muddy boots and paws are always welcome. Perfectly situated for a stop off during long walks, it’s also a stone’s throw along the coast path to a viewing point where you can look at the abandoned cottages and read the extraordinary story of Hallsands, the village that fell into the sea. This stretch of coastline is rich in extraordinary views, so bring your dog and enjoy fine food, while staring at the beautiful sea views.
Cantina
Young's Park Road, Paignton TQ4 6BU
A relaxed, dog-friendly and outdoorsy café-bar with a bohemian feel, Cantina is perfect for a visit with the pooch. Situated next to the largest year-round dog-friendly beach in Paignton, there can’t be many dogs in Torbay who don’t know this spot. This is one of those places that is so dog-friendly that people almost look suspiciously at people without a dog! The tables in the large garden space are all well-spaced out, so dogs don’t have to be squeezed in under tables. The garden itself backs onto the large and well-maintained parkland of Young’s Park so even the most boisterous of dogs can find space to run.
During the day this bar has more of a café feel, but with regular live music evenings on Sundays and Thursdays, and other events taking place, it is also well-loved as an evening bar destination. Renowned for its commitment to local produce, you should try their delicious artisan pizzas, including the smoked salmon, samphire, capers, goats cheese and dill pizza, or the beef brisket, spring onion, mustard mayo and rocket pizza. With quirky decorations, and a bright orange and blue colour scheme, this café-bar has a modern chic vibe you can easily sink into for an afternoon.
Ferry Boat Inn
Manor St, Dittisham, Dartmouth TQ6 0EX
To blend in with locals at this lively yet relaxed pub on the banks of the River Dart you can drop the middle ‘i’ when you pronounce Dittisham, and use this pub’s nickname of FBI. You can’t miss this charming traditional pub next to the quay at Dittisham - partly because it’s bright pink, but also because it always has a buzz about it. This is a locals’ bar, with many characters, but it's also beloved by celebrities and members of the yachting set. All types rub along together here as they talk into the night or look out at the view.
And what a view! They claim to have one of the most stunning pub-window views in the world, and it’s a valid claim, looking onto the boats bobbing on the quay and the rolling hills over the river. When you tire of the view, which will never happen, it might be time to check out the specials board. You can expect locally sourced pub classics, such as fish and chips, steak burgers and Ploughman’s lunches, and a menu that changes daily.
The Balfour Arms
26 Woolbrook Road, Sidmouth EX10 9UZ
Sidmouth is an unspoilt Regency town with a timeless charm and a real community atmosphere. Typifying this vibe is The Balfour Arms. It’s a homely village pub with a warm welcome for humans, and a treat and equally warm welcome for dogs.
It’s an events pub where something always seems to be going on - they have great entertainment here from live music to sports broadcasts to karaoke, not so much for the pooch, but owners are welcome to join in. The outside has a large landscaped garden, which is extremely popular with dog owners and in the summer they sometimes use this space for BBQ’s and family events.
The Steam Packet Inn
St Peters Quay, Totnes TQ9 5EW
When visiting this lovely riverside retreat, you can choose between the restaurant with riverside views, the outside decking, or the cosy atmosphere in the bar with its roaring log fire that’s perfect for dog-naps. This fantastic pub is family-owned and dog-friendly in the bar and terrace. Vegetarians are well catered for on the menu, with a choice of halloumi penne pasta, beetroot and pepper falafel, or spicy bean burger with applewood vegan cheese on the mains.
Totnes itself is a quirky and interesting historic market town straddling the River Dart, full of independent shops and markets. It’s surrounded by loads of great open space for walking with your dog. On the north side of the river there is the winding Totnes to Ashprington walk, while on the south side of the river there is the woodland and open ground at Longmarsh Meadows. Whether you choose to take a long walk, or just potter around the boutique shops, you can have a breather at The Steam Packet Inn.
Victoria Inn
Fore Street, Salcombe TQ8 8BU
This award-winning pub is full of charm and character, with low-beamed ceilings, cosy nooks and crannies and lovely log fires adding to the welcoming atmosphere. It’s dog-friendly in the bar area and garden, and has a mini menu of dog treats with pigs ears, biscuits and treats recommended by ‘Ebone Ronay’.
Salcombe is a very pretty estuary town beloved of the Boating Set. In fact, you are never far from the water in this town, and the Victoria Inn is a short stroll from the boats on the quayside. Salcombe can get busy in season but the peaceful garden at Victoria Inn provides a welcome retreat from the crowds. Sit out and enjoy their locally sourced steamed mussels, cooked in Rattler cider, with a leek and cream sauce, or plant-based eaters will love the battered banana blossom alternative to fish.
Check out some of our other favourite South Devon eateries for an even wider selection of foodie options.
North
The Beaver Inn
Irsha Street, Appledore EX39 1RY
A waterside pub with extensive sea views, and great atmosphere, The Beaver Inn is particularly renowned for its seafood and local produce; try the Appledore mussels or traditional Appledore fish pie and you won't be disappointed! The Beaver Inn is also a thriving community pub, which is proud of its charity work and live music.
It hosts live music on Saturdays, open mic nights on Sundays, and acoustic nights on Mondays for a full roster of unbeatable entertainment. Dine on the terrace, or in the bar or dining room, and if bringing the pooch make sure to sit in the bar where furry friends are welcome. The village of Appledore has colourful fisherman’s cottages and winding streets, all huddled around the estuary, perfect for a post dinner stroll.
The Thatch
14 Hobb's Hill, Croyde EX33 1LZ
In the heart of Croyde, The Thatch is only a few hundred metres from the famous Croyde beach, which attracts families, surfers and all fans of beach life. Blending seamlessly with its beachside locale, you’ll find a relaxed surfer vibe at The Thatch, perfect for some down-time with the pooch. The Thatch can get busy on hot days, but it’s got a great outside area and there is a fantastic atmosphere. This is a large thatched pub with a fittingly large accommodating heart. It’s a place with zest and character, which also attracts big characters!
The food here is excellent so it has year-round fans, and you can expect a unique feel in the different seasons. It’s generally busy and loud in the summer, and warm and cosy in the winter, but every day is different. Dogs are welcome, but they are kept to certain areas, so it’s worth booking ahead. The Thatch serves food at breakfast, lunch and dinner, and it's particularly renowned for its nachos and burgers. Or, we recommend the Thatch westcountry fish pie, which has local fish, smoked haddock, salmon and tiger prawns, and is topped with mash - delicious! The chicken, smoked bacon and leek pot pie is served with rustic chips and charred tender-stem broccoli.
Hearty food like this is perfect if you are walking the South West Coast Path, or rambling with your dog along this exciting coastline, known as The Gold Coast. This coastline has fabulous cliff top views, great walks and pretty villages, but it's particularly popular for its large sandy beaches. People come to these beaches early and spend all day, so what better way to spend the evening than drifting up to The Thatch for a fantastic atmosphere and well-cooked evening meal.
The Red Barn
Barton Road, Woolacombe EX34 7DF
If you’re looking for a beachside haunt you can frequent with the family, look no further than The Red Barn next to the fabulous Woolacombe beach. Woolacombe beach regularly features in ‘best beach’ lists, and is popular with families and surfers. Walkers are a big part of life here too, with the pub’s close proximity to The Tarka Trail (one of the best things to do in North Devon). It’s impossible to miss this large red building, and it’s a beacon on the seafront calling people and pooches to rest for a moment with something refreshing.
Humans can choose from an extensive food and drink menu, while your four-legged friend will get its tail a-wagging with a dog-friendly ice cream. The Red Barn has plenty of tables both inside and out so you can make the most of every kind of dining backdrop. You’ll find a menu full of feel-good pub classics such as steak and ale pie, ham and eggs, and of course the seaside staple of fish and chips. But not just any fish and chips, beer-battered fish with triple-cooked chips, tartare sauce, and crushed peas with mint!
Take a look at our list of the top places to eat in North Devon to continue your well-fed adventures.
Mid-Devon
The Warren House Inn
Postbridge, Yelverton PL20 6TA
This pub claims that their fire has been burning since 1845! That’s a long time to be welcoming guests, but it’s true. Set deep in the heart of Dartmoor, this warm and friendly pub has welcomed wanderers and friends for hundreds of years.
There is something very comforting about this beautiful wood-beamed pub surrounded by many miles of open moorland. The moors are perfect for dogs, who can run for miles across its springy blanket. Do check restrictions in lambing season though. Walk across the moors with your hound and then come and sample the famous welcome in this ancient pub. All the favourite local ales are available here, and if it’s food you’re after, try a homemade Warrener’s rabbit pie. The Warren has a menu of well-cooked pub favourites, daily specials and good vegetarian options. The home cooked pies, made with quality local ingredients, are particularly popular.
The Culm Valley Inn
Riverside, Culmstock, Cullompton EX15 3JJ
With its proximity to many Devon farms, The Culm Inn proudly sources local ingredients and makes sure food is always fresh and seasonal. With that, dishes can change frequently, so keep an eye on the chalkboard, but examples include the homemade venison burger with brie, plum and chilli jam, and chips, and a vegetable risotto with parmesan and butter.
Culmstock is a pretty little mid-Devon village straddling the river Culm. Spanning the river is a magnificent stone bridge that is wonderfully characteristic of the region. At the heart of village life, this charming inn has a welcoming log fire that adds a warming glow to the room in the chillier months. It’s also renowned for a fine selection of craft beers and interesting wines from small vineyards, providing an endless choice for wetting your whistle.
The Three Crowns
High St, Chagford TQ13 8AJ
A 5-star 13th century inn set in the heart of one of Devon’s prettiest villages will always be a favoured choice for a pub visit in Devon. Chagford is one of Devon’s famous stannary towns, which made their wealth from tin mining. The village has a vibrant arts scene and a live music festival called chagstock in the autumn, giving the area a vibrant atmosphere. The Three Crowns is at the heart of village life with its striking exterior of Devon granite that heralds to its former days as a manor house. It’s a large, impressive place, which always provides a warm welcome for dogs and humans.
There is a traditional beamed ceiling, mullioned windows and huge inglenook fireplaces inside, while outside there is a lovely courtyard garden and a glass conservatory. You can enjoy food inside or out, such as a prosciutto wrapped chicken supreme, or a seafood platter for two, with smoked salmon, monkfish scampi, crevettes, anchovies, hot smoked mackerel, crayfish, and prawns. As well as visiting the village, and browsing through its independent shops, there are many other magnificent walks nearby the whole family can enjoy.
Explore our large selection of dog-friendly cottages in Devon, and start planning your adventure with your best four-legged companion.
