With two sprawling coastlines to its name, Devon is the perfect county for a beach holiday. The north coast is all rugged cliffs and golden beaches, while the south coast promises peaceful coves and coastal villages with pubs and cafés galore. The best part? Many of Devon’s beautiful beaches welcome dogs throughout the year, so you can enjoy dog-friendly holidays full to the brim with beach days and coastal adventures.
Whether you want a giant sandy beach for a game of fetch or a quiet corner for a picnic with the pooch, Devon’s beaches have something for everyone. Lots of them also boast dog-friendly pubs nearby, so you can end your sun-soaked day with a refreshing drink and some proper pub grub.
Ready to explore these two breathtaking coastlines with your dog by your side? Here are some of our favourite dog-friendly beaches in Devon to get the holiday itinerary started…
Year-round dog-friendly beaches in Devon
Whether you’re planning a wintry dog walk or a beach day with the whole family, these Devonshire beaches welcome dogs throughout the year.
Saunton Sands
• Parking: Saunton Beach car park
• Accessibility: Access via a ramp, with all-terrain wheelchairs available from the Saunton Beach Shop
• Facilities: Café, shop, toilets
This golden sweep of sand is a haven for every kind of beachgoer, whether you love surfing or snoozing in the sand. Around 3.5 miles long, there’s oodles of space for everyone, making this the perfect Devonshire beach for dogs who need to let off some steam. The exploring doesn’t need to end on the sand, either. Oh no, with the incredible Braunton Burrows at your back - a UNESCO Designated Biosphere Reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) - you’ll find plenty of dips and dunes to explore with the hound. Be aware that there are some areas of the dunes that have cattle grazing, so it’s best to keep your dog on a lead while walking through the burrows.
Soar Mill Cove
• Parking: Parking in Salcombe
• Accessibility: Access via the South West Coast Path
• Facilities: None
A beautiful, remote beach that’s only accessible via the South West Coast Path, Soar Mill Cove is a little slice of heaven the whole family can enjoy. Rugged cliffs wrap around the hidden cove, creating a rather dramatic backdrop to your beach day. Low to mid-tide is best, as a patch of golden sand is revealed alongside a series of rockpools. There are no facilities here, so picnics are a tasty must. We recommend finding a local farm shop and stocking up on some Devonshire goodies for your visit. If you park in Salcombe, there are some lovely dog-friendly pubs throughout the town, too, for a post-beach feast - perfect!
Buck’s Mills Beach
• Parking: Bucks Mills car park
• Accessibility: Steep, 10-minute walk from the car park
• Facilities: None
Nestled at the foot of the quaint village of Buck’s Mills, this surprisingly large beach is great for curious pooches and their beach-loving owners. The beach is mostly rock, shingle, and sandy patches, with a wilder look than some of its Devonian cousins, but this only adds to the magic. Discover the waterfall that tumbles down the cliffs, or walk along the shoreline, skimming stones as you go. The village of Buck’s Mills is wonderfully untouched, with pretty cottages lining the steep streets. It’s often compared to its neighbour, Clovelly, although you won’t find any facilities here, only idyllic vibes and sea views.
Beer Beach
• Parking: Car parks in Beer
• Accessibility: Access via a steep road or steps at the western end
• Facilities: Café, restaurant, toilets, shops, pub, beach huts
A beach so beautiful it’s hard to believe you haven’t accidentally wound up on the Amalfi Coast, Beer’s shingle cove is a haven of white cliffs, sparkling waters, and picture-perfect beach huts. Sheltered from the wind by the chalky cliffs, the beach is often a glorious little suntrap, perfect for lounging and watching the world - and boats - drift by. Dogs are welcome on the eastern half of the beach throughout the year, but must be kept off the western half between the 1st of May and the 30th of September. There’s a beautiful walk from Sidmouth that takes in the incredible views from the cliffs, ending in Beer, where lovely pubs and welcoming cafés await.
South Milton Sands
• Parking: National Trust car park
• Accessibility: Disabled parking spaces and a ramp over the dunes to the beach
• Facilities: Café, toilets
Backed by sand dunes and boasting a lovely arch of golden sand, South Milton Sands is one of the best dog-friendly beaches in South Devon for good reason. Maintained by the National Trust, the beach has a wonderful family-friendly atmosphere, with everyone coming to enjoy the tranquil setting and azure waters. Dogs will love sniffing along the dunes, while summer and autumn promise incredible sunsets. There’s a lovely beach café here, perfect for ice creams and hot chocolates, or you can pack a scrumptious picnic to enjoy on the sun-warmed sands.
Woolacombe Beach
• Parking: Plenty of parking throughout Woolacombe and alongside the northern end of the beach
• Accessibility: Access is via two slopes, and beach wheelchairs and all-terrain mobility scooters can be hired from Woolacombe Tourist Information Centre
• Facilities: Cafés, restaurants, shower, toilets, disabled facilities, beach huts
Woolacombe Beach is an award-winning haven of sand, sea, and surf that boasts almost 2.5 miles of soft sand, providing plenty of space for every kind of beachgoer. The southern end of the beach (also known as Putsborough Sands) is dog-friendly throughout the year, while the section between Mill Rock and the stream requires dogs to be on a lead between the 1st of May and the 30th of September. The northern section of the beach is dog-free between the 1st of April and the 30th of September. One of Devon’s top Blue Flag beaches, Woolacombe is famed for its excellent surf and beautiful setting. There are lots of wonderful things to see and do nearby, whether you fancy walking along the South West Coast Path to Croyde or Morte Point, or across Woolacombe Downs for breathtaking views across the Bay.
Bigbury-on-Sea
• Parking: Large car park by the beach
• Accessibility: Easy, wheel-friendly access from the car park
• Facilities: Café, pub, toilets, disabled facilities, shop
Famous for its literary connections, unique setting, and calm waters, Bigbury-on-Sea is a dog-friendly beach with a difference. The beach boasts an interesting shape, with two halves joining to form a causeway to Burgh Island at low tide. The beach to the west of the causeway welcomes dogs throughout the year, while the left-hand side has seasonal restrictions between May and September. The beach itself is absolutely stunning, with Devon’s rolling countryside providing the perfect backdrop to the sandy haven. A lovely beach café sits nearby, or you can enjoy a breathtaking walk to nearby Bantham from Thurlestone and enjoy one of the county’s great pub walks.
Lynmouth Beach
• Parking: Parking along the esplanade and car parks throughout Lynmouth
• Accessibility: Steps at the western end, and level access to the east
• Facilities: Shops, cafés, toilets
If you’re looking for a dog-friendly beach in Devon that also packs an entertaining punch, you can’t beat Lynmouth Beach in North Devon. Not only does this shingle beach welcome dogs throughout the year, but the iconic Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway offers the chance to experience one of Devon’s most unique attractions - and it’s dog-friendly too! Lynmouth is perfectly placed for adventures, whether you want to explore the dramatic walks around the Valley of Rocks or the rolling moorland of Exmoor National Park.
Ness Cove
• Parking: There are two car parks above the tunnel to the beach
• Accessibility: A 5-minute walk and steps to the beach
• Facilities: Shops in Shaldon, but none at the beach itself
Emerging from the historic Smuggler’s Tunnel, you’ll find yourself at one of the best dog-friendly beaches in Devon. Not only does this russet-hued haven boast a quieter outlook thanks to its almost hidden access, but there is a portion of the beach dedicated to exercising your dog, so you’ll find plenty of space for sandy sprints. The eastern aspect makes mornings here particularly magical, with the sun slowly climbing the sky before you. Pack a picnic and enjoy a relaxed start to the day with the pooch by your side (or, more accurately, running around in front of you).
Beaches with seasonal restrictions in Devon
These beautiful beaches welcome dogs during specific times of the year, making them ideal for winter stomps and springtime strolls.
Combe Martin
• Dates: No dogs between the 1st of May and the 30th of September
• Parking: Kiln and Parade car parks
• Accessibility: Level access to the beach and a slope from the main car park
• Facilities: Cafés and shops
One of the most picturesque villages in North Devon, Combe Martin tucks into the sweeping coastline, creating the perfect nook for this pretty cove. The beach, which welcomes dogs in the spring, autumn, and winter months, is popular with sun-seekers and watersports enthusiasts alike. You can often see people exploring the rugged coast by kayak or paddleboard, making this a great spot if you have a salty sea dog who loves a paddle. When your beach day comes to a close, turn your sandy toes (and paws) to The Focsle, a dog-friendly inn that boasts sea views and excellent food.
Westward Ho!
• Dates: No dogs between the 1st of May and the 30th of September
• Parking: Several car parks near the beach
• Accessibility: Easy access slipway from Westward Ho!
• Facilities: Cafés and shops in Westward Ho!
If your dog craves space, there’s nowhere better out of season than Westward Ho! in North Devon. With over 2 miles of golden sand to enjoy, and a rather unique pebble ridge at the rear, this sweeping beach boasts space, space, and more space. Whether you fancy a windswept walk in the winter or a jaunt that makes the most of the spring tides that reveal even more beach, Westward Ho! is the place to be. While most of the beach operates under seasonal restrictions, there is a small section beneath Sandymere that welcomes furry friends throughout the year, so you can soak up the salt-kissed charms during the summer, too.
Croyde Bay
• Dates: No dogs between the 1st of April and the 30th of September, except in the dunes and along the western end of the beach
• Parking: Car parks at the south and north ends of the beach
• Accessibility: Wheel-friendly slope at the north end of the beach, steps at the south end
• Facilities: Cafés and beach shop
Croyde Bay is often found on round-ups of the best beaches in Devon. The soft sand and consistent Atlantic swell make it great for surfers and wave-watchers alike, while the surrounding South West Coast Path is paradise for walkers. Walk up to Baggy Point for panoramic views, or stroll a little further to reach the sprawling beach at Woolacombe. The beach is backed by dunes, and low tide reveals rockpools and wonderfully packed sand perfect for sandcastles, ensuring every kind of beachgoer is covered for seafront entertainment.
Blackpool Sands
• Dates: No dogs between the 1st of April and the 30th of September
• Parking: There are several car parks near the entrance to the beach
• Accessibility: Level access via short slopes
• Facilities: Shop and a café
Shouldered by rolling countryside and dappled woods, Blackpool Sands is a breathtaking beach that has frequently been awarded Blue Flag status. There’s a great café on the beach, inviting you to enjoy some fish and chips while watching the sea roll in or a warming hot chocolate in the winter months. Visit for the day to soak up the enchanting setting, or use the beach as a welcome respite while exploring the South West Coast Path around the eastern reaches of the South Devon National Landscape.
Excited to hit the beach with the pooch? Explore our beautiful dog-friendly cottages in Devon and start planning your next pawfect stay.
