North Devon is a wonderful dog-friendly holiday destination where you and your four-pawed pals can explore together. Dog-friendly North Devon has so many pet-friendly attractions, landmarks and beaches to visit including some great pet-friendly pubs.
In between exploring North Devon’s dog-friendly attractions, there is nothing better than slowing down for a bit for lunch or enjoying a restorative drink at the end of the day. There are some exceptional dog-friendly pubs in North Devon we can wholeheartedly recommend, most of them serve food or have a sunny garden and even a cosy fireside. Read on to uncover the lowdown on our favourite dog-friendly pubs across North Devon, from Bideford to Ilfracombe.
For further inspiration, take a snoop at our guide to the best dog-friendly places to eat in Devon or the UK’s best pet-friendly pubs. To discover Devon at a more leisurely pace, why not browse our wide collection of holiday accommodation in North Devon by clicking on the button below?
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Our favourite dog-friendly pub in Barnstaple
The Cedars Inn
Just 1.5 miles from the heart of Barnstaple, North Devon’s largest town and business hub, is the lovely Cedars Inn. After a stroll along the River Taw and a play in Rock Park, seek out this cute dog-friendly Barnstaple pub. Welcoming locals and visitors alike, it’s a comfortable and friendly establishment with a good menu and an enticing range of local beers and spirits.
Good to know
- Why your dog will love it: The beer garden is very pretty and something of a sun trap
- Address and opening hours: Bickington Rd, Barnstaple, EX31 2HE | 01271 371784 | 7am – 11pm
- Facilities and specialities: Beer garden, Wi-Fi, car park, disabled access, children welcome
- Other dog-friendly Barnstaple pubs: The Rolle Quay Inn and The Wrey Arms
Our favourite dog-friendly pub in Bideford
The Thatched Inn
Just outside the town of Bideford in the tiny village of Abbotsham is the area’s best dog-friendly pub. Full of community spirit and minutes away from leafy Devon lanes to trek along with your dog, the Thatched Inn is a winner in every respect. Locals come from miles around for the Sunday carvery, and the pub garden is spacious with lots of tables to sit at and enjoy your meal in the hotter months.
Dogs are permitted in the bar too (but not the restaurant) and they are bound to get fussed over by the staff or a friendly local. The Thatched Inn is very popular but it isn’t very big inside so it might be worth ringing ahead to book ahead of your visit.
Good to know
- Why your dog will love it: It’s a popular spot for locals with dogs so they are bound to make a new friend or two
- Address and opening hours: Abbotsham Village, Bideford, EX39 5BA | 01237 471321 | 11am – late
- Facilities and specialities: Beer garden, restaurant, live events, quizzes
- Other dog-friendly pubs in Bideford: The Appledore Inn, The Blacksmith's Arms
Our favourite dog-friendly pub in Braunton
The Williams Arms
Braunton’s best dog-friendly pub for visitors to North Devon is the Williams Arms, a large pub that is well-loved for its exceptional menu. With its distinctive thatched roof and large garden, this is a big hit with dog owners and fans of country pubs. Perched at the edge of Braunton, you can stop in at the pub after a day on the Tarka Trail that runs close by, a mooch along the River Caen, or a walk at Saunton Sands or the wild Braunton Burrows.
Dogs are permitted in the bar and the garden for great food and drink. The pub is owned and managed by the same family that runs the acclaimed local chippy, Squires.
Good to know
- Why your dog will love it: This pub is close to some lovely walks for you and your four-legged buddy
- Address and opening hours: Wrafton Rd, Braunton, Ex33 2DE | 01271 812360 | 12 noon – 9pm
- Facilities and specialities: Beer garden, parking, disabled access, family-friendly
- Other dog-friendly pubs in Braunton: The White Lion, The George Inn
Our favourite dog-friendly pub in Croyde
The Manor House Inn
For a relaxing dog-friendly pint in a rustic North Devon pub, you can’t go far wrong at the Manor House Inn. Just a few hundred yards away from the busy village high street of Croyde, this pub seems a world away from the summer madness of surf central. This pub is quaint, rather small but feels like a hideaway.
It’s close to some great countryside walks where you can reach nearby Croyde Bay and Putsborough Beach without encountering any busy roads. The pub offers a solid menu of English classics and a tidy selection of wines and West Country beers too.
Good to know
- Why your dog will love it: It will remind your dog of your local haunt – a friendly pint and pit stop on a lovely walk
- Address and opening hours: 39 St Mary’s Rd, Croyde, EX33 1PG | 01271 890241 | 12 noon – late
- Facilities and specialities: Beer garden, children’s play area, parking, Sunday carvery
- Other dog friendly pubs in Croyde: The Thatch, Billy Budds
Our favourite dog-friendly pub on Exmoor
The Staghunter’s Inn, Brendon Valley
Close to Lynton and Lynmouth on the north coast of Devon and the edge of Exmoor is the very cool dog-friendly pub, the Staghunter’s Inn. Offering up a dynamic riverside location with stunning views, you and your dog can enjoy a slap-up pub meal and a pint either inside the bar or in the waterside garden.
The impressive menu is made up of locally sourced ingredients including Exmoor venison and game, and freshly landed North Devon fish. There is a good children’s menu and vegan/vegetarian options too.
Good to know
- Why your dog will love it: There is lots of room to spread out in the garden
- Address and opening hours: Brendon Village, Lynton, EX35 6PS | 01598 741222 | 11am - 11pm
- Facilities and specialities: Beer garden, children’s menu, family-friendly
- Other dog friendly pubs on Exmoor: Royal Oak Withypool, The Royal Oak Inn, The Rising Sun
Our favourite dog-friendly pubs in Ilfracombe
The George & Dragon
Picture a dog in a pub and chances are you will conjure up images of a cosy beast sprawled on a flagstone floor beside a crackling fireplace. Well, the George & Dragon fits the vision aptly having served locals since 1360 – the pub even has its own ghosts!
With harbourside views, this traditional West Country pub is a delight for those seeking authenticity. Serving classic pub grub every day, alongside a good range of ales, lagers and spirits, the George & Dragon should be on your own and your dog’s list of pet-friendly pubs to visit in Ilfracombe.
Good to know
- Why your dog will love it: They can earn their place in the pub-dog pack – it’s a rite of passage
- Address and opening hours: 4-5 Fore St, Ilfracombe, EX34 9ED | 01271 863851 | 12 noon – 11pm
- Facilities and specialities: All-day menu
- Other dog-friendly pubs in Ilfracombe: Sandy Cove, The Hele Bay
Our favourite dog-friendly pub in Westward Ho!
The Fairway Buoy
This seafront dog-friendly pub is a superb choice for a sunny day. Popular in the summer months, you and your four-legged beach bum will simply adore the wide sea views. There is a large deck area at the front of the pub with shady areas to keep the hound cool, as well as an upper deck. In the colder months, dogs are permitted on the ground-floor and first-floor bars whilst you enjoy your pint.
If you fancy anything to eat beyond a packet of crisps or peanuts, the Fairway Buoy’s sister pub, the Waterfront Inn (which is also dog friendly) is metres away. We picked this one out of the two because it is lively and fun, and because of the amazing beach views. Please note there is a dog-restriction zone at this end of Westward Ho! Beach – see local signs for details.
Good to know
- Why your dog will love it: It's a cool place to hang out and enjoy the sunshine
- Address and opening hours: The Promenade, Golf Links Rd, Westward Ho!, EX39 1LH | 01237 474178 | 11am – 11pm
- Facilities and specialities: Beer garden, dog water bowls, shade on sunny days
- Other dog-friendly pubs in Westward Ho!: The Village Inn, The Pier House
Our favourite dog-friendly pub in Woolacombe
The Red Barn
Seconds away from Woolacombe Beach, the Red Barn is another North Devon pub that trades on being vibrant and family friendly. Fun for drinkers of all ages,The Red Barn is also dog friendly and boasts its own range of (Dorset-brewed) beers.
Popular with surfers, locals and holidaymakers alike, this is also a great spot to meet for lunch or dinner; its specialities are fish and chips as well as Sunday roasts. With views of the beach and the Atlantic rollers, this is an epic addition to conclude our favourite dog-friendly pubs in North Devon.
Good to know
- Why your dog will love it: Wednesday is beef burger day!
- Address and opening hours: Barton Rd, Woolacombe, EX34 7DF | 01271 870264 | 11am – 11pm
- Facilities and specialities: Beer garden, family-friendly, Monday discounts
- Other dog friendly pubs in Woolacombe: The Old Mill, The Chichester Arms
Stay at a dog-friendly cottage in North Devon
Now you have seen our list of the best dog-friendly pubs in North Devon, it’s time to browse our collection of pet-friendly accommodation. We have dog-friendly cottages for packs of all sizes, whether you have a solo pup or a litter, we’ve got you covered. Click the button below to visit our collection of self-catering dog-friendly properties in North Devon today.
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.