Enjoy days out with the dog by your side every step of the way when you pick from our list of dog-friendly attractions in Devon. Are you staying in rugged North Devon or down on the tranquil southern coast? There’s so much to do all over this pup-friendly county that you and the canine companion will have a busy and exciting holiday in Devon.
Below we’ve included a choice of dog-friendly days out for families, canine-friendly National Trust attractions you can visit and quirky, unique choices for you and the pup to discover. Find yourself and your doggo a few excellent attractions for great days out during your holiday to the South West.
But if you haven't decided where to stay in Devon yet, then browse our collection of dog-friendly cottages in Devon, handpicked to suit canines of all breeds. Better still, why not think about where else in the UK you and your four-pawed friend can adventure after your Westcountry break and check out our ulti-mutt guide to days out with the dog which features great pup-friendly attractions across the whole of the UK.
But for now, let the dog lead the way to one of these top dog-friendly attractions in Devon.
Best 3 dog-friendly family attractions in Devon
Busy bees and their keepers work here day in, day out and you can watch it happen and get involved in the process yourself. Fun and family-friendly, this honey farm offers beekeeping experiences as well as talks, tasting and craft events for kids to get involved in. Pull on protective gear and get up close to see the inner workings of the hive. Or if that’s too close for comfort, you can watch a demonstration from behind protective glass. Meet the critters that make all this possible and take home a jar of this deliciously sweet produce.
Why your dog will love this:
This family-run farm and visitor attraction is very dog-friendly, with canines welcome everywhere except in the play areas and they must be kept on leads. They’ve even been known to offer dog biscuits on arrival to pups exploring the park with their owners.
Best for:
Buddings biologists and curious kids with an interest in nature and the processes that go on around us. With opportunities for children and adults, families can enjoy a fun day investigating the world of honey-making.
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Browse more dog-friendly cottages in North Devon.
Not just a waterfall, but home to a variety of exotic animals as well including polecats, degus and meerkats, it’s a terrific place to explore with children and doggos in tow. As it can be found in Dartmoor National Park there is plenty of wonderful woodlands to sniff out with trails you can follow and activities for kids. Keepers' talks take place throughout the day and you can get up close to the animals during Animal Encounters. And, of course, the spectacular waterfall itself is 70ft high and is part of the Becka Brook where many smaller falls can be spotted during the waterfall walk.
Why your dog will love this:
The waterfall walk that takes you past granite boulders, along the banks if Becka Brook and through a scenic forest where the rustling trees, scents of wildlife and rushing water create endless interest for an adventurous and curious canine.
Best for:
Families of explorers (including energetic pups!) who are ready to take on terrain that may include steep slopes, mud and boulders.
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A unique coastal village that has become an iconic North Devon attraction due to the old-world atmosphere and quaint shops and eateries set up the exceptionally steep high street - although it's a village, it is so popular and iconic an attraction that you still have to pay to get in! Wander down to the beach at the bottom then give those legs a workout as you hike your way back up to the summit. With a history that began with William the Conqueror, we could have just as easily placed this fun North Devon attraction in our top 3 historical attractions. This extraordinary place is frozen in time, explore the cobbled streets, see the donkeys and walk the coast - enjoy a full day out in this one-of-a-kind pup-friendly village.
Why your dog will love this:
The excitement of people to meet and things to see will be great fun for your canine companion - just keep them on a lead while in the village - and fit, energetic dogs will relish the chance to climb Clovelly’s famous steep street. There’s also the opportunity for a scenic walk along the South West Coast Path. It's also delightfully car-free.
Best for:
Kids who can get creative at one of the craft workshops and adults who can wander the independent shops and eateries, snap photos of the donkeys and sea views, and learn a little of the long history.
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Best 3 dog-friendly historical attractions in Devon
This astounding manor was mentioned in the Doomsday Book and has been owned by the Courtney family for an incredible 28 generations, having seen medieval executions, Tudor family feuds and a siege during the English Civil War. Wander beautiful gardens and venture inside the castle itself to see stunning architecture, design and ancient artefacts.
Why your dog will love this:
Dogs are welcome in the grounds and inside the castle itself, the only places they cannot go are the Deer Garden and the Walled Garden, so you could easily enjoy a day of exploration together. Allow them to lead the way to treasures in the castle before playing in the grounds out front.
Best for:
History buffs and lovers of grand architecture. You and the dog are both welcome inside the castle so you can investigate all the artefacts and heirlooms throughout the magnificent building before stretching your legs on the lawn.
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Travelling along the coast, past towns including Brixham and Paignton and inland to Totnes, this steam train gives you the chance to stop off at each station and investigate each village and town in this scenic stretch of South Devon. If you’re happy just taking in the scenery and relaxing, then enjoy a round trip, beginning and ending at Dartmouth. Discover the English Riviera while sitting and unwinding in one of these beautiful old train carriages. Check out the timetable and find a time that suits you.
Why your dog will love this:
This is a chance for well-behaved pups to chill out at their owners' feet. If you’ve been busy exploring Devon and walking through Dartmoor, a few hours' relaxation on an old steam train may be just what’s called for; just ensure you keep them on a lead so they don’t go wandering off into the next car.
Best for:
Dogs happy to sit and chill and humans who enjoy relaxing while taking in the vast Devon countryside and coastal views from the comfort of an old and beautiful steam train.
Properties nearby:
- Elberry Cottage (sleeps 2 dogs and 4 humans) – 2.5 miles away from Dartmouth Railway Station
Take a look at more places to stay in South Devon.
An imposing 12-century house that spent centuries as a monastery and is now in the hands of the Stucley family towers over acres of country grounds. Let the dog lead the way across the estate and you could find yourself in the dappled light of the forest, strolling through the open spaces of the wide parkland, or admiring the many rare plants, perennials and shrubs flourishing in the gardens. Meet the animals on site, wander along the bank of the stream or stretch your legs on a circular walk past a gazebo and down to the beach.
Why your dog will love this:
Dogs are welcome in the grounds on leads. The soft grass, ever-changing smells of the variety of shrubs, and the circular walk to the beach provides a whole host of interesting sights, smells and sounds for the pup to enjoy.
Best for:
Outdoor enthusiasts looking for a tranquil day in the countryside with the chance to stop down by the sea.
Properties nearby:
Best 3 National Trust sites in Devon
Forget the award-winning golden sands of dog-friendly Woolacombe next door, the real treasure for walkies with four legs and two is the trail leading out the dramatic and remote Morte Point. Start at the National Trust Heritage Centre then take a walk out to Morte Point or down to the secluded Rackham Bay known locally as Mortehoe Beach, where at low tide a shipwreck is uncovered. It’s one of Devon’s most magical secret beaches and can only be reached on foot with 100 steps to navigate down before your dog can finally run freely on the sandy shore.
Why your dog will love this:
The fresh sea air, the chance to explore and the varied terrain; your pup could be splashing about in the sea or find its lookout point on Morte Point. Dogs are welcome off the lead but it may be worth keeping the lead on when near high cliffs and also during bad weather.
Best for:
Energetic young pups who enjoy l-o-o-o-o-ng walkies. The steps can be tricky to navigate but adventurers will love the chance to venture off the beaten track.
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Cast your eye over the wonders collected during years past at this ancient estate. The treasure on show includes all manner of curiosities from model ships to shells that have been gathered over several generations by the Chichester family, who’ve held this estate for over 500 years. Of course, dogs can’t step paw over the threshold into this ancient property but the ground holds more than enough intrigue including a man-made lake with never-to-be-finished piers, formal gardens and a secret den building site that kids will love. There are plenty of sticks lying around here for the pup to play with too!
Why your dog will love this:
There are endless ground to explore complete with lake and secret den building site. Let doggo enjoy sniffing his way through the woodland and seeking out nature trails. Dogs on leads are welcome in the grounds.
Best for:
Families with young kids who can take in the large open spaces and enjoy building their own secret den. Take a picnic for a day out.
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Several trails wind their way through the grounds of magical Lydford Gorge. Trees tower above you on the forest walks and this massive gorge, the deepest in Devon, is home to attractions with legend-inspiring names of the Devil's Cauldron and the Whitelady Waterfall. Especially astounding after heavy rain, the Devil's Cauldron is a whirlpool that has formed in a pothole in the ground; just make sure you don’t fall in and end up at the gates of Hell! While the Whitelady Waterfall sounds far more serene, it is just as atmospheric with a 30m drop for the waterfall.
Why your dog will love this:
This woodland is full of sights, smells and sounds which will delight all of your pup's senses. Dogs are welcome on leads.
Best for:
It’s a real treasure to explore, so take the kids and wow them with the incredible falls and Devil’s Cauldron – both especially impressive after heavy rainfall.
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Best 3 unique activities you can do with your dog in Devon
Set sail with the old sea dog for a jaunt on the water. Take a journey along the coast and past sights that include Bayards Cove, Kingswear and Dartmouth Castles, Sir Walter Raleigh's Boathouse and The Estate of the late Dame Agatha Christie. With salt in the fur and views of rolling white-tipped waves, it’s a chance for humans and canines alike to enjoy a unique seaward excursion together.
Why your dog will love this:
For most pups, it’s an entirely new experience! Exploring the deck and surveying the seascape, not to mention meeting and making friends with the other humans and canines aboard if your dog is especially friendly. Dogs are welcome on leads and there’s a £2 charge per dog.
Best for:
Those with good sea legs as you’ll be travelling along the estuary and the coast. Anyone who enjoys a chance to relax and gaze out at breathtaking views with some commentary to provide insight will have a great experience.
Properties nearby:
- Beach End (sleeps 3 dogs and 12 humans) – 12 miles away
- The Shell House (sleeps 1 dog and 4 humans) - Less than 1 mile away
Enter the land of the gnomes. Meet a variety of these little people frozen in their classic poses, everything from fishing to chatting with their neighbours and riding motorcycles. There are large gnomes, little gnomes, old and new gnomes, and even children’s TV characters in gnome form. This centre for unwanted and abandoned gnomes has a huge collection for you to investigate. Grab a hat and fishing rod at the entrance so that you fit in with the gnomes who live here. Bizarre but brilliant.
Why your dog will love this:
The attraction is outdoors in a woodland - a wonderful spot for a stroll. Your canine companion can enjoy bounding around – they are welcome on a lead – and coming nose-to-nose with these fantastical creatures.
Best for:
Families and adult groups searching for a quirky and quiet day out during their holiday to North Devon.
Properties nearby:
- Stonewold (sleeps 3 dogs and 13 humans) – 3 miles away
- Ochre (sleeps 2 dogs and 4 humans) – 1 mile away
- Ford Mill Dairy (sleeps 2 dogs and 4 humans) – 4.5 miles away
Gaze down upon several different worlds: Babbacombe Model Village isn’t just one village but instead is made up of different landscapes from New City to the Thatched Village. Excellent attractions have been set up including Stonehenge, Paignton Zoo, a medieval castle, wildlife garden (complete with an Air Bee-n-Bee) and a train that travels around the miniature world. See who you can spot at the Celebrity Mansion!
Why your dog will love this:
Your canine companion will feel like a giant marching around this landscape of tiny houses and characters. Dogs welcome outdoors only.
Best for:
Kids will enjoy looking down on everything that’s going on in the model village as will adults; it’s full of intrigue for anyone who visits.
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Which of these dog-friendly attractions in Devon will you be visiting during your break?
Perhaps you and the pup fancy a long dog walk through woodland to Becky Falls, or maybe you’d both rather put your paws up and enjoy a relaxed ride on the Dartmouth Steam Train. Whatever your preference, we’re sure you’ll have a great day out when you pick any one of these attractions.
If you have yet to select the perfect holiday escape, browse our dog-friendly holiday cottages in Devon.
Head over to our full Devon guide for all you need to know about this exciting pup-friendly county.
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.