Dog-friendly attractions in North Devon

A melting pot of golden beaches, wild moorland and charming fishing villages, dog-friendly North Devon is a haven for four-pawed explorers. The area is also known as ‘England’s Adventure Coast’; the region’s wide-open spaces are filled with opportunities for walkies, and you’ll never be far from some of the best dog-friendly Devon days out.

Our guide to the best dog-friendly attractions in North Devon highlights some of the top experiences you can share with your pack on your next Devon holiday.

From relaxing cruises to some of the most spectacular pup-friendly gardens, read on to discover the top places to visit in North Devon with dogs. Or you can discover even more inspiration for your next staycation in our complete guide to dog-friendly Devon or our ultimate UK guide to days out with the dog.

Saunton Sands Beach

Let’s begin with the dog-friendly beaches in North Devon. You’ll find some of the UK’s biggest and best expanses of sand here, and many of them allow four-legged sandcastle bombers all year round.

The 4-mile-long sweep of Saunton Sands is one of the best, welcoming those with wet noses and furry tails 365 days a year to doggy paddle in its turquoise waters.

Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway

The Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway is the steepest and highest water-powered railway in the world and has been shuttling tourists – and pups – between the two hilly towns since 1890.

One of the most unique things to do in North Devon with dogs, the Victorian carriages hoist you 500ft from the lower to the upper station, where you and your pack can enjoy a cream tea (and complimentary biscuits for Fido) at the dog-friendly Cliff Top Café while admiring the breathtaking views.

Broomhill Sculpture Gardens

Grab the lead and treat your tufty-pawed pal to a snuffle around one of the UK's most dog-friendly gardens. Nestled in a beautiful valley in Muddiford, Broomhill Sculpture Gardens are enveloped by hundreds of acres of woodland and bound by a babbling stream.

Follow the winding pathways to discover over 150 sculptures hidden within the colourful foliage, from established and emerging artists. As the works are for sale, the gardens are constantly evolving with something new to see each time you visit.

Arlington Court

If you and your historic hound are looking for dog-friendly National Trust properties, then Arlington Court in North Devon is sure to set tails wagging.

While puppers aren’t able to put their paws over the threshold of this stately home, they are more than welcome to sniff out the Carriage Museum, garden and the wider estate. Numerous walkies of varying lengths/difficulties are on offer throughout the vast grounds, through woodland and around dazzling Victorian gardens.

Quince Honey Farm

Anyone in your pack with a sweet tooth is sure to go barking mad for a trip to Quince Honey Farm. This family-run working honey farm is one of the top dog-friendly attractions in North Devon, allowing happy hounds everywhere except the children’s soft play area.

Watch Rover’s ears prick up as he experiences the interactive hides where he can watch millions of bees at work, safely behind glass – see if he can spot the queen bee! Treat him to a scamper around the sweetly scented Nectar Gardens, follow the colourful Meadow Trail, and let him join you at the Honey Factory which offers tasting sessions and other interactive activities.

Hartland Abbey and Gardens

Built in the 12^th century, the imposing Hartland Abbey survived as a monastery longer than any other in the country. It was bequeathed in 1539 by Henry VIII to the keeper of his wine cellar, whose descendants still live here today.

One of our favourite places to visit in North Devon with dogs, you can let your canine companion lead the way around the stately home’s 18^th-century walled and woodland gardens, padding across wide, open parkland where peacocks, donkeys, and black sheep wander, all the way to the rugged Atlantic cove at Blackpool Mill – the location for many notable films. 

The Milky Way Adventure Park

Who said theme parks were just for hoomans? The Milky Way Adventure Park goes the extra mile for furry thrillseekers, allowing them to accompany you around most of this exciting park.

Take on the 3,000-square-metre Milky Way Maze together and let your waggy-tailed woofer’s superior sense of smell guide you to the centre (and back out again!) and soak up the sea views as you chug through the grounds on the Milky Way Railway. There is so much to do here, you’ll soon see why this is one of the best dog-friendly days out in North Devon.

Clovelly

You might wonder why we’ve included a village in our list of the most dog-friendly places to visit in North Devon… but this is no ordinary village. Privately owned, Clovelly is simply bursting with olde-worlde charm, where the only traffic to speak of comes in the form of donkeys!

Your doggo will feel like they’ve stepped back in time as they climb Clovelly’s famous steep, cobbled street, lined by ancient fishermen’s cottages. A small admission fee provides entry to a visitor centre, Clovelly Court Gardens, a couple of museums, craft workshops, a pebbly dog-friendly beach, and a selection of eateries.

Ilfracombe Princess

Salty sea dogs will be in their element onboard the Ilfracombe Princess, a large catamaran which travels along the coast from Ilfracombe to Baggy Point or Combe Martin.

Taking in awe-inspiring scenery and iconic landmarks such as Brandy Cove, Breakneck Point, Bull Point Lighthouse, and Watermouth Castle, it’s a great way to appreciate the beauty of the North Devon coast from a different perspective. Best of all, you can spot seals, dolphins and nesting birds during your trip.

Map of dog-friendly attractions in North Devon

Locate the above days out for dogs in North Devon with our handy map.

Dog-friendly holidays in North Devon

With so many fun-filled things to do in North Devon for dogs, you’ll need somewhere close by where your faithful friend can rest their paws after a day of adventure. Click the button below to browse our collection of pet-friendly self-catering accommodation in North Devon.