Love your dog? Love holidays in Devon? You’re in luck, as that’s what we do. We don’t like to bark about it, but we have a wonderful selection of dog-friendly accommodation in the South West, all handpicked by our expert team where dogs aren't just accepted, they are warmly welcomed.
Devon is known for its phenomenal coastline and has plenty of top dog-friendly beaches where your canine companion can roam, splash through waves and dig in the sand. But suppose you’d prefer a jaunt through the countryside? In that case, endless dog-friendly walks can be found in Devon with forests to explore, city trails to wander and the renowned Tarka Trail to follow, while there are also great dog-friendly attractions in Devon for you to visit. And when you’re ready to hunt down food, there are plenty of excellent places to eat in Devon.
Your canine companion is more than welcome at the excellent dog-friendly cottages in Devon on this list, so take the chance to race down to the scenic South West for a well-deserved break. Let us lead you to a wonderful paw-friendly escape.
The Granary, Ilfracombe
Sleeps 5 dogs and 6 humans
One of our five-dog properties, the on-site craft activities for teens make The Granary a real treasure and a wonderful choice for families, while this cottage’s proximity to Exmoor National Park makes it a top dog getaway for long walks on and off the lead.
Why guests love it:
"What an absolutely gorgeous cottage set in idyllic surroundings. Very close to Ilfracombe and surrounded by wonderful countryside." - Peter
What’s nearby?
- The beach: Saunton Sands, 12 miles away, is a real draw for dogs and their puppy parents.
- The pub: Dine at nearby Crown Inn (2.5 miles away).
- Something to do: Head straight to the stunning moors for dog-friendly walking trails.
Beach End, Dartmouth
Sleeps 3 dogs and 12 humans
Beach End's incredible location is right on the waterfront looking out over the River Dart. This is one of our five-star luxury cottages and is a real treat for families and groups heading down to South Devon for a dog-friendly holiday.
Why guests love it:
"This is a unique experience to stay here and the property has fantastic views. It is extra special as dogs are welcomed and allowed. The cottage is well set up and is a great place to stay. I would thoroughly recommend it as a special place to stay. Dittisham is beautiful too." - Emma
What’s nearby?
- The beach: Dog-friendly Slapton Sands is a wonderful shingle beach 10 miles away, with intriguing WWII heritage and Slapton Ley Nature Reserve behind the sandy shorefront.
- The pub: The Ferry Boat Inn (or FBI as locals call it) is a cosy community pub just down the road from this holiday property.
- Something to do: National Trust Greenway (12 miles away) was once the holiday home of Agatha Christie and her family, where dogs are welcome in the woodland, walled gardens and cafe - there are even dog treats to be found on occasion and bowls of water.
Instow Breakers, Instow
Sleeps 3 dogs and 6 humans
The beachfront location, of course! And said beach is dog friendly, so it’s only a matter of opening the door of Instow Breakers, crossing the street and you are on Instow Beach. This two-storey terrace also has excellent views of the sand, sea and Appledore beyond - a quaint village that sits just across the estuary. You're also just steps from a couple of great pubs.
Why guests love it:
"A very comfortable and welcoming cottage, perfect for a family holiday with the children and dogs. Amazing location with beautiful views over the estuary." - Charlie
What’s nearby?
- The beach: Dog-friendly Instow Beach – a favourite among local canines and their puppy parents.
- The pub: Both the Instow Arms and The Boathouse, two pubs sat right next to each other behind Instow Beach, are dog friendly so take your pick!
- Something to do: The family who once owned Arlington Court was a family of dog lovers, and today the National Trust welcome dogs into the carriage museum, grounds and formal gardens at this attraction, 15 miles away.
Sandy Lane, Ilfracombe
Sleeps 3 dogs and 4 humans
Sandy Lane sits directly on Ilfracombe Quay and is less than 50 steps from the beach. A rooftop balcony provides wonderful views over the harbour, especially at sunset. And the restaurants, pubs and shops of the town are right on the doorstep, so everything is at hand.
Why guests love it:
“We had a lovely stay at Sandy Lane. The house was well equipped and suited our needs. It's in a beautiful location with some great walks, fab beaches and excellent pubs and restaurants close by. A lovely bottle of wine welcomed us, and the basket containing a towel and throw for the dog was a lovely touch. Would highly recommend.” – Denise
What’s nearby?
- The beach: Dog-friendly Wildersmouth Beach is only small but it’s right in the centre of Ilfracombe so you can pop into a dog-friendly café afterwards. Hele Bay is also dog friendly and a quieter choice.
- The pub: Dine with your dog by your side at Hele Bay Pub.
- Something to do: Walk along beautiful Ilfracombe Harbour to see the boats come and go - a lovely thing to do during a relaxed pet-friendly holiday.
Ebb Tide Cottage, Appledore
Sleeps 3 dogs and 5 humans
Across the estuary from Instow, Ebb Tide Cottage in Appledore has breathtaking sea views from the upstairs bedroom and a wood burner down in the lounge for tired humans and canines alike to warm their paws at the end of a busy day.
Why guests love it:
"Lovely cottage with everything we needed in a home away from home, and the fully enclosed yard was great for letting the dogs outside without worry. Great location with easy access to shops, restaurants and pubs. Also, an excellent base for exploring the North Devon coast, with very helpful hosts, we really enjoyed our week-long stay and would thoroughly recommend." - Madeleine
What’s nearby?
- The beach: Westward Ho! Beach is just 3 miles away and is one of the most popular in the area due to the traditional seaside feel with shops and arcades situated just behind. Parts of the beach are dog-friendly year-round so check restrictions before you go.
- The pub: The Royal George in Appledore is a beautiful pub which welcomes dogs downstairs and its location affords fantastic views over the water.
- Something to do: Clovelly is 14 miles from Appledore and this iconic coastal village, with its steep cobbled streets and boutique shops, is a great choice for those with four paws to explore.
The Garden Apartment, Brixham
Sleeps 2 dogs and 2 humans
Inside, The Garden Apartment is light and bright with a conservatory and big windows, while outside there's a wonderful patio space with a view across the rooftops of this quaint and characterful coastal town.
Why guests love it:
"The cottage is placed perfectly for a stay and was a 5-minute walk to the main harbour, and there was one pub that was only a 2-minute walk away, set amongst the cottages. We had a lovely outside area and a beautiful conservatory for our stay." - Claire
What’s nearby?
- The beach: St Mary's Bay is a sand and shingle beach that welcomes dogs year-round and is just 1.5 miles from this holiday apartment.
- The pub: As it's less than half a mile to Brixham Harbour, you are surrounded by shops and pubs so try a few during your stay. The Blue Anchor has live music while the Old Market House is a delightful pub right by the harbourfront - watch the boats come and go from the outdoor seating.
- Something to do: Head out to Berry Head, a coastal headland that's great for walking the dog - there's a cafe you could stop by for a bite to eat and breathtaking views.
Hilltown Farm - Rooks Nest, South Molton
Sleeps 4 dogs and 6 humans
The fantastic on-site amenities! Hilltown Farm - Rooks Nest is a great place for families, with a shared children’s play area - great for letting little ones burn off steam - and a hot tub where the grown-ups can enjoy a long soak during the evenings.
Why guests love it:
"Omg, we couldn’t have asked for a nicer place to stay! The owners went above and beyond to give us such an amazing time away! I would recommend Rooks Nest to everyone and we will definitely be going back." - Rebecca
What’s nearby?
- The beach: The closest are those at Lynton and Lynmouth (20 miles away) but for exciting outdoor adventures locally, we’d recommend heading to the breathtaking Exmoor National Park, just 5 miles away.
- The pub: The Coaching Inn is a delightful dog-friendly pub in the centre of South Molton.
- Something to do: Follow the North Molton Circular trail for a dog walk that includes an open moor and great views.
Fairways, Appledore
Sleeps 2 dogs and 8 humans
There’s a private hot tub, the decor is stunning, a floor-to-ceiling window offers a fantastic view of the ocean and you’re close to lots of top North Devon attractions – what’s not to love about Fairways?
Why guests love it:
"Lovely long weekend with friends in a lovely property. Ample space for the seven of us: beds comfy and spacious rooms. Table tennis was a fun added touch! Relaxing hot tub, great views across to the sea and a short walk to Appledore. Nice touch with the prosecco and scones; thank you. Would definitely recommend and would stay again." - Nicki
What’s nearby?
- The beach: Popular with locals, Instow Beach is just 5 miles away from Appledore, while Saunton Sands is 18 miles and one of the most dog-friendly beaches in North Devon, hosting the annual Paws on the Beach event for pups.
- The pub: The Beaver Inn in Appledore is friendly and is just a mile from this sea-view holiday cottage.
- Something to do: From Appledore, head to Northam Burrows Country Park (2 miles away), a grassy plain and marsh right by Westward Ho! Beach, where there are ponies and sheep. The beach is dog friendly during the winter but has restrictions during the summer.
Waves End, Torquay
Sleeps 2 dogs and 8 humans
Waves End is warm and welcoming and in an excellent area for those on holiday. Torquay has been a popular holiday destination for centuries and this cottage offers the perfect base.
Why guests love it:
"Excellent location, lovely house with all amenities. Dog friendly and close to the clifftop walk and beach. Highly recommend and will definitely return again." - Karen
What’s nearby?
- The beach: Nearby Beacon Cove and Livermead Sands both welcome dogs all year round and there’s a dog exercise area on Torre Abbey Meadows.
- The pub: Just 2.5 miles away, The Devon Dumpling is a cosy pub for you to take the whole family including the dog.
- Something to do: Holidays with dogs don’t have to be restricted to only outdoor activities. Bygones is an intriguing museum 2 miles from the cottage with a recreated Victorian street, model railway and replica wartime trench; full of curiosities, it’s a top dog place for you to visit with your canine companion in tow.
Millbrook At Bicclescombe, Ilfracombe
Sleeps 2 dogs and 2 humans
The glass bi-fold doors, a balcony with a BBQ and breathtaking views create an idyllic space for a chilled morning coffee with the dog by your feet, or evening BBQs cooking up enough for you and the lucky pup at Millbrook At Bicclescombe.
Why guests love it:
"Perfect location overlooking the park, and woodland walks are only 5 minutes away. The dog loved it as much as we did." - Sarah
What’s nearby?
- The beach: Pretty sand and shingle Wildersmouth Beach is a great place for getting sandy paws.
- The pub: Dine out at The Wellington Arms in Ilfracombe with the dog snoozing at your feet.
- Something to do: The Tunnels - dogs are welcome in the Tunnels on a lead but aren’t allowed on the beaches.
The Art House - West Ridge, Tiverton
Sleeps 2 dogs and 4 humans
The Art House in North Devon has a hot tub, roll-top bath in the bedrooms and a remarkable view across the hillside too. Sit back each evening with the dogs at your feet and gaze out at the night sky alongside relaxing with a film.
Why guests love it:
"A bright, light, colourful retreat far from the madding crowd. Very comfortable and quiet with wonderful views. Great hosts. Hope to return again - thank you." - Samantha
What’s nearby?
- The beach: Tiverton is right in the centre of rural Devon so you can head north or south. Sidmouth Beach is one of the closest with dog-friendly sections, 31 miles away.
- The pub: The wonderful pup-friendly pub, The Cadeleigh Arms, is 3 miles from the cottage.
- Something to do: Tiverton Museum Of Mid Devon (5 miles) is a wonderful, intriguing place to visit with the dog in tow.
Dog-friendly holidays in Devon
Devon is a fantastic county for dogs and their owners to enjoy a welcome break either by the sea or in the peaceful countryside. Discover many wonderful walks, pet-friendly pubs and attractions that allow four-legged friends to join their owners on the adventure.
If you’re ready to book an amazing South West break for you, your family and your dog, and want more inspiration, keep browsing our collection of dog-friendly holiday cottages in Devon.
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.