After a day out exploring North Devon’s famed coastline, exploring the trails and paths of mystical Dartmoor, or soaking up the sun on the beaches along the southern coast, you and your canine companion will be in need of a delicious meal and place to rest up. Finding somewhere on holiday to grab a bite to eat with your canine companion isn't always straightforward, so we've put this list together of some great dog-friendly pubs, cafés and restaurants to make sure you and Fido can enjoy a snack after a day's explorations.
We’ve included holiday homes and cottages nearby each eatery to ensure you have an easy and relaxed retreat. Take a look at our full collection of cottages in Devon.
From sitting out in the beer garden for a light lunch in the sun to cosying up by a warming wood burner while enjoying your Sunday roast, you’ll no doubt find a dog-friendly restaurant that’ll suit you and keep the doggo happy as well.
Best dog-friendly places to eat after a day on the beach
A self-proclaimed pub full of character and with a lively atmosphere, The Thatch is a favourite with locals and a great place to chill out during your evenings in North Devon. Listen to live music or simply share a few beers outside on a warm evening. There are seasonal bans on Croyde beach, but parts of nearby Saunton Sands is dog-friendly year-round.
Where to stay:
Leadengate Fields sleeps 1 dog and 4 humans
This rustic old-world dog-friendly pub is situated in the heart of Slapton village, close to Slapton Ley National Nature Reserve and beach. Spend the day down on Slapton Sands where pups are welcome year-round, learn about the tragic history of the area and stretch your legs on a walk before heading to the pub for a well-earned dinner.
Where to stay:
Curlew At Cotmore, sleeps 2 dogs and 6 humans (4 miles)
A stylish dog-friendly gastropub a couple of miles from sandy Westward Ho! beach where dogs are allowed on parts of the beach all year (check restrictions). With seafront arcades and ice cream vans, Westward Ho! has plenty to entertain while The Pig on the Hill offers hearty food and a cosy environment as well as some great outdoor space - the perfect place for you and the pup to relax after a day at the seaside.
Where to stay:
Bay View - Westward Ho!, sleeps 2 dogs and 8 humans (1 mile away)
Set on South Milton Sands, a dog-friendly sandy stretch of beach managed by the National Trust, this stylish café is a great beachfront spot to grab a light lunch or dinner with the dog by your side. Next door you can find Hope Cove - a village with two more beaches - one of which welcomes dogs year-round. You can get fresh seafood, a burger or tea and cake at this place. Why not stop by after a day out in the sunshine or a windy beach walk.
Where to stay:
West Delvers, sleeps 2 dogs and 4 humans (4-mile drive or 1-mile walk)
We love Croyde! Another local favourite, this food van is owned and run by George Biffen and his 'partner in crime' - a Weimaraner called Faith. They selling delicious hearty food using locally-sourced ingredients, grab yourself a tasty meal and enjoy it while overlooking the seafront. It's a great place to grab a snack after a long coastal walk or time spent out on the water working up an appetite.
Where to stay:
Dunes at West Croyde, sleeps 3 dogs and 8 humans (1 miles)
Discover top dog walks by the sea in our list of Devon’s dog-friendly beaches.
Best dog-friendly places to eat after a country walk
An award-winning pub currently holding 2AA Rosettes for culinary excellence, set in the beautiful dog-walking territory of Dartmoor National Park. Discover the pristine moorland on a windy walk or during a hot summer’s day before retreating into this exquisite pub.
Where to stay:
Haytor Vale Lodge, sleeps 2 dogs and 4 humans (less than a mile from the pub)
A delightful country pub set amongst scenic Devon farmland, they do warming homecooked meals including an award-winning Sunday roast. Danes Woods is 7 miles away; take the dogs for a country walk in this National Trust forest before or after your meal.
Where to stay:
Little Colebrooke, sleeps 2 dogs and 6 humans (1.5 miles)
A homely atmosphere in the heart of Dartmoor offers wonderful food in beautiful surroundings. After walking along one of the many trails throughout Dartmoor, sit outside in the beer garden to make the most of the scenery or huddle up inside in the warm and cosy pub.
Widecombe Longhouse, sleeps 3 dogs and 6 humans (3 miles away)
Best dog-friendly places to eat which are great for families
A stylish pub located in pretty surroundings which is great for families as it’s located on a cycle path. Enjoy a day cycling through Devon or aboard a boat trip from Exeter Quay before settling down to dinner in this dog-friendly establishment. They even hold fun events throughout the year.
Where to stay:
Highfield Topsham, sleeps 1 dogs and 6 humans
Welcoming canines and ‘free range children’ this is a great stop for families. They have a kids menu, a beer garden where you can sit in the sun, as well as having regular live music so look out for upcoming events. Afterwards, take a stroll along Ilfracombe Quay.
Where to stay:
Sea Foam House, 2 dogs and 8 humans (120 metres from this bar grill)
A family-run and family-friendly restaurant right in the centre of Paignton perfect for families and their pet dog on an outing in this coastal town. Take the kids and doggos for a delicious family dinner together at this cosy restaurant.
Where to stay:
Blue Horizons, sleeps 2 dogs and 8 humans (3 miles)
Fantastic for families with dogs! Although pups are only allowed in the bar area, you are welcome to eat there, and the kids can head to the play area to burn off some steam before dinner. Enjoy a delicious Sunday roast or pub lunch at this terrific eatery.
Where to stay:
Eddystone View, sleeps 2 dogs and 8 humans (0.5 miles away)
Best dog-friendly places to eat with multiple dogs
A classic, traditional old pub in the heart of Berrynarbor serving families and dogs. Head here for the cosy atmosphere; it's a great spot to hide out with the doggos on a chilly winter day or sit out in the beer garden during the warm summer months.
Where to stay:
The Granary, sleeps 5 dogs and 6 humans (5 miles away)
Set on Brixham’s headland called Berry Head, this is a fantastic place to explore with lots of pups in tow. It is an award-winning café that welcomes dogs and has wonderful views and lots of outdoor space in the beer garden for the dog to lounge about.
Where to stay:
Little Cobden, sleeps 3 dogs and 6 humans (1.5 miles away)
A beautiful restaurant in the heart of North Devon, it welcomes canines although it’s recommended you book ahead for a table at this stylish establishment. Retreat here with the pack for a dog-friendly dining experience and delicious homely meals.
Where to stay:
Lazy Acres, sleeps 1 dog and 4 humans (2 miles away)
Best dog-friendly places to eat for romantic dining with the canine in tow
A great place for food, but what this venue really prides itself on is the live music that takes place here. Enjoy listening and dining in a lively atmosphere, then stay for a few drinks as the music continues late into the night.
Where to stay:
Little Cobden, sleeps 2 dogs and 2 humans (150 metres from the pub)
A friendly atmosphere greets you at this eclectic café at the top of Bideford high street. Take the canine companion inside for a bite to eat and enjoy a relaxed big breakfast or lunch before heading out again to continue exploring Bideford and North Devon.
Where to stay:
Quay Loft, sleeps 2 dogs and 10 humans (less than a mile away)
Step inside this stylish independent eatery for creative and tasty dishes. Dogs are welcome in the bar and garden so you could dine outside on a sunny day or cosy up in the bar area with the pup for a romantic meal with your partner.
Where to stay:
Sunseekers Marina View, sleeps 1 dog and 4 humans (5 miles)
Best dog-friendly places to eat for big groups of humans
Warm, cosy, welcoming: everything a country pub should be. Huddle up in here with all your mates for a traditional pub lunch or delicious dinner with the group. It’s great for family reunions or gatherings of friends in the beautiful Devon countryside.
Where to stay:
Court Barton Farm, sleeps 2 dogs and 6 humans (4 miles away)
A waterside dog-friendly pub next to Blackaller Weir and the Millstone footbridge, it’s a tranquil spot for a bite to eat with the dog by your side before heading out for an after-dinner walk along the river.
Where to stay:
Highfield Topsham, sleeps 1 dog and 6 humans (4 miles away)
Part of Mitch Tonk’s acclaimed chain of seafood eateries in the South West, Rockfish offers a relaxed and chilled atmosphere with reasonably priced food. Invite a big group of family and friends to join you for a special celebration or get-together at this coastal restaurant.
Where to stay:
Hesketh Mews - Starboard, sleeps 1 dog and 6 humans (less than a mile from this restaurant)
This fantastic waterfront location offers extensive views of the ocean and Westward Ho! beach below. It’s a great place for big groups to get-together with space for dogs indoors and also a good choice for families looking for somewhere accommodating to eat. Enjoy a delicious Sunday roast but book ahead as its a very popular place!
Where to stay:
Stafford House, sleeps 2 dogs and 12 humans (1 mile away)
Devon is overflowing with great dining opportunities, from warm and welcoming dog-friendly pubs hidden on Dartmoor to coastal cafes and stylish restaurants where pups are allowed to stay and cosy up at your feet while you dine.
Where will you wind up during your next holiday? If you haven’t booked your South West escape yet, browse through our holiday cottages in Devon and pick out your perfect retreat.
To find out more about this fantastic county, head over to our Devon guide to discover the best attractions, walks and cottages in the region.
For even more great places to chow down with your pooch, why not go out for a dog's dinner at the UK's most dog-friendly pubs or the UK's most dog-friendly cafes?
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.