Dog-friendly beaches in South Devon

Miles and miles of golden sand make Devon an attractive proposition for our canine companions – and it’s easy to see why: wide open spaces to run on, the wind whipping through their fur, perhaps enjoying a game of catch into the bargain. Brave pups might even enjoy a little doggy paddle before standing just close enough to soak you when they emerge from the water and shake themselves dry!

To make holidaying with your dog in Devon even easier, we’ve compiled a guide to which South Devon beaches welcome our canine companions all year round, and which ones operate dog-related restrictions. 

Once you’ve selected a few favourites, be sure to browse our South Devon cottages and sniff out the perfect base for your dog-friendly holiday.  

Skip to:

• The best dog-friendly beaches in South Devon
• Beaches in South Devon that are dog friendly all year round 
• Beaches in South Devon that are dog friendly with restrictions
• Map of dog-friendly beaches in South Devon

The best dog-friendly beaches in South Devon

These beaches welcome canine companions all year round, but some do have restrictions on which parts dogs can visit.

Beesands Beach

Beesands, near woof-welcoming Kingsbridge, is a mile-long slice of shingle-based heaven. With a backdrop of the village green and freshwater lake, there is plenty of flora and fauna to explore during a day at this particular seaside. Nods from the Blue Flag scheme and the Marine Conservation Society acknowledge Beesands’ credentials for safety and cleanliness. It’s a popular destination with people who enjoy a relaxing sunbathe as well as those who like getting on the water, as it’s a great spot for surfing, sailing and windsurfing. There is a free car park close by and the beach is served well by a shop and cafe.

East Portlemouth

Set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, East Portlemouth is perfect for getting away from it all. Three small, sandy beaches – Fisherman’s Cove, Smalls Cove and Mill Bay – provide plenty of opportunity to find a peaceful spot for a family day splashing in the shallows or investigating the rock pools created at low tide.  

Such blissful surroundings are also perfect for couples looking for a spot of relaxation. You can set up camp for the day – alternating between sunbathing and going for a dip in the inviting waters – with your canine companion by your side. Facilities nearby include parking, disabled access to the beach, WCs and a café. You can head across from Salcombe on the dog-friendly ferry. 

Ness Cove, Shaldon

Ness Cove is a real gem of the south coast, nestled on the outskirts of Shaldon. Exceptionally secluded, the beach is accessed via a smuggler’s tunnel and is backed by stunning red cliffs. It is primarily shingle but gets sandier closer to the water, and your pooch will have a lovely time exploring this unique location, which welcomes dogs all year round. You’ll find WCs at the entrance to the tunnel, with parking and a cafe close by.  

Salcombe North Sands

This is an inviting sandy beach surrounded by gorgeous scenery and within easy reach of all the facilities Salcombe has to offer. It’s renowned as one of the most dog-friendly beaches in Devon, and best visited at low tide when Fido can run the whole length of the golden shore and splash around in the shallows. The ruins of the imposing Fort Charles provide an impressive backdrop to your day of seaside fun. 

You’ll find plenty of parking, WCs, and a café right on hand so you can sit back and relax while taking in the fabulous views across the Kingsbridge Estuary. Sound heavenly? Then paw through our pet-friendly cottages in Salcombe for a place to stay nearby.

Slapton Sands/Torcross Beach

This picturesque, pebbly expanse is a 3-mile, dog-friendly delight. It’s a popular spot with water sports enthusiasts due to the calm nature of the sea in this area; we’re sure it won’t be long before you and your canine companion are getting those feet and paws wet! The beach is backed by Slapton Ley Nature Reserve, a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) which is the largest natural lake in South West England and, despite its proximity to the sea, freshwater.

Torcross Beach is at the southern end of Slapton Sands and is popular with swimmers, kayakers and paddleboarders. Seals and dolphins have also been spotted making the most of this attractive spot. There are plenty of waterfront eateries to choose from, where you can feast on fish and chips or grab a coffee, parking is plentiful and there are public WCs at the Torcross end of the beach. The South West Coast Path also runs through here, offering even more exciting dog-walking opportunities. 

Exmouth

As dog-friendly beaches go, Exmouth is the ideal spot for traditional family seaside fun with the pooch in tow. Build sandcastles, enjoy a picnic or just sit back with a book and watch the world go by. Dogs are welcome on the two ends of the beach throughout the year, but not allowed in the centre section from 1 May to 30 September. That still leaves plenty of space for walks along the shoreline with your favourite furry pal. 

Exmouth has much to offer both on land and in the water; the beach attracts kayakers, kite surfers and stand-up paddleboarders as well as swimmers. Take a stroll along the promenade and take it all in while your happy hound trots alongside. There are public WCs dotted along the seafront, as well as three large public car parks and an abundance of ice cream and refreshment outlets close to the beach.

Teignmouth

When looking for dog-friendly beaches in South Devon, this lovely seaside resort gives you two options. Teignmouth Town is a long, sandy beach stretching from the mouth of the River Teign towards Holcombe. You’ll find good parking and public WCs including showers here, and being so close to town, there is no shortage of tasty options for lunch and snacks. Town Beach welcomes pets all year round on the section from Eastcliff Slipway to Holcombe, but seasonal restrictions apply between the slipway and lighthouse. 

Teignmouth Back Beach, also known as River Beach, is open to doggos all year round. It’s on the River Teign side of Teignmouth, with breathtaking views stretching up the river towards Dartmoor. Spending time in this glorious sandy bay is great for recharging the batteries. Canine companions will be enchanted by the sights and sounds surrounding them – boats, beach huts, fishermen busy at work, and plenty of dog-loving people to make friends with. In addition, you can take the ferry from here to Shaldon – dogs are welcome on board free of charge. The beach is served by WCs and refreshment kiosks. Well worth investigating while staying in one of our Teignmouth cottages.

Thurlestone

Head to Thurlestone Beach when you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the sun-seeking summer crowds. Four-legged friends are welcome right through the year, so you could enjoy the wonderful setting during an out-of-season break. And being part of an Area of Oustanding Natural Beauty, Thurlestone doesn’t disappoint on the ‘wow factor’ front. 

Facilities are limited, but the neighbouring South Milton Sands has more to offer in this respect. Access to the beach is down a single-track lane for the last 2.5 miles and there are plenty of car parks. Our dog-friendly cottages in Thurlestone are great as a base for exploring the area’s beaches.

South Milton

Sat next to Thurlestone is the fabulous South Milton Sands, a wise choice for pet-friendly days at the seaside. As well as being in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the beach has been recognised by the Marine Conservation Society for its clean waters and the wetlands behind it are a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest. Seals and dolphins are regular visitors; the wetlands are a prime spot for sightings of migrating birds and rare butterflies. 

An intriguing feature of this beach is Thurlestone Rock, an iconic rock archway jutting out from the clear waters just off the beach. When you’re feeling peckish, the Beachhouse Café is a dog-friendly destination just metres from the sand. Parking and WCs are also within easy reach, with a note of caution that the National Trust car park can get very busy at peak times so you may need to use other parking nearby. 

Sugary Cove

One of the dog-friendly beaches near Dartmouth, this remote and peaceful beach lies at the mouth of the River Dart; it’s about a mile south of the dog-friendly town of Dartmouth. Canines can visit throughout the year. Its beauty lies in its seclusion, as it’s screened by trees until you’re right on top of it. It’s worth checking the tide times before visiting, as the beach disappears at high tide. 

Parking, WCs and a café can be found at Dartmouth Castle, around 100 metres from the beach. If you’ve packed a picnic, there is a grassy area with benches halfway down the footpath. Access to Sugary Cove from the castle is via a steep path with steps, so isn’t ideal for pushchairs or those with limited mobility. Booking one of our dog-friendly Dartmouth holiday homes, however, couldn’t be easier – just click the link to paw through the collection.

Fishcombe Cove

This serene cove is one of the dog-friendly beaches close to the charming coastal town of Brixham. Sheltered by tall cliffs and wooded hillsides, it’s a tranquil, dog-friendly haven. Nothing disturbs the peace except for passing boats and yachts and the occasional curious seal. Due to being so protected by its surroundings, it’s a safe place for swimming. 

The nearest car park is a slight distance away in Brixham and access to the beach is via a steep path which passes through mature woodland or down steps from Battery Gardens. A seasonal beach hut café keeps visitors refreshed without having to trek back into town for a bite to eat or to find WCs. Intrigued by this beautiful cove? Then browse our pet-friendly accommodation in Brixham and start planning that trip.

Babbacombe Beach

This must-visit beach is close to the dog-friendly destination of Torquay. It’s one of our favourite dog-friendly beaches in Torbay, with dogs welcome all year round. Spend a day on this sensational, shingled shoreline and your four-legged friend will have plenty to woof about. Looming above the beach are spectacular wooded cliffs, an awe-inspiring backdrop to any beach-based adventure. It’s a popular spot for beach bunnies, divers and fishing fans, as well as weekend sailors. 

You can walk down to the beach or there is a car park just above it, with a promenade that is level – and very pleasant to stroll along. A café and WCs are close at hand. Fido might also be interested in a stroll along Babbacombe Downs – the highest cliff-top promenade in England, which offers amazing views out to sea. All of this and more await when you book one of our dog-friendly cottages in Torquay.

Beaches in South Devon that are dog friendly all year round

As you can see from the selection above, there is no shortage of dog-friendly beaches in South Devon. Whether you’re looking for a secluded cove or a sandy haven close to the local amenities, here’s a comprehensive list of those beaches in South Devon that allow dogs from January to December, without restrictions. 

Beaches in South Devon that are dog friendly with restrictions

Everyone loves a beach holiday, so some beaches restrict which areas dogs are allowed to roam, and at what times of the year they can get their paws sandy, to keep all beach-goers happy. We’ve listed which South Devon dog-friendly beaches carry such restrictions so you can plan your visit accordingly. 

Map of dog-friendly beaches in South Devon

This map shows all the dog-friendly beaches in South Devon, with green paws indicating which beaches allow dogs all year round and orange paws indicating which beaches have restrictions. Whether you're looking for dog-friendly beaches near Plymouth or dog-friendly beaches in Paignton and Torbay, you'll find them on this map.

Holiday cottages in South Devon

Devon truly has a fantastic selection of dog-friendly beaches. In fact, the UK as a whole enjoys some great locations for long, paw-approved walks and doggy paddles, some of which are featured in this handy guide to the UK’s pet-friendly beaches. If you decide on South Devon as your dream doggy destination, then we’ve got pet-friendly accommodation to suit all tastes and requirements. Just click the button below to see the whole collection.