Are you in search of the perfect dog friendly getaway? Look no further, as Woolacombe, nestled in South West England, boasts rolling hills, a charming village, picturesque trails and sweeping golden beaches, making it an ideal destination for a dog friendly holiday in all seasons. Here we share our tried and tested guide to the best dog friendly beaches and places to visit guaranteed to keep tails wagging!
Dog friendly beaches in North Devon
You’ll find some of the UK’s biggest and best beaches in North Devon most of which allow four legged pups all year round.
Does Woolacombe Beach allow dogs all year round? Although certain areas are restricted during the summer months, yes, it does! Within easy walking distance of No. 9 Putsborough, the award-winning beach stretches for 3 miles, meaning plenty of space for fun filled games of fetch and whatever the season your pooch can experience the sand beneath their paws. The dog friendly beaches of Putsborough, Barricane and Combesgate are all within easy walking distance of No. 9 Putsborough too!
To top it off, there is a selection of dog friendly eateries and cafes including The Porthole Woolacombe, just above Woolacombe dunes (we can recommend their orange cinnamon buns!), and, if you’re a fan of beachside dining, you must try the Beach House Woolacombe where you and your four legged friend can unwind.
Another dog friendly beach within easy reach of Woolacombe is the 4 mile sweep of Saunton Sands and welcomes waggy tails all year round. There’s a zoning system which means that you need to keep your pup on its lead for the first 5 minutes of your walk after which point there’s a 3.5 miles of free run sand. The shallow waters are perfect for doggy paddles too!
A further dog friendly beach (and a bit of a hidden gem, shhh!) is Crow Point which lies on the furthest edge of Braunton Burrows, all of which is part of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, a site of special scientific interest and a Special Area of Conservation. It’s a beautiful location with amazing views, a golden sandy beach and clear blue waters and is dog friendly all year round. As it’s a lot quieter than other beaches in the area it’s perfect for reactive dogs providing a safe environment for your pooch to feel untroubled in. Pick up a coffee at the dog friendly The Quay Cafe before your walkies!
Walk from Woolacombe to Potters Hill
Grab the lead and treat your dog to a jaunt along a slice of the South West Coast path right on our doorstep.
This easy circular route is well worth a brief huff and puff for brilliant views of Morte Point and Woolacombe, along with an abundance of coastal flora and fauna and not forgetting sightings of the wild Exmoor ponies.
Start at Marine Drive car park hut, grid ref SS458433 and walk up the grassy bank and through a field gate and follow the footpath up hill, signed by a finger post saying Public Footpath. Continue up the hill as the path winds its way around Potters Hill.
Bear left at the first waymark you reach. When you reach the second waymark, head straight on, continuing on up to Woolacombe Down. Go through the bridlegate and follow the track up, passing a bench with fantastic views over to Baggy Point and Hartland.
Continue along this track until you reach another field gate. Go through the gate and head down hill. Take the footpath to the right, waymarked to Marine Drive. When you reach Marine Drive go left for 20 metres then take the footpath down into the dunes on your right.
When you reach the dunes follow the South West Coast Path signs to the right. Where the path forks, take the right hand fork which will take you through the dunes and back to your starting point.
Get the full walking trail here.
Tapeley Park: a historic treasure
Tapeley Park, home to the Christie family for two centuries, is a Grade II stately residence encompassed by acres of parkland including Italianate terraced gardens, lakes and woodlands. Dogs are permitted to pad their way across the wide open parkland where Scottish Highland cows wander and enjoy the sweeping views all the way across the Torridge Estuary to Lundy Island. There’s also the cute onsite Tearooms at Tapeley Park serving cream teas, Devon style of course (cream first then jam!) amongst other treats.
Marwood Hill Gardens
One of our favourite dog friendly places to visit in North Devon is Marwood Hill Gardens; you can let your canine companion lead the way round this magical 20 acre private garden featuring three lakes set in a tucked away valley. Created in the late 1950s the gardens are a haven of plants, shrubs and trees and after a peaceful stroll head to the charming tea room for tea and scones with the loveliest of views.
Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway
This cliff railway harks back to a bygone era connecting the picturesque towns of Lynton and Lynmouth and is the highest water powered funicular railway in the UK. At 862 feet high, it has stunning views of the bay below. Dogs are welcome on a lead and are required to stay inside the carriage for the ride.
Where to stay: dog friendly accommodation in North Devon
When planning your dog friendly holiday, it’s essential to find suitable accommodation that is both stylish and dog friendly. No. 9 Putsborough with its epic coastal location, is both super comfortable and well equipped with dog friendly amenities. You can feel rest assured that you and your furry friend(s) will be right at home!
Book your escape to No.9 Putsborough.
