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Dog-friendly beaches

There’s much for your furry friend to enjoy at the beach, from playing fetch to going for a swim. With Devon arguably having some of the most beautiful beaches in the UK, it is the perfect destination for any beach lover. In this post, we highlight some of the best dog-friendly beaches in both North and South Devon.


Dog-Friendly Beaches in North Devon


1. Saunton Sands

The beautiful Saunton Sands beach stretches for 3-miles and would be a perfect place for your pooch to go for a paddle or play fetch. This is an extremely dog-friendly beach with only one section where dogs aren’t permitted.

Restrictions: Some restrictions apply – sections of the beach are out of bounds or require leads.

Facilities: Cafe, beach shop, toilets and a car park.

Tide Times: www.surf-forecast.com


2. Woolacombe Beach

Woolacombe Sands

With a bustling seaside town including an array of shops, Woolacombe beach is extremely popular with surfers, families and dogs. Woolacombe Beach is commonly regarded as the best beach in the UK and it would be the perfect destination to spend the afternoon with your four-legged friend.

Restrictions: Some restrictions apply – sections of the beach are out of bounds or require leads.

Facilities: Cafe, beach shops, toilets and three car parks.

Tide Times: www.surf-forecast.com


3. Rockham Bay Beach

With dogs being permitted all year round, there is plenty for your dog to explore at this beach. From the sand and pebble beach to the rockpools, there’s plenty for your pooch to sniff and explore.

Restrictions: None.

Facilities: Parking nearby. The nearest village is about a 30-minute walk.

Tide Times: www.britishbeaches.info


Dog-Friendly Beaches in South Devon


1. Ness Cove Beach

Accessed via the ‘Smugglers Tunnel’, this secluded beach would be the ultimate destination for you and your pooch. The beach is believed to have been used by smugglers and it is commonly believed they built the tunnel, however, it is also suggested that the owners of the nearby ‘Ness House’ built the tunnel in the early 19th century for access to the beach. Either way, combined with the breathtaking beach, it does create an experience you won’t forget.

Restrictions: None.

Facilities: Toilets and two car parks nearby.

Tide Times: www.britishbeaches.info


2. Mill Bay Beach

Located on the east bank of Salcombe Harbour in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this privately owned beach offers a tranquil escape for both you and your dog. At low tides, there are a wealth of rock pools for your dog to explore and the beach stretches north to East Portlemouth Beach.

Restrictions: None.

Facilities: Toilets and car park nearby. Cafe and beach shop at East Portlemouth

Tide Times: www.metoffice.gov.uk


3. Salcombe North Sands Beach

North Sands, Salcombe

With a glamorous town and a beautiful golden beach, Salcombe offers plenty for those in search of a relaxing day out with their dog. While the beach is completely submerged during high tides, the bay results in calmer waters at low tides, perfect for sunbathing, a picnic or even a dip in the sea.

Restrictions: None.

Facilities: Cafe/restaurant, toilets and car park nearby.

Tide Times: www.tidetimes.org.uk


Did you know?

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As one of the most popular regions for UK dog-friendly beaches, Devon is the perfect place for a coastal cottage holiday. Take a look at our range of coast cottages in Devon.

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