A melting pot of rolling countryside, stunning coastline and charming towns and villages, Devon’s beautiful outdoor spaces make it a fantastic destination for a holiday with your dog. Take in breathtaking scenery on some of the best dog walks in Devon, head to one of the many dog-friendly beaches in Devon for strolls along the sand, and read on for some of the best dog-friendly attractions in Devon.
The best dog-friendly things to do in Devon range from thrilling family days out where your pup is welcome to join in the fun, to sedate and salubrious stately homes with grounds perfect for inquisitive hounds.
We’ve rounded up a top selection of fabulous places to visit in Devon with dogs, along with some of the highlights you can expect to enjoy. So put your best paw forward and head off to explore these dog-friendly Devon delights, or expand your horizons and take a look at our list of dog-friendly days out across the UK.
Dog-friendly cottages in Devon
Best dog-friendly things to do in North Devon
Quince Honey Farm
Enjoy a day of discovery at Quince Honey Farm, where you can watch the busy bees buzzing around the Nectar Gardens, explore the Honey Factory and learn all about these fascinating pollinators at one of the Beekeeping Demonstrations.
Dogs are welcome across the site, except in the soft play area.
Highlights
- Wandering through the Nectar Gardens and meadow trails
- Large outdoor play area for children to run off some energy
- Licensed restaurant selling home-cooked meals
Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway
Trundling up and down the steep slope between the towns of Lynton and Lynmouth, this famous funicular railway first opened in 1890 and is one of the most unique dog-friendly days out in North Devon. Fully powered by water, it’s a lovely thing to add to your itinerary when planning a day out exploring Lynton and Lynmouth.
Highlights
- The coastal views are stunning
- Lynmouth beach is dog-friendly year round
- Dog-friendly Cliff Top Café at the top of the railway serves delicious cream teas
Clovelly
The pretty, historic village of Clovelly tumbles steeply down to the sea, with quaint cottages lining a cobbled street where the only traffic to speak of comes in the form of donkeys which used to transport goods up and down.
Highlights
- The visitor centre, where you can learn about the history and visit the craft workshops and donkey stables
- A hearty lunch or dinner in the New Inn, or the Red Lion
- Exploring Clovelly Court Gardens, which is included in the entry price
Arlington Court
The National Trust’s impressive Arlington Court is a great option when on the hunt for days out with your dog in North Devon. Pups are welcome to accompany you in the Carriage Museum and throughout the grounds and formal gardens (but not in the house and tearoom).
Highlights
- Admire the stunning array of historic vehicles on display in the Carriage Museum
- Roam over 20 miles of scenic footpaths and explore the formal Victorian Garden
- Exciting woodland adventure play areas for kids and big kids!
Milky Way Adventure Park
Well-behaved dogs on leads can come along for some fun at one of North Devon’s favourite family attractions, the Milky Way Adventure Park. While they have to steer clear of carpeted play areas and the bird of prey centre, there are many areas to enjoy in the company of your pet.
Highlights
- Thrilling rides including rollercoasters, bumper cars, a railway and a ‘gravity rider’
- Get lost (and hopefully found again!) in the fun outdoor maze
- Discover the fascinating collection of sci-fi memorabilia
Dog-friendly cottages in North Devon
Best dog-friendly things to do in South Devon
Dartmouth Steam Railway
For the princely sum of £2, your canine companion can join you for a journey with the Dartmouth Steam Railway and River Boat Company. For the best of all worlds, why not opt for the ‘Round Robin’ ticket to combine steam train, boat and bus to take in Paignton, Dartmouth and Totnes?
Highlights
- Admire the beautiful coastline around Torbay and the River Dart from the water
- Cruise past the quaint riverside destinations of Dartmouth, Dittisham, Stoke Gabriel and Totnes
- Start and end anywhere, so enjoy a fish and chip lunch in Brixham, or a top-notch dinner in Torquay!
Powderham Castle
The entrance fee for pups is £1, and for that, they can wander with you through this majestic castle and its grounds. Take a tour of the castle, which is still a family home, and enjoy a romp around the elegant grounds and gardens, with the exception of the Deer Park and Walled Garden which are dog-free.
Highlights
- The splendid rooms display examples of Georgian, Rococo and Regency architecture
- The intimate Upstairs Tour gives a glimpse into the castle as a home, including a selection of family bedrooms
- Art and music, a food festival and car boot sales are just some of the events organised throughout the year
Bygones
The fascinating walk-through museum of Bygones is sure to be a hit with families and four-legged friends alike. The replica Victorian street scene is complete with shops, workshops, a nursery, a dentist and even a 27-ton steam engine. There are also plenty of sights and smells for your inquisitive pup to enjoy. This is arguably one of the most unique dog-friendly days out in South Devon.
Highlights
- A replica World War I trench brings history alive
- The huge steam train waiting at the platform for its wartime evacuee passengers to board is a sight to behold
- Seasonal activities for children, particularly the Victorian Christmas event, brings added excitement to an already captivating day out
Babbacombe Model Village
Step into the tiny world of Babbacombe Model Village, where pint-sized people and their dinky pets go about their business in a miniature landscape, complete with a mansion, teeny streets, factories, railways, and fantasy scenes. Dogs are allowed everywhere except inside the café, but outside seating is available.
Highlights
- Packed with humour, there are lots of fun puns and hilarious hijinks to spot in the land of tiny people
- The little scenes incorporate movement and sound, including a fire-breathing dragon, a man mowing the lawn and a house on fire
- Winter evening illuminations, seasonal events and a Where’s Wally trail add extra excitement
House of Marbles
Dogs are welcome in all parts of the House of Marbles, except the main restaurant, where they are only allowed in the garden and conservatory area. This unique attraction is packed full of interesting exhibits, including a huge marble run, a working glassworks, a museum and a shop brimming with vintage-inspired and traditional toys.
Highlights
- Press the buttons on the little marble runs and the large run over the stairs and watch the marbles tumble down
- Discover the history of marbles, including how they used to be made
- There’s lots of hidden fun, including animated animals, fairground mirrors and outdoor games
Dog-friendly cottages in South Devon
Best dog-friendly things to do in Mid Devon and Dartmoor
River Dart Country Park
The perfect choice for adventurous families and their pups, this dog-friendly attraction in the picturesque surroundings of Dartmoor has plenty to keep everyone occupied. With woodland adventure playgrounds, a pirate ship lake (bring wetsuits!), a treetop adventure course and 90 acres of parkland to explore, there’s no end of fun to be had at River Dart Country Park.
Highlights
- Taking a dip with the kids in the swimming lake, complete with pirate ship and water assault course!
- Play at being knights of the realm in the epic wooden play fort
- Take on the graded runs in the freeride bike park, designed and built by ex-pro BMXer Kye Forte
Canonteign Falls
Dogs on leads are welcome to enjoy the beautiful natural attraction that is Canonteign Falls. Take 90 steps up through ancient woodland to see the spectacular falls, admire the pretty fern gardens and wander around the seven lakes sprawling across the meadows.
Highlights
- Children will love the adventure playground with trampolines, galleon, zip wire and assault course
- The café is perfect for a pitstop to recharge your batteries
- Amongst the gardens are delights such as the living ‘green ship’, tiny hidden fairies, and even a willow T-rex, Terrence!
Devon Railway Centre
Train-loving dogs and their owners young and old will be excited to get stuck into the fun activities on offer at the Devon Railway Centre. A railway-themed soft play shed, model funfair, model village, indoor and outdoor play areas, and a miniature railway, not to mention the fantastic narrow gauge steam railway, will keep everyone entertained for hours.
Highlights
- A ride on the steam train is not to be missed
- Little visitors will love the selection of rides aimed at them, including ‘Drive your own Train’, the ‘Black Hole Orbiters’ and ‘Drive your own Car’
- Test your train knowledge in the museum housed inside a train carriage
Tamar Trails
25 kilometres of routes await your exploration at Tamar Trails, on the site of the old copper mines. Walking, cycling, running, canoeing, archery and even ‘tree-surfing’ can be experienced amongst the leafy surroundings of the Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Highlights
- While there are some areas where dogs must be kept on leads, there are also many places where they can run free!
- Stop for a bite to eat at the Beech Café before or after hitting the trails
- Hidden amongst the trails are a number of geocaches to hunt for – an exciting family activity
Dog-friendly cottages on Dartmoor
Best dog-friendly things to do in East Devon
Seaton Tramway
If you’re looking for dog-friendly places to visit in East Devon, Seaton Tramway makes for a lovely day out, combining history and heritage with all the fun of the seaside. Rumble through the tranquil scenery of the Axe Valley, spot wading birds in the nature reserves along the Axe Estuary, and stretch your legs with a walk afterwards along the dog-friendly beach at Seaton.
Highlights
- Special events such as the Christmas ‘Polar Express’ make the ride even more thrilling
- Hop on and off at Colyford or Colyton to take a wander with your four-pawed pal
- Besides the tram ride itself, the stunning £3 million Seaton Station is a sight to behold!
The Donkey Sanctuary
Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary is one of the most delightful dog-friendly attractions in East Devon. Meet the friendly resident donkeys and learn about how they came to live at the sanctuary.
Highlights
- Educate yourselves on donkeys and their welfare in the ‘Understanding Donkeys Zone’
- Fill up on delicious food in the wonderful on-site café
- Children will enjoy the play area and maze…and the gift shop, no doubt!
Pecorama
A lovely little dog-friendly place to visit in East Devon, set above the equally lovely village of Beer, Pecorama is a railway-themed family attraction. With a miniature light railway, four outdoor play areas and a walk with wonderful views, it’s a particular favourite amongst young families and their pups, whose entry fee is £1.
Highlights
- Listen to your voices echo as you chug through the long dark tunnel on board the miniature steam train
- Relax in the beautiful Millennium Gardens and Secret Garden
- Get back to nature at the Wildway, where there’s a zip wire, woodland walks, a bug hotel and a mini lake
Bicton Park Gardens
Dog entry tickets to Bicton Park Gardens cost £1, and for that, they can wander through the gardens with you, if you keep them on a short lead. While they are not allowed in the restaurant or play areas, there are several picnic areas and over 64 acres of outdoor space to enjoy. If you’re looking for relaxing and picturesque dog-friendly days out in East Devon, this one’s for you.
Highlights
- Admire the Palm House, made from over 18,000 panes of glass
- Walk amongst the stunning trees of the arboretum
- Hop on board the Bicton Woodland Railway to explore the park from a new angle
The Bear Trail
This novel attraction involves getting covered in mud from head to toe! The Bear Trail is an assault course with 30 challenging obstacles, including nets, a zip wire and tunnels. Visitors of all ages can take on the course, then clean up in the outdoor showers before tucking into a well-earned wood-fired pizza!
Highlights
- The opportunity to get muddy and not worry about it is liberating!
- The Bear Trail is fun for all ages – one of the most unique things to do in Devon with a dog!
- Special events throughout the year include ‘The Colour Bomb’, ‘Water Wipeout’ and ‘The Zombie Trail’
Cottages in East Devon
Planning a dog-friendly holiday in Devon?
With so many dog-friendly days out in Devon, and plenty of dog-friendly pubs to relax in at the end of your days out, it’s the perfect destination for a holiday with your pet.
Be inspired by our pick of the best dog-friendly cottages in Devon, or take a look at our entire collection of dog-friendly holiday cottages where you’ll find cosy retreats to suit you and your pack!
Dog-friendly cottages in Devon