Great dog-friendly pubs in Devon

Planning on a holiday with your four-legged friend?

Once you've found your perfect dog-friendly cottage in Devon, you'll need to find the best pubs nearby that will welcome your pooch.

From the best pub gardens and watering holes for the historic hound, to the finest food and ales in the county, take a look at our guide to discover some of the best dog-friendly pubs in Devon.

Dog-friendly cottages

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• North Devon 
• South Devon
• Mid Devon & Dartmoor

Dog-friendly pubs in North Devon

The Jack Russell, Swimbridge

The Jack Russell, located in the beautiful village of Swimbridge just outside Barnstaple, offers some of the finest quality food and drink in North Devon. Go for the local ales and ciders; stay for the steaks, sandwiches and pub classics, not forgetting the annual Halloween cider festival which is a hit with holidaymakers and locals alike. Your four-legged friend is welcome in all areas apart from the restaurant, which means you can enjoy a fine Sunday lunch or evening meal in the bar, and your pooch need not leave your side. Plus, if you’re a dog lover, you absolutely MUST visit this village, as it’s where the first Jack Russell terrier was bred by the Rev. John ‘Jack’ Russell – and how the pub got its name! 

The Pig On The Hill, Westward Ho!

The Pig on the Hill in Westward Ho!, has been beautifully refurbished and offers delicious home-cooked food presented with an inspirational twist. The bar offers a wide selection of local ales and ciders as well as fine teas and coffees, plus there is a large patio and a wide grassy area where your pup can stretch his legs. Dogs are also welcome in the bar area as long as they are kept on leads, and they can even choose from their own doggy food and drink, making it one of the best dog-friendly pubs in North Devon.

The Westleigh Inn, near Instow

The Westleigh Inn, in the little village of the same name near Bideford, is just off the Tarka Trail, a long cycle and pedestrian path with no dog restrictions - a great place for a long walk or bike ride with your pet! The pub has a huge beer garden where dogs are welcome, and they are also allowed into the bar and restaurant area on leads. If you have children, there is also a great play area in the garden that they will love.

The Muddiford Inn, near Barnstaple

The Muddiford Inn in Barnstaple offers really great quality pub food, and is well known for its amazing pies on the menu. Dogs are welcome in their huge beer garden as well as in the bar area on leads. Your dog will also get to meet Rosie, the pub's friendly bulldog, who you can see dozing in the sun or curled up in the bar.

The Hunters Inn, Newton Tracey

The Hunters Inn in Newton Tracey, North Devon, offers really excellent food and a fantastic standard of service. Dogs are welcome in the bar area where there is a lovely 'olde-worlde' atmosphere. Choose from a great variety of local ales and ciders on offer, as well as a daily changing specials board with delicious home-cooked meals using fresh local ingredients.

Dog-friendly pubs in South Devon

The Cary Arms credit: The Cary Arms

The Cary Arms, Torquay

This South Devon pub welcomes dogs as warmly as their owners – and perhaps even more so – and has to be one of the best dog-friendly pubs in South Devon. Sat by the year-round, dog-friendly Babbacombe Beach, The Cary Arms is the perfect place to stop after long walks with your hound. Both you and your pup are welcome to dine in the restaurant where your four-legged foodie can dine on their own ‘Dog’s Dinner’ – a combination of meat and couscous in a rich gravy.

The Old Market House, Brixham

Overlooking Brixham harbour, this striking pub makes a great place for a round with your hound after exploring the charming fishing town. The Old Market House is dog-friendly downstairs, so you can dine on locally sourced grub with your pup by your side – and kids can choose from their own menu too. The balcony is also the perfect spot to watch the fishermen haul in their catch.

The Seven Stars, Kennford

On the outskirts of Exeter, the award-winning Seven Stars is surrounded by open fields, making it a great destination for a country walk followed by some delicious food and drink. There are complimentary treats for your pampered pup and the pub is eco-friendly too, helping to minimise your carbon pawprint.

The Fisherman’s Arms, Plymouth

One of the city’s oldest pubs, The Fisherman's Arms has long been a favourite with Plymouth’s pooches. In 2016, the pub’s resident Schnauzer, Mr Jones, launched his own beer; dogs can sip this while perusing their very own menu, with items including doggy ice cream and chicken or sausage dinners!

Shoreline, Paignton

Boasting panoramic sea views and delicious Italian pizzas, this seafront, pet-friendly pub is a coastal haven for dogs and their owners. The Shoreline team organise a monthly dog walk where your pups can stretch their legs, make friends and then be rewarded with a homemade dog treat afterwards.

Dog-friendly pubs in Mid Devon & Dartmoor

The Castle Inn, Lydford

This charming and traditional 16^th-century pub has a roaring fire which we can bet your dog will love napping in front of! While dogs aren’t allowed in the Castle Inn's main restaurant, you can enjoy a pint of local ale in the main bar and soak up the atmosphere of this historic inn.

The Cromwell Arms, Bovey Tracey

On the eastern edge of Dartmoor, and with incredible views across the national park, this pet-friendly pub is popular with local walkers who are in need of refreshment after a long countryside walk. The bar area in the Cromwell Arms is dog-friendly and the beer garden is a lovely spot in summer, where you can enjoy a refreshing pint with your pup by your side.

Warren House Inn, Postbridge

The highest pub in southern Devon, the Warren House Inn is a brilliant destination for a pint with a view and is one of the best dog-friendly pubs on Dartmoor. The entire team are dog lovers and have even been known to serve sausages to their four-legged guests, ensuring they get as warm a welcome as their owners. It’s another pub where your dog can have a nap in front of the fire – this one’s been burning since the 19^th century so you’re guaranteed a cosy atmosphere!

The Old Inn, Widecombe-in-the-Moor

This is a great Dartmoor pub for any time of the year – with crackling fires in the winter and a lovely beer garden in the summer. The Old Inn is thoroughly dog-friendly and there are plenty of treats on the bar for four-legged guests – plus, they can make friends with the resident, free-roaming ducks and chickens!

The Duke of York, Iddesleigh

The Duke of York's claim to fame is that it is the place where Michael Morpurgo was inspired to write War Horse – as a pub of great significance to animals, it’s only right that it welcomes dogs too! You couldn’t imagine a more quintessentially Devonshire pub – think roaring log fires, a great selection of ales and a spectacular countryside setting.

Enjoy a round with your hound in Devon

Have a browse of our dog-friendly page for more inspiration and blogs to help you plan your next holiday, and don't get lost on your way to the pub with our handy map of our favourite spots below! Or, take a look at our full collection of dog-friendly cottages and start planning your next getaway.

Dog-friendly cottages

Map of dog-friendly pubs in Devon