A Warm Welcome for You and Your Four‑Legged Friends

At Saltwater Escapes, we understand that a holiday isn’t truly complete without your dog by your side. That’s why we not only offer a wide selection of dog-friendly holiday homes in South Devon, but also make it easy for pet owners to explore the coast, countryside, and charming towns together.

South Devon is one of the UK’s top destinations for dog-friendly holidays, with golden beaches, dramatic clifftop walks, peaceful countryside trails, welcoming cafés, cosy pubs, and attractions where dogs are always welcome. Whether you’re staying in Torbay, Brixham, Kingswear, Teignmouth, or Exeter, there’s an abundance of activities and sights for both you and your four-legged companion to enjoy.

From sandy beaches where your dog can run free, to scenic trails along the South West Coast Path and through Dartmoor National Park, to dog-friendly cafés and pubs serving refreshments for both humans and pups, South Devon truly offers the perfect pet-friendly getaway.

Discover the ultimate guide to dog-friendly beaches, walks, attractions, cafés, and holiday homes in South Devon, and start planning a holiday where your furry friend is always part of the adventure.

Dog-Friendly Beaches in South Devon

South Devon’s coastline is home to sandy beaches, secluded coves and shingle stretches and many are dog friendly all year round. Some of the most popular beaches have seasonal restrictions, but are still worth visiting out of season.

Year‑round dog‑friendly beaches & coves

• Goodrington (North end) Paignton
• Elberry Cove, Brixham
• Fishcombe Cove, Brixham
• Beacon Cove, Torquay
• Ness Cove, Shaldon
• Teignmouth Back Beach

Popular seasonal beaches (dogs restricted May–Sept)

• Paignton Sands
• Torre Abbey Sands, Torquay
• Dawlish Warren

For a full list, check out our dedicated blog: Pawsitively Perfect — Your Guide to Dog‑Friendly Beaches in South Devon.

Dog-Friendly Attractions in South Devon

South Devon is packed with attractions where dogs are welcome. Many are open-air or have designated dog-friendly areas, making them perfect for a day out with your four-legged friend. Highlights include:

Torquay – Babbacombe Model Village, Babbacombe Cliff Railway, Bygones, Dinosaur World

Kingswear & Dartmouth – National Trust Greenway & Coleton Fishacre, Dartmouth Museum

Paignton – Paignton Pier, Dartmouth Steam Railway & Riverboat

Brixham – Brixham Heritage Museum, Brixham Battery Museum, The Golden Hind, Berry Head Nature Reserve

Teignmouth & Exeter area – Teignmouth Pier, South Devon Railway, House of Marbles, Canonteign Falls

Historic harbours around Dartmouth, Brixham, and Totnes are also dog-friendly, perfect for a stroll.

Top tip: We always recommend checking the attraction’s website before your visit, as dog access rules can change seasonally or in certain areas. Most attractions ask that dogs are kept on a lead and are well-behaved – just as their humans should be too!

Dog-Friendly Restaurants & Cafés in South Devon

South Devon’s café culture and pub scene are wonderfully welcoming to dogs, with many venues offering water bowls, dog treats, and cosy spots to rest after a walk. While the region has countless options, we’ve handpicked some of our top dog-friendly places to eat and drink. Perfect for when it’s time for your pup (and you) to enjoy a well-deserved treat.

• Torbay – Cantina, Costero Lounge, The Boathouse (Paignton). Visto Lounge, The Offshore, Otto (Torquay). The Prince William, La Petite Maison, Breakwater Bistro, Guardhouse Café, Port Espresso (Brixham)
• Dartmouth & Kingswear – The River Shack (Stoke Gabriel), The Creek (Galmpton)
• Teignmouth & Shaldon – The Ness, London Inn, The Ship Inn (Teignmouth)
• Exeter & surroundings – On the Waterfront, Crave Restaurant, Rockfish, Double Locks, Mill on the Exe

Best Dog Walks in South Devon

From coastal hikes to tranquil countryside, South Devon offers dog walks to suit every energy level.

• South West Coast Path – dramatic sea views and miles of waymarked trails.
• Dartmoor National Park – perfect for adventurous dogs, with tors, rivers and wide‑open spaces.
• Cockington Country Park, Torquay – charming woodland, lakes and landscaped gardens.
• Berry Head Nature Reserve, Brixham – clifftop views and wildlife.
• Haldon Forest Park, near Exeter – dog‑friendly forest trails.
• Dart Valley & River Walks – scenic riverside paths around Dartmouth, Totnes and Stoke Gabriel.

A quick note for owners: Always keep an eye out for local signs as some areas ask for dogs to be kept on a lead, especially around livestock and on Dartmoor where wildlife is protected. The good news is that there are plenty of open spaces and trails where dogs can run free and burn off energy. And of course, please remember to bag and bin your dog’s mess, helping keep South Devon’s beautiful landscapes welcoming for everyone.

More Dog-Friendly Ideas in South Devon

• Boat trips & ferries – many local ferries and riverboats are pet‑friendly, including those in Dartmouth and Teignmouth.
• Dog‑friendly pubs – South Devon is packed with welcoming inns where your dog can snooze by the fire.
• Local events – seasonal dog shows, markets and charity walks are worth looking out for during your stay.
• Markets & town centres – Dartmouth, Totnes, and Exeter all have dog-friendly markets and high streets where many shops provide water bowls outside.
• Dog-friendly gardens & outdoor spaces – Many National Trust and private gardens (like Coleton Fishacre or Greenway) welcome dogs on leads in their grounds.

The Best Dog-Friendly Holiday Homes in South Devon

Saltwater Escapes specialises in dog‑friendly cottages and holiday homes in South Devon. From seaside apartments in Torquay and Paignton to cosy cottages in Brixham, Dartmouth and Teignmouth, our properties make the perfect base for your pet‑friendly getaway. With enclosed gardens, easy access to beaches and walks, and welcoming interiors, your dog will feel just as at home as you do.

Discover our dog‑friendly holiday homes in South Devon ➤

Ready to Book Your Pet-Friendly Break?

With dog-friendly beaches, scenic coastal and countryside walks, welcoming attractions, cafés, and pubs, South Devon is the ultimate destination for a holiday with your four-legged friend. From the bustling harbours of Torbay and Brixham to the peaceful trails of Dartmoor and Haldon Forest, there’s something to delight both you and your dog.

At Saltwater Escapes, we specialise in dog-friendly holiday homes across South Devon. Whether you’re looking for a seaside apartment in Torquay, a cosy cottage in Brixham, or a riverside retreat in Kingswear, Teignmouth or Exeter, our properties offer the perfect base for your pet-friendly getaway. Many of our holiday homes feature enclosed gardens, easy access to beaches and walks, and interiors that make both you and your dog feel at home.

Don’t leave your dog behind – plan a South Devon escape where every member of the family is welcome. Explore our range of dog-friendly holiday homes in South Devon and start making memories that you and your furry companion will cherish forever.