BEACHES
With long stretches or sand, sheltered clean waters, rock pools and more, it’s no wonder why many of Devon’s beaches have won awards. You’ll also find that dogs are welcome on most of Devon’s beaches. Some are without restriction and some come with requirements so make sure you check the rules before you go. Devon is also known for its great surf and watersports with beaches suitable for beginners and those with more experience. Have a look at some of the fantastic beaches you can visit:
Dawlish Town Beach
A short walk from the town centre, Dawlish Beach is the ideal escape from the commotion of working life. Watch the steam trains trail travel along the beach in front of the stunning cliffs or go on a fishing trip and catch your dinner! Dogs are permitted with restrictions.
Recommended Park: GOLDEN SANDS HOLIDAY PARK Week Lane, Dawlish
Teignmouth Town Beach
Explore rock pools, catch sand eels, visit the amusement park, watch the fishermen mending their nets, there is so much to see and do on Teignmouth Town Beach. Hop on a pleasure boat and cruise around the bay where you may be lucky enough to spot a dolphin or refuel at one of the local cafes and enjoy a drink or a light bite. Dogs are permitted with restrictions.
Recommended Park: COASTVIEW HOLIDAY PARK Torquay Road, Shaldon
Exmouth Beach
Get your blood pumping on a jet-ski, surf the waves, canoe along the two-mile stretch of golden sand, catch your dinner on a fishing trip or enjoy a donkey ride; it’s the perfect excursion for those who prefer a more active retreat. Enjoy stunning scenery of the majestic World Heritage Jurassic Coast and go bird watching on the idyllic Exe estuary or pedal along one of the fantastic cycle paths. It’s safe to say there are plenty of things to do on Exmouth Beach. Dogs are permitted with restrictions.
Recommended Park: DEVON CLIFFS HOLIDAY PARK Sandy Bay, Exmouth
NATIONAL PARKS
With two fantastic National Parks, Devon is an ideal place for those who want to go a-wander.
If towering granite tors, steep wooded river valleys, blankets of heather covering the moorland and wild, wide open spaces take your fancy, Dartmoor is for you. However, for those wanting a more relaxed visit, there is a gentler side to the moors; enjoy a picnic with your family, follow trails designed for walking and cycling, let your kids play in the lovely open spaces and your pet pooch roam free. Get away from the hustle and bustle of modern life and stumble across the Dartmoor ponies, dramatic gorges and Neolithic monuments.
Recommended campsite: TAVISTOCK CAMPING AND CARAVANNING CLUB SITE Higher Longford, Moorshop, Tavistock
Exmoor is a unique landscape shaped by people and nature over thousands of years. The dramatic coastline, high cliffs, deep wooded valleys and fast flowing streams all combine to form a rich and distinct tableau. For astronomy lovers, Exmoor is Europe’s first Dark Sky Reserve; thousands of stars can be seen in the night sky and on clear night you are guaranteed to see the Milky Way in all its splendour without any light pollution contaminating the spectacular view!
Recommended stargazing locations on Exmoor include:
Bosington Hill, Wimbleball Lake, Brendon Common, County Gate Car Park, Winsford Hill.
Recommended Campsite: EXMOOR HOUSE CLUB SITE Oldberry House, Kemps Way, Dulverton
HISTORICAL LANDMARKS & POINTS OF INTEREST
Becky Falls
A trip to Devon wouldn’t be the same without a visit to Dartmoor’s famous Becky Falls. Stroll under a canapé of trees on stunning woodland and waterfall walks; let the kids enjoy the daily nature Trail Competition or borrow an ‘Explorer Backpack’ to help them really discover the woodland walks. Enjoy a hands-on animal experience at one of the feeding sessions and handle some of their smaller and fluffier creatures including rabbits, guinea pigs and their two very friendly pigmy goats. For those of you who like to venture on the wild side, visit the ‘Scary Animal Encounter Show’ where you can get up and close to exotic creatures including boa constrictors and lizards. And what’s more, dogs are welcome.
Recommended Campsite: TOVER CLUB SITE Stover Caravan Club Site, Newton
Kents Cavern
Visit the oldest known human settlement in Britain and one of Europe’s top Neanderthal Ice Age caves, go on an incredible journey in the caves labyrinth of spectacular caverns, open every day. Plenty goes on around the caves including woodland trails, kids archaeological dig areas and cave art classes.
Recommended Park: TORQUAY HOLIDAY PARK Kingskerswell Road, Torquay
Exeter Cathedral
Believed to be one of England most beautiful medieval cathedrals and one of the finest examples of decorated Gothic architecture in this country, Exeter Cathedral is a feast for the eyes. Most famous for its two Norman towers, impressive carvings, stunning stained glass windows and for having the longest unbroken stretch of Gothic vaulting in the world, it remains one of the most visited placed in the west country.
Recommended Campsite: EXETER RACECOURSE CLUB SITE Kennford, Exeter
Babbacombe
We suggest you visit the romantic and secluded resort of Babbacombe if you’re looking or a laid-back tranquil holiday with picturesque views and warm weather all year round. With its famous model village, a wide choice of local food and drink and a cliff railway to help you get your beach gear down to the shore, it is the ideal destination for those with kids.
Recommended Park: TORQUAY HOLIDAY PARK Kingskerswell Road, Torquay
DOG FRIENDLY
You don’t have to leave your pet pooch at home if you decide to take a break in Devon. Devon’s all about the great outdoors with so many activities and attractions that actively welcome dogs.
Devon’s known for its beautiful beaches and we touched upon some dog friendly beaches at the top of this blog. One of the greatest pleasures as a dog owner is seeing your pet’s joy as they tumble through the water and jump the waves, tail wagging! Every beach has its own regulations on dogs; many beaches set aside special sections of the beach where you can let your pooch run off the lead, others welcome dogs during quieter times, whilst some welcome dogs off the lead all year around.
Many outdoor attractions welcome dogs including Knightshayes, Morwellham Quay, Castle Drogo and more. For a fun family day out why not visit the Babbacombe Model Village or The Donkey Sanctuary near Sidmouth. Another great option would be to visit one of the National Trust places dotted around Devon, such as Killerton House, Cotehele, Greenway and more.
We have a feeling after all of the exploring around Devon, you’ll work up an appetite, including your dog. There are many pubs and cafes that welcome dogs inside and there are some who are known to be particularly welcoming: The Beaver, Appledore; The Wildflower Restaurant, Yelverton and The Cricket Inn, Beesands – or if you prefer, enjoy a spot of alfresco dining or a picnic with your pet pooch right by your side!
