Devon might just be as close to doggy heaven as you can get. It’s full of dog-friendly pubs and has lots of dog-friendly cottages in case you want to take that furry special someone on holiday with you. But there’s always a catch. As a dog owner you’ll probably know that a lot of local councils throughout the UK have implemented dog bans on their beaches during the summer with fines of £75 and over (some districts have higher fines than others) if owners breach the rules. Bans typically run from the start of May to the end of September, so it’s no surprise that many owners are dying to find a dog-friendly beach where their slobbery li’l angel can play in peace.
We’ve taken matters into our own hands and are happy to report that there are still plenty of places to enjoy the sand and surf so you and your Rover dog walker can look forward to exploring the Devonshire coast with your little buddy. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, you’ll want to bookmark this list of some of the best dog-friendly beaches in North Devon.
Before you hit the sand with your pal, make sure you read our helpful tips for taking your dog to the beach and check out our article, Why You Shouldn’t Walk Dogs on a Beach in Windy Weather. It’s also important to note that assistance dogs are allowed on beaches all year round.
1. Saunton Sands
Nearest town: Northam
Postcode & map: EX33 1LQ
Type of beach: Sand
Restrictions: Dogs are allowed on the beach all year round provided that the dog owner cleans up after their dog. Upon entering the beach via the slipway, dog walkers are asked to turn left as dogs are not permitted on the small space to the right of the slipway. Owners are politely asked to keep dogs on the lead in the car park, inside the fenced area of the dunes, and until they are past any crowds if the beach is busy. If you have a reactive dog and would like to avoid crowds altogether, head to the left-hand side of the car park where there’s a shortcut through the dunes that leads directly on to the beach further down.
About: This hugely popular beach is loved by locals, visitors, and surfers including the four-legged kind—Paws on Boards, the UK’s first dog surfing school, started right here. Though dogs aren’t permitted on the small space to the right of the slipway as you enter the beach, they’ll still have over three miles of glorious golden sand to go crazy on. Saunton Sands is so special it has also appeared in music videos by Robbie Williams and Coldplay, and featured in a few films.
2. Putsborough Sands
Nearest town: Northam
Postcode & map: EX33 1LB
Type of beach: Sand
Restrictions: Dogs are welcome all year round, however, from 1st April until 31st October there are selected areas where they are not permitted.
About: This large sandy beach forms the southern section of Woolacombe Sands. It’s another spot that’s popular with surfers, especially longboarders, and is somewhat sheltered from south and south-westerly winds, thanks to a headland called Baggy Point. Your dog will have miles of golden sand to tear around on and there are lots of coves to explore when the tide’s out. When you’re both thoroughly tuckered out there’s a nice cafe right by the slipway where you can recharge with a nice cuppa and a bite to eat. There’s a pay and display car park right by the beach which can be accessed via steps and a ramp if you use a wheelchair.
3. Woolacombe beach
Nearest town: Woolacombe
Postcode & map: EX34 7DN
Type of beach: Sand
Restrictions: The beach is split into three zones. The zone between the rocks at the north end of the beach and the stream is a dog-free zone between 1st April and the first Monday in November (this is a small area in comparison to the whole beach). During the same period dogs are required to be kept on leads from the stream to Mill Rock, and past Mill Rock there are no restrictions.
About: Situated in the North Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this long sandy beach punctuated with colourful beach huts is regularly featured in TripAdvisor’s list of the UK’s (and even the world’s) top beaches. Its crystal waters attract bounding hounds as well as surfers looking to catch the perfect wave. Woolacombe itself is a bustling seaside resort with plenty of shops, cafes, pubs, and parking options in case you’re visiting.
4. Westward Ho!
Nearest town: Westward Ho!
Postcode & map: EX39 1LL
Type of beach: Sand and pebble
Restrictions: Dogs are not allowed on the beach to the south of Sandymere Bridge between 1st May and 30th September. They are allowed between Sandymere Bridge and the Taw/Torridge Estuary during this period. They have to be kept on their leads on the promenade.
About: Though dogs are restricted on part of the beach there’s still a vast expanse of sand that they are allowed to enjoy. The village of Westward Ho! Has lots of shops, stalls and cafes to explore and Northam Burrows Country Park which is located directly behind the beach has lots of great walks so you can make a day of it! It’s not hard to imagine why surfers, families, tourists and their dogs all love this spot. There are public toilets and plenty of parking spots including multiple pay and display car parks around the town.
5. Hele Bay
Nearest town: Ilfracombe
Postcode & map: EX34 9QZ
Type of beach: Sand and pebble
Restrictions: Nope! Dogs are allowed on the beach all year round.
About: Get away from the crowds at this lovely sand and pebble cove located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. At low tide there are rock pools on both sides of the beach, as well as smugglers’ caves to investigate and if your dog’s interest is piqued, the dog-friendly Hillsborough Nature Reserve is located right behind the beach and rife with fascinating sights and smells. The bay’s calm waters attract a lot of swimmers and the sheltered landscape makes it a great suntrap if you want to get your tan on. The beach is easy to access via a slipway and there’s roadside parking available, as well as a pay and display car park just down the road.
6. Mouthmill Beach
Nearest town: Clovelly
Type of beach: Sand and rock
Postcode & map: EX39 5SB
Restrictions: None, dogs are allowed here 365 days of the year.
About: You’ll have to walk through Brownsham Wood to access the beach but traversing wooden footbridges over babbling brooks and catching fleeting views of the coast make it a magical trek. Once you reach the bottom you’ll be met with an extraordinary landscape replete with jagged rocks that have been the scourge of seafarers for centuries. It’s nicknamed the “Iron Coast” because of the frightening number of shipwrecks that occurred here. But you and your dog can soak in the scenery, check out the rock pools, and have a nice splash around in the water if you’re in the mood. There’s a National Trust car park situated uphill from the beach where you’ll also find the quaint Lower Brownsham Farm Tea Room.
7. Broad Sands Beach
Nearest town: Ilfracombe
Postcode & map: EX34 9SW
Type of beach: Pebble
Restrictions: None, dogs are allowed on the beach all year round.
About: To reach this gem of a beach you’ll have to negotiate approximately 200 steps so don’t tire yourselves out too much down there because you’ll have a decent climb on the way back. The sea swallows up most of the beach when the tide goes in so check the tide report when you plan your trip. When the tide’s out, you’ll have a beautiful, sheltered cove—with some caves—to explore. The calm water makes it one of the best swimming beaches on the coast but make sure to take care out there as there are no lifeguards.
8. Lynmouth Beach
Nearest town: Lynton
Postcode & map: EX35 6EN
Type of beach: Pebble
Restrictions: Dogs are welcome here all year round. Yay!
About: This pretty, rocky beach flanked by dramatic cliffs, hills, and woodland, is situated just below the village of Lynmouth on the northern edge of Exmoor National Park. There are plenty of fabulous shops, cafes, and restaurants around so you won’t have to worry about packing a picnic. A few times a year when the conditions are just right, it becomes one of the best surf spots in Devon. The rest of the time the beach and surrounding area is popular with walkers, sunseekers, and of course dogs and their owners.
Want to hit the beach but don’t feel like driving? Did you know that you can take up to two dogs with you on all British trains free of charge—find out more in our article Can I Take My Dog on the Train? We hope you get a chance to explore some of North Devon’s dog-friendly beaches with that furry special someone but if you’re unable to take your dog on a much-needed walk, Rover is here to help you find a great dog-walker.
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Featured image: SOUTHWESTCOASTPHOTOS.COM
