Devon is a dog owners’ paradise. It’s got golden beaches, fossil cliffs, medieval towns, and the ruggedly beautiful Dartmoor and Exmoor National Parks, not to mention a ton of dog-friendly pubs. There’s just so much to explore with your four-legged buddy in tow. If you’d like to make the most of the county and take a break there you’re in luck, there are loads of fantastic dog-friendly cottages in Devon. We’ve compiled a list of Devon’s top dog-friendly holiday cottages so there’s no reason not to bring your best friend along on your next holiday!

If you’re visiting Devon and don’t want to drive, take the train! 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? 

1. Lemon Cottage 

Atherington

This wisteria-covered thatched cottage is the perfect choice for a relaxing getaway with the whole family, furry members included. The lovingly renovated 16th century cottage has three bedrooms and sleeps six guests, but that’s not all, dog’s stay for free! The Tudor property boasts charming period features like stone floors, oak-panelled walls, exposed timber beams and an exposed brick fireplace while at the same time offering 21st century mod-cons like a Rangemaster oven and cinema room.

Located in the picturesque village of Atherington, your party will find it hard to be bored. You can explore Exmoor National Park’s walking and cycling routes, visit a nearby village or head to the coast and partake in some dolphin spotting, surfing, windsurfing or diving. 

2. Ocean Retreat

Down Thomas

Looking for a quiet getaway with your special someone and your furry special someone? Ocean Retreat, a bright, stylish converted barn in a sleepy village on Devon’s southern coast has everything you’ll need to enjoy a relaxing break. As well as the king-sized leather sleigh bed, and patio style garden with seating, barbecue, and fire pit, you can enjoy the company of one canine companion at no extra charge during your stay.

Located smack dab in the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, you’ll have the chance to explore some of the most beautiful scenery in the UK with your trusty hound. There’s a lovely village pub and a small local shop just a stone’s throw from the cottage, both of which welcome dogs and you’ll find dog-friendly eateries the nearby village of Wembury if you fancy a day out. Though Wembury beach itself doesn’t allow dogs during summer, there is a long beach to the west of the main beach that’s accessible from the coastal path that allows dogs all year round—it’s mainly rocky with some sand.  

3. Fisherman’s Cottage

Lifton

Four two-legged guests and two four-legged guests are welcome at Fisherman’s Cottage in the village of Lifton. There’s a charge of £15 per dog per night but they’ll receive their own bed, bowl, poo bags, and a delicious welcome chew. The quaint two-bedroom cottage is owned by and located next to the hotel and restaurant, The Arundell Arms. You’ll have the privacy of a cosy self-catering holiday home with the convenience of the hotel’s facilities including its AA-Rosette restaurant right next door. Although dogs aren’t allowed in the main restaurant you can dine with your furry best friend by your side in the hotel’s dog-friendly pub, The Courthouse bar (a former police station and court). 

Pack your walking boots because Dartmoor National Park is only a 20-minute drive away or if you’re more in the mood for sandy beaches and coastal trails the Cornish coast is only half an hour away!

4. Om Shanti

Fluxton

Originally built as stables for the Mayor of Exeter in the 16th century, this historic property spent a brief spell as a workshop before it was converted into the holiday cottage it is today. Om Shanti has buckets of rustic charm so look forward to lots of exposed brick, wooden beams, and low ceilings. The cottage is ideal for a couple and a maximum of two dogs are allowed per stay. Set in the picturesque hamlet of Fluxton close to the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it’s time for walkies—with lush rolling hills, wooded valleys, and the dramatic Jurassic Coast to choose from. 

Once you’ve had your fill of walking, you can spend time cycling, horse riding, birdwatching, exploring some National Trust properties or visiting a few of Devon’s dog-friendly pubs. Or why not take a trip to Exeter and take in Gothic St Peter’s Cathedral, the Roman city wall and the city’s medieval underground passages beneath its streets. 

5. Crofters Cottage

Near Holbeton

Situated on the beautiful South Devon coast, overlooking the sea Crofters Cottage caters for four humans and (for an extra fee) dogs. The old stone cottage with duck-egg blue doors, flagstone floors, comfy sofas, a record player, and a woodburner is the perfect place to escape to when you and your dog are in need of some R&R. It doesn’t have a TV but there’s free Wifi. The bedroom has one superking-sized bed, and two single beds and although children are welcome you should be aware that there is a spiral staircase with no stair gate. 

As well as a number of pretty villages a short drive away, there’s an abundance of walking routes right on the doorstep, from coastal paths to Dartmoor National Park. And why not make the most of your coastal location and take a boat out on the picturesque South Hams, do a spot of surfing or visit the Blue Lagoon, a private cove accessed only through the owner’s farmland. If all that sounds like too much effort you can always just take a nice soak in the wood-fired fresh water hot tub that overlooks the sea.

6. Harvest Barn

Near Holsworthy

Nestled between the striking North Devon and Cornwall coast with its gorgeous beaches, and rugged Dartmoor National Park, Harvest Barn offers families and couples a great base if they want to explore the area. The two-bedroom holiday cottage is one of five charming converted barns set around an attractive shared courtyard—you’ll have your own set of garden furniture if you fancy dining alfresco. Up to two dogs are allowed in Harvest Barn provided they aren’t left unattended and are charged at £20 each per stay.

Within the grounds there’s acres of woodland, a private lake for fishing, a children’s play park, and an area with chickens, goats, pigs and ponies that the kids can make friends with. There’s also a games barn with a pool table, table football, darts, and air hockey tables for those rainy days. Just a short drive away you’ll find sheltered coves, sandy beaches, and plenty of quaint fishing villages. 

7. Modbury Cottage

Near Great Torrington

This thatched cottage nestled at the end of a long wooded track by a babbling brook looks like it belongs in a fairy tale. Inside the holiday home you’ll find two bedrooms—one with a king-size bed and one with twin beds—and charming features like exposed beams, vaulted ceilings, a large inglenook fireplace, and a roll-top bath. Two dogs (charged at £20 each per full or part week) are welcome as standard, but if you’d like to bring more you can talk to the management to make arrangements. Outside amid the dense, wildlife-filled woodland there’s a beautifully landscaped garden as well as a decked terrace replete with garden furniture, barbecue, views across the glorious countryside, and a private hot tub. Should you choose to leave this serene hideaway, the stunning cliff-top walks, sandy beaches, and fishing villages along the Devon and Cornwall coastlines are only a short drive away.

We hope you can plan a relaxing getaway to one of these dog-friendly cottages in Devon but if you have other plans and have to leave your furry loved one behind, Rover’s here to help you find an awesome dog sitter who’ll treat your dog like family while you’re away.

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Featured image: HOLIDAYCOTTAGES.CO.UK