Devon is one gorgeous county. It’s got sandy beaches, fossil cliffs, medieval towns, and the ruggedly beautiful Dartmoor National Park, so there’s plenty to explore with your little buddy in tow. But if you fancy grabbing a swift pint after a long walk with your dog or you’d like to enjoy a nice meal in dog-friendly company, it’s not always easy to find a pub that welcomes dogs with open arms. Thankfully, we’ve compiled a handy guide to Devon’s dog-friendly pubs so there’s no reason not to bring your best friend along on your next pub outing!
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. The Ship Inn
Address & Map: Queen Street, Teignmouth, TQ14 8BY
What do the words “perfect day” conjure up for you? How about a walk on a stunning beach, followed by a cold drink and a gorge meal, all with your furry best friend in tow? Well, if that sounds good, The Ship Inn is here to make your dreams come true. The welcoming inn perched on the waterfront has a beach that‘s dog-friendly year-round right on its doorstep and the team will fawn over your little buddy and treat her to doggy biccies and a bowl of water.
Outside the character-packed pub there’s an alfresco seating area that overlooks the River Teign. They sell real ales including a different guest ale each week, fine wines, and superb food made with fresh produce sourced from local suppliers where possible. Their ever changing daily specials reflect their passion for cooking, so expect warm hearty grub in the depths of winter, and crisp salads and freshly landed fish on those long summer days! Perfect.
2. The Drake Manor Inn
Address & Map: Yelverton, PL20 7NA
The Drake Manor Inn—an immensely charming little village pub located in Dartmoor National Park—is adored by locals, their dogs, and anyone else who happens to stumble upon it on a jaunt through the rugged countryside that surrounds it. Originally built in the 12th century and later rebuilt in the 16th Century it was part of Sir Francis Drake’s estate, and still has bags of character. Dogs are welcome in the heavily beamed public bar and prettily planted, sheltered back garden, and the friendly, long-serving landlady is thrilled to ply them with fresh water and doggy biccies. If your dog has been a particularly good boy, you can treat him to their special dog ice cream!
The human refreshments are also first-rate and excellent value (the pub bagged The Good Pub Guide’s Best Value Pub of the Year Award in 2018). Choose from three real ales on handpumps, three ciders, ten wines by the glass, a dozen malt whiskies, 15 gins, and a selection of soft drinks at the bar. If you’re the slightest bit hungry don’t hesitate to try something from their varied menu which features local seasonal produce including home-reared pork, local venison, and honey from their own bees.
3. Henry’s Bar
Address & Map: 53 Torbay Road, Paignton, TQ4 6AJ
There’s always a treat and a bowl of water waiting for any well-mannered dogs who enter Henry’s Bar. The pub is situated in the pretty coastal town of Paignton, just a short walk from the seafront and beach, so it makes an excellent pit stop before or after a high-octane run around on the beach or even a dip in the sea. Featured in the Campaign for Real Ale’s (CAMRA) Good Beer Guide, the traditional pub serves real ales and proper ciders, as well as home-cooked food every day and they’re famous for their Sunday roasts. This friendly, local watering hole is a must-visit if you’re travelling along the English Riviera.
4. The Brook Inn
Address & Map: 33 Longbrook Street, Plymouth, PL7 1NJ
If you and your furry drinking buddy are looking for a dog-friendly watering hole near Plymouth, head to The Brook Inn. Owners will love the laid-back, sociable atmosphere in the traditional pub, while dogs will definitely appreciate the free biscuits and water bowls dispersed outside the pub in the large, lawned beer garden. You can also buy bottles of Bottom Sniffer doggy beer if your little mate fancies an alternative to the fresh water provided. Human punters can look forward to a few real ales and tasty grub made with ingredients from award-winning local suppliers.
The Brook Inn is truly a community hub; it hosts various activities for locals such as Tai Chi classes, crafts workshops, watercolour classes, and TLC Thursdays—a get-together where anyone who lives alone, feels a bit lonely or just wants to increase their circle of friends can come along for a chat and a free cuppa. There’s always something going on entertainment-wise here, from open mic nights to pub quizzes to murder mystery nights!
5. The Queens Arms
Address & Map: Slapton, Kingsbridge, TQ7 2PN
Well-behaved dogs on their leads will enjoy visiting The Queens Arms after a day out on the nearby Slapton Sands or a wander through the picturesque village of Slapton, which lies within the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). While you admire the WWII-era photographs depicting local history that adorn the walls, the little fella can stretch out in front of the inviting open fire or chow down on a nice dog treat. Head out to the flower-filled beer garden when the sun has its hat on and you won’t be disappointed.
The 14th century village pub is CAMRA accredited and serves a diverse selection of real ales, from local South West breweries, but there’s also a range of lagers, wines and softs to enjoy. The kitchen serves classic pub fare, including fish and chips, homemade burgers, and succulent steaks from the local butchers, plus there are also a few vegan and vegetarian options.
6. The Victoria Inn
Address & Map: Fore Street, Salcombe, TQ8 8BU
Head to The Victoria Inn if you want your dog to be spoiled rotten. Not only do the team provide complimentary biscuits and bowls of fresh water, but they also have towels for dogs who get caught in the rain and blankets for the ones who feel like a snooze. And that’s not all, they offer chicken or beef flavoured dog beer and a special ‘A la Bark’ menu that includes goodies like chews, biscuits and pigs’ ears, and raises funds for the charity, Hearing Dogs for Deaf People.
Two-legged customers will also enjoy the quaint 19th century pub’s nautical décor, big open fires, tasty freshly-made food sourced from local suppliers, well-kept ales, decent wines, and numerous gins. There’s also a hidden gem of a garden with a grassy area, a covered seating area, a kids’ play area and two sun terraces. It goes without saying that four-legged customers are welcome throughout the bar and garden, the owners only ask that they’re kept on their leads.
7. The George
Address & Map: Market Street, Hatherleigh, EX20 3JN
A true gem of a pub, The George—located in Devon’s smallest town, Hatherleigh—dates from 1450 and was lovingly rebuilt after a fire in 2010 using reclaimed materials to mimic the original features as closely as possible. This attention to detail resulted in a beautiful building with a newly thatched roof, reclaimed beams, wood panelling, and gorge open fireplaces.
The team sells Cask-Marque accredited ales, ciders, and cocktails (they have a gin list of 45 gins in counting), and superb food including a specials menu that changes daily. Dogs are welcomed in the bars, and in three of their stylish hotel rooms (handy if you fancy exploring Dartmoor), but not in the restaurant. Your little angel face will be greeted with a bowl of water on arrival and, if he fancies it, a nice dog biccy or two!
8. The Clay Cutters Arms
Address & Map: Newton Abbot, TQ13 0EY
The owners of The Clay Cutters Arms have three doggies of their own so dogs are more than welcome throughout the pub (except in the restaurant area) when they’re on their leads. Your furry wee mate will get to meet other nicely behaved dogs and be treated to a few biccies.
The Grade ll listed pub is located in The Bovey Basin which has been a ball clay mining and exporting area for many years—so that explains the name. At the front of the thatched-roofed building there’s a tiered floral beer garden and inside you’ll be able to drink real ales and eat freshly cooked dishes amid 16th century details like timber beamed ceilings, stone floors, open fireplaces, and exposed stone walls.
9. Jolly Jacks
Address & Map: Richmond Walk, Plymouth, PL1 4LS
Jolly Jacks is a relaxed waterfront bar and bistro perched on the pretty Mayflower Marina, with stunning views of the historic Royal William Yard and Tamar River towards the Sound and Cornwall. They’re a friendly bunch here, as their website attests, “you could be dripping in diamonds or dripping with seawater—everyone is welcome.” And that means four-legged patrons too! Dogs can look forward to biscuits, fresh water and even cuddles from the team!
Meanwhile owners will appreciate their seasonal, locally sourced dishes—served all day, every day—washed down with a real ale or a glass of vino. The fabulous terrace overlooking the marina is perfect for al fresco dining but there’s also a cosy log burner inside for those bitter winter days.
These are just a few of the great dog-friendly pubs Devon has to offer, but not all dogs enjoy accompanying their owners to the pub—and that’s fine. You can find lots of local sitters who offer dog boarding in Plymouth and throughout the rest of Devon on Rover.com—it really couldn’t be easier find someone to look after your furry little chum when you go to the pub.
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Featured image: The Victoria Inn
