As a part of the country renowned for its natural beauty, Devon is a haven for dogs. If you love to explore spectacular outdoor environments while walking your pet, the region makes for a fantastic place to call home. Whether you live in the north of the county in a coastal town like Northam or inland with great access to the M5 motorway in a spot such as Cullompton, we’ve picked out five of the best dog-friendly Devon attractions.
Goodrington Beach
For many dogs, there’s no place like the beach. There are lots of great beaches across Devon for your pet to tear around, including in the Torbay area. Known as the English Riviera, dogs are allowed to go on Goodrington’s North Sands beach all year round. There are dog-friendly cafes, bars and restaurants on hand for refreshments, while you can also go for a stroll around Young’s Park to tire your pet out even further after a trip to one of the best dog-friendly beaches Devon has to offer. Or to perhaps shake off some sand before heading back to your home at Berry Acres just a couple of miles away.
South West Coast Path
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to cast your eye over more than just that one beach, perhaps you may prefer to plan a longer walk along this epic route. With more than 500 miles of coastline stretching around the north and south of the county, you can spend weeks exploring the South West Coast Path from a place such as Teignmouth or Dawlish. Indeed, there’s a popular 52-day itinerary you can follow to take your dog on an adventure covering the route’s entire 630 miles. For most people, this odyssey is likely to be spread over many months or even years.
Dartmoor National Park
From Roadford Lake and Burrator Reservoir to Becky Falls and Canonteign Falls, not to mention miles of undulating open moorland, Dartmoor is brimming with wonderful spots to visit with your dog. The national park stretches for some 370 miles across the southern part of Devon, with houses on our Okement Park development offering unrivalled access. There are even bike-hire centres giving you the chance to rent a chariot for smaller or older dogs to accompany you on cycle rides, so you never need to leave your canine companion at home alone.
East Devon AONB
Covering more than 100 square miles, including a section of the famous Jurassic Coast, the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is another brilliant natural place for your dog to roam free. From the beaches to the wooded valleys and open heathland, the diverse landscapes make it suitable for dogs of all fitness levels. Whether you’re running, walking, cycling or on the lookout for 250-million-year-old fossils, the western part of the nature and wildlife preserve is only around half an hour’s drive from our Victoria Heights development on the outskirts of Exeter.
Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway
One of the best ways to enjoy some of Devon’s finest coastal views is to climb aboard the Victorian Cliff Railway between Lynmouth and Lynton. Billed as the world’s steepest and highest fully water-powered railway, the dog-friendly attraction hoists you 500 feet from the lower to the upper station, where you and your pet can enjoy a drink and perhaps a treat or two at the breathtaking Cliff Top Cafe. There are dog bowls and complimentary biscuits for your pet, along with several waste bins in handy spots.