Best dog friendly beaches in North Devon

North Devon has some exceptional beaches, from long unspoilt sandy beaches to secluded coves, but where are the dog friendly ones?  It’s one of the most common questions we get asked by our guests.  Well we have two pieces of good news.  Firstly, if you’re visiting North Devon, you won’t be short of great dog friendly beaches to visit.  Secondly, in this blog we have put together a guide to the most popular dog friendly beaches in North Devon.

Keep reading to discover the best dog friendly beaches in North Devon; including what restrictions apply, what facilities and parking are available and any accommodation to stay in nearby.

Saunton Sands

Saunton Sands is great for a full family day out at the beach with your furry friends.  There are over 3 miles of soft sandy beach to explore. You and your dog will also be able to explore Braunton Burrows, a designated UNESCO biosphere reserve, which back on to Saunton Sands.

Saunton has a range of facilities by the car park, including surf hire, a beach shop, public toilets, café and restaurant. It is also the only dog friendly beach in North Devon to have a Landeez all-terrain wheelchair, to allow anyone less abled to enjoy their time on the beach with their canine companion.

Local information: WCs and showers, lifeguards during summer, cafes and shops nearby, close parking

Dog restrictions: Yes – However, dogs welcome all year round south of the red dog bin in Zone C. If you are thinking of going to Braunton Burrows then you can check if there are any zones to avoid, due to livestock, via their facebook page here

Accomodation: Take a look at our range of Saunton Sands properties, so you can start planning your next adventure with your furry friend in North Devon.

Woolacombe

Woolacombe is an award winning beach, due to its long stretch of golden sands, water cleanliness and family friendly facilities nearby.  It is also a dog’s paradise. The 3 mile stretch of soft sand makes it the perfect playground for a game of fetch, spot of digging or splashing in the sea.

The beach can get very busy in the summer months, which may unsettle nervous dogs. There are also some restrictions in place during the summer months for the north end of the beach.

Local information: WCs and showers, lifeguards in summer, cafes and shops nearby, close parking

Dog restrictions: Dogs are not allowed between the rocks at the north end of the beach and the stream from Good Friday or 1st April (whichever is earliest) until the first Monday in November. They must be on leads from the stream to Mill Rock from the same dates but may be exercised without restriction from Mill Rock onwards.

Accommodation: Take a look at our range of Woolacombe Cottages, so you can start planning your next adventure with your canine companion in North Devon.

Putsborough Sands

Putsborough Sands is nestled perfectly between Croyde and Woolacombe. It is a great dog friendly beach, as it isn’t as crowded as Woolacombe, but you still have the long stretches of golden sands for your furry friend to run on. There are also a number of rock pools for those dogs that like to splash and explore.

In addition there is also a very scenic walk around Baggy Point, which will lead you all the way to Croyde.

Local information: WCs and showers, lifeguards in summer, cafes and shops nearby, close parking

Dog restrictions: Dogs are welcome all year round, however they are banned in selected areas (far left hand side of the beach) from 1st April to 31st October.

Accommodation: Take a look at our range of cottages near Putsborough Sands, so you can start planning your next trip away with your pooch in North Devon.

Croyde

Croyde Bay is a picturesque cove beach, situated between Saunton Sands and Woolacombe.  It is important to remember that is not a dog friendly beach all year round.  Dogs are not permitted between May and September.  However, it is still a great place to visit with your pooch during the rest of year, which is why it is on our list.

The sandy beach is backed by dunes, which act as a great playground for your dog. There is also a stream which runs down the centre of the beach for splashing about in.  If you’ve got any energy left, then you can enjoy the spectacular walk around Baggy Point, which is owned by the National Trust.

Local information: WCs and showers, lifeguards in summer, cafes and shops nearby, close parking. Croyde is also the only beach in North Devon that will shortly have a Changing Places facility installed (check out it’s progress here)

Dog restrictions: Yes. Dogs not permitted between May and September on the beach. Dogs are permitted in the Dunes all year. Croyde Beach is privately owned.

Accommodation: Have a look at our range of Croyde cottages and treat your dog to an adventure on one of the best dog friendly beaches in North Devon.

Westward Ho!

This 2 mile sandy beach is extremely accessible for most and is dog friendly most of the year. The beach has large rocks and pebbles at the northern end and further down is backed by a large area of grassland. This all provides a host of sensory options for your canine friends. Please just beware of lead restrictions on the grassland areas when livestock is grazing.

Local information: WCs and showers, lifeguards in summer, cafes and shops nearby, close parking

Dog restrictions: Yes. Dogs welcome all year round at the north end, restrictions enforced at the southern end during summer months.

Accommodation: Take a look at our range of cottages in Westward Ho! and plan your next dog friendly adventure in North Devon

Instow

Instow has a lovely estuary beach, with a gentle gradient down to the waters edge and sand dunes towards the far end of the beach.  The beach itself provides a lovely setting for a walk with your canine pal, with wonderful views across the estuary to Appledore.  It is a strong favourite with dog owners, as the waters are protected by any swell, so even the smallest dog can splash in and out of the water. Ask any local dog owner and they would agree that it definitely earns itself a firm spot in the best dog friendly beaches in North Devon.

Local information:  Cafes, Restaurant and shops nearby, On road parking and pay and display

Dog restrictions: Yes. Dogs are not allowed on the stretch between the Quay and Lane End Road between May 1 and September 30. Dogs are allowed on the rest of the beach, but under supervision.

Accommodation: Take a look at our range of Instow Cottages, so you can start planning your next adventure with your furry friends in North Devon.

Hele Bay

Hele Bay is located just to the North of the seaside town of Ilfracombe.  It is a small cove that is ideal for those who want peace and quiet, or have a nervous dog.

The beach consists mainly of shingle, so if your dog has sensitive paws, then maybe choose one of the soft, sandy beaches.

Local information: Shop and tea rooms nearby, on road parking

Dog restrictions: Dogs welcome all year round

Accommodation: Check out our range of Ilfracombe cottages and book your next dog friendly trip away

Broadsands

Broadsands beach is known as one of North Devon’s most picturesque beaches and it is ideal for getting away from the crowds.  However, this pebble beach is not the easiest to get to, with over 200 steps to manoeuvre before you reach the beach.  So for dogs (and owners) who struggle with steps, you may want to keep to one of the other dog friendly beaches in North Devon.

Located on the edge of Exmoor, Broadsands provides some of the best beach vistas in North Devon. Its calm waters also make it one of the best wild swimming spots in the UK.

Local information:  On road parking

Dog restrictions: Dogs welcome all year round

Accommodation: Have a look at our cottages in and around Exmoor, so you can start planning your next holiday with your canine companion

We hope you have enjoyed our definitive guide to the best dog friendly beaches in North Devon. If you’re thinking of booking your next trip then you can find the full collection of our dog friendly holiday cottages here.

Please do not hesitate to get in contact with us if you have any questions or want any advice on where to book.