Woof! I'm Ruby, and I live at Millbrook Estate with my humans. When I'm not splashing around in the lake here at home or keeping an eye on the alpacas, I love exploring North Devon with my favourite human Louie. North Devon really is one of the best places in the country to be a dog — there are beaches, moors, rivers, woodland trails and plenty of welcoming pubs and cafés along the way.
I've been doing my research for years now, and I've finally narrowed it down to my top 10 dog friendly days out in North Devon. Whether you're visiting for a dog friendly wedding at Tree Top Escape or just here for a holiday with your four-legged family member, I hope this helps you make the most of this beautiful corner of England.
1. Saunton Sands Beach
Saunton is dog friendly 365 days a year — and it really is one of the finest beaches in the whole of North Devon. There's a zoning system in place, so dogs do need to be on leads for the first section of the beach, but beyond that there's a vast stretch of open sand for running, digging and swimming to your heart's content.
The beach goes on for miles, so there's always plenty of space even on busy days. And on the way, if your humans fancy a stop at Squires Fish and Chip Shop in Braunton, it's worth giving them your best puppy eyes — there's occasionally a spare chip going spare.
2. Exmoor National Park — Tarr Steps
A doggy paradise right on our doorstep. Exmoor has over 700 miles of footpaths and bridleways winding through ancient woodland, over moorland and alongside rushing rivers — and almost all of it is dog friendly.
My personal favourite spot is Tarr Steps, one of the oldest clapper bridges in England, set in a gorgeous wooded valley on the River Barle. There are brilliant opportunities for a swim, and you can choose between a shorter circular route or a longer walk into Withypool village, where the humans can reward themselves with tea and cake at the tea rooms. Heaven.
www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk
3. Tarka Trail
The Tarka Trail is a 180-mile circular route that winds through the very best of North Devon — beautiful countryside, dramatic coastline, charming seaside towns and everything in between. It's named after Tarka the Otter, Henry Williamson's beloved story set right here in North Devon, and it really does feel like an adventure.
Much of the trail follows a disused railway line, which makes it brilliantly flat and accessible for dogs and humans of all fitness levels. There are wonderful café stops along the way — Fremington Quay (number 4 on my list!) is a firm favourite — and the trail connects many of North Devon's most beautiful spots.
4. Fremington Quay Café
Right on the Tarka Trail with its own car park, Fremington Quay Café is the perfect base for a walk or a well-earned rest after one. Although dogs aren't allowed inside the café itself, there are plenty of picnic benches and grassy areas outside where you can relax and watch the estuary go by while the humans refuel.
The views across the Taw Estuary are wonderful, and the ice creams are apparently excellent — though I've never been allowed to test that theory personally.
5. South West Coast Path — Bideford to Appledore
There's nothing better than a long coastal walk followed by a very long nap. The South West Coast Path is one of the great British long-distance walks, and the stretch from Bideford to Appledore is one of my favourite sections — full of estuary views, sea air and interesting smells.
Start at Bideford and follow the coastal path along to Appledore, a beautifully preserved fishing village with narrow cobbled streets that are well worth a wander. If the humans still have legs left, you can carry on to Westward Ho! for a swim at the beach. Just be sure to check the seasonal dog restrictions at Westward Ho! before you go.
6. Woolacombe Beach
Woolacombe is one of North Devon's most celebrated beaches — a three-mile sweep of golden sand that regularly wins awards, and rightly so. The good news for dogs is that it's divided into zones, and there's always somewhere we're welcome.
Zone A is open to dogs all year round. Zone B allows dogs on leads from May to September. Zone C has no restrictions at all — and because it's the furthest from the main car park, it tends to be the quietest too, which means more space for digging, running and generally being excellent. The surf is brilliant here as well, if your dog is a water baby.
7. The Boathouse at Instow
Sandy paws are very much welcome at The Boathouse in Instow. Perched right on the beach with a rooftop deck looking out across the water to Appledore, it's the perfect spot to sit in the sun with a cold drink and a good view while the humans enjoy some lunch.
Instow itself is a lovely village — there's a sandy beach, a general store and an old-fashioned feel that makes it a wonderful place to stop off after a walk along the Tarka Trail or the coastal path. The estuary views from the beach are some of the best in North Devon.
8. Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway
Dogs are absolutely allowed to take their humans for a ride on the famous Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway — one of the steepest water-powered cliff railways in the world, and a genuinely thrilling way to travel between the twin towns of Lynton high on the cliff and Lynmouth down by the harbour.
Dogs must be on leads and stay in the carriage throughout the journey, which is sensible given the rather dramatic drop. Once you're at the top, there are wonderful walks across the cliffs and along the Valley of Rocks, and Lynton has several dog friendly tea rooms and cafés for the humans to recover in.
9. Arlington Court
Arlington Court is a National Trust estate just outside Barnstaple, and a genuinely lovely day out for dogs and humans alike. There are woodland walks, formal Victorian gardens, carriage drives and a network of marked trails to follow — all set within a beautiful and peaceful estate that feels wonderfully removed from the world.
Dogs do need to be on leads in certain areas of the estate, and there are some parts that aren't dog accessible, so it's worth reading up before you visit. But there's more than enough to keep a dog very happy indeed.
nationaltrust.org.uk — Arlington Court
10. Heddon Valley and the Hunters Inn
Last but very much not least — Heddon Valley and the Hunters Inn. This is one of North Devon's most beautiful hidden corners: a deep, wooded valley running down to the sea on the Exmoor coast, with the Hunters Inn sitting in the middle of it all like something from a picture book.
The pub is traditional, warm and dog friendly — serving locally sourced food and real ales in exactly the kind of surroundings you'd want after a walk. And the walks here really are exceptional: coastal paths, woodland trails and a stunning route down to Heddon's Mouth beach, where the river meets the sea at the foot of dramatic cliffs.
Heddon Valley — National Trust | The Hunters Inn
11. RHS Garden Rosemoor
I know I said 10 but this is one for the more cultured dogs among us — RHS Garden Rosemoor, just outside Great Torrington, is one of the RHS's flagship gardens and a genuinely beautiful place to spend a few hours. Sixty-five acres of gardens including formal rose gardens, woodland walks, a stream garden, arboretums and a stunning kitchen garden make this a wonderful outing at any time of year.
The important bit for us dogs: Rosemoor welcomes dogs every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, including Bank Holiday Mondays. Up to two dogs per adult are allowed, and dogs must be kept on short, fixed leads at all times. If you've got a long or extendable lead, don't worry — they have leads available to borrow from the Welcome Building.
Dogs can explore the paths through the Formal Gardens, Stream Field, the lakeside, Lady Anne's Garden, the arboretums and the woodlands. Dogs are also welcome at outdoor tables on the Garden Restaurant terrace and at the Otter Café — so the humans can have a proper lunch while we have a rest in the shade. Dogs are not permitted in the children's play areas, the Potager and Cottage Garden, or inside the restaurant.
Admission applies — RHS members go free. Well worth checking the RHS website for up-to-date prices and opening times before you visit.
RHS Rosemoor — Dogs Policy | Plan Your Visit to Rosemoor
North Devon really is one of the most dog friendly corners of the whole country — and if you're planning a visit, why not make it extra special by combining it with a stay or a dog friendly wedding at Tree Top Escape? Dogs are always welcome here — at the ceremony, in the photographs and very much as part of the family.
Warm woofs,
Ruby 🐾
