45 family & dog-friendly attractions in Devon

As a family with a four-legged friend we know it can be a challenge finding days out to please everyone. But the more places you can visit together the better, particularly when you are planning weekend adventures or a family holiday where leaving your pooch at home is not an option. Below is my list of the dog-friendly attractions in Devon that will welcome you all.

I’ve also thrown in a list of some Devon beaches that are dog-friendly all year round.

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Got a while to stay? Check out my full guide to family holidays in Devon.

Dog-friendly attractions in Devon where they can visit on a lead

Here’s some fun Devon family attractions where your dog can join you on a lead listed by area – scroll down to see them on a map:

Days out with dogs in South Devon

Treat you dog to a day out at these South Devon attractions:

• South Devon Railway – steam railway line between Buckfastleigh and Totnes with museum
• Dartmouth Steam Railway and river cruises – steam train rides between Paignton and Kingswear and boat trips along the River Dart from Dartmouth to Totnes
• Plym Valley Railway – take a ride on this 1.5 mile heritage line near Plymouth which is open most Sundays. There’s also a buffet car and miniature railway at the Marsh Mills station.
• Babbacombe Model Village – model village set in beautiful gardens near Torquay
• Babbacombe Cliff Railway – historic cliff railway connecting Babbacombe Downs to Oddicombe Beach
• Dinosaur World in Torquay – this indoor attraction dedicated to dinos is a great place to head on a wet day.
• Greenway National Trust gardens only – Agatha Christie’s former holiday home with winding paths through beautiful gardens.
• Coleton Fishacre gardens only – stunning subtropical gardens in a valley that winds down to the sea
• Saltram grounds – Georgian mansion surrounded by acres of woodlands and riverside walks with play areas and a cycling tracks.
• Bygones – a museum of British history in Torquay with a Victorian street scene, wartime curiosities and vintage amusements
• Totnes Castle – a Norman motte and Bailey castle that you can climb
• The Golden Hind (small dogs on leads) – a full-size replica of Sir Francis Drakes Golden Hind, which was the first ship to sail around the globe. It’s now a museum
• Powderham Castle and grounds – Powderham is the seat of the Earls of Devon. There’s castle tours, a deer safari, adventure playgrounds and walks around the grounds. Dogs are not allowed on the safari or in the walled gardens.
• Singing Paddles – these canoe tours around Kingsbridge and Salcombe welcome dogs for free.

Check out my post with more things to do in South Devon with kids.

Places to visit with dogs in Dartmoor

If you’re visiting Dartmoor with a dog please follow the National Park’s guidance. Dogs must be kept on leads at certain times of year and always when around live stock.

These attractions on the south edge of Dartmoor welcome pets as well as people:

• Canonteign Falls – climb England’s highest manmade waterfall, enjoy the lakes and let the kids loose on the adventure playgrounds.
• Becky Falls – walk the route of the falls, meet the farm animals and more exotic creatures, and explore the trails of the ancient woodland.
• River Dart Country Park – tire the kids out on the woodland adventure playgrounds, on the pump track, in the swimming lake. There’s also activities like high ropes, kayaking and water zorbing.
• The House of Marbles – discover the history of marbles and see various intriguing marble runs in this museum and gift shop. Outside there’s a playground and games for kids too.
• Buckland Abbey – dogs are welcome in the grounds and at the cafe but not in the formal gardens.
• Crag 2 Mountain – dogs are welcome to join you on outdoor activities including orienteering, climbing, abseiling and weaselling on Dartmoor.

Find more things to do on Dartmoor with kids and some easy Dartmoor walks to do as a family.

Dog-friendly places in West Devon

As well as the moors and tors of Dartmoor, here’s some more places to explore with a dog to the west of the National Park:

• Morwellham Quay – heritage and living history museum with hands on activities on the bank of the River Tamar.
• Lydford Gorge – the South West’s deepest gorge, managed by the National Trust. Find it between Okehampton and Tavistock.
• Castle Drogo grounds only – enjoy walk through the Teignmouth Gorge around this 20th Century Castle.
• War Horse Country Park, in Winkleigh – immerse yourself in the farm that inspired the book, film and play War Horse. Dogs are welcome to visit on a lead as you meet the farm animals, learn about the farm’s role in the First World War, go on a tractor ride and indulge in a cream tea at the farm house cafe.

Here’s more places to visit in West Devon.

Dog-friendly places to visit in East Devon

• Seaton Tramway – ride a narrow gauge heritage tram through the stunning Axe Valley from Seaton to Colyton.
• Stuart Line Cruises – boat trips along Devon’s Jurassic Coast and the River Exe from Exmouth.
• Bicton Park Gardens – botanical gardens, railway and adventure playgrounds.
• Killerton National Trust grounds only – there’s plenty of walks around the estate of Killerton including den building areas, an adventure playground, children’s trails and tree swings
• Pecorama – miniature railway, models and plenty of opportunities for kids to play.
• The Donkey Sanctuary – a free attraction where you can meet the rescue donkeys looked after by this charity.

Find more places to visit in East Devon.

Dog-friendly places to visit in Mid Devon

Dogs are welcome to visit these attractions in Mid Devon:

• Knightshayes National Trust parkland – there’s 250 acres of woodland and parkland that are ideal for dog walks.
• The Bear Trail – a family assault course near Cullompton where getting muddy is essential.
• Devon Railway Centre – miniature railway, models and plenty of opportunities for kids to play.
• Coldharbour Mill at Cullompton – dogs are welcome at this heritage cotton mill as well as in the wildlife meadow, gardens and cafe.
• Paint Pots of Devon in Crediton – well behaved dogs are welcome to join you for pottery painting.

Here’s some more family-friendly places to visit in Mid Devon.

Things to do in North Devon with dogs

• Clovelly Village – step back in time at this historic fishing village near Hartland which is one of Devon’s most picturesque places.
• Lynmouth to Lynton Cliff Railway – take a ride on this 19th Century funicular for incredible views of the North Devon coast.
• Lynton & Barnstaple Railway – well behaved dogs travel for free on the railway. They just need to be accompanied by a paying two-legged passenger.
• The Valley of Rocks – a natural wonder of Exmoor National Park where you’ll find some of the UK’s highest sea cliffs and stunning views.
• Watermouth Castle – dogs are welcome to join their owners at this family theme park near Ilfracombe. The park includes rides, play areas and plenty of vintage curiosities.
• The Milky Way Adventure Park – spend a day enjoying the rides and attractions of one of Devon’s top theme parks. Pet owners require public liability insurance and there is a charge for your pet. See the attractions FAQs for more information before you visit.
• Arlington Court and National Trust Carriage Museum gardens and grounds – there’s more than 20 miles of footpaths to explore as well as the carriage collection in the stables.
• Heddon Valley near Barnstaple is a lovely place for a walk through Exmoor’s countryside and is free to visit. Dogs are even welcome in the Hunter’s Inn beer garden.
• Quince Honey Farm – visit one of Britain’s top honey farms to find out about beekeeping. Dogs are welcome everywhere except for the soft play.
• Hartland Abbey – explore the grounds and gardens of the Stucley family which sits in a valley that leads to the sea.
• Rock and Rapid activity centre – dogs on lead are welcome to come into the centre while you are having a go on the climbing wall, high ropes, archery or axe throwing.
• Ilfracombe Princess boat trips – dogs are welcome onboard.

Here’s more ideas for things to do in North Devon with kids.

Where to find these dog days out in Devon

Here’s where to find all of these family and dog-friendly days out in Devon:

Dog-friendly Devon beaches

One of our go-to things to do with our dog is a trip to the beach. Not all Devon beaches allow dogs in the summer months but we have insider knowledge on the ones that do.

Here’s some Devon beaches that are dog-friendly all year round – please check signs at these beaches when you arrive as some have specific areas designated for dogs:

Dog-friendly beaches in South Devon

• Mill Bay, Salcombe
• Salcombe North Sands, Salcombe
• Landcombe Cove, Strete
• Slapton Sands, Start Bay
• Strete Gate, Start Bay
• Torcross, Start Bay
• Mansands, Brixham
• Goodrington Sands, Paignton
• South Milton, Kingsbridge
• Hope Cove Harbour, Kingsbridge
• Anstey’s Cove, near Torquay
• Dawlish Warren, Dawlish

Here’s some more South Devon beaches we love.

Dog-friendly beaches in North Devon

• Putsborough Sands, Woolcombe
• Clovelly, Hartland
• Saunton Sands, Braunton
• Instow, Bideford
• Lynmouth Beach, Lynmouth
• Wildersmouth Beach, Ilfracombe
• Woolacombe Beach, Woolacombe
• Barricane Beach, Woolacombe
• Welcombe Mouth, Hartland
• Hele Bay, Ilfracombe

Here’s some more North Devon beaches that come highly recommended for families.

Dog-friendly beaches in East Devon

• Sidmouth Beach, Sidmouth
• Beer Beach, Beer
• Seaton Beach, Seaton

Don’t forget to check signs at these beaches which will give you specific information about the areas dogs are allowed all year round.

More walks in Devon

Check out more collection of recommended Devon walks for families – dogs are welcome too!

Do you have a favourite dog-friendly Devon attraction or a doggy day out that’s not mentioned? Let me know!

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