Devon is a dog-loving county and whether you live here or come here for a holiday, you will find that dogs are welcome in much of our accommodation, as well as places to eat, attractions and, of course, beaches.

Dog friendly hotels

South Devon and The English Riviera have a large selection of pet friendly accommodation, whether you are looking for a hotel, self catering cottage, holiday park, B&B or something a little more quirky.

Torquay’s Livermead House Hotel and Best Western Livermead Cliff Hotel, the Berry Head Hotel in Brixham and the Marine Hotel in Paignton are just a selection of the traditional hotel accommodation offerings that will accommodate your dog.

Some of these larger hotels for dogs also have leisure facilities and either their own swimming pool, or the use of the Riviera Centre, so just because you are taking your pooch on holiday doesn’t mean you have to miss out on all the fun!

If you have children, and are looking for all the action of a holiday park, with entertainment and leisure facilities, try award-winning Beverley Holiday Park or Whitehill Country Park in Paignton and John Fowler’s South Bay Holiday Park or Brixham Holiday Park, in Brixham, with the option to hire a static unit or take your own tent, caravan or motorhome.  If you like the idea of going mobile with, Widdicombe Farm in Paignton is a peaceful, family run adult-only touring park in Paignton where you and your pooch can relax and explore.

Many of the B&Bs in the English Riviera will accept pets by prior arrangement, even some of the smaller ones make them most welcome.  Some of our picks include The Iona, The Commodore, Ashleigh House, Raddicombe Lodge and Rowcroft Lodge. For more details, you can go to our dog friendly accommodation section for a full list of accommodation available.

Dog friendly cottages 

A self catering cottage holiday in South Devon offers you the complete flexibility to come and go as you please, with no restrictions on meal times and no worry of disturbing other guests if your dog enjoys an early morning stroll or a late night walk.  Many have enclosed gardens, ideal for both pets and children, offering them the freedom to run around in a safe and secure environment.

If you are looking for a dog friendly cottage in Devon, the English Riviera affords the luxury of both coast and countryside, with a wide choice catering for more than one dog, essential for that growing family!  Why not try Pilgrim's Rest Luxury Cottages or the Cary Arms & Spa?

Gone are the days when if you book a pet friendly cottage, you will be greeted with something tired and shabby that has the taint of wet spaniel in the air!  In Doggy Devon, you will be met with luxury cottages, cottages with hot tubs, and certainly all with have the mod cons you need for a home from home holiday, whether it is just the two of you (and the dog), or a family holiday.

As well as dog friendly cottages, the English Riviera has many dog friendly self catering apartments on offer, many with idealistic sea views and easy access to the beach, town centre and an array of dog walks.

Dog friendly restaurants

Being on England’s Seafood Coast, experiencing eating out whilst staying in Devon’s English Riviera is a must.  Luckily, being a dog friendly destination, there are an array of places to eat and drink where your dog would be most welcome!

Whether you are looking for a coffee and cake stop (or a quick half!) whilst enjoying a walk, a light lunch, or a first-class evening meal, you will find somewhere to dine, whatever your budget.

Cantina Kitchen & Bar is sat right next to the dog friendly beach at Goodrington and serves fresh fish direct from Brixham.  They also host events throughout the year, so you may be lucky enough to catch some live music.

Torquay and Paignton offer a vast selection of cafes, tea rooms, traditional pubs and restaurants, both well known brands and independent, family owned businesses, and many will welcome you four legged friend(s).

Dog friendly attractions

If you fancy a day out, why not experience the South Devon Railway or the Dartmouth Steam Railway and Riverboat?  Both allow your dog to travel for a nostalgic sightseeing trip with views of both the coast and the countryside. The Cliff Railway at Babbacombe is also pet friendly, as it Babbacombe Model Village.  Dartmouth Castle and the ferry which runs from the Embankment to Dartmouth itself, both welcome your dog, as does Totnes Castle.

Dog friendly beaches

With so many beaches on offer, you have plenty to choose from when it comes to taking your dog for a run along the beach!

You can see a list of year-round dog friendly beaches, and beaches where there are exclusion zones in our tourist information guide here.

Dog friendly walks

There is just so much on offer, whether you enjoy a gentle stroll along the promenade, or some hill walking, you can take in both coast and countryside!

Being situated right on the South Devon stretch of the South West Coast path, your are literally spoilt for choice, and their website details various route options with distance and levels of accessibility, which is very helpful to know in advance, especially if you are walking with young children or are less mobile.  Of course, you dog may be in its senior years too and just enjoy a leisurely little plod by your side, or it could be at its happiest off of the lead and bounding around across hills and plains!

Please remember to heed warnings in areas where your dog must be kept on a lead, especially in areas with high cliff tops, drops and where cattle and animals may be grazing.  And remember your “doggy bags” and help us keep South Devon clean and tidy for all to enjoy.