Dog-Friendly South Devon

South Devon delivers a different coastal experience from its northern counterpart, with sheltered estuaries, secluded coves, upmarket sailing towns, and a gentler atmosphere. Salcombe and Dartmouth provide sophisticated bases whilst numerous hidden beaches welcome dogs year-round. The South West Coast Path weaves through an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, connecting charming villages and dog-friendly pubs.

What makes South Devon special is the combination of accessible year-round beaches, stunning estuary scenery, and genuine canine welcome in even the most upmarket establishments. From North Sands near Salcombe to the quiet coves around Dartmouth, dogs are very much part of the South Devon experience.

Dog-Friendly Beaches

Year-Round Dog-Friendly Beaches

North Sands (Salcombe): Golden sands and calm waters in a sheltered cove just 15 minutes' walk from Salcombe. Dogs welcome all year. The Winking Prawn restaurant behind the beach serves delicious seafood and welcomes clean, well-behaved dogs. Plan around tides as beach submerges at high tide.

South Milton Sands: Near Kingsbridge with views of the famous Thurlestone Rock. National Trust car park, cafe, toilets. Kayak and paddleboard hire available. Dogs welcome year-round.

Slapton Sands: Three-mile stretch of shingle beach bordered by sea and Slapton Ley, the largest natural freshwater lake in the South West. Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Dogs welcome all year. Nature reserve for walks and birdwatching. Cafes at Torcross welcome dogs.

Torcross Beach: Continuation of Slapton Sands with village facilities. Sea Breeze Cafe and Torcross Boat House both dog-friendly. Perfect for long walks.

Strete Gate: Below the village of Strete. Good-sized car park, public toilets. Cafe By The Sea wagon for refreshments. Dogs welcome year-round.

Blackpool Sands: Blue-flag award-winning beach in Start Bay. Clear blue waters surrounded by evergreens and pines. Perfect for swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding. Dogs welcome all year (seasonal restrictions may apply to small section).

East Portlemouth: Small secluded bays with shallow, sheltered waters across the estuary from Salcombe. Perfect swimming conditions. Dogs welcome year-round. Access via ferry from Salcombe.

Lannacombe Beach: West of Start Point on rugged coastline. Secluded sandy beach perfect for escaping crowds. Small car park (arrive early). Dogs welcome all year.

Mattiscombe Beach: One of South Devon's most secluded beaches. Epic scenery. Dogs welcome year-round.

Wonwell Beach: Remote beach accessible via walk. Dogs welcome all year. Return to Dolphin Inn at Kingston for warming refreshment.

Man Sands: Hidden beach accessed by foot only via South West Coast Path from Sharkham Point or Woodhuish Lane car park. Calm waters, hidden coves at low tide. Dogs welcome year-round.

Castle Cove (Dartmouth): Walk from Dartmouth via Dartmouth Castle. Winding footpath down cliff. Castle Tearooms for coffee and cake before descent. Dogs welcome all year.

Sugary Cove (Dartmouth): Remote shingle and rock beach near Dartmouth Castle. Accessed via steep steps from Sugary Green. Dogs welcome year-round.

Gara Rock Beach: Accessed via coast path from East Portlemouth. Dogs welcome all year.

Soar Mill Cove: Set below Bolt Head along coastal path towards Hope Cove. True gem of a beach.

Beaches with Seasonal Restrictions

South Sands (Salcombe): Blue-flag award-winning beach. Dog-friendly October to end of April. 10-minute walk south of North Sands or take South Sands ferry.

Bigbury-on-Sea: Popular beach with views to Burgh Island. Seasonal restrictions apply.

Towns and Villages

Salcombe

Upmarket sailing town on the Kingsbridge Estuary with handsome views and excellent dog-friendly facilities.

For Dogs: North Sands beach year-round. Ferry to East Portlemouth for more beaches. Countless boutiques welcome dogs. Snapes Point for green space walking.

Dog-Friendly Pubs:

• The Victoria Inn: Award-winning traditional pub with open fire and terraced garden. Excellent menu featuring Salcombe-caught crab. Doggie menu with pigs' ears and dog beer.
• The Ferry Inn: Family favourite since 1739. Waterside terrace watching yachts. Resident dogs Winston and Wallace.
• The Fortescue Inn: Multiple seating areas where dogs roam free. Treats and water behind bar.
• Kings Arms: Bright, airy pub with log fire. Dogs welcome throughout (bar only during evening dinner). Treats at bar.

Dartmouth

Historic harbour town rightly known as a haven for dog lovers. Countless walks, and dogs even welcome on Dartmouth Steam Railway.

For Dogs: Castle Cove and Sugary Cove nearby. River ferries welcome dogs. Excellent walking along Dart Valley Trail.

Dog-Friendly Pubs:

• Seven Stars: Dartmouth's oldest pub with excellent mussels. Dogs welcome throughout. Best table by fireplace.
• The Windjammer Inn: Own commercial fishing boat for catch of the day. Local beers and ciders. Roaring fire.
• The Cherub Inn: Something different in a tiny historic setting.

Kingsbridge

Market town at the head of the estuary. Gateway to surrounding beaches and countryside.

Totnes

Bohemian market town between coast and Dartmoor. Dog-friendly pubs including Steam Packet Inn on River Dart. Dart Valley Trail for walks.

Dittisham

Pretty village on River Dart banks. Ferry Boat Inn (FBI to locals) painted bright pink. Ferry access to Agatha Christie's former home. Dart Valley Trail walking.

Hope Cove

Charming village near Soar Mill Cove.

Dog-Friendly Pub: The Sloop Inn with roaring open fire and seafood.

Thurlestone

Village near South Milton Sands.

Dog-Friendly Pub: The Village Inn, perfect pit-stop on coast path.

Strete

Village above Strete Gate beach.

Torcross

Small village on Slapton Sands with cafes and pub.

Beer

Charming fishing village in East Devon.

Dog-Friendly Pub: The Anchor Inn on clifftops with spectacular views. Garden overlooking sea. Lamb shank, sausage and mash, Thai curry. Dogs welcome throughout. Eastern half of beach dog-friendly year-round.

Malborough

Near Salcombe with Royal Oak pub featuring beer garden, open fires, and live music.

Coastal Walks

Snapes Point

Secluded spot within walking distance of Salcombe. 360-degree views of sailing boats, sunlit creeks, and rare birdlife on Kingsbridge Estuary. National Trust car park.

Bolt Head

Dramatic headland accessible from Salcombe. Stunning coastal scenery.

Start Point

Devon's most southerly point. Breathtaking peninsula between Kingsbridge and Dartmouth. Lighthouse surrounded by rugged rocks and billowing waves. Continue along coastal path to Lannacombe Beach.

South West Coast Path

The famous long-distance path runs through South Devon's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Key sections include:

• Salcombe to Hope Cove
• Dartmouth to Start Point
• Slapton to Torcross
• Beer to Branscombe

Dart Valley Trail

Excellent walking from Totnes along the River Dart. Steam Packet Inn for refreshment.

East Portlemouth to Gara Rock

Take ferry from Salcombe, then walk coast path to Gara Rock Beach.

Dog-Friendly Attractions

Dartmouth Steam Railway

Dogs welcome on this scenic heritage railway. Cross water at Kingswear for access.

Slapton Ley Nature Reserve

Behind Slapton Sands. Dogs welcome for walks. Excellent birdwatching.

Agatha Christie's Greenway

Former home of the famous author. Check current dog policy for grounds.

River Ferries

Various ferries around estuaries welcome dogs:

• Salcombe to East Portlemouth
• South Sands Ferry
• Dittisham ferry
• Dartmouth ferries

Dog-Friendly Pubs

Salcombe Area

The Victoria Inn: Award-winning, open fire, terraced garden, doggie menu.

The Ferry Inn: Waterside terrace, resident dogs.

The Fortescue Inn: Dogs roam free, treats behind bar.

Kings Arms: Bright and airy, log fire, treats at bar.

Royal Oak (Malborough): Beer garden, open fires, live music.

Dartmouth Area

Seven Stars: Oldest pub, excellent mussels, fireplace table.

The Windjammer Inn: Own fishing boat, catch of the day.

The Cherub Inn: Historic character.

Thatched Tavern: 17th-century building, bright modern interiors, Brixham fish.

Start Bay Coast

The Sloop Inn (Hope Cove): Open fire, seafood.

The Village Inn (Thurlestone): Coast path pit-stop.

Sea Breeze Cafe (Torcross): Beach cafe, dogs welcome.

Wider Area

Dolphin Inn (Kingston): Near Wonwell Beach.

Anchor Inn (Beer): Clifftop views, garden.

Steam Packet Inn (Totnes): River Dart location.

Ferry Boat Inn (Dittisham): Pink-painted, riverside.

Accommodation

South Devon offers extensive dog-friendly accommodation from coastal cottages to upmarket hotels.

Notable Options

Numerous dog-friendly cottages available in Salcombe, Dartmouth, Kingsbridge and surrounding villages.

For more options, see our guide to dog-friendly Devon.

Practical Information

Getting There

By Car: M5 to Exeter, then A38/A381 to Totnes/Kingsbridge/Salcombe. A380/A381 to Dartmouth. Approximately 4-5 hours from London.

By Train: Nearest mainline stations Totnes or Newton Abbot. Bus connections to coastal towns.

Getting Around

Car: Essential for accessing beaches and remote coves. Roads narrow in places.

Ferries: Various estuary ferries provide connections and avoid long drives.

Coast Path: Walking connects many beaches and villages.

Best Times to Visit

Spring: Quieter beaches, wildflowers on coast path.

Summer: Best weather, busiest period, some beach restrictions.

Autumn: South Sands reopens to dogs (October), excellent walking weather.

Winter: All beaches accessible, cosy pub season, dramatic coastal scenery.

Tide Awareness

Several beaches (North Sands, Man Sands, Sugary Cove) are significantly affected by tides. Check times before visiting.

Combining with Wider Devon

South Devon combines naturally with other Devon destinations:

Dartmoor: Moorland wilderness inland from Totnes.

North Devon: Different character with surf beaches.

East Devon: Continues coast path towards Dorset.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Salcombe dog-friendly?

Very much so. North Sands welcomes dogs year-round, numerous pubs have doggie menus, and boutiques welcome four-legged visitors.

Which South Devon beaches allow dogs all year?

North Sands, South Milton Sands, Slapton Sands, Torcross, Strete Gate, East Portlemouth, Lannacombe, Man Sands, Castle Cove, and Sugary Cove among others.

Are there dog-friendly pubs in Salcombe?

Yes, including The Victoria Inn with doggie menu, The Ferry Inn, The Fortescue Inn, and Kings Arms.

Can dogs go on the Dartmouth Steam Railway?

Yes, dogs are welcome on this heritage railway.

What's the best dog walk in South Devon?

Snapes Point near Salcombe offers accessible estuary views. Start Point provides dramatic coastal scenery. The South West Coast Path offers endless options.

Is South Sands Beach dog-friendly?

October to end of April only. North Sands nearby welcomes dogs year-round.

Are there dog-friendly ferries in South Devon?

Yes, ferries at Salcombe, Dartmouth, and Dittisham all welcome dogs.

Which beach near Dartmouth is best for dogs?

Castle Cove and Sugary Cove welcome dogs year-round. Man Sands offers secluded adventure.

Discover Estuary Charm and Hidden Coves

South Devon delivers exceptional dog holidays combining sheltered estuaries, secluded beaches, upmarket towns, and genuine canine welcome. From the sailing scene at Salcombe to the historic harbour at Dartmouth, this is coastal Devon at its most sophisticated.

Ready to explore? Book your dog-friendly South Devon accommodation and discover why this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty captures hearts across generations.

Luke explores South Devon with Charlie the German Shepherd, Golden Retrievers Buster and Ember, Labradors Simba and Max, and French Bulldog Molly. The pack particularly enjoys North Sands' calm waters and well-earned refreshment at The Victoria Inn.