Dog-Friendly North Devon

North Devon delivers some of England's finest dog-friendly beaches, a dramatic coastline within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and charming surf villages where four-legged visitors receive genuine welcome. The golden arc from Woolacombe through Putsborough to Saunton Sands provides miles of year-round beach access, whilst spectacular headland walks and cosy village pubs complete the picture.

What makes North Devon special is the combination of world-class beaches that remain largely accessible even during summer months. Whilst some areas have seasonal restrictions, the sheer scale of beaches like Saunton Sands (3.5 miles) means dogs can always find space to run free.

Dog-Friendly Beaches

Year-Round Dog-Friendly Beaches

Saunton Sands: Three and a half miles of straight sandy beach backed by the impressive Braunton Burrows dune system. Dogs welcome 365 days a year. Simple zoning means leads only for the first five minutes near the car park, then the beach and dunes are yours to explore. One of North Devon's finest dog beaches.

Putsborough Sands: Renowned as one of the finest and cleanest beaches in the South West. 2.5 miles of golden sand stretching towards Baggy Point. Dogs welcome all year with only a small section (far left, below the beach shop) restricted April to October. Quieter than neighbouring Woolacombe. Clear water, great surf, and a gentler away-from-it-all feel.

Instow Beach: Located on the estuary where the rivers Taw and Torridge meet. Tranquil spot perfect for relaxed walks. No seasonal restrictions, dogs welcome year-round.

Hele Bay: Sheltered cove on the edge of Ilfracombe with shingle and sand shores. No restrictions even in peak summer. Rock pools at low tide. Adjacent to South West Coast Path and Hillsborough Nature Reserve.

Rockham Bay: Secluded beach near Mortehoe with lovely craggy features. Ideal for rock pooling. Dogs allowed all year. Access via coastal walk from Mortehoe.

Wildersmouth Beach: Close to Ilfracombe town centre. Quiet rocky beach. Dogs welcome all year. Good starting point for coastal walks.

Crow Point: Lesser-known beach on the edge of Braunton Burrows. Peaceful surroundings for quiet strolls. Dogs welcome all year.

Broadsands Beach: Hidden gem between Watermouth Harbour and Combe Martin Bay. Secluded cove accessible all year.

Mouthmill Beach: Secluded setting near Clovelly. Stunning rock formations and pebble beach.

Welcombe Mouth: Secluded beach surrounded by cliffs on the North Devon/Cornwall border. Site of Special Scientific Interest with fascinating geological features.

Beaches with Seasonal Restrictions

Woolacombe Beach: Multi-award-winning 3-mile beach with zonal system:

• No dogs zone: Between rocks at north end and the stream (Good Friday/1st April to first Monday in November)
• Dogs on leads: From stream to Mill Rock (same dates)
• Dogs off-lead: From Mill Rock southwards (no restrictions)

Plenty of space remains even during summer months.

Croyde Bay: Dogs not permitted May to September. Excellent from October to April when golden sand and dramatic headlands provide wonderful walking. Sand dunes above the beach accessible year-round.

Combesgate Beach: Between Woolacombe and Morte Point. Dogs welcome October to April.

Westward Ho!: Two-mile sandy beach. Dogs allowed all year at north end (Northam Burrows entrance). Restrictions at southern end during summer.

Coastal Walks

Baggy Point

Distance: 3-4 miles circular | Time: 1.5-2 hours | Difficulty: Moderate

One of North Devon's finest headland walks with panoramic views.

The Walk: Accessible from either Croyde or Putsborough. Rugged cliffs and stunning vistas. Camera essential.

Dog Considerations: Keep on leads near cliff edges and livestock. Spectacular scenery throughout.

Morte Point Circular

Distance: 4 miles | Time: 2 hours | Difficulty: Moderate

Starting from Mortehoe car park, this walk delivers stunning Bristol Channel and Lundy Island views.

Highlights: Dramatic coastline, wildlife spotting, panoramic views.

Dog Considerations: Leads near cliff edges and livestock.

Mortehoe to Bull Point Lighthouse

Distance: 3.5 miles | Time: 1.5-2 hours | Difficulty: Moderate

Dramatic coastline walk with panoramic sea views. Option to descend to secluded Rockham Beach where dogs are welcome all year.

Dog Considerations: Steep cliffs require leads in places.

Woolacombe to Putsborough Beach Walk

Distance: 2.5 miles one way | Time: 1-1.5 hours | Difficulty: Easy

Scenic beachside stroll with magnificent coastal views. Check tide times before setting off.

Braunton Burrows

Over 1,000 hectares of sand dune system behind Saunton Sands. Home to diverse wildlife including rabbits, otters, and rare butterflies. Dogs welcome but should be kept on leads to protect wildlife.

South West Coast Path

The famous long-distance path runs through North Devon, providing endless walking options. Key sections include:

• Woolacombe to Mortehoe
• Ilfracombe to Combe Martin
• Croyde to Baggy Point
• Westward Ho! to Clovelly

Towns and Villages

Woolacombe

The main resort of North Devon's golden coast, Woolacombe combines award-winning beach with village amenities.

For Dogs: Zoned beach access year-round. Multiple footpaths to surrounding headlands.

Dog-Friendly Dining: The Barn, Captain Jack's, Fortescue Arms, Beachcomber Cafe (right on the beach, amazing pancakes), Captain's Table.

Mortehoe

Charming clifftop village perched above Woolacombe with quaint streets and characterful pubs.

For Dogs: Excellent walking to Morte Point and Bull Point. Rockham Beach accessible.

Dog-Friendly Pubs: The Chichester Arms, Smugglers Restaurant, The Ship Aground.

Croyde

Laid-back surf village with relaxed atmosphere and excellent beach (seasonal restrictions).

For Dogs: Sand dunes accessible year-round. Beach open October to April.

Dog-Friendly Pubs: The Thatch (popular with dog owners, cosy corners), The Manor (large outdoor area, dogs in part of pub), Billy Buds.

Ilfracombe

Bustling harbour town with unique attractions including Tunnels Beaches and Damien Hirst's Verity statue.

For Dogs: Hele Bay nearby with no restrictions. Wildersmouth Beach accessible. Plenty of dog-friendly cafes and pubs.

Braunton

Gateway to Saunton Sands and Braunton Burrows.

Dog-Friendly Pubs: The Williams Arms.

Combe Martin

Sheltered cove with dog-friendly pubs and cafes. Gateway to Exmoor.

Clovelly

Historic fishing village with steep cobbled streets. Near dog-friendly Mouthmill Beach.

Dog-Friendly Pubs

Woolacombe Area

The Barn: Popular village pub welcoming dogs.

Captain Jack's: Dog-friendly dining.

Fortescue Arms: Traditional pub welcoming four-legged visitors.

Beachcomber Cafe: Right on Woolacombe Beach. Amazing pancakes. Gets busy quickly in summer.

Captain's Table: Good food, friendly service, dog-friendly.

Mortehoe

The Chichester Arms: Village pub with character.

Smugglers Restaurant: Dog-friendly.

The Ship Aground: Welcoming to dogs.

Croyde

The Thatch: Popular with dog owners. Busy pub with good corners to tuck away.

The Manor: Large outdoor area. Dogs welcome in part of pub.

Billy Buds: Dog-friendly.

Wider Area

The Williams Arms (Braunton): Dog-friendly.

Hunters Inn (Exmoor): Atmospheric pub in beautiful valley setting.

The Kings Arms (Georgeham): Described as "a treasure of a village pub" by The Independent. Warm welcome after countryside walks.

The Rock Inn: 17th-century inn with dog-friendly locals and warming fireplace. Five cask marque real ales.

Broomhill Sculpture Gardens: Dog-friendly with cafe.

The Cranford Inn: Dog-friendly North Devon pub.

Dog-Friendly Attractions

Braunton Burrows

One of the largest sand dune systems in the British Isles. UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Dogs on leads to protect wildlife.

Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway

Scenic ride on the steepest and highest water-powered railway in the world. Check current dog policy.

Exmoor National Park

Wild moorland accessible from North Devon's eastern edge. Excellent walking with dogs. Hunters Inn provides refreshment in beautiful valley setting.

RHS Garden Rosemoor

Check current dog access policy for gardens.

Tunnels Beaches (Ilfracombe)

Hand-carved tunnels leading to tidal bathing pools. Check dog policy.

Accommodation

North Devon offers extensive dog-friendly accommodation.

Holiday Parks

Woolacombe Bay Holiday Parks: Three parks (Woolacombe Bay, Twitchen House, Easewell Farm) all welcome dogs. Designated dog-friendly areas in restaurants. Footpaths to beaches.

Croyde Bay Resort: WaggyTails lodges and cottages with private fenced gardens. Beach gate opens onto sand dunes.

Ruda Holiday Park: Dog-friendly caravans near Croyde.

Hotels

Woolacombe Bay Hotel: Dog-friendly with beach access.

Self-Catering

Numerous dog-friendly cottages and apartments throughout the area.

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

Practical Information

Getting There

By Car: M5 to Tiverton or Barnstaple, then A361 (North Devon Link Road). Woolacombe approximately 4 hours from London.

By Train: Nearest station Barnstaple on Tarka Line from Exeter.

Parking

Woolacombe: Beach car parks fill quickly in summer. Arrive early.

Saunton Sands: Car park with direct beach access.

Putsborough: Car park on beach.

Croyde: Village parking and beach car parks.

Best Times to Visit

Spring: Quieter beaches, wildflowers on headlands, Croyde beach reopens.

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

Autumn: Beach restrictions end (Croyde reopens October), excellent walking weather.

Winter: Empty beaches, dramatic skies, cosy pub season.

Beach Safety

Tides: Check times, especially at Woolacombe and Putsborough.

Currents: Be cautious of strong currents, particularly at Croyde.

Dogs Fouling: Always clean up. Bins provided at most beaches.

Combining with Wider Devon

North Devon combines naturally with other Devon destinations:

Exmoor: Wild moorland on eastern edge.

South Devon: Different character with sheltered coves.

Dartmoor: Moorland wilderness inland.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Woolacombe Beach dog-friendly?

Yes, with a zonal system. Dogs are welcome off-lead from Mill Rock southwards all year. Other areas have seasonal restrictions (April to November).

Which North Devon beach is best for dogs?

Saunton Sands offers 3.5 miles of year-round dog-friendly sand with minimal restrictions. Putsborough is another excellent choice.

Can dogs go on Croyde Beach?

From October to April only. Sand dunes above the beach are accessible year-round.

Are there dog-friendly pubs in Woolacombe?

Yes, including The Barn, Captain Jack's, Fortescue Arms, and Beachcomber Cafe on the beach.

What's the best dog walk in North Devon?

Baggy Point offers spectacular headland walking. Morte Point and Bull Point Lighthouse are also excellent.

Is Saunton Sands dog-friendly?

Yes, dogs welcome 365 days a year. Simple zoning means leads only near the car park, then freedom on the beach and dunes.

Can I visit Braunton Burrows with my dog?

Yes, dogs welcome but should be kept on leads to protect the diverse wildlife in this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Are there year-round dog beaches in North Devon?

Yes, including Saunton Sands, Putsborough (mostly), Instow, Hele Bay, Rockham Bay, and Crow Point.

Discover Golden Sands and Dramatic Headlands

North Devon delivers exceptional dog holidays combining world-class beaches, spectacular coastal walking, and genuine canine welcome throughout charming surf villages. From the vast expanse of Saunton Sands to the dramatic cliffs of Baggy Point, this is coastal Devon at its finest.

Ready to explore? Book your dog-friendly North Devon accommodation and discover why this stretch of coast captures hearts across generations.

Luke explores North Devon with Charlie the German Shepherd, Golden Retrievers Buster and Ember, Labradors Simba and Max, and French Bulldog Molly. The pack particularly enjoys Saunton Sands' endless space and well-earned refreshment at The Thatch in Croyde.