Devon with your dog

DOG-FRIENDLY BEACHES IN DEVON

Compare year-round beaches, summer dog zones and seasonal bans across North Devon, South Devon and the South Hams.

Plan before you set off

Find the right Devon beach for your dog

The useful bit is not simply whether dogs are allowed - it is when, where and whether you need a lead. These local guides also cover a dog-welcoming stop afterwards and the most practical car park.

23: Beach guides
10: Year-round beaches
4: Beaches with dog zones
9: Seasonal restrictions

Check the signs when you arrive. Dog control orders and private beach rules can change. The dates below are a planning guide, while signs at the beach show the rule in force that day.

8 local guides

Dog-friendly beaches in North Devon

View the North Devon dog-friendly guide

Seasonal restriction

Combe Martin

Main Combe Martin beach (Sandy Cove): dogs banned 1 May - 30 September. Adjacent Newberry Beach, a 5-minute walk east, has no restriction and is open year-round.

Where dogs can go: Main beach: seasonal ban. Newberry Beach: year-round dog-friendly alternative.
Lead rules: No specific lead rule stated for Newberry Beach; on-lead recommended around other visitors.
After the beach: The Dolphin - dog-friendly pub and restaurant directly opposite the main beach; dogs welcome in bar and outside. Short walk from Kiln car park.
Parking with a dog: Kiln car park / Newberry Beach car park: Kiln car park (pay and display) above main beach. Small separate car park at Newberry Beach. No dog exclusion from either car park.

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Seasonal restriction

Croyde

Dogs banned from the sand 1 May - 30 September, all 24 hours (not just daytime). Dogs permitted on coast path and dunes behind the beach during the ban. Unrestricted 1 October - 30 April.

Where dogs can go: Whole main beach sand: 24-hour seasonal ban. Coast path and dunes: year-round access during ban.
After the beach: The Thatch - dog-friendly village pub, short walk from Down End car park. Dogs welcome in bar and outside.
Parking with a dog: Down End car park: ANPR cameras; pay by cash, contactless or app (RingGo/Park Smarter). No dog exclusion from car park. Note: beach itself is off-limits to dogs 1 May-30 September.

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Dogs welcome year-round

Ilfracombe

Dogs generally welcome year-round at Wildersmouth. North Devon Council-managed beach; check on-site signage for any updates as town beach rules can change.

Where dogs can go: Whole Wildersmouth beach.
Lead rules: No specific rule stated; responsible control expected.
After the beach: The Pier Brewery Tap & Grill - dog-friendly bar and grill near the harbour, short walk from Wildersmouth; dogs welcome inside and in the 'Poop Deck' garden. The George & Dragon (Fore Street, 2 min walk) is also confirmed dog-friendly.
Parking with a dog: Cove, Pier or Wilder Road town car parks: Pay and display, all within a few minutes of Wildersmouth. No dog exclusion from parking.

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Dog-friendly section

Southern section of beach (below the beach shop, left of the access steps) is restricted 1 May - 30 September. The main body of beach - approximately two miles towards Woolacombe - is open to dogs year-round.

Where dogs can go: Southern section: seasonal restriction 1 May-30 Sep. Rest of beach (northward): year-round dog access.
Lead rules: No specific rule stated for the open section.
After the beach: The Rock Inn - Traditional dog-friendly pub in Georgeham, approximately 1 mile inland from Putsborough. Dogs welcome in bar.
Parking with a dog: Putsborough Sands car park: Private car park directly above the beach, beside the beach shop. Daily, weekly and season tickets available. No dog exclusion from car park.

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Dogs welcome year-round

Sandymouth

No seasonal restrictions. The National Trust asks that dogs are kept under close control at all times.

Where dogs can go: Whole beach.
Lead rules: Close control required; on-lead on steep clifftop path is strongly recommended.
After the beach: Sandymouth Café - Seasonal family-run café by the National Trust car park. Dogs not permitted inside, but confirmed dog-friendly outdoor seating. Open through the main season.
Parking with a dog: National Trust car park, Stibb clifftop: Free for NT members; pay-and-display (coin machines or JustPark app) for others. Steep uneven path to beach; no parking at beach level. No dog exclusion from car park.

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Dogs welcome year-round

Saunton Sands

No seasonal ban. Dogs must be kept on a lead in front of the beach huts. A small section immediately north of the slipway is excluded from dogs. Remainder of the long beach is open year-round.

Where dogs can go: Most of beach year-round; lead zone in front of beach huts; small exclusion north of slipway.
Lead rules: On-lead in front of beach huts (requested, consistently enforced by signage). Excluded: small section north of slipway.
After the beach: Beachside Grill - Described in beach guide as dog-friendly casual grill at beach level. Directly adjacent to the car park.
Parking with a dog: Beachside car park: ANPR cameras; pay at machine, in shop or via app before leaving. No dog exclusion from car park; note the lead and exclusion zone rules apply on the beach itself.

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Dog-friendly section

Westward Ho!

Main southern section (south of Sandymere Bridge): dogs banned 1 May - 30 September. Dogs must be kept on leads on the promenade during the same period. Northern section between Sandymere Bridge and the Taw/Torridge estuary remains open to dogs year-round.

Where dogs can go: Southern section: seasonal ban 1 May-30 Sep. Northern section (Sandymere to estuary): year-round dog access.
Lead rules: On-lead on promenade 1 May-30 September.
After the beach: The Pier House - dog-friendly seafront bar and bistro above the beach; dogs welcome inside and outside. Closest confirmed dog-friendly venue to the beach.
Parking with a dog: Seafront / slipway car parks; Northam Burrows Country Park: Pay and display behind seafront (closest to main beach). Northam Burrows for quieter northern end. No dog exclusion from car parks; dogs on leads in Northam Burrows nature reserve.

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Dog-friendly section

Woolacombe

Zoned beach: Zone A (northern section, Esplanade car park to stream): dogs banned 1 April (or Good Friday, whichever is earlier) - 30 September. Zone B (middle, stream to Mill Rock): dogs on lead only, same period. Zone C (southern section, south of Mill Rock towards Putsborough): dogs welcome year-round, off-lead. All zones fully open 1 October - 31 March.

Where dogs can go: Zone C (south of Mill Rock): year-round off-lead. Zone B: lead-only in season. Zone A (north): seasonal ban.
Lead rules: Zone B: on-lead 1 Apr-30 Sep. Zone C: off-lead year-round.
After the beach: The Red Barn - dog-friendly pub a few steps from the beach at the village end. Dogs welcome in bar area and outside; water bowls and treats provided.
Parking with a dog: Esplanade and Sandy Burrows car parks: Pay and display, behind the beach at the village end. Fill early on busy summer days. Zone A is the nearest section to these car parks; dog owners wanting unrestricted access should head south to Zone C.

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3 local guides

Dog-friendly beaches in South Devon

View the South Devon dog-friendly guide

Seasonal restriction

Broadsands

Dogs are banned from Broadsands Beach from 1 May to 30 September. A dog exercise area is available on the green behind the beach, with dogs on leads.

Where dogs can go: Whole beach: ban applies 1 May-30 September.
Lead rules: Use the dog exercise area on the green behind the beach with dogs on leads.
After the beach: Broadsands green dog exercise area - The council identifies a dog exercise area on the green behind the beach for dogs on leads.
Parking with a dog: Broadsands car park: Large pay-and-display car park directly behind the promenade, with a signed height restriction.

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Dogs welcome year-round

Elberry Cove

Dogs are allowed at Elberry Cove all year.

Where dogs can go: Whole cove: year-round dog access.
Lead rules: Keep dogs under close control on the coast path, around other visitors and near wildlife.
After the beach: Broadsands green - The nearest maintained open space and facilities are back at Broadsands, which has a dog exercise area on the green.
Parking with a dog: Broadsands car park: The closest public parking is approximately 400 metres away via an uneven coast path and steps.

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Dog-friendly section

Goodrington

Dogs may use North Sands all year. Dogs are banned from South Beach from 1 May to 30 September and must be kept on leads on the promenade.

Where dogs can go: North Sands: year-round. South Beach: ban applies 1 May-30 September.
Lead rules: Dogs must be kept on leads on the promenade at all times.
After the beach: Youngs Park - Open green space directly behind the beach. Keep dogs under control and follow current park signs.
Parking with a dog: Youngs Park or Quay West car parks: Both provide the main approaches to the north and south sections, around 100 metres from the promenade.

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12 local guides

Dog-friendly beaches in South Hams

View the South Hams dog-friendly guide

Seasonal restriction

Bantham

Main beach: dogs not allowed 1 May - 30 September (Bantham Estate private management). Estuary/River Beach section north of Hams End is open to dogs year-round and is clearly signed from the car park entrance.

Where dogs can go: Main beach: seasonal ban. River Beach (north of Hams End): year-round dog-friendly alternative.
After the beach: The Sloop Inn - dog-friendly 14th-century pub in Bantham village, short walk from the car park. Dogs welcome inside and outside.
Parking with a dog: Bantham Beach car park (Bantham Estate): Pay and display; privately managed. No dog exclusion from car park itself during the ban period - the restriction applies to the beach only. Gatekeeper can direct to the River Beach.

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Dogs welcome year-round

Beesands

Dogs welcome all year with no seasonal restrictions. Check current signage on arrival.

Where dogs can go: Whole beach.
Lead rules: On-lead near boats and potential wildlife (seals occasionally offshore) is recommended.
After the beach: The Cricket Inn - dog-friendly pub with rooms, directly beside the car park at Beesands. Known for seafood; dogs welcome inside.
Parking with a dog: Free parking beside beach: Free but limited spaces alongside the beach via narrow approach lane. No dog exclusion from parking.

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Seasonal restriction

Bigbury-on-Sea

Dogs banned 1 May - 30 September, 10am - 7pm (South Hams District Council PSPO, confirmed 2024-2027). Dogs welcome before 10am and after 7pm during this period, and all day from 1 October - 30 April.

Where dogs can go: Whole main beach.
After the beach: The Henley Hotel - dog-friendly small hotel on Folly Hill, 5-minute walk from beach with sea views. Dogs welcome in rooms and lounge.
Parking with a dog: Bigbury-on-Sea car park: Large pay-and-display car park above the beach. No dog exclusion from car park; arrive early in summer.

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Long seasonal restriction

Blackpool Sands

Dogs are banned from the beach and car parks from 1 May to 30 September under the privately managed site's Blue Flag rules. No dogs are allowed on site during this period, except registered assistance dogs. Dogs are welcome from 1 October to 30 April.

Where dogs can go: Whole beach and car parks: ban applies 1 May-30 Sep.
After the beach: The Cricket Inn, Beesands - dog-friendly pub approximately 15 minutes' drive. The onsite Blackpool Sands Café is inaccessible to dogs during the ban period (car parks excluded).
Parking with a dog: Blackpool Sands on-site car park: Dogs not permitted in car parks during ban period (1 May-30 Sep). Plan for off-season visits only if travelling with dogs.

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Dogs welcome year-round

East Portlemouth

Dogs welcome all year, no seasonal restrictions.

Where dogs can go: Whole beach (Mill Bay and estuary beaches near ferry landing).
Lead rules: On-lead near ferry embarkation/disembarkation recommended.
After the beach: Village Farm Café - Dog-friendly café around a 20-minute walk from the ferry. Dogs are welcome and should be kept under control.
Parking with a dog: Park in Salcombe, take passenger ferry: Very limited parking on East Portlemouth side; road access narrow. Recommended route: park in Salcombe, take 5-minute foot ferry across the estuary.

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Seasonal restriction

Hope Cove

Mouthwell Sands (main beach): dogs banned 1 May - 30 September, 10am - 7pm (South Hams PSPO, confirmed 2024-2027). Dogs welcome before 10am, after 7pm during this period, and all day 1 October - 30 April.

Where dogs can go: Mouthwell Sands main beach.
After the beach: Hope & Anchor - dog-friendly gastropub literally beside the beach, 2-minute walk from car park. Serves food; rooms available.
Parking with a dog: Inner Hope and Outer Hope village car parks: Pay and display. Short, flat walk to beach. No dog exclusion from parking.

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Seasonal restriction

Mothecombe

Dogs are not permitted on Mothecombe Beach from 1 May to 30 September and are welcome outside those dates. Public access is limited to selected days, typically Wednesdays and Sundays, so confirm the current opening days with Flete Estate before visiting.

Where dogs can go: Whole beach.
After the beach: School House - Dog-friendly restaurant and café around a five-minute walk from Mothecombe Beach. Dogs are welcome inside and outside.
Parking with a dog: Small Flete Estate car park above beach: Pay and display. No specific dog exclusion from parking.

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Dogs welcome year-round

North Sands, Salcombe

Dogs welcome all year, no seasonal restrictions.

Where dogs can go: Whole beach.
After the beach: The Winking Prawn - Dog-friendly café directly opposite North Sands, with dogs welcome inside and outside.
Parking with a dog: North Sands car park: Limited spaces directly at the beach. Walking from Salcombe (15-20 min) is often easier and avoids parking pressure.

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Dogs welcome year-round

Slapton Sands

Dogs welcome all year on the full 3-mile stretch from Strete Gate to Torcross - no current seasonal restrictions.

Where dogs can go: Whole 3-mile beach.
After the beach: The Start Bay Inn - dog-friendly pub in Torcross, directly facing the beach. Dogs welcome in bar and on seafront patio; water bowls provided.
Parking with a dog: Roadside A379 car parks / Torcross car park: Multiple roadside pay-and-display car parks along the coast road. Torcross car park at southern end. No dog exclusion from parking. Check A379 road conditions before visiting (storm damage has occurred in past years).

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Dogs welcome year-round

Soar Mill Cove

Dogs welcome all year, no restrictions on the beach.

Where dogs can go: Whole beach.
Lead rules: On-lead on coastal paths around livestock. Close control required on the approach path through NT farmland.
After the beach: Thirty Three By The Sea - dog-friendly restaurant in nearby Bolberry, approximately 5-minute drive from the NT Bolberry Down car park.
Parking with a dog: National Trust Bolberry Down car park: Small car park at top of valley (10-15 min steep walk to beach). Free for NT members; pay-and-display for others. No dog exclusion from car park; dogs should be on-lead on farm paths.

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Long seasonal restriction

South Sands, Salcombe

Dogs banned 24 hours a day, 1 May - 30 September (South Hams PSPO, confirmed 2024-2027). The only exception is dogs on a lead may cross the sand to board or disembark the passenger ferry during operating hours. Dogs welcome 1 October - 30 April.

Where dogs can go: Whole beach: 24-hour ban 1 May-30 Sep.
Lead rules: On-lead only, for ferry crossing during ban period.
After the beach: South Sands Hotel - dog-friendly hotel directly at the beach. Dogs in designated rooms and dining areas. Note: hotel guests may access the hotel from the path but dogs cannot go on the beach 1 May-30 Sep.
Parking with a dog: Small South Sands car park / Salcombe town + seasonal ferry: Car park fills quickly; seasonal sea tractor/ferry from Salcombe recommended. During ban period dogs cannot access the beach even if you park at South Sands.

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Dogs welcome year-round

Thurlestone

Dogs welcome all year at both Thurlestone Sands and the National Trust-managed South Milton Sands section. No seasonal ban.

Where dogs can go: Whole beach (both Thurlestone Sands and South Milton Sands).
Lead rules: Close control required; on-lead around livestock on adjacent farmland.
After the beach: Beach House - Dog-friendly beachfront café at South Milton Sands, with dogs welcome inside and outside.
Parking with a dog: National Trust car park (Thurlestone): Closest to the beach. Free for NT members; pay-and-display for others. Overflow field opens in busy periods. Golf club car park reserved for members only. No dog exclusion.

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