Five of the best dog-friendly pubs in North Devon
5 minute read
The Anchor Inn, Hartland
If it’s fuss and cuddles your dog wants when they’re in the pub, the Anchor Inn offers that in droves. The carpeted bar area is dog friendly, so call ahead to book yourselves a space and the staff will receive you and your dog with open arms, treats and a bowl of water.
Expect hearty beef wellingtons, Sunday roasts with all the trimmings, and excellent local ales and ciders on draught. Out the back is the highlight: a sun terrace with big-sky views down towards the ocean – an ideal sundowner spot.
Stay at: It’s an easy walk from the pub back to Nest Treehouse in Hartland.
The Sidmouth Arms, Upottery
A big beer garden with grassy lawns and tables under a sheltered pergola are the best part of The Sidmouth Arms in the Blackdown Hills, and it’s definitely a local dog walkers’ favourite. But if it’s not outdoorsy weather, nip inside with the dog and you’ll find a traditional English pub: timber framed with exposed beams, original stone fireplaces and large leather armchairs for reclining with whatever local drink you choose.
The staff here love dogs and do their utmost to welcome them inside and out, and on the menu, you can choose from traditional gammon, steak and ale pies, fresh fillet of sole and classic ploughman’s. There’s even an on-site electric car charger if you need to boost your batteries before heading off.
Stay at: It’s less than ten minutes by car to Hill’s Cross Hide cabin in the Blackdown Hills.
The Beaver Inn, Appledore
Few pubs have such enviable locations as the Beaver Inn in pretty little Appledore. This boozer sits right on the Taw and Torridge estuary and has fabulous views of the water from inside and out.
The staff here know this is dog country, so they’ve put towels at the front door for drying muddy or soggy paws, and there’s lots of outside space if you prefer a table in the sun. This is an ideal place to refuel after a runabout on Westward Ho! or Greysands Beach, with local meat on the menu and plenty of seafood options, from seafood chowder to classic fish pie.
Stay at: It’s just a 30-minute drive to Hideout Treehouse in Hartland.
The Focsle, Combe Martin
There’s little more you could want from a pub on the North Devon coast, as The Focsle has it all: local cider on draught, fish and chips, and picnic benches outside overlooking the dog-friendly beaches at Combe Martin.
Once you’ve had your fun at the beach or on the coastal path here, head inside to order from their varied menu of fish and pub classics. There’s handmade pie, Somerset lamb and a great kids menu, too, as well as lighter lunches like jacket potatoes. The dog will get a bowl of water on arrival, too.
Stay at: The pretty nine-person Georgian House just up the road beyond the village.
The Chichester Arms, Woolacombe
This little village pub in delightful Mortehoe looks more like a beach shack than a tavern owing to its whitewashed cladding and colourful blue shutters, but underneath the seaside-themed exterior is a 16th-century free house.
The Chichester Arms is the perfect pitstop after a walk on the headland at Morte Point, so head inside and hunker down with local beers and cider, a fish platter or some fragrant falafel. There are great veg and vegan options here, and the dog might even get some homemade biscuits if they’re lucky.
Stay at: The pretty Summer’s House in Braunton, just a 15-minute drive away.