Our favourite dog-friendly cottages in Devon near a pub
5 minute read
Fingals Folly
The pub: Ferry Boat Inn Distance: 40-minute walk / eight-minute drive
Fingals Folly is a wonderful balance of sociable and secluded – with six other spaces on the site, each with its own unique feel. You can head down to the boat bench by the stream for some peace and quiet or, if you’re feeling like something a little more sociable, over to the pool or croquet lawn to see who’s around.
Just an eight-minute drive or a 40-minute stroll down the road is the Ferry Boat Inn, known locally as the 'FBI'. It's very dog friendly and has wonderful views of the River Dart. You'll find the seasonal menus, stone-baked pizzas and excellent selection of local drinks there. And you can't miss it – it’s the big pink pub by the river!
Back at Fingals Folly, there are walks straight from the front door, with riverbank strolls and plunges into the Dart if you, or the dog, are in the mood for a dip. There are beaches to the north, east and south to pick from, and even a few secretive dog-friendly ones that the owners will recommend if you ask!
There are also some great places to take the dog for adventures. Hounds are welcome on the Dartmouth Foot Ferry, which’ll take you over the river to Agatha Christie’s former home, Greenway – now a National Trust property (dogs on leads welcome in the garden, shop and café). It’s also just a 20-minute drive from the bustling Totnes – where there’s great shopping, wonderful riverside walks and fantastic weekend markets.
Stay at: Fingals Folly, Dartmouth >
Amity
The pub: The Rock Inn Distance: 25-minute walk / four-minute drive
Once a laundry house at Pickwell Manor, Amity is a far cry from its former use (that is, other than the fresh sheets and towels). Amity’s tucked into its own little corner of the estate and has a private little garden complete with a table to enjoy a morning cuppa (or a lovely bit of grass for the dog). The site also offers entertainment, like tennis, croquet or giant chess on the lawn. You can also visit the resident pigs, goats and chickens – but the dog might want to stay at home for that one!
You'll be pleased to hear that Amity has a couple of pubs nearby, The Kings Arms – with world foods, pub classics and the odd bit of live music, or The Rock Inn – which has menus made up of fresh local produce, real ales and an expansive wine list!
It wouldn't be Devon without a trip to the beach. Head over to Barricane Beach for a stroll (check restrictions), and refuel with Sri Lankan food at the famous beach café there! Or visit the beaches at Croyde (dog-friendly from October to April), or the award-winning beaches at Woolacombe. Woolacombe's local area is fantastically dog friendly! You’ve also got Saunton and Putsborough, which are dog-friendly all year round.
Stay at: Amity, Georgeham >
Georgian House
The pub: Pack O’ Cards Distance: 41-minute walk / six-minute drive
At Georgian House, the interiors are suitably decadent and spacious. You might find yourself just wandering around for the first hour, admiring your surroundings and discovering everything on offer. The grand dining room has the perfect set up for family feasts. The garden room has table tennis, table football, and darts. There are impressive views to be enjoyed beside the fire and a shared indoor pool for leisurely laps. And outside, you'll spot the BBQ and loungers on the patio, alongside the hot tub overlooking the fields.
You'll be kept very busy on site, with so much to do, with roll-top baths for quiet afternoons, a bookable private chef, and the option to get dog walking and sitting, as well as yoga and massage booked with local experts. There are even farm animals on site to visit, with pigs, goats, chickens, guinea pigs and alpacas - all in enclosed pens.
However, you may get the urge to go out and about, especially with a bouncy dog to entertain. And you’re not far from the coast, with Combe Martin Beach, Broadsands and a great deal more nearby. Whether you just enjoy the five acres of enclosed field with the dog on site, or head as far as Exmoor National Park, there’s one thing you’ll most certainly do. Pop to the pub.
Head on down to Focsle Inn in Combe Martin nearby, for a pint of the local cider, and views stretching over Combe Martin Bay. Or try the Pack O’ Cards pub, a 17th century, grade II listed inn serving anything from light bites to the freshest of fish.
Stay at: Georgian House, Combe Martin >
Peacock Cottage
The pub: Focsle Inn Distance: 51-minute walk / nine-minute drive
On the same estate as Georgian House, Peacock Cottage has many of the same benefits, but is designed for fewer people. You’ll still be able to head to the indoor pool, as it’s shared, as well as meet the farm animals, or book a private chef, yoga or massage sessions.
You’ll also still be enjoying a beautiful period cottage, with a bath for day’s end and a wood burner to toast your feet by (or your belly if you’re the four-legged type). And if you don’t like the above suggestions to explore, there’s still the Dunkery & Horner Wood National Nature Reserve to get some muddy paws, or one of the local beaches. The pubs, of course, are both still the perfect way to refuel (and grab a tipple) before bed!
Stay at: Peacock Cottage, Combe Martin >