Dog-friendly cottages in Devon near the sea
Amity
With the great strand of Putsborough beach just half a mile away, Amity is the place to go when you want fresh sea air rolling in when you get up in the morning. You’ll find yourself breezing about the site, duelling for supremacy on the tennis courts, playing giant chess or perhaps even the odd query to one another about how to actually play croquet on the lawn. If you’re hanging about in the daytime, you might enjoy eating al fresco in the garden, whilst the dog pretends to be underfed as they sit awfully close to you. The nighttime will have other treats in store, like a soak in the hot tub, whilst you clink glasses, or even star spotting around the firepit.
With coast this close, there’s no chance you won’t go and visit the sea. Putsborough connects to Woolacombe beach (it’s pretty much the same thing), both of which have won awards for their excellence. Once you’ve taken a stroll up and down its sandy length, there’s the option to head north to Woolacombe, where dogs are warmly welcomed. There are plenty of dog-friendly spots to grab something to eat or drink, whether it’s a coffee to fuel up for further adventures, or a little tipple to enjoy a wobbly sunset walk home. There’s plenty more to find, more beaches, more green spaces, more spots for a tipple – but finding them is half the fun…
Stay at: Amity >
Fingals Lower Mill House
Set back from the River Dart by just a mile or so, and just 20 minutes from the sea, Fingals Lower Mill House is a salty sea dog’s dream. When you’re not discovering sandy riverbanks and beaches to lie out and relax on, you can be heading out onto the water for SUP, canoeing, kayaking or simply wild swimming. There are loads of spots around this area to find dog-friendly beaches, and hidden coves all to yourselves, and the owners have a few secret suggestions to offer when you arrive!
If you’re more of the land-lubbing type, then you’re still in luck, with plenty of market towns around the place to enjoy. Murder-mystery-lovers will want to don their finest to pay homage to the home of Agatha Christie, Greenway, accessible by taking the foot ferry – and even better, dogs are welcome on the ferry, so everyone can sniff out the mysteries. Foodies are also in luck, with Totnes just a 20-minute drive. Head to the town to find restaurant after café, after pub, after wine bar. Eating out is a joyride through many world cuisines, local suppliers and renowned chefs – and many, if not most, are dog friendly.
If that too, is too much like hard work, then you needn’t go anywhere at all. Enjoy exploring the estate and spying the guests from the other six places making use of the shared pool, sauna or even on the croquet lawn. You might even join them for a round! Or if a little peace is what you’re after, just head down to the boat bench by the stream, and let the hound relax by your feet.
Stay at: Fingals Lower Mill House >
The Hayloft
Halfway between Paignton and the River Dart, drive in any direction and you’ll find water. The Hayloft borders the English Riveria, so it’ll come as no surprise that you’re surrounded by incredible beaches. Ansteys Cove, Babbacombe Beach, Beacon Cove, Beesands Beach, Churston Cove, East Portlemouth and Elberry Cove – all are dog friendly, all year round. The hardest part will be deciding which to go to first!
With Paignton, Brixham, Torquay and Totnes so close, you’re absolutely spoilt for choice when it comes to exploring towns, finding spots to go do a little retail therapy, and of course, finding dog-friendly places to eat. Brixham is ideal for grabbing those seafood treats to bring home and cook in The Hayloft’s large kitchen and enjoy out on the lawn. Totnes and Torquay are perfect for foodies after a little treat, and perhaps a artisan coffee.
There are walks from the front door at The Hayloft, and some incredible waterside strolls a little further afield, as well as some waterside restaurants for sunny lunches – but staying in is equally as rewarding. Cook on the BBQ in the afternoon, take a few laps in the pool, enjoy the enclosed garden with the dog, and when night comes, it’s toasty toes by the wood burner for dessert.
Stay at: The Hayloft >
Bantam Cottage
Three miles or so from the beach is Bantam Cottage, the perfect dog-friendly cottage for a couple and your dog to grab some much-needed relaxation. It can be very tricky with the juggling act of a dog and your own wants and needs for time away, but Bantam Cottage has plenty of options.
Keep it nice and easy on one of the many walks that run around the five acres on site, potentially even visiting the farm animals that live there. You could go for a few laps in the shared indoor pool and burn off a little of that decadent holiday eating. Alternatively, if you’re in need of that decadent food, you can hire a private chef for a three or seven-course meal, paired with the appropriate wines! If someone’s in need of an extra special treat, you can even book yoga, or get a massage session booked in.
But if you’ve got a dog that loves to go exploring, there’s so much to find in the local area. You could take a trip around the Dunkery & Horner Wood National Nature Reserve, which can be found at the heart of the Exmoor National Park. Or if the coast calls, it’s just a short drive to Combe Martin, or a slightly longer drive to Baggy Point for the great surf at Croyde Beach.
Stay at: Bantam Cottage >