Our favourite dog-friendly cottages in Devon with walks from the door
Amity
Once Pickwell Manor’s laundry house, Amity is now a far cry from its former, more humble use. Spending time here’s all too easy, with plenty of spots to settle down and relax. Make use of the games on the site, having a round of tennis at the courts, playing a little croquet on the lawn or even giant chess! This dog-friendly cottage has its own hot tub, for late night soaks, and a private grassy area to enjoy al fresco lunch whilst the dog makes happy bounds about beside you.
Being this near the coast is particularly useful, with the two-mile-long dog-friendly beach at Putsborough just half a mile away (voted The Times’ Best Beach in 2021), and other beaches like Lee Bay also nearby, which has brilliant rock pooling! There’s also Exmoor nearby, with all the hikes and wild ponies you can handle. And nearby, plenty of market towns to amble around with the dog to find dog-friendly eateries and cafés to fuel up at.
If you have a sea-faring kind of dog, there’s also the ferry to Lundy Island, which goes from Ilfracombe – spend the day exploring the island, and return to Ilfracombe to take a wander around its pretty little harbour town streets. But with six acres of woodland walks on the site, as well as walks straight from the front door – you’re in the perfect spot for some holiday strolls. You’ll just need to ask the dog what they prefer, by way of which direction they pull on the lead!
Stay at: Amity >
Poppy’s Cottage
Just six miles from Exeter, this cosy hideaway is found on the larger Sherwood Gardens estate, 15 acres of flower gardens – all surrounded by woodland. Poppy’s Cottage is tucked away down your own private lane – and if you chose to live like a recluse for a few days, it’d be easy. With ping pong in the barn, a nice modern kitchen to take turns cooking in (as well as a BBQ outdoors), and a private gym to keep in shape – there’s more than enough to keep you busy.
This being Devon however, there’s a wide selection of activities to drag you out the door. Head into Exeter and visit Saddles & Paddles to hire bikes, canoes, kayaks and paddleboards for your adventures! Or explore Exeter’s historic buildings, shopping spots, and of course, the many dog-friendly eateries to grab a bite to eat, or a coffee to fuel up with! There are also plenty of walks to get on with, with the Exeter Green circle walk being an excellent option, twelve miles of country footpaths, green spaces in the city centre, and a few good ambles down the metropolitan streets.
But if that’s a little too outgoing for you, there are the walks around the twelve acres on site, as well as Dartmoor in easy reach if you don’t mind a 45-minute drive to get your fill of wide-open spaces. Of course, there are also plenty more – straight from the door!
Stay at: Poppy's Cottage >
Peacock Cottage
There aren’t many places as wild, wonderful and perfect for walking than our national parks! With its position on the very western edge of Exmoor, and a mere eleven-minute drive to the beach – Peacock Cottage has the best of both worlds. With patchwork fields, bridleways and paths, as well as seaside sandy strolls and coastal walks – there’s something for everyone. It’s also easy to head deeper into the national park to discover the Dunkery & Horner Wood National Nature Reserve – if your dog’s particularly fond of woodland!
This dog-friendly cottage is in a great position to make use of all the outdoor pursuits, with a 35-minute drive to Baggy point, you can be on Croyde beach in a half hour to take on one of North Devon’s best surfing spots!
There is even five acres of walks directly on site if you don’t fancy going too far for a stretch of the legs. Not to mention the fact that if you do decide to take the walk round site, you can meet all the animals that are living and thriving there! Once you’ve explored the site, you can take things easier, and reward yourself for your hard work. Take a couple of victory laps in the shared indoor pool, or, if you’ve been really good, you can hire a private chef to cook a three- or seven-course meal, paired with appropriate wines for the occasion!
Stay at: Peacock Cottage >
Fingals Folly
This stretch of the UK is unique enough without even considering all the work the owners at Fingals Folly have put in to make it a one-of-a-kind stay. There are six places on the site in all, which means you’ve got the option to make your stay as social or as secluded as you like. You can pop down to the boat bench by the stream for a little peace, or you could pop on over to the shared pool, sauna and croquet lawn to see who else is enjoying the site.
This being Devon, there are of course, beaches galore. There are spots on the nearby River Dart, where the breadth and strength of the river have created sandy banks to explore, but if you head a little further, the likes of Compass Cove, or Strete gate beach – both welcome dogs all year round.
You’ll also find plenty of spots to explore, with Agatha Christie’s home, Greenway not far away, Totnes and its wonderful markets just a 20-minute drive, or Sharpham Vineyard just round the corner. No matter what you choose to do, it’s easy enough to simply lead up, and head right out the door to find plenty of walks.
Stay at: Fingals Folly >