The best towns and villages to visit in South Devon with your dog
Sidmouth
Set on the East Devon coastline and surrounded by the reddish cliffs that characterise this portion of the Jurassic Coast, Sidmouth is a charming place to bring the dog. Alongside its intriguing Regency history and the year-round dog-friendly beach just a hundred metres west of Jacob’s Ladder, there’s a donkey sanctuary where the dog is welcome to join you to meet the handsome residents, and plenty of lovely walking to be done atop those cliffs. One of the best things to do here is indulge in a cream tea, so step inside the dog-friendly and much-loved Someday Something for their self-proclaimed best scones in the region.
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Salcombe
With its position on the Kingsbridge Estuary, Salcombe has handsome views for days. Plenty of its dog-friendly pubs and restaurants make the most of this – we love Boatswains at the Kings Arms. There’s a dog-friendly beach at Salcombe North Sands, countless cute boutiques to take the dog shopping in town, and a wonderful little ferry to East Portlemouth across the estuary for more beach time. For walks in gorgeous green spaces, head just north of town to the lovely Snapes Point, or join the coast path from East Portlemouth and head towards Gara Rock Beach – it’s dog-friendly all year round.
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Totnes
Around half way between the South Devon coastline and the fringes of Dartmoor National Park, Totnes is in prime position for adventures by the sea and on the tors. There are plenty of dog-friendly pubs – try the Steam Packet Inn just south of town on the banks of the River Dart – and walks are best had on the Dart Valley Trail. The town’s not short of attractions, either, with the South Devon Railway nearby and its own ruined castle to explore. Plus, here you’ll find the beautiful Hayloft – a gorgeous place to escape to for a long weekend or summer holiday.
Stay at: Hayloft >
Widecombe-in-the-Moor
There’s not a lot going on in Widecombe-in-the-Moor, but that’s all part of the appeal. This tiny village sits within the undulating landscape of Dartmoor National Park and is a perfect base for long walks with energetic dogs. There are short trails around the village itself and longer hikes that cross Bronze-Age sites and beautiful Dartmoor scenery. Despite its tiny size, the village does have two excellent pubs. Stop in to warm up by the fire at The Rugglestone Inn, or enjoy the beer garden at The Old Inn when the sun is out.
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Torquay
If it’s the classic family seaside holiday you’re after, Torquay is a solid bet. This busy seaside resort has welcomed millions of visiting families ever since Queen Victoria took her holidays here in the 1800s. With plenty of pretty Victorian buildings, it’s a handsome little town and the beaches around Babbacombe are dog friendly all year. If you’re bringing kids as well as the dog, don’t miss a visit to Babbacombe Model Village, too. If you’re an avid reader, you’ll want to explore the Agatha Christie Mile, which charts the author’s influence in her hometown.
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Dittisham
You’ll find a slice of the quiet life in Dittisham, a pretty but hilly little village on the banks of the River Dart. People have been settled here since the Bronze Age but the village you see today dates back to the medieval times, including its Anglo-Saxon church. While it’s a lovely place to spend a quiet few days – especially thanks to the excellent, bright pink-painted Ferry Boat Inn (or FBI as the locals call it) – the best part of being here is accessibility to exciting attractions. Hop across the Dart and you can visit Agatha Christie’s former home, join walks on the Dart Valley Trail, or take the ferry all the way to Dartmouth.
The village is also home to the wonderful Fingals, where dog-friendly accommodation abounds in barns and apartments.
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