East Devon is one of the county’s most dog friendly places to visit. With an abundance of dog walks and pet friendly accommodation, your furry friends can have as memorable a holiday as you!
Plan your trip to East Devon with these dog friendly eateries, accommodation providers, walks and beaches.
Option 1 - Doggy beach day
We all know that dogs love trips to the beach, whether it's sand, pebbles or shingle, they love to dog and catch stones and what could be better than watching them chase the waves?
Why not start your day in Budleigh Salterton, dogs are allowed all year at either end of the beach, east from Lime Kiln where there is a car park and west from the western end of the promenade. There are signs, so you can make sure you're in the right place!
Next, head along the coast to Sidmouth, where you can visit Sidmouth Town Beach and Jacob's Ladder, just be sure to check the local signage before letting your dogs loose. At Sidmouth Town Beach, dogs are welcome all year on a small area at the east end of the beach, while at Jacob's Ladder, dogs are banned between May and September. While here, why not stop for something to eat, The Courtyard in Sidmouth is dog friendly and has an extensive, locally sourced menu.
The next beach on our list is Seaton Beach. Here dogs are allowed all year round at either end of the beach, with restrictions in place for the middle of the beach, so make sure to stay within the marked areas. After you've played about on the beach, head back towards Sidmouth where you can find a host of dog friendly eateries to round off your day.
Option 2 - A day of exploring
One of the great things to do when visiting with your dog is to explore the various pathways and trails around the region. In East Devon, there are a host of wonderful walks to enjoy, including the suggestions we've made here.
Start your day in Sidmouth at Mutters Moor where you can find a variety of different trails covering woodland and heathland. Dogs are welcome to run off lead, as long as you are aware of the local wildlife and there is a carpark for easy access. If you've had your fill of Mutters Moor, why not visit Salcombe Hill. Managed by the National Trust, this is close to Mutters Moor, you won't even need to leave Sidmouth! There are several walks to enjoy in this area and parking is free for National Trust members. Please keep an eye on signage as sometimes livestock can be found grazing nearby and there are some rocky sections.
At this point you might fancy some refreshments, so return to the town centre and rest your feet (and fill your stomachs) at The Swan Inn. This traditional inn welcomes dogs in the bar area. and always have biscuits on the bar so you can both refuel. If you're not finished with adventure, head over to nearby Honiton where there are no shortage of walks. One popular option is at Honiton Bottom Nature Reserve which is about a mile from the bustling town centre. Roadside parking can be found opposite the entrance to the reserve. End the day with dinner at The Otter Inn.
Option 3 - A day out for the whole gang
If you're looking for a day out that the whole family can get involved with, here are some suggestions.
For those of you visiting East Devon on a family holiday with the dog too, there are loads of options around East Devon. Start out in Budleigh Salterton at Bicton Park Botanical Gardens. The site has a host of things to do for the whole family, not only are there beautiful gardens but also children's play areas, restaurants and a museum. Once you've explored here, head to t Otterton Mill, where there are walks, shops and more for everyone to enjoy.
Spend the afternoon at the Donkey Sanctuary on the outskirts of Sidmouth, which is free to enter and often hosts additional activities to keep you entertained while meeting the various donkeys that call the sanctuary home. Finally, take a trip over to Seaton Tramway where you can enjoy a tram ride or two!
Finish the day off at one of the region's many dog friendly eateries.
