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Happy National Dog Day! Celebrate in Devon with these dog friendly accommodation options

17th August 2020

Categories: Visitor News

Dog lovers will already know this, but National Dog Day is almost upon us! The celebration of all things dog takes place on 26^th August this year and to mark the occasion, we thought we’d offer a few suggestions for places that your pooch can enjoy a nice break too!

Many of us consider our dogs to be part of the family, so it only seems right that they should get to join us on our holidays. Luckily, Devon is incredibly dog friendly, there are a host of accommodation providers and attractions that are happy to welcome dogs and even some eateries that cater for your furry friends too! Of course, we recommend that if you are visiting Devon with your dogs, that you make sure to check the local information, particularly if you’re heading to the beach as many of them have restrictions on dogs during the summer months. Even if you can’t spend time on the beach at this time of year, you have two national parks, plenty of areas of outstanding natural beauty and an abundance of coastal paths and trails to explore together!

When it comes to accommodation though, you have plenty of choices, from hotels to campsites to self-catering cottages and even a few glamping sites who are happy for your dog to join you! Take a look at some of our suggestions below to plan the ultimate holiday for you and your dog!

One area to visit if you want to indulge in stunning scenery and want plenty of space for the dogs to enjoy themselves is the east of Devon, particularly around the Jurassic Coast. Not only do you have access to the South West Coast Path and some beaches, but also the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty which covers a whole host of lovely towns and villages.

Higher Wiscombe can be found right in the heart of the AONB in the east of Devon and is just a short trip from the South West Coast Path. This site has a several cottages all of which have stunning views and cosy interiors.

Also in the East Devon area is Oakdown Touring and Holiday Caravan Park this site, which is close to the Jurassic Coast World Heritage site is perfect for those who want to get out and enjoy the great outdoors. There is a range of accommodation available, including lodges, glamping units or you can bring your own caravan and choose a pitch! If you choose to stay here, make sure to sample at least one of their Full English Breakfasts at the Oak Mead Café – they’re popular for a reason!

Image: Ladram Bay

Another great option, particularly if you have the whole family with you is Ladram Bay located in the delightful town of Budleigh Salterton and with easy access to Sidmouth and the neighbouring AONB, as well as access to its own private beach, this is a great choice for anyone who wants to really explore the wider east Devon area. While many of the usual facilities might be restricted at the moment, this is still an excellent accommodation option for those travelling with a family or anyone who wants a wide choice of options, you can choose from traditional camping pitches, apartments, holiday homes, lodges and even glamping pods!

Somewhere else you can enjoy a spot of glamping is Jurassic Glamping in Axeminster. These safari tents can sleep up to six people and have their own bathrooms within them including hot, running water and even a flushing toilet! You even have your own kitchen within the tent! Now that is luxury!

If you fancy visiting the south Devon coast and the English Riviera region of Devon, you’ll find plenty to do there too.

One of the prettiest spots in this region is the South Hams area, which is where you’ll find Woodlands Grove Caravan and Camping Park. Close to the town of Dartmouth, this site offers glorious views of the countryside and as they welcome touring caravans, motorhomes, tents and trailer tents, you and your dog can feel right at home in your own accommodation. If you have the whole family with you, why not visit the neighbouring theme park? One of the largest tourist attractions in the South West, you’ll find everything from rides, indoor play and even a small zoo farm!

Not far from the South Hams area is Galmpton Touring Park. Located in Brixham in the heart of the English Riviera, Galmpton offers a quiet and peaceful place to relax after exploring the Torbay and South Hams areas. The same team are behind the The Sail Loft a beautiful holiday let which has been refurbished and is a real sun trap, particularly in the downstairs kitchen. It’s not only ideally located for those wanting to get out and about, but it also offers privacy and plenty of space with three bedrooms and two bathrooms!

Nearby is Whitehill Country Park in Paignton, an award winning dog friendly family holiday park which has a range of accommodation to suit all budgets including boutique holiday caravans with hot tubs, luxury lodges, camping and glamping areas – catering for every style and taste! Being in Paignton means that you can easily explore the Torbay and head into towns like Totnes and Dartmouth and you have access to the mainline railway from Paignton station.

Image: Cary Arms

If you think you’d rather spend your trip to the Torbay in a hotel, then take a look at the Cary Arms and Spa. Located on the waterfront, the Cary Arms has all the values and personality of a traditional English Inn with the added luxuries and style of a boutique hotel. The hotel overlooks Babbacombe Bay and on a clear day, you can see all along the Jurassic Coast. It isn’t just the humans that are treated to excellent service either, dogs are greeted with their very own doggy welcome pack to enjoy during their stay!

South Devon isn’t just about the English Riviera, there are lots of other fabulous places to spend time with your dog. Bovey Tracy is home to the Ilsington Country House Hotel and Spa which has its own 10 acres of land as well as being within the boundary of the Dartmoor National Park – this is the ultimate paradise for those that love pulling on their walking boots and going for a ramble.

If you fancy a spot of luxury, take a trip to Boringdon Hall and Spa in Plymouth. Dogs are welcome by arrangement and with the proximity to the Dartmoor National Park, you’ll be sure to have plenty of fun exploring the wide expanse of the moor. Plus, Boringdon Hall is located within a beautiful, historic building dating back to Elizabethan times, making every stay there a real experience.
Nearby you’ll find the Wooladon Estate’s luxury self-catering accommodation. There are four rental properties, all differing in size, the largest sleeping fourteen, making it ideal for family get togethers and group holidays. The site has no public rights of way, making it a private and quiet place to base yourself.

For those of you who want a countryside escape, Mid Devon is the place to go. With the Grand Canal, the city of Exeter and bordering the Dartmoor National Park, there are plenty of places for you and the dogs to explore. Harford Bridge Holiday Park is located along the River Tavy within the Dartmoor National Park and has all the services you might need, such as electric hook ups and refurbished facilities. Langstone Manor Park is also in this area and has several self catering options including a manor house apartment, caravans and cottages as well as the option to bring your own tents and touring caravans. The site is part of the David Bellamy Conservation Scheme, and is committed to preserving the beauty of the local area, so you can guarantee a wonderfully, wild part of Dartmoor for you and your dog.

Image: Fox and Hounds Country Hotel

Another option is the Fox and Hounds Country Hotel , this hotel is surrounded by woodland and has the River Taw running alongside giving it a peaceful atmosphere. The bar area is well known for serving food and real ales and ciders directly from local producers, so you can enjoy some refreshment after your dog walks!

North Devon has lots in the way of dog friendly attractions and accommodation options too. This is the place to be if you are a fan of getting out on the water, but do make sure to check the local information before packing your dog and your surfboard! This region is also home to some of the most beautiful rural walks and of course, the Exmoor National Park.

Right on the border with the Mid Devon region is Wheatland Farm Nature Reserve and Lodges , a site with wind powered eco lodges and cottages set within a beautiful nature reserve with abundant wildlife, making it a wonderful rural escape for those of you really wanting to get back to nature or for anyone wanting a truly eco-friendly break.

Alternatively, on the outskirts of Barnstaple, North Devon’s premier market town, you’ll find Heddons Gate Hotel , set between Lynton and Combe Martin, this is the accommodation for you if you want the illusion of remoteness, it feels like it is in the middle of nowhere with its far reaching views and tranquil atmosphere, but you’re not that far from the action. Not only do you have lots of places to explore, but you also have plenty of space right on the doorstep, the hotel has its very own 2 and a half acre garden and woodland!

Another conveniently located rural accommodation option is Trimestone Manor Country House Hotel. It’s tucked away in the countryside, but is close to the A361 giving you plenty of chances to explore the wider area. The hotel sits within 48 acres of garden and is close to Ilfracombe, Barnstaple and Woolacombe so whether you want to enjoy the night life of the towns or spend your days walking and your nights relaxing, you really can have the best of both worlds.

Image: Croyde Bay Holiday Resort

For those of you who want to be near the coast, you’re spoiled for choice. Croyde Bay Holiday Resort is right behind the sand dunes on the award winning Croyde Beach and is just minutes away from the village centre where there are surf shops, friendly pubs and quaint tea rooms as well as the incredible walking trails that can be found around Baggy Point. The site offers private access to the beach, plus large playing fields and even a surf school! Though your four legged friends won’t be able to get involved with that, they will be impressed with their WaggyTails accommodation!

For a rural stay in North Devon, take a look at Deer’s Leap Retreat near South Molton. Right on the edge of the National Park with wild deer and other wildlife right around you, this is the place to go for a quiet trip where you can live like a local. The farm house has all the home comforts you and your dog could want – they accept a max of three dogs, just make sure you add them to your booking!

Near the border with Cornwall is Hedley Wood Caravan and Camping Park, giving you easy access to places like Bude as well as well as Okehampton. This secluded country escape is the perfect base for anyone who wants to explore both counties and with plenty of access to the countryside its ideal for walkers, cyclists, golfers and more.

This is just a small selection of the dog friendly accommodation options available to you, find more here Once you’ve sorted somewhere to stay, you’ll want to take a look at all the pet friendly attractions and eateries, you can find those here.