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Don’t worry, with these holidays, the dog can come too!

19th July 2021

Categories: Visitor News

If you’re anything like us, you’ll know that your dog is as much a part of the family as you are and as such, they deserve a holiday too. In Devon, you don’t have to worry about not being able to find anywhere to stay, the whole county is famed for being dog friendly, so make sure to pack their favourite toys in your suitcase too!

To make your search for a Devon holiday easier, we’ve narrowed down some of our favourite dog friendly accommodation providers here, just so you can see the wide variety on offer and book the stay of your dreams! We’ve even divided up the county for you, so if you have your heart set on a certain part of the region, you can see what is on offer.

South Devon

The South of Devon is where you’ll find the English Riviera and some of the most stunning places on Britain’s south coast, so it’s no wonder that it’s a popular place for holiday makers. Because of its popularity, you’ll find a wide range of accommodation options, many of which are dog friendly, so the only real issue is settling on a base and finding somewhere to stay that fits your style and budget!

Image: Lady's Mile

In Dawlish, in the English Riviera region, you can find Lady’s Mile Holiday Park, an award winning, family run park which is less than a mile from the beautiful Blue Flag beaches of Dawlish Warren.
The site has a host of different accommodation options, including touring and camping pitches, glamping pods, caravan holidays and mini lodges. There are also great facilities, so you don’t have to stray too far if you don’t want to, including an on house gym, swimming pools, spa and even an onsite hair and beauty shop! If you do want to get out and about, there are mainline train connections in Dawlish town centre, as well as plenty of places to explore with your dog, including a nearby nature reserve!

Further into south Devon, near the bohemian market town of Totnes is Woodlands Grove Caravan and Camping Park. They are close to the stunning town of Dartmouth and just a short drive from the popular Blackpool Sands. Not only that, Woodlands Family Theme Park, one of the largest tourist attractions in the South West, is right on site and guests staying at the camping park get free entry!
The site is the perfect destination for your holiday, especially if you want to explore Dartmoor – ideal if you’re bringing your dog.

Image: Bolberry Farm

There are three traditional barn conversions at Bolberry Farm where dogs are welcome and can even stay free of charge! Bolberry is a quiet hamlet near Hope Cove, one of the most picturesque places in South Devon, there are loads of coastal and countryside walks right on the doorstep and both Kingsbridge and Salcombe are within a 10 minute drive.

In the Plymouth area is the luxurious Boringdon Hall Hotel and Spa a 5* luxury Elizabethan manor house. Located on the edge of Dartmoor and close to the vibrant city of Plymouth, this unique and historic accommodation has some wonderful grounds, as well as easy access to a number of great places you can explore with your dog.

Image: Boringdon Hall

If you like the sound of a luxury accommodation, but you want to be in the English Riviera, book a stay at the Cary Arms and Spa in Babbacombe. This boutique hotel has the friendly, intimate feel of a family home whilst offering all the luxury of a spa hotel – plus it overlooks the stunning Babbacombe Bay and in the summer you can easily trick yourself that you’re sunbathing in the Med. It isn’t just you that will enjoy a stay here, dogs are welcomed with their own pack to help them settle in before their adventures in the English Riviera.

East Devon

The Jurassic Coast is always a big draw, the fascinating geology and multitude of walks make it a great place to spend a few days. Full of family friendly attractions and a good mix of coast and country – you can really experience the best of both worlds here.

One option on the outskirts of Sidmouth is Oakdown Touring and Holiday Caravan Park. The park has a range of caravan and glamping holidays with plenty of space for exercising. The Jurassic Coast World Heritage site is just a stone’s throw from the park and the surrounding countryside gives you ample opportunity to explore the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the onsite recreation area, 9 hole golf course and facilities make it a great family friendly holiday destination.

Ladram Bay is nestled on the Jurassic Coast between Sidmouth and Budleigh Salterton, staying here puts you within easy reach of a number of East Devon’s top attractions and walking routes in East Devon. The park also has its own private beach area and a range of accommodation options, going from tents and touring pitches through to luxury lodges, with hot tubs and decking!
The site also has a host of activities, including a host of instructor led activities including aqua gliding – so you can learn a new skill while on your holiday!

Another option in East Devon are the cottages at Higher Wiscombe located in the heart of the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The cottages all have stunning rural views and have won awards for how dog friendly they are – so you can be sure of a comfortable stay for your four legged friends. Depending on what time of year you choose to stay, you can take advantage of the provided wood burners, for cosy nights in, and the heated pool for summer swims.

North Devon

For a rural feeling retreat which is close to the award winning North Devon coast, book a stay at Heddons Gate Hotel, which is within 2.5 acres of private garden and surrounding woodland. The South West Coast Path is a short walk away and there are some amazing views over the sea. If you like, the team have even recommended a range of walks depending on your ability, make time to speak to them during your stay for the best routes. Dogs are welcome in all rooms except the breakfast room, so they can feel as at home as you do!

Image: Heddons Gate

Another hotel is the Carlton Hotel in Ilfracombe, is right on the beach front and has dog friendly lodges and cottages throughout their resort. Being right on Croyde Bay makes this a great choice for active families as the beach is perfect for a range of water sports, it’s one of the premier surfing beaches in the UK! The site also gives you easy access to Croyde village and Baggy Point, plus you are just a short drive from Bideford, Barnstaple and neighbouring towns so you can easily explore the North Devon area together.

Image: Woolacombe Bay

Like the sound of that? Byron at Woolacombe Bay is right on the beach too and has a host of onsite facilities including a sauna, treatment room and a gym! Many of the rooms have spectacular views across Woolacombe Bay, which is known for its three miles of golden sands and regularly tops Best Beaches in the UK charts.

Mid Devon

The heart of the county is the best place to be if you want to be surrounded by countryside, the National Parks of Exmoor and Dartmoor are equi-distance from this region and you can be at the coast within half an hour from the region’s capital, Exeter.

One popular accommodation choice in this part of the county are farm stays, like Broad Close Farm Holiday Apartments in Tiverton. An idyllic location, you’d never believe you were just 25 minutes from the M5! Their Oaksberry apartment overlooks the walled fruit and veg garden and can host up to two dogs.

Another option is Langstone Manor Park, which is located on the edge of Dartmoor – perfect for the adventurous amongst you. Here you have a choice of self catering holiday accommodation, including a manor house apartment, modern static holiday caravans and cottages as well as glamping pods. The whole park has been developed in line with the local environment, so you will find a number of wild visitors as well as a selection of trees and plants within the wooded valley.

Image: Tor Royal

If a B&B is more your style, check out Tor Royal. Originally built in the 1700s as a place to farm on Dartmoor for the Prince Regent, before becoming part of the Royal Stud. The downstairs room is dog friendly and has direct access to the courtyard as well as an enclosed garden, plus being so close to the National Park, there is lots of space to tire out the more energetic dogs!

There’s also a dog friendly spa hotel in the Mid Devon area, Ilsington Country House Hotel and Spa is located in Bovey Tracy, straddling the border between Mid Devon and South Devon. The panoramic setting is incredible and there are plenty of chances to don your walking boots and then relax in their hydrotherapy pool afterwards!

Not sure where you want to stay? Devon Farms have Bed and Breakfasts across the county, take a look at their portfolios, each farmhouse provides excellent bed and breakfast accommodation and showcase a fabulous balance of traditional country and modern décor with memorable breakfasts and lots of dog friendly options.

See more dog friendly options here.