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You are here > Home > Visitor Info > More Information > Visit Devon News > Celebrate National Pet Month in Devon
8th April 2022
Categories: Visitor News
This year, National Pet Month will begin on 1st April, so what better time to plan a holiday around your furry/scaly/feathered friends? We all know that pets are just as much a part of the family as the human members are and as here are a host of places in Devon that are perfect for bringing your pets, there is no reason to leave them behind! Take a look at some of our suggestions for a pet friendly holiday here and book your trip today!
When it comes to find pet friendly accommodation, you might think that you are limited to a certain area or a certain type of accommodation – but never fear, in Devon there are a host of options including hotels, cottages, holiday parks and more! Many tourists bringing their pets with them prefer to stay in a self-catering property where you can have a bit more room and don’t have to worry about neighbours if your pets are a little on the noisy side.
One option for you is Nethway Farm and Holiday Cottages which are located in Kingswear on the outside of Dartmouth. The cottages are hidden away in a valley, giving you the impression of being somewhere much more secluded than you really are. The cottages are actually just two miles from the town of Dartmouth and Brixham, giving you plenty of chances to explore the South Devon area. The site has five cottages, with three of them welcoming dogs. These ones even have enclosed outdoor spaces, so you don’t have to worry about your pooches being unattended if they want to go outside.
If you like the idea of being in the South Devon area, you and your pets can also enjoy a spot of glamping. Dittisham Hideaway’s Treehouses and Shepherd Huts are located just a mile from the River Dart and is a picturesque place to stay. Well behaved dogs are welcome to stay In the Shepherds Hut and bowls and treats are provided.
Image: Luxury Lodges at Bovey Castle.
For self catering in style, take a look at the Luxury Lodges at Bovey Castle. These properties are ideal for a truly, relaxing escape. With an open plan lounge and dining area that leads out to a balcony with beautiful views, you and your pets have loads of room to relax in. There are 275 acres of countryside on the doorstep ready to explore and an array of scenic strolls around the local villages.
For those of you who want to stay in South Devon, there are plenty of things that you can do together too. One option in South Devon is Babbacombe Model Village which is on the outside of Torquay. The model village is famed for its miniature landscaped gardens and is happy for dogs to experience the gardens with you.
Further South towards Plymouth is Wooladon Estate where you can find a series of luxury self catering accommodation options. The estate is cut off from the rest of civilisation, with no public rights of way, so you can be guaranteed privacy throughout your stay. The site has its own wooded area and lakes where you can enjoy walks or go carp fishing and there is plenty of space for your dogs. If you want somewhere to explore nearby, make sure to spend a day at Roadford Lake, this huge outdoor, adventure area has everything you need for a fun day out enjoying nature and is only a short journey away.
In East Devon, where you have easy access to the Jurasssic Coast, there is High Wiscombe, another self-catering option. Located in the middle of the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and just a short distance from the South West Coast Path. The cottages have previously won a Dog Friendly Award at the Devon Tourism Awards and a host of environmental awards because of their sustainability. The cottages provide affordable comfort and luxury with stunning rural views.
It isn’t just private cottages that offer pet friendly accommodation, there are some lovely hotels that happily welcome dogs.
In North Devon there is the Heddons Gate Hotel, which has 21/2 acres of its own gardens and woodland with panoramic views. The hotel works on a Bed and Breakfast basis and dogs are welcome in all rooms except the breakfast room. There are a host of great walks around the hotel, including some National Trust ones.
Image: Heddons Gate Hotel
Also in North Devon, there is the Carlton Hotel, which is conveniently located in the town of Ilfracombe, making it a great place for exploring the Exmoor National Park and enjoying the attractions and beaches of the region. The Carlton Hotel is perfect for a range of different travellers, whether you are coming for business or pleasure and there are several activity partners allowing you the chance to have an adventure or two at a discounted rate.
At the other end of the county near Torquay is the Cary Arms where you can enjoy the personality and style of an inn with the luxury and facilities of a hotel. The Cary Arms offers relaxed get aways and being right on the coast has some spectacular views. While the hotel does accept dogs, this is done on request, so don’t forget to mention it when booking, so your pets can also enjoy the superb walks that can be found in the area.
Further south is Boringdon Hall Hotel and Spa, an impressive looking luxury manor house spa hotel on the outskirts of Plymouth. Located close to Dartmoor and near the city centre, Boringdon Hall has exquisite grounds and you have plenty of space for your pets to enjoy.
If you’d rather countryside than coast when it comes to finding a hotel for you and your pets, there is the Fox and Hounds Country Hotel. This hotel is surrounded by forest and with its warm and friendly atmosphere combined with its commitment to local food and drink, makes this the ultimate Devon escape. The hotel is in a wonderful location for getting out and about with your pets and with the 6 miles of fly fishing available, you can really immerse yourself in the region’s nature.
In the market town of Tavistock, which is in the Mid Devon region, where you can find plenty of countryside to explore is The Bedford Hotel. Oozing character and charm, the hotel is known as the birthplace of the Devon Cream Tea – so there is nowhere better to sample this Devon delicacy! The bedrooms are individually styled so you and your pets can enjoy comfort in style.
Holiday parks are another good option, especially if you want to have a host of facilities while still staying within a budget. Many holiday parks across the county are pet friendly, including Croyde Bay Holiday Resort, which is right on the beach at Croyde in North Devon. The resort is nestled behind the sand dunes of the world class Croyde Bay Holiday Resort features a hotel, self catering cottages and holiday lodges, some of which are dog friendly.
Image: Croyde Bay Holiday Resort
Another option, this time in East Devon is Ladram Bay Holiday Park. Having provided amazing family holidays for over 75 yeas, Ladram Bay is nestled on the Jurassic Coast within easy reach of a number of the top attractions and walking routes in East Devon. There are a host of different accommodation options, so you can choose the best one to suit you and your pets.
In the Torbay area of Devon there are even more options, as it is a popular spot for families. Lady’s Mile in Dawlish is a multi award winning park that has everything you need for the perfect family staycation. As well as the usual accommodation you can expect to see, there are also several glamping options and being so close to the nature reserve and the beaches, there are lots of opportunities for your dog to get out and about.
In nearby Paignton you’ll find Whitehill Country Park which is just a short journey from the English Riviera and the towns of Totnes and Dartmouth in the South of the county. There are several options when it comes to accommodation here too as well as plenty of facilities to keep the whole family entertained. Dogs are well catered for here, there is a large dog exercise area and there are even dog showers, so you can make sure that they are all clean and mud free after being out exploring during the day!
See a host of other pet friendly accommodation options here.
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