Devon beaches where you can take your dogs all year round
If you’re a dog owner, you’ll know the difficulty of finding dog-friendly beaches in the West Country in the summer months.
Dog bans are completely understandable during the hot season, when the beaches are frequently used – but it’s a good idea to know which beaches that you can take your pooch onto year round.
Below is a list of year-round dog-friendly beaches in Devon. These beaches have no restrictions when it comes to dogs, so you can take your furry friend here in the summer with no issues!
Just a note, while these beaches are completely dog-friendly, others have parts that are still suitable for dogs – for example, dogs are welcome either end of Exmouth Beach. Check your local beach before heading out!
North Devon
- Bucks Mills Between Westward Ho! and Hartland Quay, Bucks Mills is a charming, pebbly beach surrounded by ancient woodlands and a quaint fishing village.
- Clovelly Part of the village of Clovelly, Clovelly Beach is part of a historic village with steep cobbled streets leading down to the rocky shoreline. You do have to pay to enter the village.
- Heddon’s Mouth Situated in Exmoor National Park, Heddon’s Mouth Beach is a remote, pebble beach accessed by a scenic walk through a wooded valley.
- Hele Bay Near Ilfracombe, Hele Bay is a small, sandy and rocky beach, great for exploring rock pools and coastal walks.
- Lynmouth In Exmoor Natipnal Park, Lynmouth Beach is a mix of sand and pebbles, with dramatic cliffs and a picturesque harbour.
- Mouthmill Beach Situated near Clovelly, Mouthmill Beach is a rocky cove with striking geological formations and dramatic scenery.
- Newberry Beach Combe Martin Located in Combe Martin, Newberry Beach is a small, sandy and pebbly beach ideal for rock pooling and coastal walks.
- Northam Burrows In North Devon, Northam Burrows Beach is a vast, sandy beach backed by dunes and a golf course, perfect for long walks.
- Peppercombe Found in North Devon, Peppercombe Beach is a quiet, pebbly beach backed by red cliffs and accessed by a woodland walk.
- Rapparee Cove Located in Ilfracombe, Rapparee Cove is a secluded, pebbly beach with historical significance and dramatic cliffs.
- Rockham Bay Mortehoe Near Mortehoe, Rockham Bay is a remote, rocky beach perfect for exploring tide pools and enjoying rugged scenery.
- Wildersmouth Ilfracombe Situated in Ilfracombe, Wildersmouth Beach is a small, rocky beach with dramatic cliffs and a tidal swimming pool.
- Woody Bay Located in North Devon, Woody Bay is a rocky beach surrounded by lush woodland, perfect for a tranquil escape.
- Grunta Located near Mortehoe, Grunta Beach is a small, pebbly cove often quiet and perfect for rock pooling.
East Devon
- Weston Beach Located near Sidmouth, Weston Mouth Beach is a remote, pebbly beach accessed by a steep path, perfect for solitude.
Dawlish and Teignmouth
- Ness Cove Found in Shaldon, Ness Cove Beach is accessed through a historic tunnel, featuring a sandy and pebble mix and sheltered by cliffs.
- Teignmouth Back Beach Found in Teignmouth, Back Beach is a sandy estuary beach with vibrant boat activity and views of the River Teign.
- Holcombe Teignmouth Located between Teignmouth and Dawlish, Holcombe Beach is a quiet, sandy cove with red cliffs and a historic railway tunnel.
Torbay
- Anstey’s Cove Located near Torquay, Anstey’s Cove is a secluded pebble beach known for its crystal-clear waters and dramatic cliffs.
- Babbacombe Situated in Torquay, Babbacombe Beach is a sheltered shingle beach with calm waters, ideal for swimming and boating.
- Beacon Cove Close to Torquay’s harbor, Beacon Cove is a small, quiet beach with historic significance as Agatha Christie’s favorite bathing spot.
- Broad Sands Situated near Paignton, Broad Sands is a picturesque beach known for its turquoise waters and scenic coastal path.
- Churston Cove Near Brixham, Churston Cove is a secluded beach with a mix of pebbles and sand, surrounded by lush greenery.
- Elbury Cove Near Paignton, Elbury Cove is a pebble beach with calm waters, popular for swimming and snorkeling.
- Fishcombe Cove Near Brixham, Fishcombe Cove is a pebbly beach with clear waters, sheltered by high cliffs, popular for snorkeling.
- Fairy Cove Located in Paignton, Fairy Cove is a small, sandy beach surrounded by red sandstone cliffs, ideal for families.
- Livermead Sands Located in Torquay, Livermead Sands is a sandy beach with shallow waters, popular for swimming and beach sports.
- Maidencombe Near Torquay, Maidencombe Beach is a small, sandy cove surrounded by red cliffs, perfect for a quiet retreat.
- Oddicombe Beach Near Torquay, Oddicombe Beach is a sheltered, pebbly beach with a funicular railway, popular for its scenic beauty.
- Saltern Cove Located near Paignton, Saltern Cove is a rocky beach with crystal-clear waters, popular for snorkeling and rock pooling.
- Shoalstone Beach Near Brixham, Shoalstone Beach is a mix of sand and shingle with a historic seawater lido nearby.
- St Mary’s Bay Near Brixham, St Mary’s Bay is a secluded, sandy beach surrounded by cliffs, ideal for a peaceful day out.
- Watcombe Near Torquay, Watcombe Beach is a small, sandy cove surrounded by cliffs and woodland, accessible by a steep path.
South Hams
- Beesands Located in South Devon, Beesands is a long, sandy beach backed by a freshwater lake and a popular spot for fishing and walking.
- Cellar Beach Located near Noss Mayo, Cellar Beach is a hidden gem accessible by foot or boat, featuring golden sands and clear waters.
- East Portlemouth Located across the estuary from Salcombe, East Portlemouth offers several sandy beaches with calm, clear waters and scenic views.
- Elender Cove Found near Prawle Point, Elender Cove is a remote, sandy beach perfect for those seeking peace and natural beauty.
- Gammons Head Situated near Hope Cove, Gammons Head Beach is a secluded spot with dramatic views and rocky outcrops.
- Great Mattiscombe Found near Start Point, Great Mattiscombe Beach is a sandy and rocky beach known for its stunning scenery and wildlife.
- Hallsands In South Devon, Hallsands Beach is a pebble beach with a tragic history, offering stunning views and coastal walks.
- Horseley Cove Found near East Prawle, Horseley Cove is a secluded sandy beach, ideal for swimming and exploring rock pools.
- Lannacombe Found near Start Point, Lannacombe Beach is a small, sandy beach with rocky areas, great for families and snorkelers.
- Man Sands Found near Brixham, Man Sands Beach is a remote, sandy beach with a marshland backdrop, great for birdwatching.
- Mill Bay Located across from Salcombe, Mill Bay Beach is a sandy beach with calm, clear waters and a family-friendly atmosphere.
- Moor Sands Near East Portlemouth, Moor Sands is a secluded beach known for its unique white pebbles and clear waters.
- Scabbacombe Sands Found near Brixham, Scabbacombe Sands is a remote, sandy beach accessible via a steep path, offering peace and seclusion.
- Slapton Sands Located in South Devon, Slapton Sands is a long, shingle beach backed by a freshwater lake, popular for walking and nature watching.
- Soar Mill Cove Near Salcombe, Soar Mill Cove is a sandy beach surrounded by cliffs and accessed by a scenic walk, perfect for a tranquil retreat.
- South Sands Salcombe South Sands Beach is a sandy beach with calm waters and amenities, ideal for families.
- Strete Gate Beach Located near Slapton, Strete Gate Beach is a shingle beach with beautiful views and less crowded than neighboring Slapton Sands.
- Sugary and Castle Cove Situated near Dartmouth, these coves are small, sandy beaches with clear waters, popular for swimming and exploring.
- Sunny Cove Near Salcombe, Sunny Cove is a hidden, sandy beach accessible by boat or a challenging hike, offering peace and seclusion.
- Thurlestone North Located in Thurlestone, this beach is sandy with unique rock formations and is popular for water sports.
- Thurlestone Situated in South Devon, Thurlestone Beach is a sandy beach with rock pools and a natural arch, great for families.
- Wonwell Sands Near Bigbury-on-Sea, Wonwell Sands is a quiet, sandy estuary beach ideal for a peaceful retreat and walking.
- Yarmer Beach Situated near Thurlestone, Yarmer Beach is a sandy beach with clear waters and beautiful views, popular for swimming and relaxing.
Around Plymouth
- Bovisand Bay Bovisand Bay is a sandy beach with excellent views of Plymouth Sound, popular for picnics and swimming.
- Wembury Beach Wembury is a sandy beach known for its rock pools and marine life, ideal for family outings and nature enthusiasts.
- Heybrook Bay Close to Wembury, Heybrook Bay is a small, rocky beach with clear waters, great for snorkeling and exploring.
- Jennycliff Beach Jennycliff Beach is a small, sheltered beach with stunning views of Plymouth Sound.
- Wembury Beach Wembury Beach is known for its rich marine life and rock pools, ideal for families and nature enthusiasts.
- Mount Batten Beach Mount Batten Beach is a small, sandy beach with views of Plymouth Hoe and easy access to water sports facilities.
- Batten Bay Batten Bay is a quiet, pebbly beach with calm waters, great for kayaking and enjoying the views of Plymouth Sound.
- Devil’s Point Beach Devil’s Point Beach is a small, rocky beach with strong currents, better suited for experienced swimmers and adventurers.
Enjoy exploring and don’t forget to check out the rest of my Devon posts!