10 Dog Friendly Days Out in South Devon
When your dog is part of the family, holidays just aren’t the same without them! Luckily, South Devon is one of the most dog-friendly holiday destinations in the UK, with miles of coastal paths, sandy beaches, open countryside, and pet-welcoming attractions.
Here are 10 of the best dog-friendly days out in South Devon — perfect for making holiday memories with your four-legged friend.
Steam Train & Dartmouth Castle
Start your adventure by hopping on a dog-friendly steam train from Goodrington or Paignton. Travel down the beautiful valley to Kingswear, then catch the short passenger ferry across the River Dart to Dartmouth.
As you cross, look left to admire Dartmouth Castle and right to see the impressive Britannia Royal Naval College. Once in Dartmouth, you can:
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Wander along the riverside to watch the boats
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Explore the historic inner harbour
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Stroll through Royal Avenue Gardens
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Browse the boutique shops and cafés
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Walk to the dog-friendly Dartmouth Castle, perched on the waterfront
Dogs are welcome on the train and ferry, making this one of the best dog-friendly family attractions in Devon. Stop for refreshments at the castle café or enjoy fish and chips by the harbour before heading back the way you came.
The Donkey Sanctuary
A favourite with animal lovers, The Donkey Sanctuary near Sidmouth is completely free to enter and warmly welcomes dogs on leads. Enjoy lovely walking trails, meet the friendly donkeys in the paddocks and barns, and learn about the sanctuary’s important rescue work.
Facilities include a café with outdoor seating, a gift shop, and toilets. With wide open space, gentle walks, and friendly faces, it’s easy to see why this is one of South Devon’s most popular dog-friendly attractions.
Haldon Forest Park
Covering more than 3,500 acres of woodland, Haldon Forest Park near Exeter is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. There are a variety of walking and cycling trails, from easy routes to more challenging paths, plus picnic spots and viewpoints with stunning vistas across Devon.
Bicycle hire is available, or you can bring your own. The park is very child-friendly and dogs are welcome throughout, making it a brilliant place for family walks and adventure days.
House of Marbles
The House of Marbles is a quirky and educational day out for all ages. Watch skilled glassmakers turn molten glass into stunning creations, explore fascinating museums, and marvel at the giant marble runs in action.
There’s also a children’s play area and a popular café serving local produce. Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome in most areas, including the outdoor seating space, so no one has to miss out.
Babbacombe Model Village and Gardens
Set within four acres of beautifully kept gardens, Babbacombe Model Village showcases over 13,000 miniature people, model railways, and detailed scenes of English life across the decades. Look out for famous landmarks and a touch of humour in every corner!
There’s even a Where’s Wally? challenge for kids. The gardens are constantly changing with seasonal planting, and the on-site café and gift shop make for a complete family outing. Dogs on short leads are welcome, making this one of the most charming dog-friendly places to visit in Torquay.
Stuart Line Cruises
Experience Devon’s stunning coastline from the water with Stuart Line Cruises, which operates a range of scenic boat trips from Exmouth. This is one of the region’s most pet-friendly attractions, and there’s no additional charge for bringing your dog along.
Dogs are welcome on most cruises, including shorter trips along the Jurassic Coastline or to Torquay and Sidmouth. For longer cruises, check before booking as they may be less suitable due to limited comfort breaks.
Saltram
Owned by the National Trust, Saltram is a beautiful Georgian house surrounded by landscaped gardens and parkland. While dogs aren’t allowed inside the house itself, they’re very welcome in the gardens, parkland, and outdoor café areas.
Explore the 18th- and 19th-century gardens filled with follies, orangeries, and sweeping lawns. It’s a lovely place for a peaceful dog walk combined with a bit of local history.
Powderham Castle
Privately owned by the Courtenay family since 1391, Powderham Castle is a fairy-tale estate featuring stunning gardens, a deer park, and views over the River Exe. Dogs on leads are welcome in the grounds, café, and shop, but not inside the castle itself.
There’s also a farm shop, restaurant, and forge on site. You can purchase tickets just for the grounds, which makes this a great value dog-friendly day out in South Devon.
Plant World
Perched on a hilltop between Newton Abbot and Maidencombe, Plant World Gardens offers breathtaking views over the Teign Valley and out to sea. The gardens are designed to represent the five continents of the world and feature rare and unusual plants.
Explore themed gardens such as Mediterranean, cottage, and exotic plant areas, then stop for refreshments at the café or browse the nursery for plants to take home. Dogs on leads are welcome throughout the gardens and outdoor areas.
Fast Rabbit Farm Garden
Hidden in the beautiful Strawberry Valley near Dartmouth, Fast Rabbit Farm Garden is a 43-acre paradise of lakes, ponds, waterfalls, and colourful flowers. With collections of camellias, magnolias, and rhododendrons, this is a garden lover’s dream.
Dogs are welcome on leads across the grounds, and there are picnic spots, toilets, parking, and a small shop. It’s a peaceful and scenic dog-friendly garden attraction that’s perfect for a relaxing stroll.
Even More Dog-Friendly Adventures in Devon
Beyond these attractions, you’ll find endless opportunities for dog walks and adventures. The South West Coast Path offers spectacular sea views, while Dartmoor National Park and local nature reserves provide open spaces for energetic dogs to explore.
With so many options, it’s easy to see why Devon is one of the UK’s best dog-friendly holiday destinations.
Plan Your Dog-Friendly Holiday in South Devon
Devon Holidays offers a wide range of dog-friendly holiday lodges in South Devon, so your canine companion can join in on all the fun. Enjoy beaches, countryside walks, and top attractions knowing your dog is welcome wherever you go.
Book your next dog-friendly getaway with Devon Holidays and discover the beauty, adventure, and charm of South Devon – where every day is a tail-wagging adventure!