With two very different coastlines to explore, Devon is a fantastic destination for seaside days out with your dog. The north coast is known for its dramatic cliffs and wide, windswept beaches, while the south offers calmer waters, sheltered coves, and postcard views. In this guide, we have pulled together some of the best dog friendly beaches in Devon, with clear details on restrictions, beach types, and what kind of visit each one is best suited to.
1. Woolacombe Beach
Woolacombe is one of Devon’s most iconic beaches, stretching for miles along the North Devon coast. At low tide, the vast expanse of firm sand makes it ideal for long walks, games of fetch, and letting energetic dogs properly stretch their legs.
Dogs are welcome on large sections of the beach all year, although seasonal restrictions apply closer to the main access points during the summer months. Even then, the sheer size of the beach means it rarely feels limiting for dog owners willing to walk a little further.
- Restrictions: Seasonal on central section
- Off lead potential: Lots
- Beach type: Long sandy beach
- Best for: Long walks and high-energy dogs
2. Saunton Sands
Saunton Sands is a huge, open beach backed by dunes and rolling countryside. It feels wild and spacious, even on busier days, and is a favourite with dog owners who want plenty of room to roam.
Dogs are allowed year round, with some seasonal zones in place. The wide, flat sands are easy underfoot, making it a good option for both relaxed strolls and longer coastal walks.
- Restrictions: Seasonal zones
- Off lead potential: Lots
- Beach type: Wide sandy beach
- Best for: Space, scenery, and relaxed exploring
3. Westward Ho! Beach
Westward Ho! offers a mix of pebbles and sand, with a distinctive pebble ridge and broad shoreline. When the tide is out, plenty of sand is revealed, creating a surprisingly good environment for dog walking.
Most of the beach is dog friendly year round, with only limited seasonal restrictions during the summer. Its nearby facilities and easy access make it a convenient choice for a low-effort beach visit.
- Restrictions: Partial seasonal
- Off lead potential: Some
- Beach type: Pebble and sand
- Best for: Easy access and nearby amenities
4. Bantham Beach
Bantham is one of South Devon’s most beautiful beaches, with golden sand and sweeping views across to Burgh Island. It has a more sheltered feel than many North Devon beaches, which suits calmer seaside outings.
Dogs are welcome for much of the year, with restrictions in place during peak summer months. Outside of these times, it is an excellent beach for relaxed walks and gentle paddling.
- Restrictions: Seasonal
- Off lead potential: Some
- Beach type: Sandy beach
- Best for: Scenic walks and calmer waters
5. Thurlestone Sands
Thurlestone Sands is a broad, sandy beach framed by dramatic coastal scenery and the famous rock arch. It links well with the South West Coast Path, making it easy to combine a beach visit with a longer walk.
Dogs are allowed for much of the year, although seasonal restrictions apply in summer. When dogs are permitted, there is plenty of space to explore without feeling crowded.
- Restrictions: Seasonal
- Off lead potential: Some
- Beach type: Sandy with rocky features
- Best for: Coastal walks and views
6. Beesands Beach
Beesands is a quieter shingle beach backed by a small fishing village, ideal for those who prefer a more peaceful coastal experience. It has a relaxed, local feel and is far less commercial than many Devon beaches.
Dogs are welcome all year round, making it a reliable option regardless of season. While it is not ideal for sprinting, it suits calmer dogs and owners looking for a slower pace.
- Restrictions: None
- Off lead potential: Some
- Beach type: Shingle
- Best for: Quiet visits and relaxed dogs
7. Hope Cove
Hope Cove is made up of two small beaches, each with its own character. Outside of restricted months, dogs can enjoy exploring sand, rocks, and rock pools, with coastal paths linking the coves together.
It is a great spot for variety, offering beach time alongside short coastal walks and plenty of interest for curious dogs.
- Restrictions: Seasonal
- Off lead potential: Some
- Beach type: Sandy coves
- Best for: Exploring and rock pooling
8. Dawlish Warren
Dawlish Warren combines a long sandy beach with dunes and a nearby nature reserve. While parts of the beach have summer restrictions, large sections remain dog friendly throughout the year.
Its size and variety make it well suited to longer outings, especially if you enjoy mixing beach walking with trails through dunes and open spaces.
- Restrictions: Partial seasonal
- Off lead potential: Some
- Beach type: Sandy beach with dunes
- Best for: Longer walks and varied terrain
Visiting Devon Beaches With Your Dog
Devon’s beaches vary widely, and a little planning goes a long way. Keeping the following points in mind will help make your visit smoother and more enjoyable.
- Check seasonal restrictions: Especially between May and September, as rules can vary by beach and even by section
- Time your visit well: Early mornings and evenings usually quieter during peak season
- Bring fresh water and a towel: Particularly after saltwater swims or sandy runs
- Be tide aware: Some beaches change dramatically between high and low tide
- Respect wildlife and signage: Especially near dunes, cliffs, and nature reserves
Map of Dog Friendly Beaches in Devon
Explore these dog friendly beaches across North and South Devon using our handy map below. Simply click the pins to uncover more information and directions.
Dawlish Warren offers a long sandy stretch backed by dunes, with a proper “day out” feel and lots of space for dogs once you’re away from the busiest sections. It’s a strong option if you want more than a short wander, especially when combined with paths through the dunes.
There are often seasonal restrictions on parts of the beach, so it’s worth checking signage near the main access points. For variety and a longer outing, it’s one of the better South Devon picks.
Restrictions: Partial seasonal
Off lead potential: Some
Beach type: Sandy beach with dunes
Best for: Longer walks and varied terrain
Hope Cove is a classic South Devon spot with small sandy coves, rock pools, and plenty of interest for curious dogs. It’s ideal if you like combining a beach visit with a short coastal path wander nearby.
Restrictions tend to be seasonal and can vary by beach area, so check signs when you arrive. Outside restricted periods it’s a brilliant place for exploring, sniffing around the rocks, and gentle paddling.
Restrictions: Seasonal
Off lead potential: Some
Beach type: Sandy coves
Best for: Exploring and rock pooling
Beesands is a quieter shingle beach with a calm, local feel that suits slower walks and dogs who prefer exploring rather than sprinting. It’s a great option when you want a peaceful seaside stop without the crowds.
Because it’s shingle, it can be a bit tougher on paws for long distances, but for a relaxed stroll and a bit of sea air it’s a solid choice. It’s also a good one to keep in mind year round.
Restrictions: None
Off lead potential: Some
Beach type: Shingle
Best for: Quiet visits and relaxed dogs
Thurlestone Sands is a broad, beautiful stretch of sand with dramatic coastal scenery and plenty of room for dogs to wander. It’s especially good if you like mixing beach time with sections of the South West Coast Path.
Conditions change a lot with the tide, and the beach can feel very different at high tide versus low. If you time it right, it’s a superb place for a longer coastal outing with your dog.
Restrictions: Seasonal
Off lead potential: Some
Beach type: Sandy with rocky features
Best for: Coastal walks and views
Bantham is a standout South Devon beach with soft sand, lovely views, and a relaxed, outdoorsy vibe. It’s a great spot for dogs who love paddling and exploring, with plenty of space outside the busiest periods.
Restrictions are usually seasonal, so pay attention to signs during the summer months. Outside peak times it’s an excellent choice for a scenic walk with a proper “holiday” feel.
Restrictions: Seasonal
Off lead potential: Some
Beach type: Sandy beach
Best for: Scenic walks and calmer waters
Westward Ho! gives you a classic North Devon seaside feel with a long shoreline and plenty of room for a steady dog walk. The beach is a mix of sand and pebbles, and it opens up nicely when the tide is out.
Seasonal restrictions can apply to some sections in summer, so it’s worth checking the boards near the main entrances. For an easy, facilities-close beach visit, it’s a reliable option.
Restrictions: Partial seasonal
Off lead potential: Some
Beach type: Pebble and sand
Best for: Easy access and nearby amenities
Saunton Sands is a wide, open beach backed by dunes and big skies, with the kind of scale that suits dogs who want to run. It’s a brilliant spot for long sandy walks, with plenty of space even when it’s popular.
There can be seasonal zoning in place at certain times of year, so it’s worth checking the signs when you arrive. Once you’re on the sand, it’s straightforward, spacious, and ideal for a proper leg-stretching beach day.
Restrictions: Seasonal zones
Off lead potential: Lots
Beach type: Wide sandy beach
Best for: Space, scenery, and relaxed exploring
Woolacombe is one of Devon’s most iconic sandy beaches, with a huge open shoreline that feels made for long, unhurried dog walks. At low tide there’s loads of firm sand for fetch, training, or just letting your dog wander with the sea air in their face.
In peak season, restrictions usually apply around the busiest central access points, but the beach is so big you can nearly always find space by walking a little further along the sands. It’s a great choice when you want proper distance and plenty of room.
Restrictions: Seasonal on central section
Off lead potential: Lots
Beach type: Long sandy beach
Best for: Long walks and high-energy dogs
Nearby Points of Interest
Aside from the stunning beaches, there are other dog friendly locations to visit whilst in Devon.
- From North Devon, you have great access to exciting dog friendly walks in Exmoor National Park
- A little further South and you can explore dog friendly walks at Dartmoor National Park
- Devon is the middle part of the amazing Atlantic Highway Road Trip
- If beaches are your thing, Devon is in the middle Cornwall and Dorset, both of which have plenty of dog friendly beaches to explore.
Final Thoughts
From vast Atlantic-facing sands to peaceful shingle coves, Devon offers an excellent range of dog friendly beaches. With a bit of awareness around seasonal rules, it is easy to enjoy memorable coastal days out while giving your dog the freedom to explore and enjoy the sea air.