Putsborough Sands
Devon
Putsborough Sands forms the southern end of the three-mile Woolacombe beach system, sheltered from the dominant south-westerly winds by the headland of Baggy Point in a way that the northern sections are not. The result is a beach that can offer calmer conditions than Woolacombe when the wind is up, and a different character: quieter, slightly more sheltered, and with a surf school and a well-regarded beach cafe serving home-cooked food year round. The access is good, via a long sloping path from the car park that makes it manageable for most people, and the facilities at the car park are clean and modern. At very low tides a shipwreck is visible at the base of Baggy Point on the northern side of the headland.
Putsborough operates a zoned dog access system. The right side of the beach, heading north towards Baggy Point (Zone C), is year-round dog friendly. The left side (Zone A, south of the steps) operates a seasonal restriction from Easter to 1 November, which is a longer summer ban than most Devon beaches. Dog owners should head to the right on arrival and check the signs on the beach to confirm the current zone boundaries. The beach shop and cafe are year-round operations, making this a practical destination in the winter months when the cafe at a quiet beach with a dog is exactly what is needed.
At a Glance
- Dog Access
- Seasonal Restrictions
- Zone A (south of steps, far left): no dogs from Easter to 1 November. Zone C (right side, north towards Baggy Point): dogs allowed year-round. Check signage on arrival.
- Beach Type
- Sand
- Tide Notes
- Wide sandy beach at low tide, forming the southern section of the 3-mile Woolacombe Sands. Some protection from south-westerly winds behind Baggy Point. Lifeguards in season. Shipwreck visible at the base of Baggy Point at very low tides.
- Facilities
- Beach shop, cafe (home-cooked food, all year round with seasonal variations), toilets in the car park. Surf school on site.
- Parking
- Car park at the beach (charges apply). Long sloping path from the car park to the beach, accessible for most mobility levels. Disabled parking spaces available.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Putsborough Sands dog friendly?
Yes, Putsborough Sands is dog friendly, though access is zoned. The right-hand side of the beach heading north towards Baggy Point (Zone C) welcomes dogs all year round, making it a reliable choice whatever the season. We rate it 7 out of 10 for dog friendliness overall.
Are dogs allowed at Putsborough Sands year round?
Dogs are welcome year round on the right side of the beach (Zone C, heading north towards Baggy Point). The left side of the beach (Zone A, south of the steps) has a seasonal restriction running from Easter to 1 November, which is a longer summer ban than many Devon beaches. Stick to the right on arrival and check the signs on the beach to confirm the current zone boundaries.
What should I know before visiting Putsborough Sands with my dog?
Head right when you reach the beach to find the year-round dog-friendly zone, and look out for the signs marking the zone boundaries. The beach is the quieter, more sheltered southern end of the Woolacombe beach system, and the on-site cafe serves home-cooked food all year round , a genuine bonus on a winter walk with a dog. Parking is at the beach car park (charges apply), with a long sloping path down to the sand that's manageable for most people.
Visitor Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience.
What’s Nearby?
Beach0.7 mi awayCroyde Beach
Devon
One of the UK's most celebrated surf beaches, Croyde is stunning but off-limits to dogs entirely from May to September -- an autumn and winter destination only for dog owners.
Beach1.7 mi awaySaunton Sands
Devon
Over three miles of open sand with no seasonal ban, backed by a UNESCO-listed dune system that makes it one of Devon's most reliable dog friendly beaches.
Beach2.2 mi awayBarricane Beach
Devon
A tiny, shell-strewn cove half a mile from Woolacombe, famous for cowrie shells washed in from the Caribbean and a beloved beach curry cafe, though dogs must be on leads when the cafe is operating in the warmer months.
Beach2.2 mi awayWoolacombe Beach
Devon
A massive Atlantic beach with a zone system that still leaves miles of unrestricted sand for dogs to run year round.
Beach2.6 mi awayCombesgate Beach
Devon
A secluded cove near Woolacombe popular for rock pooling and surfing, but with a full summer dog ban from late April to September meaning it is an autumn and winter option for dog owners.
Beach6.3 mi awayTunnels Beaches Ilfracombe
Devon
A unique Victorian beach experience accessed through hand-carved tunnels in Ilfracombe, with a tidal bathing pool and exceptional rock pooling, but sadly dogs are not permitted on the beach at any time.
