Our favourite dog-friendly places to stay in Devon
At Sawday’s, choosing dog-friendly places to stay means so much more than just adding places to our collection that tolerate your furry friend. It means picking places that truly welcome dogs. At our hand-picked selection in Devon, you’ll arrive to treats, beds and blankets, towels for muddy paws, ideas for walks and dog-friendly places to visit, and restaurants that offer your pal a place by your feet or in front of the fire while you dine. So, come to delve into the delights of Devon on coast and country walks, tuck into delicious food and know that wherever you stay, your dog will be fussed over as much as you.
Fursdon Cottage
Families, couples, walkers, dogs – all are welcome on this 750-acre family estate hugged by glorious Devon countryside. Inside your mellow stone gardener’s cottage, you get big, bright bedrooms and vast views, dogs get beds, blankets, bowls and treats plus a list of dog-friendly local pubs.
With a private fenced back garden and myriad walks from the door including off-lead action in the estate wood, your dog can burn off lots of energy before a long snooze in front of the log-burner. It only takes half an hour and you’re in Exeter with shops, supermarkets, plenty of places to eat and culture to explore.
“A beautiful location, deep in the countryside but only half an hour from Exeter. Fursdon Cottage is roomy and furnished and decorated with great style.” – Guest Patricia
The Old Piggery, Kerswell Farm
Forget the demands of modern life at this dog-friendly rural retreat with its lovely views, walks from the door and cream tea to welcome you. Peace and quiet reign at your 19th-century barn set among 20 acres of conservation land, including lakes, woods and meadows, where nothing but birdsong disturbs you.
You’ll feel right at home here, warmly welcomed by owners Elaine and Adrian – who have won a gold Green Tourism and live in the nearby farmhouse. Dogs get treats and towels, a big field for free-ranging and an outdoor dog shower for muddy days. The Tarka trail and Bude’s wonderful surfing beaches are close by; return to sit out in the garden and gaze up at the stars.
“We have a dog and she was made very welcome. Especially by Ralph, the handsome lurcher. Walks and great pubs close by. Would we visit again? Yes, most definitely.” – Guest Carol
Stay at The Old Piggery, Kerswell Farm >
Carys Arms & Spa
This seaside inn on Babbacombe Bay comes with views of sea and sky, rooms to feel happy in, a spa and homely, hearty dining. The beach beneath you is dog-friendly year round, you can pick up the South West Coastal Path from the front door or walk 10 minutes to Oddicombe Beach for sea kayaking, paddle boarding and snorkelling.
Back at your breezy hotel, dogs are welcome in a selection of bedrooms, all with private terraces or a balcony, where you’ll find biscuits, a dog bed and bowl. Downstairs the pub serves up comforting menus – regional, ever-changing, with an emphasis on seafood and a vegan menu, too. Your dog can join you anywhere except the conservatory and the staff are an absolute delight.
“This charming inn is just magical – even on a rainy day! The staff pay attention to the minutest of details and the service is impeccable.” – Guest Zoe
The Henley Hotel
A small house above the sea with fabulous views, super bedrooms and some of the loveliest food in Devon. Despite these credentials, it’s Martyn and Petra who shine most brightly, their kind, generous approach making this a memorable place to stay. Warm interiors are welcoming and big windows frame the views. There’s a pretty garden with a path tumbling down to the beach – dog-friendly most of the year – and the South West Coast Path invites you to explore.
There’s more: maps and walking ideas, towels for drying sandy paws, a wood burner in the snug to warm up toes and paws after a cold dip. As for Martyn’s table d’hôte dinners: expect to eat very well.
“Just back from The Henley, stayed with the dog in a lovely room, and wonderful food too. Great walks along the beach and across to Burgh Island.” – Guest Michael
Bulleigh Barton Manor
Tea and scones will be waiting for you, as well as a hamper for your dog, including Devon-made dog food, handmade liver treats, towels and blankets. Plus recommendations for walks and a guide to Dartmoor, dog-friendly pubs and beaches. Wake to long, leafy views from your Garden Suite, a pool for lazy summer days, ponds and a big colourful garden with a summerhouse.
Liz and Mark have restored their house with care, uncovering beams and lovely bits of old wood and filling it with original art and books. They are keen on sourcing the best local produce and their host of hens lay your breakfast eggs – do mind your dog around the chickens, alpacas and neighbouring sheep. Dartmoor and the south coast are at your feet.
“Everything about this visit was a pleasure. Our bedroom and en-suite were delightful, spacious and spotless. The breakfast each day was delicious.” – Guest Diane
Stay at Bulleigh Barton Manor >
Hank’s Annexe – Higher Wiscombe
There’s a very generous amount of space in this beautifully restored annexe with heated pool, outstanding views over the East Devon countryside and an enclosed garden perfect for dogs to let off steam. In the 70s, the farm belonged to Hank Marvin and there are nods to him in the artwork.
The living space is high-ceilinged, light and airy, with sumptuous cushions and throws, a flame electric fire, board games and large screen for movie nights. Cooking is a breeze with a Neff oven and hob and if you need to work, there’s the perfect alcove with a walnut desk. Through an open archway is a solid steel four-poster beneath a splendid vaulted ceiling and a William Holland bateau bath – for more modest souls there’s a separate wet room.
“A very well equipped and luxurious boutique hideaway, surrounded by incredible countryside giving spectacular views in all directions.” – Inspector Andrea
Stay at Hank’s Annexe – Higher Wiscombe >
Loyton Lodge
This country house retreat on the fringe of Exmoor National Park is perfect for bringing your dog and yomping for miles around the national park. Discover almost 300 acres of rolling hills and ancient woodland, with wildflowers, pristine rivers, strutting pheasants and the odd red deer commuting across the fields – best to bring a lead.
Walks start at the front door and there’s nothing but birdsong to break the peace. Bedrooms (a number are dog-friendly) have warm colours and smart fabrics, books and robes, dog treats, towels, water bowls and bedding. Breakfast is delicious – bacon and sausages from home-reared pigs, eggs from estate hens – and dinner can be arranged. Visit Wimbleball Lake, quaint Minehead or boaty Salcombe.
“Generous rooms, top-notch breakfasts, open fires and 300 acres to explore, not to mention the whole of Exmoor on your doorstep. You can even bring your dog.” – Inspector Becky
Written by
Carmen McCormack
Carmen is a freelance writer specialising in travel. She once lived in a bus in north Wales, skipped off to study in Barcelona, and now calls Bristol home. When she’s not tapping away on her laptop, she can be found reading (a lot), lake swimming (a little), and pottering on the allotment with husband and two kiddos. She’s currently dreaming about cold cerveza and torta in Mexico.
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