There’s a plethora of fantastic dog-friendly beaches in North Devon, from award-winning golden shores to secluded hidden coves and accessible beaches.
With tails firmly wagging, we invite you and your canine companion to discover the region’s beautiful coastline – sandy paws and all!
8 dog-friendly beaches in North Devon
If you’re looking for an adventure with your four-legged friend, take a look at these top dog-friendly beaches in North Devon:
- Woolacombe Beach
- Saunton Sands
- Westward Ho!
- Hele Bay
- Lynmouth Beach
- Putsborough Sand
- Mouthmill Beach
- Broadsands Beach
1. Woolacombe Beach
Dog-friendly all-year round with some restrictions*
Three miles of soft sand, award-winning Woolacombe Beach is recognised as one of the best shores in the UK, and it’s easy to see why. With Woolacombe village situated to the north of the beach, three car parks to choose from, seasonal lifeguards and some fantastic waves to ride, this sandy spot has everything you need for a wonderful day at the coast with your four-legged friend.
*Divided into zones, strict restrictions are in place. Zone A: No dogs between April 1st – November 1st, Zone B: Dogs must be on a lead from May 1st – September 30th and Zone C: No restrictions apply.
2. Saunton Sands
Dog-friendly all-year round with some restrictions*
Saunton Sands is a dog-friendly beach that allows dogs to visit all year and is popular with surfers and dog walkers alike, due to the three mile stretch of golden sand as well as big waves. This beach is also famous for featuring in Robbie Williams music video, Angels.
*When visiting Saunton Sands, dog owners are asked to keep four-legged friends on leads past the initial beach hut area.
3. Westward Ho!
Dog-friendly all-year round in designated area*
Westward Ho! is not only one of the only places in the UK to be named after a book, but it’s also one of the only towns to have an exclamation mark in its name! This dog-friendly beach features sand, pebbles and grasslands, hosting a variety of sensory options for your buddy.
*Dogs are only welcome on the Northern end of the beach all-year round, and are also allowed to the right of the pebble ridge between May 1st – September 30th.
4. Hele Bay
Dog-friendly all-year round
Located within a short walk from the parking area and facilities, Hele Bay is a small sand/shingle cove with rockpools and stunning views of the Hillsborough Nature reserve. Most importantly, dogs are welcome on this beach all-year round and undoubtedly offers a scenic and peaceful spot for your canine companion to play.
5. Lynmouth Beach
Dog-friendly all-year round
Tucked along the edge of Exmoor National Park, Lynmouth Beach is approximately 500 metres wide and made of shingle, close to the picturesque village of Lynmouth. Packed with traditional styled local shops and dog-friendly restaurants to potter at your leisure. Dogs are welcome to the beach all year round, making this an idyllic spot to relax any time of year.
Don’t forget to ride the dog-friendly Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway, featured in our things to do in Exmoor guide.
6. Putsborough Sands
Dog-friendly all-year round with some restrictions*
Away from hotels, shops and towns, Putsborough Sands is one of the quieter beaches in North Devon, situated near Woolacombe. This sweeping shore is idyllic and popular for its cleanliness, rockpools, surf and scenic dog walks.
If you are thinking of heading to this three mile stretch of golden sand with your four-legged friend, there are a few restrictions to consider.
*Dogs are welcome across the beach, except the far left side from Easter – November 1st.
7. Mouthmill Beach
Dog-friendly all-year round
Situated on the coast near Hartland Point, and famous for shipwrecks, Mouthmill Beach boasts a dramatic beachscape that invites you to explore. Discover a variety of rockpools and photogenic rock formations, a waterfall and woods that are certain to get tails waggling! When visiting, why not extend your walk by traversing the woodlands through Brownsham Woods, an old thicket that will transport you into a fairy tale?
8. Broadsands
Dog-friendly all-year round
Considered to be one of the most beautiful dog-friendly beaches in Devon, Broadsands Beach is nestled along the coastline between Watermouth and Coombe Martin. Made up of shingle and sand, this secluded bolthole is a well-kept secret – the perfect spot for getting away from the crowds.
You will have 200 steps to manoeuvre in order to reach the beach, however, the view is most definitely worth it. Upon reaching the shore, you are presented with stunning Instagram worthy views, and we highly suggest pausing for a moment and savouring the breathaking vista with your canine companion.
Dog-friendly holiday cottages in North Devon
At Helpful Holidays, we know pets are part of the family. That’s why we’re proud to offer a wide variety of dog-friendly cottages, from idyllic properties by the beach to rural holiday homes on a farm.
For more fun-filled events, trails and more, visit our Helpful Holidays Blog for inspiration of things to across Cornwall, Devon, Dorset and Somerset. Alternatively, here’s a few hand-picked article suggestions for you to read at your pleasure … so why not get comfy and sit back with a cuppa?
