Dog-friendly days out in Devon
Date published: 22 Aug 2025
Looking for the best place to visit in Devon with your four-legged pal? It’s a pretty special county. From quaint fishing villages to wide sandy bays, it certainly knows how to show off.
There are plenty of dog-friendly things to do in Devon, making it a dream destination for wagging tails and muddy paws. Whether your pup prefers sandy sprints, woodland wanders or sniffing out history at a castle, there’s something for every canine character.
And with so many tourist attractions in Devon to pick from, planning your trip couldn’t be easier. We’ve rounded up some of the very best dog-friendly days out, from model villages and steam trains to dramatic waterfalls and even river cruises – so you and your pooch can enjoy every minute you spend in the county together.
Babbacombe Model Village
- Hampton Ave, Babbacombe, Torquay TQ1 3LA
Babbacombe Model Village has been shrinking the world down to size since the 1960s, and it’s still one of Devon’s quirkiest days out. Wander through miniature towns, spot tiny street scenes, and keep an eye out for the playful little details tucked between the landmarks. It’s part nostalgia trip, part giant garden stroll, and definitely not just for kids.
Better still, dogs are welcome to join the fun. Pop them on a short lead and they can trot the pathways right beside you, taking in the sights at ankle height. There are outdoor terraces for coffee (with the dog at your side), water stops dubbed “Starbarks” for a mid-walk slurp, and plenty of garden benches for a sit-down. Just remember: no pups in the indoor displays.
Singing Paddles
- South Devon (various)
If you fancy swapping four paws on the ground for paddles in the water, Singing Paddles is the place. These relaxed canoe tours take you along some of South Devon’s most peaceful waterways, gliding past wildlife and even pulling up on hidden beaches for a fire and a brew. It’s all run by Dave, a local legend with decades of experience and plenty of stories to share.
Best of all? Dogs go free. Pop your pooch in the canoe (extra seats can be fitted for families and furry friends) and let them enjoy the ride while you soak up the scenery. With calm waters, sturdy canoes, and a focus on fun rather than speed, it’s an adventure that’s as family-friendly as it is dog-friendly.
Bygones
- Fore St, St Marychurch, Torquay TQ1 4PR
Step through the doors at Bygones, in Torquay, and you’re whisked back over a century. This three-floor treasure trove recreates the sights, sounds (and even smells) of Victorian life, complete with cobbled streets, shopfronts, and period rooms crammed full of curiosities. Railway buffs can gawp at a 27-tonne steam engine and a sprawling model railway, while history lovers can walk through wartime trenches, shelters, and explore exhibitions covering everything from Waterloo to the Gulf War.
Dogs don’t have to miss out on the fun either – well-behaved pooches are welcome throughout. That means your four-legged friend can sniff around the Victorian streets, trot through the nostalgic shop displays, and join you for a pit stop at the Station Tearoom. It’s a day out that’s part history lesson, part quirky adventure, and fully dog-friendly.
Totnes Castle
- Castle St, Totnes TQ9 5NU
Standing proud above the town, Totnes Castle is one of the best-preserved Norman motte-and-bailey castles in the country. Climb the stone steps and you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views over the rooftops, the River Dart and the rolling Devon hills beyond. It’s a small but mighty slice of history, perfect for a gentle wander and a dose of medieval atmosphere.
Dogs are welcome to join you on your castle adventure, so your four-legged knight can trot happily around the grounds. Handy water bowls are dotted about to keep tails wagging, making this a simple but satisfying day out for history buffs and hounds alike.
Canonteign Falls
- Exeter EX6 7RH
If you’re after a walk with wow factor, Canonteign Falls delivers in buckets (literally). England’s tallest manmade waterfall comes crashing down through woodland straight out of a storybook, with trails that twist past fern gardens, lakes and picture-perfect bridges. There’s even a kids’ adventure zone, so little ones can run wild while you soak up the scenery.
Dogs are VIP guests here, trotting happily along the woodland paths (leads on, tails wagging). With so many new smells, it’s basically Disneyland for noses. Handy water bowls are dotted about for pit stops, and when you’ve conquered the falls, the café is waiting with tea, cake, and a shady spot to flop down together. And all this is just half an hour's drive from the pretty city of Exeter.
Lydford Gorge
- Lydford, near Tavistock, Devon, EX20 4BH
If your dog loves an adventure, Lydford Gorge, near Tavistock, is the place to go. Think tumbling waterfalls, mossy woodland, and trails that look like they’ve been borrowed from a fantasy film set. It’s the deepest gorge in the South West, so there’s plenty to explore – and yes, dogs are absolutely welcome to join the fun.
There are a few ground rules: pups need to stay on a short lead (to protect both the rare rainforest habitat and overexcited terriers from diving headfirst into the river). The dramatic Devil’s Cauldron viewpoint is a no-go for four paws thanks to steep, narrow steps, but it’s easy to skip without missing out on the beauty of the gorge. Afterwards, dogs are just as welcome indoors as out, whether that’s flopping under a table in the tea room or sniffing out the corners of the bookshop while you browse.
Seaton Tramway
- Tramway, Harbour Rd, Seaton EX12 2WD
All aboard! The Seaton Tramway isn’t just a treat for humans – dogs are welcome passengers too. Hop on one of the colourful heritage trams and trundle through the stunning Axe Valley, past the River Axe and the Seaton Wetlands, where there’s usually plenty of wildlife to spot. With the breeze in their fur and views rolling by, your pup will feel like they’ve snagged the best seat in the house.
Dogs are allowed on the lower decks of all the trams, and you’ll find handy water bowls waiting at both Seaton and Colyton stations to keep tails wagging. Staff even keep treats on hand for well-behaved four-legged travellers, so don’t be shy about asking. Tickets for dogs can be booked online with your Explorer Ticket, or sorted on the day – making this one day out that’s as fun for Rover as it is for the rest of the family.
Stuart Line Cruises
- Marina, Pier Head, Exmouth EX8 1FE
Set sail along the Devon coast with Stuart Line Cruises from Exmouth, where dogs are very welcome to come aboard – and the best bit? There’s no extra charge for your four-legged first mate. Most of the cruises are pet-friendly, so your pooch can soak up the sea air, watch the waves, and maybe even spot a seagull or two along the way as you enjoy scenic cruises along the Jurassic Coast and onto the River Exe.
While there are a few longer cruises where dogs aren’t allowed (those without handy stop-offs for a stretch), the majority are perfect for canine companions. Devon’s coastline is already a dream for dogs, but seeing it from the water adds a whole new perspective – and makes for a tail-waggingly good day out.
This really just scratches the surface of what Devon has to offer for you and your pup. There are some excellent country walks and dog-friendly beaches too. It’s definitely worth checking out our Devon holiday cottages to use as a base – you’ll want a few days to really explore everything!
Meet the author
Ian LewisIan's worked in travel for over 15 years and has written about destinations across the whole of the UK (and beyond). He loves all kinds of getaways with every member of the family on two legs or four, seeking out the more unique and interesting properties wherever he can.
