Best Dog-Friendly Beaches in Devon 2026

Devon's Best Dog-Friendly Beaches in 2026

Devon is one of the finest counties in England for dog owners who love the coast. With over 180 beaches spread across North Devon, South Devon, East Devon, and Torbay, there's a beach to suit every dog, from the vast open sands of Saunton Sands to the rocky coves of the South Hams.

This guide rounds up the very best dog-friendly beaches in Devon for 2026, with current access information, what to expect when you arrive, and practical tips for making the most of your visit. For the full picture of access rules, see our Devon beach dog rules guide.

Year-Round Dog Beaches: Devon's Greatest Asset

Unlike many English counties, Devon has a large number of beaches where dogs are welcome every day of the year. These are particularly valuable for winter visits and off-season walks when the summer crowds have gone and you can have miles of sand entirely to yourselves. Our year-round dog beaches guide covers all of them in detail.

1. Saunton Sands: North Devon's Finest

Saunton Sands is one of Devon's great dog beaches: three miles of wide, flat sandy beach stretching south from the village of Saunton. Dogs are welcome here year-round, and the beach is rarely crowded outside of July and August. The dunes behind provide excellent sniffing territory. Parking is available at the Saunton Sands Hotel end.

2. Croyde Bay

Croyde Bay is a surf beach north of Saunton with great character and a village atmosphere. Dogs are welcome in the areas away from the surf school. The walk from Croyde village to the beach is a pleasure in itself. See our North Devon guide for more beaches in this area.

3. Instow Beach

Instow sits at the mouth of the Torridge estuary facing Appledore across the water. This sheltered, sandy beach is a favourite for year-round dog walking, with a relaxed atmosphere and a good café nearby.

4. Blackpool Sands: South Devon's Hidden Gem

Blackpool Sands is a privately managed beach near Dartmouth, tucked into a wooded cove with unusually clear water. Dogs are welcome year-round, which is rare for a beach of this quality. The café on site is excellent. For more South Hams options, see our South Devon dog beaches guide.

5. Bantham Beach

Bantham in the South Hams is a classic Devon surfing beach that also happens to be excellent for dogs. Year-round access, wild and beautiful, with the Avon estuary for paddling at low tide.

Best Beaches for Summer Dog Walks

During the peak summer months (May to September), many Devon beaches restrict dogs to certain areas or certain hours. The beaches listed above all have year-round access, but here are some that offer a good summer experience even with restrictions in place. For the full picture of dates and times, read our summer dog ban dates guide.

6. Westward Ho! Beach

Westward Ho! is a long, flat beach with seasonal restrictions in designated sections. Dogs can still access large parts of the beach during summer. The town itself is very dog-friendly.

7. Dawlish Warren

Dawlish Warren is popular with families and dog owners alike. The National Nature Reserve provides excellent walking for dogs outside the main beach area, even when restrictions apply on the main beach itself.

Tips for Visiting Devon Beaches with Dogs

• Check the rules before you go: Dog access rules are set by local councils under Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) and can change year to year. Our beach pages include the latest verified information. Learn how PSPOs work in our guide to UK beach dog bans.
• Bring fresh water: Devon beaches don't always have fresh water points. Carry a collapsible bowl and water. Full packing advice in our beach packing guide.
• Rinse paws after the beach: Salt water and sand can irritate paws. A quick rinse with fresh water helps.
• Check tides before arriving: Many Devon beaches change dramatically at different tide heights. Check our tide times on each beach page before you go.
• Storm overflows: Use our Storm Drain Monitor to check for active storm overflows near your chosen beach before swimming.

Planning Your Visit

For more detail on any beach, visit its individual page using the links above. Each page includes current dog access rules, parking information, facilities, tide times, and water quality data.

You can also browse all beaches by region using our beach search page. Filter by North Devon, South Devon, East Devon, or Torbay, and by year-round dog access to find the perfect destination for your next walk.