Devon is one of the finest counties in England for dog owners who love the coast, with beaches from the vast open sands of the north to the sheltered coves of the south. Here is our pick of the best for 2026. Some welcome dogs every day of the year; others are summer-restricted and at their best off-season. Each one shows its current access, checked against our beach data.
Three miles of wide, flat sand stretching south from Saunton village, rarely crowded outside July and August, with the dunes of Braunton Burrows behind for extra walking. Devon's great all-year dog beach.
Dogs welcome all yearA long, flat beach backed by a famous pebble ridge, with a very dog-friendly town behind it. One of North Devon's reliable year-round choices.
Dogs welcome all yearA privately managed Blue Flag cove near Dartmouth, tucked into pine-fringed woodland with unusually clear water and an excellent cafe. A full seasonal dog ban covers the beach and car parks in summer, so it is one to save for the off-season, when it is hard to beat.
Seasonal dog ban · 1 May to 30 September, beach and car parksA classic Devon surf beach in the South Hams, wild and beautiful, with the Avon estuary for paddling at low tide. The main beach has a summer ban, but the River Beach and estuary side stay dog-friendly all year.
Seasonal ban on the main beach · 1 May to 30 September; estuary side year-roundA lively surf beach with great character and a village atmosphere just north of Saunton. A seasonal summer ban applies, so it is at its best for dogs outside the peak months. The walk around Baggy Point is superb.
Seasonal dog ban · 1 May to 30 SeptemberPopular with families and dog owners, with a National Nature Reserve behind that gives excellent walking even when the main beach is restricted. The main beach has a long seasonal ban, so check the dates before a summer visit.
Seasonal dog ban · 1 April to 30 September
Devon Dog Beaches