Getting to Devon's beaches with a dog often takes more planning than the drive itself. Many of the best beaches have small car parks, and summer congestion can turn a simple trip into a frustrating one. Here is how to park at Devon's main dog beaches and avoid the worst of the queues.
Ranked by the shortest distance from car park to beach across Devon (North Devon, South Devon, East Devon and Torbay), taken from our parking dataset. For all 114 beaches ranked by distance, see the full Devon beach parking guide.
A large pay-and-display car park at the Saunton Sands Hotel end, with overflow parking in nearby Saunton village. It can fill in peak season, so arrive before 10am on summer weekends.
Several car parks in and around Croyde village, very busy in summer as the village is popular and the lanes narrow. Consider parking further out and walking in; a shuttle bus runs from an overflow car park during peak season.
An on-site, paid car park with a cafe alongside, which can fill on summer afternoons. A common misconception: Blackpool Sands is privately managed, not National Trust, so NT membership does not give free parking here.
A National Trust car park on the approach road, where members park free. It can fill on popular summer days, and the walk to the beach is about ten minutes. Dogs are welcome in the car park.
A cliff-top pay-and-display car park with steps down to the beach. It gets very busy when the tide is right for the walk across to Burgh Island.
Many of Devon's most beautiful rural beaches have very limited parking, and arriving at a remote beach to find a ten-space car park full is frustrating. For beaches like Mothecombe, Welcombe Mouth and Wyscombe, a mid-week visit is strongly recommended. Always check the parking situation before driving.
Devon Dog Beaches