East Devon's coast runs from Exmouth and the mouth of the Exe estuary south-east along the Jurassic Coast to Seaton and the Somerset border: a World Heritage shoreline of dramatic red cliffs and quiet villages. Most town beaches restrict dogs over the summer, but many have a year-round zone, and the cliff walks are superb in every season. We have checked the current access for each.
One of Devon's longest town beaches, nearly two miles of sand from the town centre towards the Exe estuary. The main section has a seasonal summer ban, while the eastern, estuary end stays dog-friendly year-round. The Exe estuary trail gives excellent walking whatever the beach rules.
Seasonal dog ban · 1 May to 30 September; eastern estuary end year-roundA quiet, genteel pebble-beach town. A seasonal summer ban applies, but the western end near the mouth of the Otter estuary is often accessible and gives excellent wildlife watching.
Seasonal dog ban · 1 May to 30 SeptemberA Victorian seaside town framed by dramatic red Jurassic cliffs. Dogs are welcome all year on Port Royal beach at the eastern end of the promenade, while the main town beach has a summer ban. The cliff walks above, including Jacob's Ladder to the west, are excellent year-round.
Designated areas · Port Royal year-round; main beach banned 1 May to 30 SeptemberA small fishing village with a shingle beach sheltered by white chalk headlands, more relaxed than Sidmouth or Exmouth. The eastern half is open to dogs year-round; the western half has a full summer ban.
Seasonal dog ban · western half, 1 May to 30 September; eastern half year-roundA wide, flat beach at the eastern end of the East Devon coast, with a seasonal restriction on the central stretch. The Seaton Wetlands nature reserve nearby is excellent year-round dog walking.
Seasonal dog ban · central stretch, 1 May to 30 SeptemberThe best dog walking in East Devon is often not on the beach at all but on the cliff paths. The South West Coast Path runs along the tops of the extraordinary red Triassic and Jurassic cliffs, with breathtaking views of the World Heritage Coast, dog-friendly year-round and exceptional in all seasons.
Devon Dog Beaches