South Devon, taking in the South Hams and the coast between Torbay and Plymouth, has some of the most varied and beautiful dog-friendly beaches in England: sheltered coves, long sandy beaches, dramatic cliffs and river estuaries. Several of the finest restrict dogs over the summer, so they are at their best off-season or on their year-round estuary sides. We have checked the current access for each below.
Near Dartmouth, this is among the finest beaches in England: a sheltered shingle and sand cove with clear water, framed by pine trees, and one of the best beach cafes in Devon on site. As a Blue Flag beach, it operates a full seasonal dog ban covering both the beach and the car parks. Outside the restricted period, dogs are welcome.
Seasonal dog ban · 1 May to 30 September, beach and car parksA wild surf beach at the mouth of the River Avon, with a sheltered estuary lagoon at certain tides that is perfect for dogs who love to paddle. The main beach has a full seasonal dog ban, but the River Beach and estuary side stays dog-friendly all year. The National Trust runs the parking on the approach road.
Seasonal ban on the main beach · 1 May to 30 September; estuary side year-roundBigbury faces south over the Avon estuary with Burgh Island as its dramatic backdrop, and you can walk across the sand to the island at low tide. The eastern section is restricted during the day in summer, while the western section stays open year-round. Check the beach page for the exact zones and times.
Seasonal restriction · eastern section, summer daytime; western section year-roundA private estate beach within the Erme estuary, open to the public on certain days. Incredibly beautiful and extremely peaceful, with a seasonal dog ban in summer, so plan an off-season visit if you want the whole beach.
Seasonal dog ban · 1 May to 30 SeptemberA long shingle bar separating the sea from the freshwater lagoon of Slapton Ley, a National Nature Reserve with excellent birdwatching. Dogs are welcome along the beach through the year, though some sections can carry seasonal restrictions, so check the beach page for the stretch you plan to use.
Dogs welcome all year · some sections may vary, check the beach pageA small, sheltered beach within walking distance of Salcombe town, with calm estuary water and easy access. The surrounding estuary gives outstanding year-round walking whatever the tide.
Dogs welcome all yearSouth Devon has excellent dog-friendly pubs within easy reach of the coast, such as the Sloop Inn at Bantham and the Castle Inn at Strete near Blackpool Sands. See our dog-friendly pubs guide for more, and the Devon beach parking guide for parking at the key South Devon beaches.
Devon Dog Beaches