10 barkingly brilliant dog-friendly holiday spots in South Devon

Family holidays are just that, and if you have a pet dog why shouldn’t they enjoy your holiday in Great Britain with you. BlueRiver Cottages has many self-catering properties where dogs are welcome and here give you 10 excellent places your whole family can enjoy.

1. Becky Falls Woodland Park, Bovey Tracey

Set in a spectacular ancient valley, Becky Falls has been attracting visitors for over a century. The site offers both woodland trails of varying difficulty up to “Swallows & Amazons” level, together with animal encounters including feeding sessions, and an indoor craft centre. Dogs are very welcome!

2. Heritage & history in Brixham

There are two museums in Brixham that welcome dogs and you could say take us both sides of the law. In the old police station, the Brixham Heritage Museum offers an amazing guide to the story of Brixham through the centuries including historical coastguard records. While at The Quay, for all you sea dogs, you can imagine life as one of Brixham’s pirates and smugglers two hundred years ago.

3. Dartmouth Castle

This superb castle is in one of the most beautiful locations on the narrow entrance to the Dart Estuary and Dartmouth. Dogs are most welcome. Visitors have an opportunity to see the various ways the castle has been used from the late 14th century through to WWII. Plus, what better way to come to the Castle than by the…

4. Dartmouth Castle Ferry

This short 10 minute journey is a superb way to start your day, whether you intend to follow it with a walk through history at the castle or a walk through the lovely Devon scenery on the South West Coastal Path. This journey offers you brilliant views of the historical banks of the Dart and a chance to see grey seals and leaping Dart salmon. Naturally, dogs are welcome aboard.

5. Stuart Line Cruises, Exmouth

However, if you want to really test your sea or river legs why not take a cruise with Stuart Lines who also welcome dogs on board. They have various cruises available, which either take you up and down the River Exe, or out into the English Channel for a different view of the Jurassic Coast.

6. Kingsbridge beaches

Kingsbridge has a wide selection of beaches that will allow dogs to accompany their human companions onto the beach. These include Lannacombe, Beesands, South Milton and Bigbury on Sea. South Milton is managed by the National Trust and so there is a charge of £4 for non-members.

7. Hannah’s at Seale Hayne, Newton Abbot

Set in acres of rolling countryside around a Grade II listed quadrangle, this social enterprise offers interest to the whole family. There are artists’ workshops, a wide range of farm animals, and a contemporary art gallery. Well behaved dogs are most welcome.

8. South Devon Railway

Take a return trip through the glorious Devon countryside from Buckfastleigh to Totnes along the banks of the River Dart on GWR locomotives from the age of steam that can evoke such romantic memories of times gone by. On either side of the trip you can stretch Fido’s legs with a riverside walk. Take a picnic and make use of the play areas as well as the museum linked to the railway.

9. Babbacombe Model Village, Torquay

This model village welcomes dogs in most of the outside areas of the site and gift shop. This marvellous example of a model village shows examples of well known landmarks such as Stonehenge, but also has a castle with a fire-breathing dragon. The ticket given is also a day ticket so you can return later in the evening to see all the properties lit up.

10. Totnes Castle

A lovely way to relax after a morning spent enjoying the shops in Totnes is to go to the Norman built Motte & Bailey. Originally built to overawe and control the Saxon town of Totnes, its steep mound crowned with a later stone keep. The castle welcomes dogs over most of the grounds and is an ideal place for a picnic as you gaze at the marvellous views across the rooftops to the Dart Estuary beyond.