3 top dog-friendly South Hams Walks
The South Hams is a stunning area for those looking to enjoy a walking break with their dog. With the...
by Janine de Lange / Dogs
Paws down, one of the best parts of a holiday in beautiful Devon is that you are never more than a short distance from a breathtaking cove or sweeping bay. Beaches are an endless source of fun for our four-legged friends, whether they are playing fetch across the sand, splashing in the waves or simply joining their owners for a stroll. For holiday makers and their tail-wagging friends, who want to be within sniffing distance of the sand and sea, our collection of dog-friendly beachside holiday homes in Devon provides ample opportunity for a seaside adventure. You are sure to find the ideal stay… no matter what, we have it covered. From large properties to cosy bolthole apartments, suitable for various party sizes, tastes, and requirements, all with the sand and waves on your doorstep, you will be spoilt for choice!
If the thought of a sandy beach with sheltered waters and a view that overlooks the iconic Thurlestone Rock gets your tail wagging, then a seaside holiday in Thurlestone is the answer. Not only does Thurlestone offer some of the most superb coastal views in Devon but both its beaches, South Milton Sands and Thurlestone Beach, are dog-friendly throughout the year. After a day frolicking on the shore, chasing gulls and splashing in the waves head to The Beachhouse eatery, where there’s no better place to watch the incredible sunset while having a bite to eat.
While both Salcombe and Kingsbridge are just a short drive away, you’ll find everything you need for a perfect seaside holiday in this quaint little village – a shop, golf club, tennis courts and even a luxurious spa!
For avid walkers, the village is located in an enviable position with the South West Coast Path right on the doorstep. Take an easy walk to Hope Cove, along the sheer cliffs with unspoilt views out over the horizon, or explore the circular route that takes you through the picturesque village with its 13th century church, along the cliffs, from Thurlestone to Bantham and back again. No matter the weather and time of year, there are plenty of coastal walks in Devon for all the family to enjoy, including your four-legged friend, that’s why we offer an enviable selection of dog-friendly cottages near the South West Coast Path.
4 Thurlestone Rock is a spacious, tastefully styled three-bedroom first floor apartment in an enviable location right by South Milton Sands and Thurlestone Beach. Overlooking Thurlestone Rock, with views of Bigbury-on-Sea and iconic Burgh Island in the distance, it’s the perfect bolthole for a luxurious coastal retreat! Spend time relaxing in the combined living and dining room, which is comfortably equipped with a dining table, plush comfy sofas and large doors leading to the private outdoor area. Listen to the waves and smell the sea spray from the patio, which overlooks the shared swimming pool. From the patio, the private steps lead directly to the dog-friendly beach, with a vast stretch of sand that provides pups with plenty of opportunity to run around, play and burn off a bit of excess energy.
Take a look at the rest of fantastic seaside properties at the Thurlestone Rock Apartments.
The charming, traditional seaside village of Hope Cove is tucked into the sheltered bay behind Bolt Tail headland and is a choice destination at any time of the year. Flanked by the rolling countryside, Hope Cove’s beautiful beaches offer soft sand and sheltered waters, not to mention at low-tide, numerous rockpools and caves are perfect for exploring. The smaller of the two coves, Mouthwell Sands has seasonal restrictions, but Harbour Beach allows you to take your dog all year round.
Despite Hope Cove’s size, you will find everything you need for a super seaside break with your pet. There’s a small shop and several great eateries, perfect to have a drink, a snack and rest tired paws after a long day at the beach.
Best of all, the coastal footpath runs straight through the village. With views out to sea that are second to none, and plenty of coves to explore on-route, the walk from Hope Cove to Salcombe is a firm favourite with dog and owners alike!
May Cottage is a beautifully furnished spacious family holiday home enjoying stunning sea views, a short walk from the gorgeous, sandy beaches. A bright and airy cottage in the heart of Hope Cove, it’s the perfect property for a special family holiday with your dog. The South West Coast Path can be accessed quickly from the house, enjoying stunning walks to South Milton Sands, Thurlestone, Soar Mill Cove and beyond.
The recently renovated property with a comfortable, stylish interior is arranged over two floors with four-bedrooms. The large downstairs living space boasts stunning sea views and has a wood burning stove, perfect for cosy evenings curled up by the fire. The dining area is adjacent to the well-equipped kitchen, with a large table and bay window. Outside, there is a good-sized terrace to the rear of the house, ideal for an afternoon barbecue in the sun. This wonderful holiday cottage boasts all the elements for a relaxing getaway whatever the weather!
Perfect for a seaside holiday, 4 West Park Mews is a charming, spacious two-bedroom cottage just a short walk from excellent beaches and eateries. Access to the twin-bedroom is on the ground floor, with stairs leading up to the cosy open-plan living accommodation. The well-equipped kitchen has granite work surfaces, a larder (for doggie-treats), Nespresso coffee machine and everything else you’ll need for a super self-catering seaside break.
Relax and rest weary legs and paws in the comfy living area and enjoy countryside and sea views towards Bolt Tail from the first-floor lounge and sunny roof terrace. There is also a south facing patio with garden furniture and a fenced front garden – perfect for dogs and kids alike.
Tucked deep in the heart of the South Hams, at the mouth of the River Avon, lies the coastal village of Bantham. This gorgeous traditional village, with local store and popular pub, The Sloop Inn, is an easy drive from Salcombe, Kingsbridge and Bigbury-on-Sea. The village is also just a short stroll from Bantham Beach. Previously voted one of the top beaches in the whole of Europe by Lonely Planet, its soft, sandy dunes and shallow waters are ideal for a seaside holiday with your dog. The estuary and surrounding area provide a natural haven for wildlife, particularly appreciated by walkers who can enjoy the magnificent scenery along the coastal footpath.
Situated in the pretty hamlet of West Buckland, within a 15-minute walk of the popular surfing beach of Bantham, is the immaculately presented and beautifully converted barn, The Old Milking Shed. This spacious dog-friendly property boasts lovely countryside views, and can accommodate up to six people. Walking through the front door will take you into the open-plan living accommodation with stairs leading up to the first-floor en suite bedrooms and mezzanine level. Relax knowing that there is a private enclosed garden, where your dog can wander safely. There’s also an outdoor shower to wash off mucky paws, a barbecue to cook yummy sausages and a relaxed outside dining area.
Start Bay is a 15-mile stretch of rugged coastline, along which you’ll find unspoilt views, numerous sites of historical and natural interest, unforgettable walking trails and a choice of incredible dog-friendly beaches.
Explore the three mile stretch of fine shingle that makes up Slapton Sands, with your faithful companion by your side. At the southern edge is Torcross Beach, boasting great eateries, a shingle shore, and more recently a sweet shop. In fact, Torcross is a much-loved spot to enjoy arguably some of the best fish and chips in South Devon.
Further along the coast, out toward the iconic Start Point Lighthouse, Hallsands Beach and nearby Beesands are dog-friendly all year round, giving you ample opportunities for picturesque walks with your four-legged friend.
‘At the Beach’ is a striking development of luxury apartments and cottages, ideally situated on the very edge of the water at dog-friendly Slapton Sands, just set back slightly above the beach. 1 At the Beach is a stylish and beautifully presented beachside apartment.
Formerly part of the ‘Torcross Hotel’, the building underwent a sympathetic transformation, maintaining a combination of Victorian elegance and modern day comfort. Situated on the South West Coast Path, it is the perfect spot for owners of active dogs who love the great outdoors. This ground-floor two-bedroom property also has its own private terrace, ideal for relaxing with the pooch on summer evenings.
Be sure to take a look at more self-catering properties in the seaside development At the Beach, Torcross.
Nestled in an enviable elevated position overlooking the village of Hallsands and its shingle beach, The Reach is the epitome of a perfect coastal retreat. This unique and romantic semi-detached cottage enjoys an amazing panorama of the surrounding coastline from its cliff top position. The open-planned living area has a cosy, contemporary feel to it, with a well-equipped galley style kitchen. Leading out from French doors, is a large sun-terrace, where you can enjoy a spot of alfresco dining. If you fancy a walk and then lunch exploring the Devon lanes will leave you spoilt for choice in every direction, with the Millbrook Inn set in the charming village of South Pool, and The Pigs Nose nestled on the green at East Prawle.
Boasting a fresh and airy feel, this property is ideally situated for families or a group of couples looking to get the best out of both the countryside and the coast. Kittiwake is a stunning seaside holiday home just a few yards from Hallsands Beach, the South West Coast Path and the incredible Start Bay coastline. In an idyllic tranquil countryside setting, this stylish four-bedroom property is furnished and presented to an exceptional standard, offering flexible dog-friendly accommodation over three floors – ideal for those looking for a luxury retreat in a breathtaking coastal location.
Click here for even more luxury dog-friendly cottages in Devon.
The vibrant time of Salcombe offers activities for dogs and their owners both on and off the beach. Spend time exploring this bustling town, browsing through the diverse selection of independent stores, boutiques and local outlets or just soaking up the vibrant atmosphere.
Fortunately, there’s no shortage of local dog-friendly pubs, which means it’s easy to track down a place that welcomes man’s best friend with open arms and a bowl full of treats. That being said, no trip to Salcombe is complete without a visit to the super dog-friendly Victoria Inn, where your pooch can join in the fun and lap up a delicious ‘doggie beer’. They even have a doggie menu!
A visit to Salcombe means you are never far from the beach. North Sands Beach is a 20 minute walk from the centre of town, and is dog-friendly all year round, as is the popular Winking Prawn restaurant where you and your dog can whet your whistle while enjoying an incredible view out to sea. Or why not take a ride to the equally gorgeous South Sands Beach (which is dog-friendly out of season) on the popular South Sands Ferry?
As well as having loads to keep you and your dog busy, Salcombe also boasts an extensive range of pet-friendly accommodation. If however you fancy something a little more indulgent, treat yourself and your pup to five-star decadence with a luxury dog-friendly holiday in Salcombe, with North and South Sands never more than a short trip away.
With miles of sandy shores and tranquil waters, Devon is arguable one of the most dog-friendly beachside holiday destinations in the UK. At Coast & Country Cottages, we love dogs and know how much they mean to you, so we’ve done our best to hand-pick the very most outstanding selection of dog-friendly coastal cottages to provide the perfect place to have a relaxing holiday together.
These are just a sample of the fantastic range of dog-friendly beachside holiday homes in Devon. At Coast & Country Cottages we have over 100 dog-friendly cottages in Devon in enviable destinations such as Salcombe, Dartmouth, Kingsbridge.
Book your dog-friendly beachside holiday home today
by Janine de Lange / Dogs
I’ve had the privilege of living in the beautiful South West since 2010, and in my opinion there’s no better place in the worl...
Read More About Author
Sign up to receive exclusive offers, competitions and the latest news to your inbox, and you'll be entered into our monthly prize-draw 3 times!
The South Hams is a stunning area for those looking to enjoy a walking break with their dog. With the...
Stopping by a traditional pub with your furry companion, whether that’s for a cooling summer drink or a warming...
Down in South Devon we’re blessed with a lovely microclimate with fewer days of frost, higher average temperatures and...
