Making your next destination Devon? The best dog-friendly cottages: Devon edition will have everything you need for you and your furry friend.
In Devon, a dog-friendly getaway might involve dreamy hikes over the South West Coast Path, days in the Devon surf or countryside ambles with your furry friend by your side.
Holidaying with your canine companion isn’t as tricky as it sounds when you choose to stay in one of the following dog-friendly cottages in Devon. Furnished with fully-equipped kitchens and well-located for visiting coveted walking trails, golden beaches and lively seaside towns, pet-friendly cottages in Devon are also some of the best holiday homes for those wanting to explore many different pet-friendly terrains.
Channel your inner surfer in Westward Ho, a village with a Blue Flag beach which welcomes dogs with minimal restrictions. The South West Coast Path has some spectacular stretches too, including views of landmarks such as Watermouth Castle, 1820s smuggling tunnels and beaches with fossils. Pick from more than one Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty when it’s time to walk your faithful companion; between them, the Blackdown Hills, the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Dartmoor National Park have trails through woodlands, moors, cliffside areas and river valleys. The following dog-friendly holiday cottages in Devon have varied locations near the beach, the national park and the coveted towns of the English Riviera.
8 Dog-Friendly Cottages in Devon:
1. Swanpool, Great Field Lodges (Braunton, Devon)
2. The Granary (Tiverton, Devon)
3. 3 Goodrington Lodge (Paignton, Devon)
4. Alder Lodge, 12 Fingle Glen Lodges (Exeter, Devon)
5. Watermouth Lodge, Kentisbury Grange (Barnstaple, Devon)
6. Tree Tops (Kingswear, Devon)
7. Mill Cottage, Old Mill Cottages (Paignton, Devon)
8. Snowdrop Lodge, 9 Roadford Lake Lodges (Lifton, Devon)
Swanpool, Great Field Lodges
Location: Braunton, Devon
Best for: A beach lodge with a hot tub in North Devon
Stylish and set in a lush green part of the North Devon coast, Swanpool, Great Field Lodges is one of those dog friendly holiday cottages that will go down in the family history books. As part of a collection of three luxury beach lodges, plenty of attention has been paid to the fine details in this pet friendly holiday home, whether it’s the sleek, wrap-around wooden decking and the hot tub or the fine-tuned, stylish interior.
The lodge feels secluded, so those seeking a peaceful coastal getaway will find the house more than suitable fit. Despite the peaceful feel of the exclusive lodge site, the pet friendly holiday home isn’t at all cut off either. On the contrary, it is under 10 minutes’ drive away from the surfing beaches of Saunton Sands, Croyde Beach, and Woolacombe Beach. Continue further north along the North Devon coast, and you’ll come across the Tunnels Beaches and harbour in Ilfracombe or the cliff railway of Lynton and Lynmouth, known locally by the nickname ‘little Switzerland’.
Facilities: Painted blue and white and surrounded by a wrap-around veranda, Swanpool feels very much like a beach lodge. Soak in the last rays of the day on the rattan furniture on the decking, or play ball with your dog on the surrounding lawn. The open-plan living area is arranged perfectly for those looking for quality time at home, as well as out. Lit naturally by French windows, the kitchen has a large selection of equipment. There’s no need to worry about your pooch treading mud into any of the indoor spaces either, because the lodge has an outdoor shower where you can scrub at any dirty paws before they’re let loose in the house. End the night in the hot tub if you wish, stargazing or sharing a couple of drinks – alcoholic or not.
The Granary
Location: Tiverton, Devon
Best for: A traditional stone cottage on a 17th-century Devonshire farm
Built from stone, The Granary is truly a traditional Devonshire cottage. It is based on a 17th-century farm named Three Gates in rural east Devon, meaning that you have the pleasure of countryside views to accompany any meals shared on the parasol-covered seating on the terrace. The farm has several cottages, which share a spacious, 33-foot indoor swimming pool, gym, and sauna between them.
Tiverton is the nearest town to The Granary, and it’s delightful for foodies, with waterside restaurants having views of horse-drawn barges and markets also popping up on a regular basis. Located in the very centre of Devon, the dog friendly cottage is well-based for anyone who can’t bear to choose between dog friendly accommodation on the north or the south coast of Devon. Instead, it’s possible to drive to Lynton and Lynmouth in the north within an hour and to Sidmouth, Dawlish, and Seaton in the south within an hour.
Facilities: With a double and twin bedroom, The Granary has two cosy floors which exude a traditional atmosphere. Exposed stone walls and beams reach overhead, and a woodburning stove provides warmth in the open-plan living and dining room. When it comes to evening entertainment, take your pick of the jigsaw puzzles, games, books, and DVDs that have been provided in the living room. A small patio adds a space to dine out in the open air, but if you’d rather stretch your legs before you dig into your meal, the two-acre farm grounds have an enclosed pond with ducks and chickens.
3 Goodrington Lodge
Location: Paignton, Devon
Best for: A coastal apartment in Paignton with sea views and a communal pool
Coastal apartments are one of the best ways to explore the south or north of Devon in style. It’s no different at 3 Goodrington Lodge, a pet friendly apartment which looks out over Goodrington Boating Lake in the south of Paignton. Situated alongside Tor Bay, Paignton is a seaside resort with a large selection of dog friendly beaches and cafés, so your four legged friend should feel just as relaxed as the human guests in your group.
A short drive to the south and you will soon be in the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, where there are National Trust Properties, the estuary of the River Dart and landmarks such as The Dragon’s Tail. To the north, more seaside amusements can be tracked down in Torquay and Babbacombe. Babbacombe Model Village is one of several family-friendly attractions in the area. Woodlands Family Theme Park is another; it has rollercoasters and rides for kids of all ages.
Facilities: 3 Goodrington Lodge is part of an apartment complex with an outdoor swimming pool, heated in the summer months of June to September. Views of the sea are likely to improve any average morning; just roll out of one of the two bedrooms, stroll in and out of the walk-in shower and whisk your coffee and poached eggs to the furnished patio alongside the master. Two pets are permitted to stay in the apartment, so it’s an excellent dog friendly option for those with a pair of pooches to cater to.
Alder Lodge, 12 Fingle Glen Lodges
Location: Exeter, Devon
Best for: A Norwegian log cabin near to Dartmoor National Park
Tucked within a copse of pine trees, Alder Lodge, 12 Fingle Glen Lodges is a luxury lodge with a leafy view and a peaceful atmosphere. Constructed from pine trees, it is Norwegian in style. All of the walls are constructed from wood, aside from the tiling and the marble in the two modern bathrooms. An electric hot tub is based on the wrap-around decking with views over the golf course and bubbles to relax you, so much so that it might seem easy while away all of your time at the lodge.
Nevertheless, guests at this log cabin must put on their adventurer’s hat to explore the sandy beaches of the south Devon coast, which are only half an hour’s drive away from the holiday home. Dartmoor National Park is a short drive to the west of the dog friendly cottage too, so those who would like to swap beaches for scenic moorland trails and outdoor sports of all kinds can also get their fix.
Facilities: Designed for families and up to two pets, Alder Lodge is a lodge for those who like a peaceful retreat. On the decking, retire to the hot tub whenever your muscles are in need of a relaxing hot-water treatment. Keen golfers can practise their swing on the site’s golf course, while kids can head to The Little Farm with their parents. The farm has Shetland ponies, pygmy goats, and chickens. A games room with pool tables and a dartboard are also on-hand for family entertainment, and on the nights where you don’t fancy appointing a family member as the chef, there’s a restaurant and a bar next to the golf course which serve pub grub, stonebaked pizzas, and the occasional barbecued goods.
Watermouth Lodge, Kentisbury Grange
Location: Barnstaple, Devon
Best for: A lakefront lodge with a hot tub and allocation for up to four pets
There aren’t many dog friendly cottages in Devon that can brag about having a decking with a hot tub and views over a pond filled with waterlilies. Watermouth Lodge, Kentisbury Grange, however, can. Located on a rural park called Kentisbury Grange, the lodge is based over a lake and it permits up to four dogs, which is an unusually high allocation for dog friendly holiday cottages in the UK. There’s a restaurant and a bar located on the site, but being based near Lynton & Lynmouth, Combe Martin, and Ilfracombe means that there is no shortage of eateries serving delicious food nearby.
When it comes to surfing, Watermouth Lodge is well-located too. The surfing beaches of Woolacombe Beach, Croyde Beach, and Saunton Sands are a short drive to the west of the holiday home. Just south of those beaches is Barnstaple, a foodies’ haven, while to the east is Exmoor National Park and spectacular landmarks such as Heddon’s Mouth, Holdstone Down, and the Valley of Rocks.
Facilities: What doesn’t Watermouth Lodge have? To start with, there’s a private electric hot tub with a lake view and a table and chairs for those who want to stay dry. A freestanding bath is another alternative place for a soak, and with a waterproof TV, there’s entertainment on-hand for entertainment while you bathe. Dinner can be prepared courtesy of the kitchen Smeg appliances and your own handiwork. Otherwise, visit the park’s restaurant and bar if you want to save yourself time spent on preparation.
Tree Tops
Location: Kingswear, Devon
Best for: A pet friendly hilltop cottage with views over the River Dart
Tree Tops is a fitting title for this pet friendly cottage, which sits on top of a hill above Kingswear village and the River Dart. From the patio area, take in views of the lines of sailing boats parked in the harbour and the green slopes lined with white-coloured houses on the other side of the estuary. This is clearly a holiday destination for dog owners who want a mix of rural rambles, sailing, and beaches.
There’s a ferry that travels between Kingswear and Dartmouth, meaning that guests can quickly move between the artillery fort in Kingswear and Bayard’s Cove Fort, Dartmouth Castle, and beaches like Compass Cove Beach across the estuary. When you’re not sailing or hiking around the River Dart, the beaches of Paignton are just a short drive to the north of the pet friendly cottage too.
Facilities: Warm up the grill on the sun terrace for an evening of burgers, drinks, and skewers over the river. The terrace is one of several outdoor areas at Tree Tops. There’s a balcony equipped with rattan furniture on the ground floor, and an enclosed garden with plants and gravel where dogs can do their business. The four-bedroom house has an upside-down style layout, with the kitchen and NEFF appliances being located on the first floor and the bedrooms and the living room, with its 50-inch TV, on the ground floor.
Snowdrop Lodge, 9 Roadford Lake Lodges
Location: Lifton, Devon
Best for: One of a cluster of dog friendly cottages alongside Roadford Lake
Located in central Devon, Roadford Lake is a go-to destination for all things watersports and outdoor adventures. Whether you want to get stuck into climbing, hiking, canoeing, archery, or sailing, Snowdrop Lodge, 9 Roadford Lake Lodges is one of a set of dog friendly cottages alongside the lake that will act as a convenient base. The dog friendly cottages across the site all have a scenic woodland setting near the lake with luxury furnishings like smart TVs, a decking, and electric car charging points.
While Roadford Lake will provide hours of entertainment for guests and their four legged friend, a short drive to the Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty or the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty will provide opportunities for more adventurous hikes. Dartmoor National Park is just as near to the pet friendly lodge, especially Okehampton, where the Tarka Trail and the 95-mile Dartmoor Way can both be tracked down.
Facilities: With Roadford Lake and a gorgeous woodland as its backdrop, Snowdrop Lodge should already be ticking boxes for dog owners heading to Devon. The cottage accommodates six people in total, meaning that larger families will have plenty of space to spread out between the patio, the hot tub, three bedrooms, and the open-plan kitchen and living room. There’s a fitness centre on site, so any fitness enthusiasts can keep up their usual routine. Just shower off in either the master ensuite or the family bathroom; there’s a bathtub and a rainfall shower to choose from.
Whatever you’re looking for out of a dog friendly holiday cottage in Devon, Breakfree Holidays should have it. The above cottages are only a selection of their dog friendly cottage range, so continue to browse the many dog friendly cottages in Devon if you’re still undecided.