LUCKETT FARM GUIDE · NO. 5
Your quick dog guide
Year-round beach: Saunton Sands
Woodland walk: Horner Woods
Coast and woodland: Heddon’s Mouth
Exmoor favourite: Tarr Steps
Our advice: Check seasonal restrictions before travelling
Last updated: October 2026
In this guide
Dog-friendly beaches in North Devon
Walking on the open moor with a dog
A word of caution about cliffs
Dog-friendly pubs in North Devon & Exmoor
The Luckett Farm Guide to the Best Pubs in North Devon & Exmoor
Dog-friendly villages and places to explore
A perfect dog-friendly North Devon day
Another perfect day — Exmoor edition
What should I bring on a dog-friendly North Devon holiday?
Which North Devon beach is best for dogs?
What's the best Exmoor walk with a dog?
Can dogs go everywhere on Exmoor?
Beaches, Exmoor walks, country pubs and days out — our guide to exploring North Devon with your dog.
North Devon is a pretty wonderful place to bring a dog.
There are enormous beaches to run along, woodland trails, riverside walks, the open landscapes of Exmoor and miles of coast path.
And, importantly, bringing your dog doesn't mean spending the holiday wondering what you can and can't do.
With a little planning, some of the best days out in North Devon are also some of the most dog-friendly.
At Luckett Farm, we think the secret is knowing where to go — particularly during the summer months when some beaches introduce seasonal restrictions.
So here's our guide to exploring North Devon with four paws in tow.
Is North Devon dog-friendly?
Very.
North Devon's combination of countryside, beaches and walking makes it particularly suited to holidays with dogs.
There are beaches where dogs are welcome throughout the year, others that operate dog-friendly zones and plenty of countryside to explore.
But there are two things worth remembering.
First, beach rules vary considerably, particularly between May and September.
Second, much of North Devon and Exmoor is working countryside.
That means sheep, cattle, horses, ponies and wildlife.
So the golden rule is simple:
Check the local rules and keep your dog under appropriate control.
Do that and you've got an enormous part of North Devon waiting to be explored.
Dog-friendly beaches in North Devon
Let's start with the obvious one.
1. Saunton Sands
Dogs: Welcome throughout the year
Best for: Proper long walks · Space · Sand · Sea
Luckett Farm favourite: ★★★★★
If your dog likes beaches, we'd put Saunton Sands very near the top of the list.
The beach stretches for more than three miles, backed by the remarkable Braunton Burrows dune system.
And dogs are currently permitted on Saunton throughout the year, although they should be kept on a lead in front of the beach huts.
The scale is what makes it so good.
Walk away from the main entrance and there's an enormous amount of beach to explore.
Luckett Farm says
This would probably be our first choice for a proper dog-and-beach day.
Go early.
Walk further than everybody else.
Bring water.
And allow much longer than you think you'll need.
Dogs have a habit of making a three-mile beach take quite some time.
2. Hele Bay
Dogs: Currently permitted throughout the year
Best for: Smaller beach · Rock pools · Coastal exploring
If you prefer a small cove to an enormous sandy beach, Hele Bay near Ilfracombe is worth considering.
It's surrounded by cliffs and is good for rock pooling when the tide is right.
Dogs are currently permitted throughout the year.
Luckett Farm says
We'd combine Hele Bay with exploring Ilfracombe or walking a nearby stretch of coast.
It's a nice alternative when you don't want a full-scale beach day.
3. Rockham Beach
Dogs: Currently permitted throughout the year
Best for: Adventure · Wild coastline · Walking
Near Mortehoe, Rockham offers something altogether wilder.
There's no resort atmosphere here.
Reaching the beach is part of the experience, making it better suited to people — and dogs — who enjoy walking.
Dogs are currently allowed throughout the year.
Luckett Farm says
Wear sensible footwear.
Take water for the dog.
And don't expect an ice-cream kiosk every fifty yards.
That's rather the point.
4. Woolacombe
Dogs: Permitted, but zones/restrictions apply
Best for: Big beach · Walking · Combining beach and village
Woolacombe is another superb option, but you need to pay attention to the beach zones.
Dog restrictions apply to designated sections, particularly during the busier part of the year.
The advantage is the sheer size of the beach.
Once you're in the appropriate dog-friendly area, there's plenty of space.
Luckett Farm says
Check the signs when you arrive rather than relying on what you remember from a previous visit.
Beach restrictions can change.
5. Putsborough Sands
Dogs: Welcome with designated restrictions
Best for: Sand · Walking · Quieter alternative to Woolacombe
At the southern end of the Woolacombe Sands sweep, Putsborough is another excellent beach for a walk.
There are restrictions/designated areas for dogs, so check the current signs before heading onto the sand.
Luckett Farm says
If you like Woolacombe's landscape but want somewhere that can feel a little quieter, try Putsborough.
What about Croyde?
Croyde is beautiful.
But it's not our first choice if the main purpose of your day is a long summer dog walk.
Seasonal dog restrictions operate on Croyde Beach between 1 May and 30 September.
Outside the restricted period, it's a different proposition.
And the surrounding countryside and walking around Baggy Point mean Croyde can still form part of a dog-friendly day.
Luckett Farm says
In summer we'd choose Saunton for the dog.
Then visit Croyde separately.
Dog-friendly walks on Exmoor
This is where North Devon really comes into its own.
Exmoor offers a wide choice of paths and trails, from short strolls to substantial hikes.
Dogs can accompany you on many routes, but Exmoor is working countryside.
You may encounter:
Sheep · cattle · ponies · horses · deer · ground-nesting birds and other wildlife.
Dogs therefore need to be under close control, and there may be circumstances where leads are required.
Always follow signs and current access restrictions.
Tarr Steps & River Barle
Best for: Woodland · River · Gentle exploring
This is one of our favourite Exmoor destinations whether you have a dog or not.
The combination of woodland and river makes Tarr Steps particularly enjoyable for a walk.
The famous clapper bridge is the focal point, but don't simply walk to the bridge and turn around.
Explore alongside the River Barle.
Luckett Farm says
A very good choice for a dog + walk + pub kind of day.
Check the latest route information before setting out because the normal circular route has recently been affected by the bridge closure at Hinds Pitt.
Horner Woods
Best for: Woodland · Shade · Autumn walks
Horner Woods gives you a very different Exmoor experience.
The paths follow Horner Water through ancient woodland before longer routes climb into the surrounding landscape.
There's a shorter accessible option along the lower valley and more substantial walks if everybody — including the dog — is feeling energetic.
Luckett Farm says
Particularly lovely in autumn.
It's also a good option when you fancy woodland rather than an exposed moorland walk.
Heddon's Mouth
Best for: Woodland · River · Coast
Follow the River Heddon down through its wooded valley and eventually the landscape opens towards the sea.
It's one of those walks that gives you several different North Devon landscapes in a relatively short distance.
The official Explorer route is approximately 3.6 km and takes a little over an hour.
Luckett Farm says
A great choice if you want enough of a walk to feel you've done something without committing the entire day.
Lynmouth & Watersmeet
Best for: Riverside walking · Woodland · Combining with a village
Walking beside the East Lyn River towards Watersmeet is another excellent choice.
You're surrounded by woodland with the river beside you, making this feel very different from walking across open Exmoor.
And because you're close to Lynmouth, it's easy to combine the walk with coffee, lunch or a wander around the village.
Luckett Farm says
Walk first.
Lunch second.
Dog asleep under table.
Everybody happy.
Walking on the open moor with a dog
This requires a little more thought.
Seeing your dog racing across an enormous open landscape might look idyllic, but Exmoor is home to livestock and important wildlife.
The National Park asks visitors to respect wildlife, livestock and local communities when using its paths and open-access areas.
If there are animals nearby, put your dog on a lead.
And remember that a dog that behaves perfectly in the garden can suddenly become remarkably interested in a sheep.
Dog-friendly coastal walks
North Devon has some superb sections of the South West Coast Path.
You don't need to undertake a 20-mile expedition.
Choose a section.
Walk for an hour or two.
Turn around.
Find lunch.
Some of our favourites include areas around:
Baggy Point
Morte Point
Heddon's Mouth
Valley of Rocks
and stretches around the wider Exmoor coast.
A word of caution about cliffs
Dogs and cliff edges aren't always a good combination.
Even well-behaved dogs can become distracted by birds, wildlife or another dog.
On exposed sections of the coast path, we'd err on the side of caution and use a lead.
The view will be just as good.
Dog-friendly pubs in North Devon & Exmoor
A good walk needs a good pub.
Fortunately, North Devon has plenty of pubs where dogs are welcome, particularly in bar areas and gardens.
But policies can vary.
Some allow dogs throughout.
Some allow dogs only in the bar.
Some restrict dogs from dining areas.
And policies can change.
For that reason, we don't want to publish a giant list here and leave it untouched for three years.
Instead, we're creating a dedicated and regularly checked:
The Luckett Farm Guide to the Best Pubs in North Devon & Exmoor
Each pub will show:
DOGS: Yes / Bar Only / Garden Only
FOOD: Lunch / Dinner / Sunday Roast
FIRE: Yes / No
GARDEN: Yes / No
WALK NEARBY: Yes / No
DRIVE FROM LUCKETT FARM: XX minutes
LAST CHECKED: Month / Year
That's much more useful.
And considerably less likely to result in you arriving somewhere with a hungry Labrador and discovering the rules changed two summers ago.
Dog-friendly places to visit
A dog-friendly holiday doesn't have to consist entirely of beaches and walking.
Many outdoor attractions, gardens, villages and historic estates around North Devon allow dogs in at least some areas.
But restrictions vary considerably.
When planning a day out, check:
Are dogs permitted?
Do they need to be on a lead?
Can they enter cafés or only outdoor seating areas?
Are there livestock or deer?
Are there seasonal restrictions?
Is there shade and water in hot weather?
This is particularly important with historic houses and gardens, where dogs may be welcome on the estate but not inside buildings.
Dog-friendly villages and places to explore
Some days you don't want a five-mile hike.
Fortunately, North Devon is also good for pottering.
We particularly like combining a village with a short walk and somewhere to eat.
Consider:
Appledore
Walk along the waterfront, explore the little streets and find somewhere for coffee or lunch.
Lynton & Lynmouth
Combine exploring the villages with a riverside or coastal walk.
Croyde
Explore the village and surrounding countryside, taking account of the summer beach restrictions.
Porlock & Porlock Weir
A lovely combination of village, coast and Exmoor scenery.
Dulverton
A useful base for exploring southern Exmoor and somewhere to stop for food or coffee.
A perfect dog-friendly North Devon day
If we were planning one?
We'd probably start with Saunton Sands.
Arrive reasonably early.
Walk along the beach.
Let everybody expend some energy.
Then head somewhere for lunch.
Take the afternoon more slowly — perhaps explore Appledore, find another short walk or simply head back to Luckett Farm.
Then:
Dog asleep.
Humans in hot tub.
Drink poured.
Peace restored.
Another perfect day — Exmoor edition
Prefer countryside?
Head towards Tarr Steps.
Walk beside the River Barle.
Find a dog-friendly pub for lunch.
Drive across part of Exmoor on the way home.
Stop somewhere beautiful.
Back to Luckett Farm.
Fire on.
Dog asleep again.
There's a pattern developing.
What should I bring on a dog-friendly North Devon holiday?
Nothing particularly complicated, but a few things make life easier:
A good lead — particularly for livestock and coast-path walking.
Dog towels — North Devon contains an impressive combination of water, sand and mud.
Water bottle and bowl — especially for longer walks.
Dog bed or blanket — something familiar from home.
Tick remover — useful when spending time in long grass, woodland and moorland.
Poo bags — more than you think you'll need.
Old towel for the car — trust us.
And we'd save local veterinary details on your phone before you need them.
Hopefully you never will.
Dogs and hot weather
North Devon can occasionally surprise us with proper summer weather.
On hot days, rethink the itinerary.
Avoid strenuous walks in the middle of the day.
Choose woodland.
Carry water.
Be careful with hot sand and pavements.
Never leave a dog in a parked car.
And sometimes the right decision is simply to spend a few hours relaxing at Luckett Farm instead.
The beach will still be there tomorrow.
Dogs and livestock
This is particularly important on Exmoor and in the countryside around Luckett Farm.
You may encounter sheep, cattle, horses and ponies.
Keep dogs under close control and follow local signage.
During lambing and other sensitive periods, restrictions and lead requirements may be particularly important.
And never assume:
“He wouldn't chase them.”
Dogs occasionally have their own interpretation of that arrangement.
Which North Devon beach is best for dogs?
Our first choice would probably be Saunton Sands.
The combination of year-round dog access and the sheer amount of space makes it difficult to beat.
For something smaller, look at Hele Bay.
For a wilder adventure, consider Rockham.
And outside the summer restriction periods, considerably more options open up.
What's the best Exmoor walk with a dog?
For a first visit, we'd look at:
Tarr Steps for river and woodland.
Horner Woods for ancient woodland.
Heddon's Mouth for woodland meeting the coast.
Watersmeet for riverside walking.
Which is best depends on the weather and how energetic everyone feels.
Including the dog.
Can dogs go everywhere on Exmoor?
No.
Dogs can enjoy a huge amount of Exmoor, but access rules, livestock, wildlife and seasonal restrictions mean they cannot simply run freely everywhere.
Follow signs and the Countryside Code, and check the latest information for the particular route you're planning.
Are North Devon beaches dog-friendly all year?
Some are.
Others aren't.
Saunton currently allows dogs throughout the year, while beaches such as Croyde operate summer restrictions. Other beaches use dog zones.
Always check the current rules for the individual beach.
That's why our Luckett Farm guides include a Last Checked date rather than pretending this information never changes.
A holiday for them too
There's something rather lovely about bringing your dog on holiday.
They don't care about the Wi-Fi speed.
They're not particularly interested in your restaurant reservation.
And they couldn't care less whether you've visited the area's number-one-rated attraction.
Give them a beach, a woodland path and something interesting to sniff and they're generally delighted.
North Devon provides all three in abundance.
So pack the lead.
Bring too many towels.
And let them come too.
Stay with your dog at Luckett Farm
Several of our Luckett Farm stays are designed to make it possible to enjoy North Devon with your dog rather than leaving them behind.
From here you can explore Exmoor, woodland walks, country pubs and the North Devon coast, then return to the peace of the farm.
When choosing your property, check its current dog policy, any limits on the number or size of dogs, and any applicable charge before booking.
Then start planning the important bit:
Where are you going for your first walk?