We checked 64 Devon beaches and beach sections against council and National Trust pages. Most seasonal bans run from 1 May to 30 September, Teignbridge’s run from 1 April, and two places, Dawlish Warren past groyne 9 and the Tunnels Beaches at Ilfracombe, are closed to dogs all year. Six beaches have dates that differ between sources or need checking, and we have marked those so you can check the council page before you travel.
I want to be upfront about what this page is. Each Devon council publishes its own rules, in its own format, so we name the source on every card and the date we checked. We have not guessed, and we have left Plymouth out because we could not find a verified beach rule. If you are planning a full day out, our guide to local dog walks in Devon sets out the walks we checked.
The rules in short
Torbay says dogs can go on all its beaches from 1 October to 30 April, and are banned on some from 1 May to 30 September. East Devon and South Hams have summer exclusion zones, and some include times of day. Teignbridge bans dogs on parts of its beaches from 1 April to 30 September. North Devon Council lists dogs as allowed on the Ilfracombe-area beaches it owns, with the exceptions below, while privately owned beaches such as Saunton Sands can set their own rules. If you walk on a promenade next to a beach where dogs are banned, Torbay asks you to keep your dog on a lead. Assistance dogs are allowed on all Torbay beaches all year. Always read the signs on the day, because councils can change their orders.
Dogs allowed all year
These beaches have no seasonal ban on the council or National Trust page we read. Torbay’s list comes first, then Teignbridge, North Devon and the National Trust. If you are after a safe run away from other dogs and beach crowds, secure dog fields in Devon are worth a look too.
Anstey’s Cove — Torquay
Dogs allowed all year, according to Torbay Council.
Source: Torbay Council, “Dogs on beaches” (checked 8 November 2026)
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Babbacombe Beach — Torquay
Dogs allowed all year, according to Torbay Council.
Source: Torbay Council, “Dogs on beaches” (checked 8 November 2026)
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Beacon Cove — Torquay
Dogs allowed all year, according to Torbay Council.
Source: Torbay Council, “Dogs on beaches” (checked 8 November 2026)
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Churston Cove — Brixham
Dogs allowed all year, according to Torbay Council.
Source: Torbay Council, “Dogs on beaches” (checked 8 November 2026)
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Elberry Cove — Brixham
Dogs allowed all year, according to Torbay Council.
Source: Torbay Council, “Dogs on beaches” (checked 8 November 2026)
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Fairy Cove — Brixham
Dogs allowed all year, according to Torbay Council.
Source: Torbay Council, “Dogs on beaches” (checked 8 November 2026)
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Fishcombe Cove — Brixham
Dogs allowed all year, according to Torbay Council.
Source: Torbay Council, “Dogs on beaches” (checked 8 November 2026)
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Livermead Sands — Torquay
Dogs allowed all year, according to Torbay Council.
Source: Torbay Council, “Dogs on beaches” (checked 8 November 2026)
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Maidencombe Beach — Torquay
Dogs allowed all year, according to Torbay Council.
Source: Torbay Council, “Dogs on beaches” (checked 8 November 2026)
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Oyster Cove — Brixham
Dogs allowed all year, according to Torbay Council.
Source: Torbay Council, “Dogs on beaches” (checked 8 November 2026)
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Peaked Tor Cove — Torquay
Dogs allowed all year, according to Torbay Council.
Source: Torbay Council, “Dogs on beaches” (checked 8 November 2026)
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Saltern Cove — Paignton
Dogs allowed all year, according to Torbay Council.
Source: Torbay Council, “Dogs on beaches” (checked 8 November 2026)
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Shoalstone Beach — Brixham
Dogs allowed all year, according to Torbay Council.
Source: Torbay Council, “Dogs on beaches” (checked 8 November 2026)
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St Marys Bay — Brixham
Dogs allowed all year, according to Torbay Council.
Source: Torbay Council, “Dogs on beaches” (checked 8 November 2026)
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Goodrington Sands: North Sands — Paignton
Dogs allowed all year on North Sands. South Sands has a separate summer ban (see below).
Source: Torbay Council, “Dogs on beaches” (checked 8 November 2026)
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Meadfoot Beach: north-eastern part — Torquay
Dogs allowed all year on the north-eastern part of the beach. The south-western part has a summer ban (see below).
Source: Torbay Council, “Dogs on beaches” (checked 8 November 2026)
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River Beach — Teignmouth
Dogs permitted all year round.
Source: Teignbridge District Council, “Dogs on beaches” (checked 8 November 2026)
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Ness Cove — Shaldon
Dogs permitted all year round.
Source: Teignbridge District Council, “Dogs on beaches” (checked 8 November 2026)
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Holcombe Beach to East Cliff Slipway — Teignmouth
Dogs permitted all year round.
Source: Teignbridge District Council, “Dogs on beaches” (checked 8 November 2026)
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Dawlish Town Beach — Dawlish
Dogs are permitted along the seashore from the slipway by the railway station until 150 metres before Langstone Rock. The council page gives no seasonal ban for this stretch.
Source: Teignbridge District Council, “Dogs on beaches” (checked 8 November 2026)
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Dawlish Warren: groynes 3 to 9 and the tidal beach — Dawlish Warren
Dogs permitted all year between groynes 3 and 9 on the main beach and on the tidal beach to the right of the lifeguard tower. Around the main resort and the nature reserve, dogs must be on a lead no longer than 2 metres, all year.
Source: Teignbridge District Council, “Dogs on beaches” (checked 8 November 2026)
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Capstone — Ilfracombe
Dogs allowed. North Devon Council says dogs are allowed on all the beaches it owns, and lists this one.
Source: North Devon Council, “Beaches in North Devon” (checked 8 November 2026)
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Hele Bay — Ilfracombe
Dogs allowed. North Devon Council says dogs are allowed on all the beaches it owns, and lists this one.
Source: North Devon Council, “Beaches in North Devon” (checked 8 November 2026)
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Ilfracombe Harbour — Ilfracombe
Dogs allowed. North Devon Council says dogs are allowed on all the beaches it owns, and lists this one.
Source: North Devon Council, “Beaches in North Devon” (checked 8 November 2026)
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Larkstone — Ilfracombe
Dogs allowed. North Devon Council says dogs are allowed on all the beaches it owns, and lists this one.
Source: North Devon Council, “Beaches in North Devon” (checked 8 November 2026)
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Lee Bay — Lee
Dogs allowed. North Devon Council says dogs are allowed on all the beaches it owns, and lists this one.
Source: North Devon Council, “Beaches in North Devon” (checked 8 November 2026)
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Sandy Cove (Bath Beach) — Ilfracombe
Dogs allowed. North Devon Council says dogs are allowed on all the beaches it owns, and lists this one.
Source: North Devon Council, “Beaches in North Devon” (checked 8 November 2026)
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Raparee — Ilfracombe
Dogs allowed. North Devon Council says dogs are allowed on all the beaches it owns, and lists this one.
Source: North Devon Council, “Beaches in North Devon” (checked 8 November 2026)
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Wildersmouth — Ilfracombe
Dogs allowed. North Devon Council says dogs are allowed on all the beaches it owns, and lists this one.
Source: North Devon Council, “Beaches in North Devon” (checked 8 November 2026)
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Saunton Sands — Braunton
Dogs allowed all year, but on a lead in front of the beach huts. The beach is privately owned, so the owner sets the rules.
Source: North Devon Council, “Beaches in North Devon” (checked 8 November 2026)
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South Milton Sands — Thurlestone
Dogs welcome all year, under close control, and on a short lead near wildlife and livestock.
Source: National Trust (South Milton Sands) (checked 8 November 2026)
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Summer ban: 1 May to 30 September
At these beaches dogs are not allowed in the dates shown, and the notes say where a time of day applies. Outside the dates, the council pages say dogs are allowed, but check the signs.
Breakwater Beach — Brixham
Dogs not allowed from 1 May to 30 September. Allowed from 1 October to 30 April.
Source: Torbay Council, “Dogs on beaches” (checked 8 November 2026)
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Broadsands Beach — Paignton
Dogs not allowed from 1 May to 30 September. Allowed from 1 October to 30 April.
Source: Torbay Council, “Dogs on beaches” (checked 8 November 2026)
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Corbyn Head — Torquay
Dogs not allowed from 1 May to 30 September. Allowed from 1 October to 30 April.
Source: Torbay Council, “Dogs on beaches” (checked 8 November 2026)
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Goodrington Sands: South Sands — Paignton
Dogs not allowed from 1 May to 30 September. Allowed from 1 October to 30 April. This covers the stretch between the cliffs at the southern end and the signs at Middlestone to the north.
Source: Torbay Council, “Dogs on beaches” (checked 8 November 2026)
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Hollicombe Beach — Paignton
Dogs not allowed from 1 May to 30 September. Allowed from 1 October to 30 April.
Source: Torbay Council, “Dogs on beaches” (checked 8 November 2026)
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Meadfoot Beach: south-western part — Torquay
Dogs not allowed from 1 May to 30 September. Allowed from 1 October to 30 April. This covers the part between the notices displayed on the foreshore.
Source: Torbay Council, “Dogs on beaches” (checked 8 November 2026)
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Oddicombe Beach — Torquay
Dogs not allowed from 1 May to 30 September. Allowed from 1 October to 30 April.
Source: Torbay Council, “Dogs on beaches” (checked 8 November 2026)
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Paignton Sands — Paignton
Dogs not allowed from 1 May to 30 September. Allowed from 1 October to 30 April.
Source: Torbay Council, “Dogs on beaches” (checked 8 November 2026)
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Preston Sands — Paignton
Dogs not allowed from 1 May to 30 September. Allowed from 1 October to 30 April.
Source: Torbay Council, “Dogs on beaches” (checked 8 November 2026)
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Shoalstone Pool — Brixham
Dogs not allowed from 1 May to 30 September. Allowed from 1 October to 30 April.
Source: Torbay Council, “Dogs on beaches” (checked 8 November 2026)
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Torre Abbey Sands — Torquay
Dogs not allowed from 1 May to 30 September. Allowed from 1 October to 30 April.
Source: Torbay Council, “Dogs on beaches” (checked 8 November 2026)
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Exmouth beach — Exmouth
Dogs not allowed on the beach between the Octagon Café and the second groyne before Orcombe Point, 10am to 6pm, 1 May to 30 September.
Source: East Devon District Council, Seashores and Promenades order 2026 (checked 8 November 2026)
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Budleigh Salterton beach — Budleigh Salterton
Dogs not allowed on the beach between South Parade and Lime Kiln car park, 1 May to 30 September.
Source: East Devon District Council, Seashores and Promenades order 2026 (checked 8 November 2026)
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Sidmouth beach — Sidmouth
Dogs not allowed on the beach between Jacob’s Ladder and the access ramp opposite the Sailing and Sea Angling Club, 1 May to 30 September.
Source: East Devon District Council, Seashores and Promenades order 2026 (checked 8 November 2026)
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Beer beach — Beer
Dogs not allowed on the part of the beach below the Sea Hill access path, west to the cliff edge, 1 May to 30 September. The east side of the beach has a seasonal lead rule.
Source: East Devon District Council, Seashores and Promenades order 2026 (checked 8 November 2026)
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Seaton beach — Seaton
Dogs not allowed on the beach between Castle Hill and Trevelyan Road, 1 May to 30 September.
Source: East Devon District Council, Seashores and Promenades order 2026 (checked 8 November 2026)
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Bigbury Beach — Bigbury-on-Sea
Dogs not allowed 10am to 7pm, 1 May to 30 September.
Source: South Hams District Council, “Dogs on beaches” (checked 8 November 2026)
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Mouthwell Sands — Hope Cove
Dogs not allowed 10am to 7pm, 1 May to 30 September.
Source: South Hams District Council, “Dogs on beaches” (checked 8 November 2026)
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Salcombe South Sands — Salcombe
Dogs not allowed at any time of day from 1 May to 30 September. Dogs may cross on a lead to board or leave the ferry.
Source: South Hams District Council, “Dogs on beaches” (checked 8 November 2026)
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Summer ban: 1 April to 30 September (Teignbridge)
Teignbridge’s own beaches page says its dog bans run from 1 April to 30 September. An older tourism leaflet gives 1 May for some beaches, so go by the council page and the signs.
Teignmouth Beach — Teignmouth
Dogs not allowed from 1 April to 30 September along the seashore between the Eastcliff slipway and the lighthouse at the Point. Dogs must be on a lead in and around the Den and the promenade.
Source: Teignbridge District Council, “Dogs on beaches” (checked 8 November 2026)
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Shaldon Beach — Shaldon
Dogs not allowed from 1 April to 30 September along the seashore between Clipper Quay and the steps to the beach, about 410 metres south-east of the quay.
Source: Teignbridge District Council, “Dogs on beaches” (checked 8 November 2026)
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Coryton Cove — Dawlish
Dogs not allowed from 1 April to 30 September along the seashore from the slipway to Coryton Cove.
Source: Teignbridge District Council, “Dogs on beaches” (checked 8 November 2026)
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Dawlish Warren: lifeguard tower to groyne 3 — Dawlish Warren
Dogs not allowed from 1 April to 30 September between the lifeguard tower and groyne 3. Leads of 2 metres or less apply around the resort and nature reserve all year.
Source: Teignbridge District Council, “Dogs on beaches” (checked 8 November 2026)
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Dawlish Warren: section west of Langstone Rock — Dawlish Warren
Dogs not allowed from 1 April to 30 September on a 230-metre section of beach west of Langstone Rock.
Source: Teignbridge District Council, “Dogs on beaches” (checked 8 November 2026)
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Dates to check before you travel
Here the sources disagree, or the council page is unclear, so we have listed the beach with the reason rather than leave it out. Please double-check on the council website before you go. Our Devon area guide explains what each council covers.
Woolacombe Beach — Woolacombe
Dogs restricted from Good Friday or 1 April (whichever is earlier) to 30 September, 9am to 6pm, between the rocks at the north end and the stream, with dogs on a lead from the stream to Mill Rock. These dates come from the Woolacombe Tourism Association, not the council, so check the council page and the signs.
Source: Woolacombe Tourism Association (not the council) (checked 8 November 2026)
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Putsborough Sands — Georgeham
The Woolacombe Tourism Association says no dogs in one zone from 1 April to 30 September and dogs allowed in another. Visit Devon says April to October. We could not confirm this against a council page, so check the signs.
Source: Woolacombe Tourism Association (not the council) (checked 8 November 2026)
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Croyde Bay — Croyde
North Devon Council signage restricts dogs from 1 May to 30 September, with dogs on a lead in the dunes. The council page writes the end date as 31 September, which is not a real date, so check the council page and the signs.
Source: North Devon Council, “Beaches in North Devon” (checked 8 November 2026)
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Combe Martin Beach — Combe Martin
North Devon Council gives 1 May to 30 September. The Combe Martin parish council gives 15 March to 30 September. Please check with the council and the signs before you go.
Source: North Devon Council, “Beaches in North Devon” (checked 8 November 2026)
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Instow Beach — Instow
North Devon Council says dogs are not permitted between the Quay in the south and the Boathouse in the north, 10am to 5pm, in July and August. Visit Devon gives wider dates, so check the signs.
Source: North Devon Council, “Beaches in North Devon” (checked 8 November 2026)
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Westward Ho! — Westward Ho!
Dogs are allowed at the northern end of the beach between Sandymere Bridge and the Taw and Torridge estuary, and prohibited south of Sandymere Bridge, 1 May to 30 September. Dogs must be on a lead on the promenade. The council notice we read is from 2023 and a parish council repeated it for 2026, so check the signs.
Source: Torridge District Council notice (2023), repeated for 2026 by a local parish council (checked 8 November 2026)
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Dogs banned all year, or beaches closed to dogs
These are the places where the council says dogs are not allowed on the beach at any time of year.
Dawlish Warren: past groyne 9 — Dawlish Warren
No dogs, all year round, past groyne 9.
Source: Teignbridge District Council, “Dogs on beaches” (checked 8 November 2026)
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Tunnels Beaches — Ilfracombe
Dogs may pass through the tunnels on a lead but are not allowed on to the beaches.
Source: North Devon Council, “Beaches in North Devon” (checked 8 November 2026)
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Leads only
Here dogs are welcome on a lead.
Branscombe — Branscombe
Dogs welcome on leads in the beach and the wider countryside, according to the National Trust.
Source: National Trust (Branscombe) (checked 8 November 2026)
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What we could not confirm
The council pages give no postcodes, so we show a Google Maps link for every beach instead, and we have left dog bins and parking out rather than guess. We found no verified beach rules for Plymouth, so it has no cards. We have not listed beaches that appear only in blog posts or tourism lists with no council or National Trust wording. If you plan to swim, our guide to dog swimming spots in Devon covers places built for a proper dip, and it is worth knowing where your nearest vet is before a long coastal trip.
Staying overnight? Our dog-friendly stays in Devon list places that publish their dog policy.
Busy beaches can be exciting for a dog. If yours finds crowds unsettling, the Calmdogs calming bites are a complementary feed some owners keep for days out, though for ongoing anxiety it’s best to speak to your vet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take my dog on a Devon beach in summer?
On many Devon beaches, yes, but not on all of them. Torbay bans dogs on 11 beach areas from 1 May to 30 September, East Devon and South Hams have exclusion zones in the same months, and Teignbridge bans dogs on parts of its beaches from 1 April to 30 September. Always check the signs on the day.
Which Devon beaches allow dogs all year?
Torbay lists 16 beaches or beach areas where dogs are allowed all year, including Anstey’s Cove, Babbacombe Beach and Livermead Sands. Teignbridge allows dogs all year at River Beach, Ness Cove and Holcombe Beach, and the National Trust says dogs are welcome all year at South Milton Sands.
Are dogs banned on any Devon beaches all year?
Yes. Teignbridge says dogs are not permitted past groyne 9 at Dawlish Warren all year round, and North Devon Council says dogs may pass through the Tunnels Beaches tunnels on a lead but not on to the beaches.
Which Devon beach dates should I double-check?
Woolacombe, Putsborough Sands, Croyde Bay, Combe Martin, Instow and Westward Ho! all have dates that differ between sources or need checking against the council page. Check the council website and the signs before you travel.
Written by Georgiana & Figo.
