Devon has two coastlines, a moor in the middle and a huge summer population, which makes it one of the richest counties we’ve covered for dog walks — and one of the trickiest for beach rules. Here’s a geographic spread from coast to moor, sourced to National Trust, the National Park Authorities, councils and Forestry England directly, plus the specific seasonal beach bans that actually matter here.
Coastal walks
- Branscombe (East Devon, Jurassic Coast), National Trust — a valley path from the village down to the beach, plus coast path sections through woodland and farmland. Dogs welcome year-round under close control; on lead on the beach itself and near cliff edges; short lead near sheep.
- Heddon Valley to Heddon’s Mouth, near Parracombe, Exmoor coast (North Devon), National Trust — a 2-mile circular on mostly level gravel through ancient woodland beside the River Heddon to the sea, or a tougher 6-mile route to Woody Bay. Parking EX31 4PY. Dogs welcome in most places, including the on-site café and a nearby pub garden.
- Plymbridge Woods, Plymouth/South Hams fringe, National Trust — miles of paths through woodland, moorland and the River Plym valley. Off-lead permitted in woodland and parkland under close control, with lead-only zones signposted; lead required near sheep.
Woodland and forest
- Haldon Forest Park, near Exeter, Forestry England — three waymarked trails: the Discovery trail (wide, surfaced, mostly level, part wheelchair-accessible), the Raptor trail (mostly surfaced with some steep slopes) and the Butterfly trail (unsurfaced, steeper, off-road mobility-scooter grade). Dogs must stay on official trails and nearby/within sight.
Riverside
Grand Western Canal, Tiverton, Devon County Council — the full towpath runs 11¼ miles, with named shorter routes including the Canal Basin–Manley loop (2.5 miles) and the Swan’s Neck circular (2.25 miles). Flat, easy, resurfaced. Dogs welcome under control at all times, kept out of adjacent farmland and away from waterbirds especially in nesting season; Mid Devon dog wardens patrol and can fine up to £1,000 for mess.
Country park and reservoir
Stover Country Park, Newton Abbot, Devon County Council — dogs must be on a lead around the lake and outlet channel, with off-lead elsewhere under close control. The site is covered by a Public Spaces Protection Order with fines for non-compliance, and dogs are banned from the lake and waterways entirely to protect waterfowl; extra vigilance is asked for March to September during the nesting season.
Upland and moorland
Dartmoor and Exmoor’s open-access commons fall under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000: dogs must be on a short lead of no more than 2 metres between 1 March and 31 July (the ground-nesting bird and lamb season), and under “effective and close control” at all times outside that window, with a lead required near livestock year-round. Dartmoor National Park Authority’s own guidance notes that farmers may lawfully act against a dog attacking livestock, and advises letting go of the lead rather than holding on if a dog is chased by cattle. The Hound Tor/Saddle Tor/Haytor area is the best-known family dog-walking cluster on Dartmoor, though we couldn’t find an official National Park Authority page giving a specific named route and distance for it, so treat the exact route as flexible rather than fixed.
Devon’s beach rules: the part worth getting right
Devon’s beaches carry seasonal dog restrictions that vary by district, so don’t assume one rule covers the whole coast.
- East Devon (Exmouth, Budleigh Salterton, Sidmouth, Beer, Seaton) — every beach in the district follows the same council rule: dogs banned 1 May to 30 September, allowed 1 October to 30 April. No East Devon beach is dog-friendly all year under this rule, and some towns have further specific exclusion zones, so check on-site signage or the council directly for exact boundaries.
- Torbay (Torquay, Paignton, Brixham) — restricted 1 May to 30 September at Breakwater Beach, Broadsands, Corbyn Head, Goodrington Sands South, Hollicombe, Meadfoot Beach (south-west part), Oddicombe, Paignton Sands, Preston Sands, Shoalstone Pool and Torre Abbey Sands. Dog-friendly all year at Anstey’s Cove, Babbacombe Beach, Beacon Cove, Churston Cove, Elberry Cove, Fairy Cove, Fishcombe Cove, Goodrington Sands North, Livermead Sands, Maidencombe, Meadfoot Beach (north-east part), Oyster Cove, Peaked Tor Cove, Saltern Cove, Shoalstone Beach and St Marys Bay.
- South Hams (Bigbury, Hope Cove, Salcombe) — Bigbury Beach and Mouthwell Sands (Hope Cove) are restricted 1 May to 30 September, but only between 10am and 7pm, a narrower window than East Devon or Torbay. Salcombe’s South Sands bans dogs round the clock over the same months, though dogs on a lead may still cross to use the ferry.
- Woolacombe (North Devon) — dogs are generally welcome year-round, with a small exclusion zone at the north end and an on-lead zone further along, both running from Good Friday or 1 April (whichever comes first) to 30 September; off-lead is permitted from Mill Rock onward throughout that period.
Where we couldn’t find a precise rule for a specific beach (Bantham and Challaborough in South Hams, for instance), we’re saying so rather than guessing — check with the relevant council before you go. For busy coastal paths and trails shared with cyclists, a reliable recall matters; a Calmdogs calming collar from Calmshops can help alongside training if your dog finds crowds or new sounds stressful. See the rest of our coverage on the Devon dog services hub, including vets in Devon.
Frequently Asked Questions
When are dogs banned from Devon beaches?
It depends on the district. East Devon bans dogs from all its beaches 1 May to 30 September. Torbay and South Hams restrict specific named beaches over similar dates, while several other beaches in both areas stay dog-friendly all year.
Can dogs go off lead on Dartmoor?
Under effective and close control outside 1 March to 31 July, when a lead of no more than 2 metres is required on open-access land under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000. A lead is required near livestock at all times.
Is Woolacombe beach dog-friendly?
Generally yes, year-round, though a small exclusion zone and an on-lead zone apply at the north end from around Good Friday to 30 September.
Written by Georgiana & Figo.
