Dartmouth & Dogs

Visiting Dartmouth with Dogs

Dartmouth prides itself on being a welcoming place to visit, and dogs are no exception. There are plenty of dog-friendly places to stay, eat, and shop in Dartmouth.

Dartmouth also offers a variety of options which can suit lots of different doggy needs. Not every dog will enjoy the beach, so fortunately the beautiful River Dart has some lovely riverside and woodland walks. If your dog is full of energy then the hills that surround Dartmouth will give you plenty of opportunity to tire them out. And if your four-legged friend is less than enthusiastic about rainy walks, then Dartmouth has some lovely pub fire-places for them to curl up in front of.

Travelling with your four-legged friend

The chance to share your holiday with your dog is a great reason to plan a stay in Dartmouth. It's important to put as much thought into planning your dog's experience as you do your own. After all, you want them to enjoy the break as much as you do! Taking the time to consider their needs and options in advance will help ensure a stress-free and enjoyable trip for everyone.

Pets can find a change in routine and environment, and the actual journey can be quite stressful, so you’ll need to think through what’s best for them. Dartmouth has a number of accommodation providers who have dog-friendly policies:

Be sure to let your accommodation provider know in advance that you are bringing your dog, and find out what facilities they offer such as dog beds, water/food bowls, and doggy toilet breaks close by. Also read the property house rules carefully before booking as these will differ from place to place.

Also, be aware that some dogs will find the change in environment unsettling, so you may want to bring their own bed, bowls, and blankets with them. Consistency can help them feel more secure, and the RSPCA recommends bringing something from home that smells familiar. In addition, maintaining the semblance of routine can be helpful with food, exercise, bed, and toilet breaks around the same time each day.

Discover Dartmouth with your Dog

The walking opportunities around Dartmouth are a big draw for dog owners. The South West Coast Path follows the stunning coast on either side of the harbour, and the Dart Valley Trail is another highly recommended route along the beautiful Dart River. There are also a series of heritage walks within Dartmouth, that allow you to explore the history of this beautiful town as your dog gets a chance to stretch their legs. In addition the Jubilee Walk is a lovely circular route taking in some amazing views of the harbour and the Britannia Royal Navel College from the hills above town.

There are also plenty of cafes, pubs, and restaurants that welcome dogs - a water bowl on the pavement outside or dog treats on the bar are a giveaway, but here is a list to help you plan:

On the Embankment:

Rockfish
The Seahorse
The Pontoon
24 South
Zephyr at Dart Marina

In Town:

St Elmo's
Little Pizza
Andria (small dogs only and pls check when booking)
Amalfi Kitchen (small dogs only and pls check when booking)

Historic pubs & inns:

The Cherub Inn
The Royal Castle Hotel
Seven Stars
The Floating Bridge
The Dartmouth Arms
The Market House Inn
Bayards Cove Inn

Many of our shops are also dog-friendly, so there is nothing stopping a bit of retail therapy among the wonderful range of shops available including a chance to treat your gorgeous pooch. And if your dog needs a glow-up after walking muddy footpaths, there is a pet parlour available in town. Dartmouth really can cater for all your doggy needs.

Dog friendly beaches

Just a 20-minute dog walk from Dartmouth town centre are two beautiful dog-friendly beaches near Dartmouth Castle. Castle Cove and Sugary Cove are small but perfectly formed secluded beaches that welcome pooches all year round.

The nearby three-mile stretch of Slapton Sands is bordered by the sea and the freshwater ley making for a perfect day out with your dog throughout the year - the popular Salcombe Ice Cream Beach Hut even sells doggy ice creams.

Blackpool Sands is another stunning spot to consider, but as it is a Blue Flag Beach and popular with families, dogs are only allowed on the beach in the off-season - usually October-March.