Dog friendly self-catering in north Devon
Surf, sand and dogs mix very well in north Devon
Treat your dogs to the holiday of their young lives with a trip to North Devon. Oh, and take yourself and the family along too. The area has many self-catering houses and cottages only too willing to accommodate your canine family members and include the facilities you all require for the complete holiday.
While the south coast of Devon is somewhat calm and peaceful, with the tide gently lapping the shore, the beaches in the north echo to the sound of constant breakers and are great for surfing, body boarding and other wind and water pursuits. Many of them have dunes or burrows that your dogs will love exploring while taking in the scents from land and sea. North Devon also has its share of historic notoriety starting with the 2-mile long sandy beach at Westward Ho! The resort was named after the famous novel from the mid 1800s by Charles Kingsley, who is connected to North Devon. The neighbouring town of Northam and its burrows is known for its natural parkland where ponies and other animals graze free, even on the golf course that dissects the land.
Pet-friendly holidays north Devon coast
And the dogs came too!
Further along the coast is the dramatic huge beach Saunton Sands. This stretch of privately owned beach has a dog friendly section where your pets can run free at any time of day. With extensive burrows Saunton is the ideal place for your family and dogs.
Keep travelling north and you will come across another popular sandy sweep at Croyde and the built-up resorts of Woolacombe and Ilfracombe, before you reach the breathtaking expanse that is Exmoor.National Park. Covering 267 square miles this unique natural land mass includes moorland, valleys and woodland with magnificent sea views in places. There are many paths criss-crossing the land making it perfect for walking and hiking adventures.
Inland the town of Barnstable is where you can stock up on your provisions and get some retail therapy. An attraction in its own right the town is built on the river Taw and was once the only port in the South West . Its origins date back as far as the 900s and in medieval times it was a thriving international trading centre. It is reported that five ships crewed by locals set sail from Barnstaple to join Drake’s fleet at Plymouth and defeat the Spanish Armada. There are organised historic trails in Barnstaple that include references to Thomas Hardy and the town’s Heritage centre is well worth a visit. For a day out with a difference, weather permitting, there is a boat trip from Barnstaple to the island of Lundy.
As well as in larger towns the smaller towns and villages in North Devon are blessed with many pubs, restaurants and takeaways so if you prefer to eat out on occasions rather than cook you will be well served. Do make sure that the dogs are fed and watered also and comfortable with their surroundings before you leave them alone in the house or cottage. Or if you leave them in your vehicle check them often and ensure plenty of air and water.
