In this guide
- Dog rules on Devon beaches — what you need to know
- Saunton Sands — the big one
- Croyde — off-season with dogs
- Putsborough Sands — quieter alternative
- Woolacombe — north and south ends
- Barricane Beach — shell cove
- Baggy Point — cliff walk to the cove
- Westward Ho!
- Instow — estuary fun
- Lee Bay & Clovelly coast
- Essential dog beach kit
Dog Rules on Devon Beaches — What You Need to Know
North Devon is one of the most dog-welcoming stretches of coastline in England. But — and it's a significant but — almost every beach has seasonal restrictions running from 1 May to 30 September. These apply to the main beach areas; many beaches have unrestricted sections even in summer.
The golden rule: dogs are almost always welcome on the full beach outside of the summer season. In summer, check the specific restrictions per beach before you go. North Devon District Council publishes an up-to-date list each year, and signs are posted at every beach access point.
Devon Dog Beach — Key Rules
- Seasonal restrictions typically run 1 May – 30 September, 10am – 6pm
- Dogs must be kept on a lead near livestock, cliff paths, and wildlife nesting areas
- Clean up after your dog — fines apply; bags are often available at access points
- Some restrictions apply only to part of a beach — the 'dog section' is usually clearly signposted
- Year-round dog beaches exist — we've flagged them below
⚠️ Seasonal Restrictions Change Each Year
While restrictions are typically May–September, exact dates and affected zones can shift. Always check the North Devon District Council website or look for signs at the beach access point before assuming your dog can roam freely.
1. Saunton Sands
Saunton Sands
Saunton Sands is perhaps North Devon's finest dog beach — three miles of wide, flat sand backed by the Braunton Burrows dunes (a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve). Even in the peak summer months, the southern end of the beach remains open to dogs, giving your four-legged companion a proper run-around without having to wait for the season to turn.
The approach through the dunes is itself a delight for dogs — plenty of smells, sandy banks, and rabbit warrens to investigate. The beach is rarely too crowded at either end, and the Atlantic rollers make this a spectacular setting year-round.
2. Croyde Bay
Croyde Bay
Croyde is Devon's premier surf beach — a compact horseshoe bay with reliable beach breaks and a brilliant village pub culture. Dogs are restricted in summer (May–September) but the off-season here is genuinely special. October through April, the beach is quiet, the surf is often firing, and you and your dog will likely have whole stretches to yourselves.
The walk from the village car park through the dunes to the beach is short and easy. The Baggy Point headland walk (signposted from the far end of Croyde Bay) is superb for dogs — a dramatic cliff path with no restrictions and enormous views.
3. Putsborough Sands
Putsborough Sands
Putsborough is Croyde's quieter neighbour — accessible via the southern end of the Saunton/Croyde beach system, or by a farm track from Putsborough village. Dogs are welcome year-round on the northern section of the beach, making it a brilliant summer option when Croyde and Saunton are restricted.
The beach is less wide than Saunton but wonderfully uncrowded. Rock pools appear at low tide at the southern end. The Baggy Point walk starts here too — one of the finest dog walks in North Devon.
4. Woolacombe Beach
Woolacombe
Woolacombe is one of England's finest beaches — two miles of award-winning Atlantic-facing sand, backed by National Trust dunes. The main central section has seasonal dog restrictions, but both the northern end (towards Barricane Beach) and the southern end (towards Vention) allow dogs year-round. This gives dog walkers substantial stretches of beach even in the height of summer.
The northern end leads on to Barricane Beach (a rock pool and shell-filled cove — dogs always welcome) and then the cliff path to Mortehoe. The southern end of Woolacombe connects to the vast dune system of the Northam Burrows. Both options make Woolacombe the most versatile dog beach in North Devon.
5. Barricane Beach
Barricane Beach
A tiny cove tucked between Woolacombe and Mortehoe, Barricane is famous for its exotic shells (carried here by Atlantic currents from the Caribbean) and exceptional rock pools. Dogs are welcome year-round with no restrictions. It's a short walk from the north end of Woolacombe beach, or accessible from the cliff path from Mortehoe village.
The beach fills and drains with the tide — at high tide it's just rocks, but at mid to low tide you get a gorgeous sheltered cove that's perfect for a paddle and rock pool investigation. The Sri Lankan curry shack that appears here in summer is a local legend.
6. Westward Ho!
Westward Ho! Beach
Westward Ho! is a traditional Devon resort with a long sandy beach backed by a spectacular pebble ridge. The pebble ridge section and the beach beyond the seasonal zone are open to dogs year-round, giving you a decent stretch. The town itself is thoroughly dog-friendly, with numerous cafes and pubs welcoming four-legged visitors.
The beach is wide, flat, and great for a proper run. At low tide an enormous expanse of sand is revealed. The Northam Burrows Country Park, immediately behind the ridge, is a vast open space where dogs can run completely off-lead at any time of year.
7. Instow Beach
Instow Beach
Instow sits on the Torridge Estuary opposite Appledore and offers a completely different experience to the Atlantic beaches — calmer, sheltered water, estuary wildlife, and a gorgeous sandy beach at low tide. The village is charming, the pub is excellent, and dogs are well catered for.
The estuary water is calmer and warmer than the open Atlantic beaches, making it ideal for dogs who prefer a gentle paddle. The walk along the estuary towards Appledore is flat, easy, and wonderful for dogs.
Essential Dog Beach Kit
A well-prepared dog owner makes for a much better beach day. Here's what we take every time:
- Poo bags — carry more than you think you need. Many car parks have dispensers but they run out.
- Portable water bowl and fresh water — sea water will make your dog ill. Always carry fresh.
- Dog towel — microfibre is best; takes up little space and dries fast.
- Long lead (5–10m) — useful in areas where off-lead running isn't permitted but you want to give your dog some freedom.
- Dog sunscreen — if your dog has a short or light-coloured coat, sun protection on exposed areas (ears, nose) matters.
- First aid kit — a basic kit with tweezers (for thorns/sea urchin spines), antiseptic wipes, and bandages.
- Tick remover — essential if you're walking in dunes or heathland near the beaches.
Watch for These Beach Hazards
- Blue-green algae — can appear in warm weather in estuaries and pools. Toxic to dogs. Check Environment Agency alerts.
- Jellyfish — washed-up jellyfish can still sting. Keep dogs away from any jellyfish on the sand.
- Hot sand — in direct sun, sand can burn paw pads. Walk dogs in early morning or evening in summer.
- Currents and rip tides — Atlantic beaches have powerful surf. Keep an eye on dogs in the water, especially at Croyde and Saunton.
- Sand ingestion — some dogs eat sand. It can cause serious blockages. Watch for signs and discourage it.