Although it was wet and grey across the country, Monday 21st marked the start of our summer in the UK! With the long days and warmer weather, we can all look forward to plenty of adventures along the stunning coastline and rolling countryside. And as a nation of dog lovers, many will agree that you cannot beat a fresh pint, with your furry friend at your feet. And after visiting some of the featured pubs ourselves and speaking with our community of dog owners, we’ve narrowed down our list of the top ten pet friendly pubs in Devon!
The Castle Inn, Lydford
Open seven days a week, The Castle Inn is a classically English pub that sits in the charming Devon village of Lydford. And with Dartmoor on the pub’s doorstep, dog walkers are truly spoilt for walking routes and adventures across the breath-taking National Park. The Castle Inn offers cosy corners and roaring fires for the cold winter months, and a large beer garden to eat and drink in through the summer.
With traditional pub food and proper local ales, this pet friendly pub is just what the doctor ordered for anyone heading to Lydford after a day’s adventure.
http://castleinnlydford.co.uk/about-2
The Victoria Inn, Salcombe
Sitting in the heart of Salcombe and just a short stroll away from the banks of the Kingsbridge Estuary, the award-winning Victoria Inn is an idyllic spot for you and your dog. Sit in their sun-soaked beer garden for drinks, dine alfresco from their impressive menu, or even stay the night in their stylish bedrooms. This pub is perfect if you’re passing through one of Devon’s prettiest towns with your dog!
https://victoriainnsalcombe.co.uk
The Cary Arms, Babbacombe
Nestled in the red cliffs of Babbacombe Bay, the luxury inn of The Cary Arms is one of the most popular retreats for dog owners in the country. Set in a truly stunning location overlooking a quiet beach, The Cary goes the extra mile to accommodate dogs by offering a doggy getaway, even including a dogs dinner cooked by the chef himself!
So, after a paddle in the sea, or an adventure along the South West Coast Path, let your doggy feast on pork and rice, fresh water, treats, or even take a nap on their own dog bed!
The Devon Arms, Torquay
One of the oldest watering holes in the English Riviera, The Devon Arms is a proper pub with a great range of local ales and traditional pub food. Sitting just metres away from the buzz of Torquay Harbour and known around the town for its fantastic live music, this pub is ideal for a visit with your dog. Visitors can also play a game of pool, borrow some darts, or watch the Euro 2021 fixtures this summer.
https://www.facebook.com/devonarms72/
The Pig on the Hill, Westward Ho!
Based in the Devon seaside village of Westward Ho!, The Pig On the Hill is a gastropub that boasts an impressive menu of pub classics, Sunday Roasts, local ales and fine wines. With over one thousand brilliant reviews on Tripadvisor, the pub is known for their pet friendly hospitality, labelled a ‘Pet Friendly Haven’ by one visitor. So if you’re in North Devon with your four-legged friend, make sure to pop in to The Pig on the Hill, you should both feel very welcome!
https://pigonthehillwestwardho.co.uk/
The Ferry Boat Inn, Dittisham
Known locally as The FBI, this traditional village pub is revered across the county for its spectacular position, sitting right on the banks of the River Dart in Dittisham. On entry, enjoy a choice of real ales, fine wines, and impressive pub food that can all be enjoyed with a dreamy view across the glistening river. You may want to book a table ahead of your visit, as this spot is very popular amongst passing boaters taking a break from their voyage, as well walkers, holiday makers and locals.
https://www.fbidittisham.co.uk/
The Duke of York, Iddesleigh
Sitting in the heart of Devon in the sleepy village of Iddesleigh is The Duke of York, a 15th century, thatched roof pub. With roaring log fires, a pretty beer garden, and popular menu, this inn has everything you and your doggy will need for an afternoon in a typically English pub. Including Rick Stein and Michael Morpurgo, The Duke of York is also a favourite spot for celebrities, other well-known locals, and their dogs! So if you’re exploring North Devon with your dog, make sure to stop by and enjoy this wonderfully traditional pub.
The Sloop Inn, Bantham
The warm and welcoming Sloop Inn is just a stone’s throw away from Bantham Beach, a world-class surfing beach, and popular location for holiday makers. With a history dating back to the 14th century, this pub has held on to its tradition as a provider of excellent and locally sourced food and drink. The inn welcomes children and dogs to all areas, and is sat in the unspoilt South Hams Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – Ideal for any dog walkers and hikers passing through.
The Plume of Feathers, Princetown
This traditional 18th century Dartmoor pub has a great atmosphere, boasts locally sourced food and drink, and has plenty of nearby activities for you and your dog. Sitting in the heart of Princetown, The Plume of Feathers is a perfect base to explore Dartmoor from, with so many spectacular trails and viewpoints to discover with your furry friend! Relax by a roaring fire, surround yourself with an ambient, traditional pub atmosphere and even stay the night in their accommodation.
http://theplumeoffeathersdartmoor.co.uk/
The Harbour Inn, Axmouth
Based in the seaside village of Axmouth, this 800-year-old, traditional thatched pub goes the distance to welcome you and your dog. Welcoming pets to all areas of the Inn, supplying water AND biscuits, your dog won’t want to leave The Harbour Inn! This pub is really at the heart of its community and prides itself on locally sourced produce that can be enjoyed at very reasonable prices. With the historic town of Seaton just a mile down the road, and the stunning Jurassic Coast to explore, this is another excellent base to go walking from with your doggy.