Dog Friendly Dartmouth

Resting on the banks of the River Dart, Dartmouth is a stunning waterside, dog friendly destination to visit, be it for a day trip or longer. Below you’ll find some information on where you can enjoy walking with your furry friend, where to eat and the best beaches to visit with your pooch. If you’re looking for dog friendly accommodation in Dartmouth, please check out our other blog post here. 

EATING OUT 

With plenty of dog friendly cafés and places to enjoy a well-earned meal in Dartmouth, you can relax and indulge in a special treat knowing that your pup is just as welcome as you are. 

Bayard Cove Inn 

Pets are accepted at Bayards Cove Inn where you can enjoy a light lunch or coffee after a bit of exploring or retail therapy within the town. During the evenings, tapas is on the menu with tantalising drinks to accompany your meal. 

Dartmouth Arms 

Situated on the historic Bayards Cove, Dartmouth Arms is a traditional public house serving a range of beers, wines and liquors alongside an excellent menu. Your four-legged friends are very welcome to pop in and enjoy your meal with you here! 

Embankment Bistro

Situated in a stunning grade 1 listed Great Western Railway station building on the banks of the beautiful river Dart, Embankment Bistro has become renowned for its fabulous seafood and champagne. A gorgeous panoramic view from every table is guaranteed as well as an outdoor seating area where you can enjoy refreshments al fresco with your canine friend. 

Café Alf Resco 

A cosy, friendly and quirky café in the heart of Dartmouth, Café Alf Fresco welcomes dogs with open arms and serves up arguably the best breakfast in the town. 

BEACHES 

Dartmouth is lucky to have easy access to beautiful surrounding beaches, a few of which are dog friendly either all year round or at least during the winter months so your four-legged friends can let off some steam and cool off in the turquoise waters. 

Castle Cove 

Nestled into the rocks near Dartmouth Castle, Castle Cove is a beautiful, secluded cove perfect for your furry friend to enjoy a paddle. Dogs are allowed all year round. 

Sugary Cove 

Next door to Castle Cove, Sugary Cove is once again a pretty sheltered bay where dogs can roam and paddle whatever the season. 

Slapton Sands

A long expanse of shingle beach, stretching from Slapton to Torcross, Slapton Sands is great for letting your pooch stretch their legs – dogs are allowed all year round. 

Blackpool Sands 

Blackpool Sands is a picturesque bay backed by evergreens and magnificent countryside. Dogs are allowed during the winter season but are prohibited from April through to November. 

Strete Gate Beach 

Just a short way up from Torcross and Slapton, you’ll find Strete Gate Beach. Whilst this beach is known as an ‘clothing-optional’ beach, it’s also popular with dog walkers as it’s quieter than the neighbouring beaches, the waters are calm, and the area is sheltered by high cliffs at the northern end. 

Please note: Information about dogs on beaches is correct to our best knowledge at the time of publication. However, these are guidelines and rules are subject to change, Discover Dartmouth always recommends checking local signage before taking your dog on a beach. 

WALKS 

Daymark, Kingswear 

Starting at the lower ferry in Kingswear on the other side of the river from Dartmouth, walkers and their pets can enjoy a 2.4 mile walk to The Daymark, a day beacon built in 1864 to guide boats to the Dartmouth harbour entrance. The route also travels past Froward Point, offering some breath-taking views and scenery. 

Little Dartmouth 

Beginning at Dartmouth Castle, dog walkers can enjoy a lovely scenic walk along the South West Coast Path towards Little Dartmouth. For those feeling a little more energetic, Stoke Fleming and Blackpool Sands can also be reached if you’re looking for a long hike. 

Dart Valley Trail 

The Dart Valley Trail is around 12 miles long and runs from the quirky town of Totnes, along the River Dart to Dartmouth. The trail takes you through gorgeous villages along the way such as Ashprington and Dittisham. 

Sandquay Woods (Old Mill Woods) 

Part of the Radleigh Estate, Sandquay Woods is a peaceful woodland near Britannia Royal Naval College, ideal for dog walking. Known locally as Old Mill Woods (due to being located on Old Mill Road), the trail around the woodlands is roughly 2 miles long, but the intricate paths can take you on a longer walk if you prefer.  

Whatever your taste, whilst staying in Dartmouth there are always plenty of dog friendly things to do. And don’t forget, we love seeing your pictures of your pups in Dartmouth so tag us in them on Instagram using @discoverdartmouth or #discoverdartmouth.