Dog-friendly East Devon: walks, beaches and pubs near Feniton
Planning a dog-friendly break in East Devon? Where to walk, which beaches allow dogs in summer and cosy pubs near Feniton, from a chapel where dogs are welcome.
East Devon is one of the best places in England for a holiday with your dog. There are woodland estates to explore, miles of coast path and village pubs with a water bowl by the bar. This guide covers where to go from The Old Chapel in Feniton, and the beach rules you need to know.
Beach rules for dogs in East Devon
From 1 May to 30 September each year, East Devon District Council bans dogs from parts of its main beaches. The rest of the year, dogs are welcome on all of them. In summer, these are the zones to avoid:
- Sidmouth: no dogs between Jacob’s Ladder and the ramp opposite the sailing club. The Port Royal end, to the east, stays open to dogs.
- Budleigh Salterton: no dogs between South Parade and Lime Kiln car park. Either end of the beach is fine.
- Exmouth: no dogs between the Octagon café and the second groyne at Orcombe Point. Both far ends are open.
- Beer: no dogs on the main beach below Sea Hill. Dogs on leads can visit the beach café.
- Seaton: no dogs between Castle Hill and Trevelyan Road.
On esplanades, dogs usually need to be on a lead. Always check the signs on the day, and pick up after your dog on every beach.
Our favourite dog walks near Feniton
Killerton, about 25 minutes. The National Trust gives Killerton a paw-print rating as a dog-friendly place. There are miles of paths through parkland, woods and orchards, with areas where dogs can run off the lead. The Stables coffee shop welcomes dogs, and there is even a hose for muddy paws. Dogs can’t go inside the house, and they should be on a lead near grazing cattle.
Branscombe to Beer, about 30 minutes. This National Trust route links two lovely villages along the South West Coast Path, past the thatched forge and old bakery. Dogs are welcome, but keep them on a lead near cliff edges, where cattle are grazing and on Branscombe beach. The low Under Hooken path was closed after a landslip in 2026, so use the clifftop path.
The River Otter, 10 minutes and more. The Otter runs just south of Feniton on its way to the sea at Budleigh Salterton. Riverside footpaths near Ottery St Mary make for easy, flat walks. At the river mouth, the estuary path at Budleigh is a gentle, level walk for dogs of any age.
Gittisham Hill, about 15 minutes. A large area of open heathland near Honiton with wide views across the East Devon countryside. It is ideal for a quick leg stretch on the day you arrive or leave.
Dog-friendly pubs
After a long walk, nothing beats a pub with a fire. A few that welcome dogs:
- The Otter Inn, Weston, near Honiton: a traditional pub with parts dating back to around 1700 and a garden right beside the River Otter.
- The Masons Arms, Branscombe: a classic stop at the end of the coast walk.
- The Anchor Inn, Beer: close to the beach, for a drink with a sea view.
Policies can change, so ring ahead to check dogs are allowed in the area where you want to eat.
Tips for a holiday with your dog in Devon
- Bring a towel for muddy paws and a long lead for walks near livestock.
- Many coast path fields have sheep or cattle. Keep dogs close and on a lead.
- Carry water on hot days. Beaches have little shade.
- Leave your dog at home for Ottery St Mary’s Tar Barrels night on 5 November. The organisers say it is too crowded for animals.
Stay at The Old Chapel with your dog
Well-behaved dogs are welcome at The Old Chapel by arrangement. Just tell us when you book. There is a private garden to come back to, a log burner to dry off by and walks straight from the village. Want to plan the beach days? Read our guide to the Jurassic Coast beaches nearby. Book direct and save 10% on our Airbnb prices.
