15 dog friendly days out in Devon

Babbacombe Model Village

Watchers of BBC TV will probably have jotted down Babbacombe Model Village onto their family day-out bucket list as soon as they heard of it, and those who haven’t will be doing so by the end of this paragraph. This is one of Torquay’s finest destinations for the family to enjoy together, grandpa and family pet included. It has been open longer than half a century, and 424 miniature buildings. You walk through four acres of woodland, which are scattered with buildings throughout six decades of life in England. It’s the perfect active activity that also incorporates a bit of history and culture in the mix. Dogs must remain on leads and are not allowed in indoor attractions, like the tearoom or 4D Theatre. But there is plenty to do outside so if it’s a good day, you’ve got nothing to worry about.

Visiting with dogs:

Dogs are welcome throughout the gardens, indoor displays and the gift shop.

Website: Babbacombe Model Village

Address: Hampton Avenue, Babbacombe, Torquay, Devon, TQ1 3LA

Bicton Park Botanical Garden

Founded in 1739, Bicton Park has over 64 acres, with several hot houses containing collections of rare and beautiful species gathered from all over the world. In addition to its hot houses, there is a countryside museum. 

You can have a nice time at the Italian garden or the arboretum, chill out at the bird hide, ride the Bicton Woodland railway and there are also a number of children’s play areas.

Dogs are allowed everywhere in the park, except the restaurant areas, orangeries, and children’s play areas. 

You’ll pay £1 per dog for admission into the park (including poo bags, if required). Also, you mustn’t carelessly leave your dogs unattended at any time in the park.

There are bowls of fresh water for dogs in the garden centre. Be careful not to let your dogs drink the water in the park from the streams, lakes, and ponds.

Visiting with dogs:

Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a short lead at all times.

Website: Bicton Park & Botanical Garden

Address: Bicton Park, East Budleigh, Budleigh Salterton, Exeter, Devon EX9 7BJ

Greenway House and Gardens

Greenway House was once the house of crime author, Agatha Christie, and is dressed like a set straight out of the 1950s.

The house is set in a magnificent and wild woodland garden that stretches down to the banks of the River Dart. Wonderfully, you can reach the house on a river boat to make your trip here even more special.

Dogs are very much welcome here, Agatha Christie was a big dog lover as are today’s staff here, but you must always put your dogs on a lead when in the grounds. Also, scoop their poop and dispose of it in the bins provided.

There are water bowls and waste bins in the main courtyard where the shop, cafe, and toilet facilities are located. The shop has a lot of pet necessaries and accessories, and the cafe serves dogs with ice cream in the summer.

Visiting with dogs:

Dogs are welcome but please keep them on a lead when in the grounds

Website: Greenway House & Gardens

Address: Greenway Road, Galmpton, near Brixham, Devon, TQ5 0ES

Saltram House

Saltram House was designed by architect Robert Adam and was once called “the most impressive country house in Devon”. Now a National Trust property, dogs are only allowed in the surrounding woods and parkland and not in the actual house and gardens themself. But we don’t think most dogs will mind!

There are bins at conspicuous, regular intervals to dispose of dog waste, and treats in the welcome centre to reward well-behaved dogs. Also, there are water bowls outside the cafe and welcome centre.

However, do note that you have to book tickets online or by phone the day before your visit.

Visiting with dogs:

Dogs welcome in the parkland, please keep dogs under close control and on a lead when signage asks.

Website: Saltram House

Address: Saltram House, Plympton, Plymouth, Devon, PL7 1UH

Totnes Castle

Totnes Castle is a classic Norman motte and bailey castle, situated on the River Dart in Devon. It has one of the largest mottes (mounds) and best-conserved shell keeps in the UK. 

You can climb the castle keep to behold the breathtaking views of the mediaeval town of Totnes, the rugged wilds of Exmoor and the River Dart. You can also relax in the bailey or take a moat walk or have a picnic in the grounds.

Totnes Castle is a beautiful place you can explore together with your canine friends, although they must remain on a lead.

The castle has a dog bowl on-site and a dog waste bin in the garden outside the entrance to the castle.

Now an English Heritage site, you do not need to book in advance but it is advised to do so in high season.

Visiting with dogs:

Dogs on leads are welcome at Totnes Castle.

Website: Totnes Castle

Address: Castle Street, Totnes, Devon, TQ9 5NU

Powderham Castle

This beautiful, fortified castle is located in a deer park on the back of the River Eve close to the historic cathedral city of Exeter. You may well recognise the house as the location of the film Remains of the Day.

This is privately owned and is not a National Trust property. All sorts of events are held here throughout the year ranging from opera to garden festivals to balloon fiestas.

Powderham Castle allows dogs in, but they must be on a lead. Dogs are also allowed everywhere in the castle, except the Deer Park and the Walled Garden. You’re expected to clean up after your furry friend and dispose of their waste in the dog waste bin provided.

For each dog, admission into the castle costs an additional £1, although guide dogs are free.

Visiting with dogs:

You are very welcome to bring your dog with you to Powderham Castle on a lead.

Website: Powderham Castle

Address: Powderham Castle, Kenton, Exeter, Devon, EX6 8JQ

Killerton House & Gardens

Killerton is an 18th-century house in Exeter, and has beautiful hilltop gardens and an estate including chapel and parkland. It’s a dog-friendly place and has miles of walks on and off the lead.

In Killerton, dogs are allowed everywhere except in the house, garden, or chapel grounds. However, as the estate covers 6,400 acres, there’s still plenty of space for them to roam free.

Do note that your furry friends must always be under close control at all times. Some areas they will need to be kept on a lead too.

There are hitching posts, water bowls, and several dog waste bins here. There is also a helpful hose by the toilet block in the car park to wash down any mucky pups down.

Visiting with dogs:

Dogs on leads allowed in park but not in the formal gardens or chapel grounds

Website: Killerton House & Gardens

Address: Broadclyst, Exeter, Devon, EX5 3LE

Knightshayes Court

Knightshayes Court is a Grade 1 listed Victorian manor house and garden situated in rolling Devon countryside, close to Tiverton. It has acres of beautiful gardens and parkland. 

Your four-legged companions are permitted to roam much of the parkland and woodland off the lead, although when livestock are grazing, they must be kept on the lead.

There are dog waste bins to dispose of dog waste scattered around the site. 

Visiting with dogs:

Dogs are kept on a lead in the parkland areas adjacent to the driveway, elsewhere in the parkland, and the woodland, dogs may be exercised off the lead if kept under close control. 

Website: Knightshayes Court

Address: Knightshayes, Bolham, Tiverton, Devon, EX16 7RQ

Devon Railway Centre & Model World

The Devon Railway Centre offers a unique railway experience as well as a wide range of attractions all in one place.

It has unlimited train rides on model and miniature railways, and also has a model village with a funfair, indoor and outdoor play areas, and a museum. 

There is something for young and old. Your furry friends can also have a nice time here. However, they must always be on a lead. 

Visiting with dogs:

Dogs are welcome on a lead are welcome at the Devon Railway Centre & Model World.

Website: Devon Railway Centre

Address: Devon Railway Centre, The Station, Bickleigh, Tiverton, Devon EX16 8RG

Canonteign Falls

Canonteign Falls in the Dartmoor National Park is one of the highest waterfalls in England, standing at 220 feet high.

Set in 100 acres of park and woodland, Canonteign Falls is a natural attraction in the beautiful Teign Valley.

It has waterfalls and lakes as well as a children’s adventure play area and lakeside café and snack bar. The walk is mainly flat but do note no swimming is allowed here for either you or your dog.

Because of the wildlife, dogs must be kept on a lead at all times. 

Canonteign Falls offers the dogs treats at reception and there are water bowls dotted around at various locations in the area.

Note there is an admission fee here as this is private land.

Visiting with dogs:

Dogs are welcome free of charge but must remain on the lead for the safety of our wildlife. 

Website: Canonteign Falls

Address: Canonteign Falls, Christow, Nr Exeter, Devon, EX6 7RH

Hartland Abbey & Gardens

Hartland Abbey is an old abbey that is now a private stately home.

Located in North Devon and built in the 12th Century, the Abbey was bequeathed in 1539 by Henry VIII to the Keeper of his Wine Cellar, whose descendants still live here today.

Visitors and their dogs (on leads) can explore the lovely 18th-century walled and woodland gardens, walks, and parkland, as well as the beautiful valley leading down to the rugged beach and cottage at Blackpool Mill, the location of several film and TV dramas.

The only place dogs are not allowed are inside the house.

Visiting with dogs:

Dogs are welcome at Hartland Abbey but must be kept on leads. 

Website: Hartland Abbey & Gardens

Address: Hartland Abbey, Hartland, Bideford, North Devon EX39 6DT