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DOG-FRIENDLY WALKS • BEACHES • PUBS • RAINY DAY IDEAS

Dog-friendly guide to Braunton and nearby North Devon

Staying at the George Inn with your dog? You are perfectly placed for dune walks, beaches, coast paths and easy local outings. This guide brings together some of our favourite practical ideas for guests, from Braunton Burrows and Saunton to dog-friendly pubs for meals and sensible wet-weather plans.

Our favourite dog walks near the George Inn

Approx. 5.8 milesModerateBraunton

Braunton Burrows from Velator Quay

One of the most special local walks for guests with dogs. Braunton Burrows gives you miles of dune scenery, sandy tracks, open skies and that lovely feeling of being right out in the landscape. It suits energetic dogs and guests wanting a proper North Devon walk rather than a quick leg stretch.

Walk outline

Start at Velator Quay, follow the signed paths into the Burrows and loop through the dunes before returning the same way or via a circular route depending on how long you want to be out. Expect sandy and sometimes muddy footing, huge open skies and lots of room for energetic dogs.

Best for: longer walks, sniff-heavy adventures and guests wanting a properly wild North Devon feel.

Directions, parking and practical notes
Start from Velator Quay and follow the signed paths into the Burrows. The ground can be sandy, stony and muddy depending on the weather, so sturdy footwear is worthwhile. Bring water for the dog and keep a lead handy as the route crosses a sensitive dune landscape with changing terrain.
Flexible distanceEasyBraunton

The Tarka Trail from Braunton

This is a great all-rounder for dog-friendly stays. Because it is flatter and traffic-free, it works especially well for older dogs, slower-paced mornings, shorter outings between showers or guests who would rather avoid steep coast paths.

Walk outline

Join the trail from Braunton and simply walk out and back for as little or as long as suits you. Because the route is flatter and easier underfoot, it is ideal for a gentle leg stretch, older dogs or days when you want to keep things simple.

Best for: easy-going mornings, mixed weather and guests who prefer a less exposed route.

Directions and practical notes
Join the Tarka Trail from Braunton and simply make the walk as short or as long as you like. This works very well as an out-and-back route, which means you can easily fit it around breakfast, lunch or a changeable forecast.
Approx. 2.8 milesEasy to moderateCoast path views

Baggy Point

For guests wanting those classic coastal views, Baggy Point is hard to beat. It is one of the best places nearby for fresh air, sea views and a memorable dog walk, though dogs should be kept under close control near cliff edges and livestock.

Walk outline

Begin at the Baggy Point car park and follow the signed path out towards the headland. You can keep it short with a simple there-and-back walk to the viewpoint, or continue further around for a longer coastal outing.

Best for: big sea views, bracing air and guests wanting a classic North Devon coast path walk.

Directions and practical notes
Start from the National Trust Baggy Point car park and follow the signed route out towards the headland. This is a lovely one for a clearer day when you want to make the most of the view.
Approx. 4.5 milesModerateSea views

Croyde and Saunton Down

A lovely option for guests wanting a proper walking route with sea views and a chance to combine the outing with time in Croyde. This one suits active dogs and guests happy with a slightly more varied underfoot route.

Walk outline

Start in Croyde, follow the local path signs and lanes towards Saunton Down, then loop back with wide coastal views for much of the route. It is a more varied walk than the Tarka Trail, with a little more climb and rougher ground in places.

Best for: active dogs, sea-view walks and combining a route with time in Croyde afterwards.

Directions and practical notes
Start from Croyde Village Car Park and follow local path signage and lanes towards Saunton Down. It is a great pick if you would like to walk first and then stop for coffee or lunch nearby.

Dog-friendly beaches nearby

A few handy distances from the George Inn

Rules can change seasonally, so if you are unsure, please ask us when you arrive or check the signs when you get there.

  • Saunton Sands – approx. 2.5 miles: dogs are allowed all year. North Devon Council says dogs are allowed all year but should be on leads in front of the beach huts, and Saunton’s own dog guide also asks that dogs are kept on leads in the fenced dune area.
  • Croyde Beach – approx. 5.5 miles: seasonal restrictions apply on the main beach from 1 May to 30 September. Outside those dates, dogs are generally welcome on the beach; dunes and nearby walking routes are often the easier alternative in summer.
  • Putsborough – approx. 6.0 miles: not fully unrestricted year-round. North Devon Council says dogs are restricted to certain areas, and local beach guidance uses a zone system, so guests should check the signs at the beach entrance.
  • Barricane – approx. 7.1 miles: dogs are welcome all year, but local tourism guidance says they should be kept on leads when the café is in place, usually during the main season.
  • Rockham – approx. 7.6 miles: North Devon Council lists dogs as allowed all year, although current local guidance says access to Rockham Bay can sometimes be affected, so it is worth checking before setting off.
  • Hele Bay – approx. 9.2 miles: dogs are allowed all year. North Devon Council says dogs are allowed on all its owned Ilfracombe beaches, with normal district-wide rules such as keeping dogs under control and putting them on a lead if requested.
  • Instow – approx. 10.8 miles: not fully unrestricted year-round. Dogs are generally welcome, but restrictions usually apply between the Quay and Lane End Road from 1 May to 30 September, so check local signs when you arrive.
  • Westward Ho! – approx. 16.7 miles: there is a summer restricted area rather than a full ban. Torridge District Council says restrictions apply from 1 May to 30 September, with dog access still available in permitted sections, so signage is especially important here.
Quick beach notes
  • Most reliable easy option: Saunton is usually the simplest first choice with dogs, especially outside the busiest summer periods.
  • Best for a proper sandy run: Saunton and permitted sections of Putsborough both give you plenty of space.
  • Best tucked-away choice: Rockham feels wilder and quieter, though access can be more awkward.
  • Best for rock pools and a shorter stop: Hele Bay and Barricane are both good options.
  • Leads matter most: around beach huts, promenade areas, signed restricted zones, and any dunes or estuary edges with livestock or nesting wildlife nearby.
  • Always worth checking: beach rules, zoning and temporary notices can change, even where dogs are generally welcome year-round.
If guests want the easiest answer on the day, ask us at the George Inn and we can usually point you towards the best beach for the weather, tide and season.

Dog-friendly pubs for meals nearby

These are places guests often ask about when they want to combine a walk or day out with somewhere welcoming for food and a drink. As policies can change, it is still worth checking ahead if you are planning around a specific dog-friendly table.

Clovelly: The Red Lion

If guests are heading to Clovelly, The Red Lion is the most natural pub stop. Clovelly’s own site highlights the Snug Bar, and the Red Lion site and blog both reference dog-friendly stays and dogs in the bar area rather than the restaurant, so it works best as a relaxed meal or drink stop with the dog in the bar spaces.

Lee: The Grampus Inn

For Lee, the Grampus Inn is the obvious choice. It is widely described as dog-friendly and popular with walkers, which makes it a strong recommendation after coast path outings in Lee Bay.

Woolacombe: The Old Mill

In Woolacombe, The Old Mill is a straightforward practical suggestion. Its site describes it as dog-friendly, with a traditional pub atmosphere and food, which makes it useful for guests wanting a meal stop near Woolacombe without relying on seasonal beach cafés.

Croyde: The Thatch

For Croyde, The Thatch is the cleanest recommendation. Its booking page specifically says to call or email if you want a dog-friendly table, which is exactly the sort of practical detail guests need.

Ilfracombe: The George & Dragon

If guests are heading into Ilfracombe itself, the George & Dragon is one of the clearest current options. Its site says it is dog and family friendly and also advertises food, so it is a safe practical recommendation for a meal stop in town.

Bideford area: The Seagate, Appledore

For guests exploring the Bideford side of North Devon, The Seagate in Appledore is a strong pick. Its site explicitly describes it as a dog-friendly pub and hotel with a seasonal British menu, so it works well as a proper meal stop rather than just a drinks pub.

Dog-friendly cafés worth knowing

Café Croyde Bay

One of the nicest coffee and lunch stops after a coastal walk. Dogs are always welcome outside, and the café also says that well-behaved, dry dogs on leads are currently allowed inside.

Rainy day ideas that still work with a dog

Museum of British Surfing, Braunton

A very easy local wet-weather option right in Braunton. The museum says it is dog friendly and welcomes well-behaved dogs on leads, which makes it one of the simplest indoor choices close to the George Inn.

Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway

A great all-weather outing for guests willing to go a little further. The Cliff Railway says dogs are welcome to travel as long as they are kept on a short lead, and the Cliff Top Café is dog-friendly too.

Arlington Court

A really useful mixed-weather choice. Dogs on leads are welcome in the grounds, garden and Carriage Museum, with dog-friendly seating and walking routes on the wider estate.

Quince Honey Farm

A very practical attraction for families and dog owners. The farm says well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome almost everywhere on site, excluding the indoor soft play area.

Dog-friendly local guide FAQ

Which walk is best for an easier day?
The Tarka Trail is usually the easiest choice for a gentler outing, especially if you would prefer flatter ground or have an older dog with you.
Which beach is the simplest option from Braunton?
Saunton is often the easiest first choice for guests, but always check current beach signage because dog zones and seasonal rules can change.
What is the best rainy day plan with a dog?
For a very easy wet-weather day, keep it local with a shorter walk, a village wander and somewhere cosy for food. For a bigger outing, the Museum of British Surfing, Arlington Court, Quince Honey Farm or the Cliff Railway all work well.
Where should we eat after a walk?
Back at the George Inn is the easiest answer, but this guide also gives guests practical dog-friendly meal stops for Clovelly, Lee, Woolacombe, Croyde, Ilfracombe, the Bideford area and Barnstaple.
Ready to plan your stay?
Book a dog-friendly room, reserve a table, and enjoy North Devon with your four-legged companion.
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