Dog friendly days out around Dartmouth
Where to go with your dog around Dartmouth and Start Bay, with the rules for each place. Written by the team at Leonards Cove, a dog friendly holiday park on the clifftop at Stoke Fleming.
Best free day: the coast path from the park. Best day trip: the steam train and river boat (£3 a dog). Best garden: Greenway. Best beach all year: Slapton Sands.
Six dog friendly days out
Walk the South West Coast Path
The coast path runs from the park, east towards Dartmouth Castle and west to Blackpool Sands and Strete. The National Trust land around Little Dartmouth welcomes dogs under close control; use a short lead near sheep and take bags home, as there are no bins. See our coast path walks.
Steam train and river boat trips
Dogs are welcome on the Dartmouth Steam Railway, the River Boat Company boats and their ferry for £3 per dog. Keep dogs on a lead and off the seats. Dogs aren't allowed on the Christmas Train of Lights, except assistance dogs.
Greenway (National Trust)
Agatha Christie's holiday home on the River Dart. Dogs on short leads are welcome throughout the garden and in the Boathouse, café and shop, though not inside the house. Water bowls and bins are in the courtyard.
Coleton Fishacre (National Trust)
An Arts and Crafts house with a garden running down to the sea near Kingswear. The National Trust rates it three pawprints, with water bowls, bins and pet treats in the shop. Check the National Trust site for exactly where dogs can go.
Dartmouth Castle and the coves
The castle guards the mouth of the Dart, with Castle Cove and Sugary Cove below it, both dog friendly all year. The tearooms beside the castle offer water bowls and dog ice creams. Local guides say dogs on leads can explore the grounds but not inside the castle.
Dog friendly beaches
Slapton Sands, Castle Cove, Sugary Cove, Beesands, Hallsands and Mill Bay welcome dogs all year. Blackpool Sands, our nearest beach, welcomes dogs from 1 October to 30 April. See the full beach guide.
At a glance
| Place | Dogs allowed | Rules |
|---|---|---|
| Coast path (National Trust land) | Yes | Close control; short lead near sheep; no bins |
| Steam railway and river boats | Yes | £3 per dog; on a lead; not on seats; not on the Train of Lights |
| Greenway | Garden, Boathouse, café, shop | Short lead; not in the house |
| Coleton Fishacre | Yes (three pawprints) | Check the National Trust site for areas |
| Castle Cove and Sugary Cove | Yes, all year | Steep steps down |
| Blackpool Sands | 1 Oct to 30 Apr | Not allowed 1 May to 30 Sep |
Stay with your dog
Dog friendly hot tub stays
The Farmhouse, Hideaway Lodge, Pound Cottage Spa and Enid's Place yurt all have a private hot tub and welcome dogs.
See dog friendly staysSea views with your dog
Clifftop Retreat Pet, Seven Seas, The Beehive, The Lookout and Horizon look out over Start Bay.
See dog friendly staysQuestions
Are dogs allowed on the Dartmouth Steam Railway?
Yes, for £3 per dog, on a lead and not on the seats. Dogs aren't allowed on the Christmas Train of Lights, except registered assistance dogs.
Can I take my dog to Greenway?
Yes. Dogs on short leads are welcome throughout the garden and in the Boathouse, café and shop at Greenway, but not inside the house.
Which beaches near Dartmouth allow dogs all year?
Slapton Sands, Castle Cove, Sugary Cove, Beesands, Hallsands and Mill Bay. Blackpool Sands allows dogs from 1 October to 30 April.
Are there dog friendly walks from Leonards Cove?
Yes. The South West Coast Path runs from the park towards Dartmouth Castle and Blackpool Sands. Keep dogs on a short lead near livestock.
Which Leonards Cove stays are dog friendly?
Nine stays welcome dogs, including four with a private hot tub: The Farmhouse, Hideaway Lodge, Pound Cottage Spa and Enid's Place yurt.