For many of us, a holiday simply is not complete without the dog. The good news is that Torbay and the wider South Devon coast are wonderfully welcoming to four-legged visitors, with miles of coast path, dog-friendly beaches in season, and an ever-growing number of pubs, cafes and attractions that throw open their doors to dogs. This guide brings together everything you need to plan a happy, hassle-free dog-friendly holiday in and around Paignton.
When to bring your dog to the beach
The single most important thing to know is that beach dog rules in Torbay are seasonal. On the main resort beaches, including Preston Sands in Paignton, dogs are welcome from 1 October through to 30 April, but are not permitted during the busy summer season in between. That makes autumn, winter and spring the ideal times for a dog-friendly beach holiday — and they happen to be some of the most beautiful and peaceful times to visit, with crisp, clear days, dramatic skies and the sand all but empty.
If you are set on a summer visit with the dog, do not despair: some beaches and coves around the bay allow dogs year round, and the coast path is always open. It is well worth checking the current rules for each specific beach before you set off, as they are reviewed from time to time.
Walking the coast path with your dog
The South West Coast Path is a paradise for dog walkers, and a stretch of it runs right through Torbay. From central Paignton you can head north towards Torquay or south towards Paignton harbour, Roundham Head, Goodrington, Brixham and the magnificent Berry Head. The paths are well maintained, with benches and picnic areas at the best viewpoints, and the ever-changing views over the bay make every walk a pleasure. Out of season, when the beaches are open to dogs, you can combine a clifftop walk with a romp on the sand — the perfect day for an active dog.
Do keep dogs under close control near cliff edges and where there is livestock, and be aware that some sections can be steep. Always carry water for your dog, especially on warmer days, and clean up after them — bins are provided along most of the route.
Dog-friendly days out
Plenty of the area’s attractions welcome dogs. The South West Coast Path and Dartmoor, less than an hour away, offer endless open-air adventures. Many of the river and harbour areas, the green spaces and the gardens around the bay are dog-friendly, and dogs are often welcome on the open decks of the ferries and pleasure boats that cross Torbay and run up the River Dart — a lovely way to see the coast with your companion at your side. Some heritage attractions and gardens admit dogs on leads; it is always worth a quick check of each attraction’s policy before you visit.
Dog-friendly pubs and cafes
South Devon is well stocked with pubs and cafes that welcome dogs, often with a water bowl by the door and a treat behind the bar. Along the seafronts, around the harbours of Brixham and Dartmouth, and in the villages and on Dartmoor, you will rarely struggle to find somewhere to enjoy a drink or a meal with your dog at your feet. After a good walk, a dog-friendly pub lunch is one of the great pleasures of a Devon holiday.
Practical tips for a dog-friendly holiday
Bring everything your dog needs to feel at home: their bed or blanket, familiar bowls, food, towels for sandy and muddy paws, and plenty of poo bags. A long lead is useful for the coast path and busy areas. Plan your beach days around the seasonal dog rules, and always have water to hand. If you are travelling in summer, never leave a dog in a parked car, and seek out the shadier coves and woodland walks during the hottest part of the day.
Why self-catering suits dog owners
Self-catering accommodation is a natural fit for a dog-friendly break. You have the space and freedom to settle your dog in comfortably, somewhere to dry off muddy paws after a walk, and the flexibility to plan each day around your dog’s needs rather than fixed meal times. Being able to come and go as you please, cook in, and relax in your own space makes for a far more restful holiday with a dog than a hotel ever could.
Best dog walks around Torbay
Dog owners are spoilt for choice here. The stretch of coast path from Paignton south towards Roundham Head, Goodrington and Broadsands offers wonderful sea views and varied terrain, while the route on towards Brixham and the wild headland of Berry Head is a real highlight, with open clifftops, fresh sea air and abundant wildlife. To the north, the path towards Torquay passes coves and gardens. Inland, Dartmoor — less than an hour away — offers boundless open walking, though you should keep dogs under close control near the grazing livestock and ground-nesting birds. For an easy, flat outing, the seafront promenade and coastal cycle path are perfect for a gentle stroll.
Out-of-season breaks with your dog
Because dogs are welcome on Preston Sands and many other beaches from October through to April, the cooler months are prime time for a dog-friendly holiday. There is something wonderful about a brisk walk along an empty winter beach, the dog haring across the sand, followed by a cosy afternoon back at base. Autumn and spring offer milder weather, beautiful light and quieter paths, and you will often find pubs and cafes less crowded and just as welcoming. Self-catering really comes into its own at these times, giving you a warm, comfortable home from home to return to after a muddy, happy day outdoors.
Frequently asked questions
When are dogs allowed on Paignton’s beaches? On Preston Sands, dogs are welcome from 1 October to 30 April. Some other beaches and coves around the bay allow dogs year round — check locally.
Are there dog-friendly pubs nearby? Yes, many pubs and cafes around the seafronts, harbours and villages welcome dogs, often with water bowls and treats.
Can dogs go on the boats and ferries? Dogs are often welcome on the open decks of the Torbay ferries and Dart river cruises — a lovely way to explore. Check with the operator.
Can I bring my dog to Cranmore Lodge? Please ask when you enquire so we can confirm the arrangements for your stay.
The perfect dog-walking base
Cranmore Lodge enjoys an outstanding position for dog owners, directly opposite Preston Sands and right beside the coastal cycle path and the South West Coast Path. In the dog-friendly season you can be on the beach in moments, and the coast path leads off in both directions for walks of any length. With free off-road parking, you can also drive to Dartmoor or the quieter coves further afield with ease. Please do let us know at the time of booking if you would like to bring your dog, so we can confirm the arrangements for your stay. You can get in touch here to ask about bringing your dog.
Stay at Cranmore Lodge, Paignton
For long beach walks out of season and miles of coast path on the doorstep, Cranmore Lodge is a wonderful base for a dog-friendly holiday in Torbay. View our apartments or check availability and book online.
To ask about bringing your dog, call +44 (0)1803 556278 or email enquiries@cranmorelodge.co.uk. Cranmore Lodge Holiday Apartments, 45 Marine Drive, Paignton TQ3 2NS.