South Devon is an area of outstanding natural beauty and you are spoilt for choice on beautiful beaches, and many of them are perfect for letting your four legged friend run, swim and enjoy just as much as you.  Right on our door step, a mere 10 minutes’ walk we have three stunning beaches which are dog friendly all year around which are all connected by the South West Coast Path.  If you are looking for a little longer walk Bantham is approximately 30 minutes around the coast path, dogs again are allowed all year round however some restrictions do apply in the summer. With lots of us at the hotel who have dogs and get to enjoy the beaches more frequently we have compiled a list of the best dog friendly beaches in the area for you to enjoy while you’re on holiday with us!We hope you find the list useful.

Thurlestone HotelsTop 10 Dog Friendly Beaches in the South Devon

1)Of course it has to be Thurlestone and South Milton Sands (2 miles by car the ‘Rock’ end of the beach) is a beach with fine shingle and sand. There are good amenities, and it is a great location for wind surfing and for exploring the rock pools at low tide. The beach is owned by the National Trust and is very well maintained like many of the beaches in the areas. Wind Surfing hire and tuition are available. The area of water inside the Thurlestone Rock makes a safe spot to learn, with gentle onshore winds for most of the summer. A small beach café (open throughout the year) is available at South Milton end of the beach. Dogs are welcome all year.

 2)Leasfoot is a smaller beach along the Thurlestone coastline (10-15 minute walk from the hotel): It is a sheltered sandy beach, backed by sand dunes. A quiet traditional beach, ideal for a lazy day, beach games and rock pooling.  Please note there are no amenities on these smaller beaches. Dogs are welcome all year.

3)Bantham (1 mile by car) boasts a vast beach of very fine sand, backed by ‘marram’ covered sand dunes and has lots of rock pools for exploring. The beach is known as the “locals” beach, which nestles at the month of the River Avon. The beach is ideal for all the family with a large car park, easy access, local pub and small shop, along with lifeguard cover (April – October). Bantham is popular all year round for surfing and kite flying, along with kayaking on the River Avon. Surfing lessons and equipment hire are available banthamsurfingacademy.co.uk. Between May 1^st and September 30^th, during this time dogs are not allowed on the main beach but they are permitted only on the estuary side, which at low tide gives your dog plenty of space to run, play and swim to their hearts content.

4)Hope Cove (7 miles) is a delightful village, nestled within a green valley, with two sheltered beaches.  Inner and Outer Hope are both sheltered sandy beaches with good access. The village has amenities along with a pub, shop and cafe. . Dogs are allowed on the bigger village beach all year but must be kept on leads. There is a seasonal dog ban during the day on the other beach (Mouthwell) (May to Sept)

5)Soar Mill Cove (7 miles) is a small sandy cove, sheltered by the cliffs and rocks. Once you are parked access is via a lane and fields so may not be suitable for all. Dogs welcome.

6)Bigbury on Sea (8 miles) is well known for its sea tractor (operates at high tide only); this provides access at high tide to Burgh Island, home to the Art Deco hotel, which has been used in the filming of Agatha Christie’s “Poirot”.  The long beach is perfect for families with its fine sand and shallow water for paddling and rock pooling. Amenities also include water sports tuition and equipment hire, along with the Venus Beach café; offering snacks all produced with local produce.  Blue flag award 2010/2011. Please note that dogs on the beach are restricted to certain areas during the summer season. lovingthebeach.co.uk

7)North Sands (8 miles) is very similar to South Sands, with easy access and amenities, with views of the Salcombe estuary. Dogs welcome

8)East Portlemouth (12 miles) lies opposite Salcombe, from where a passenger ferry can be caught to gain access to the sandy beaches of Sunny Cove and Mill Bay. Mill Bay is the largest, and most popular with amenities. The Venus Café is a popular stop before heading up to, and along the South West Coast Path.  There is limited parking and the lane to Mill Bay is narrow with few passing places. Dogs welcome.

9)Gara Rock (13 miles) is a large unspoilt sandy beach, once parked access is over the fields and coastal path and down the cliff path – access may not be suitable for all. Dogs welcome.

 10)Torcross (11 miles) is at the start of Slapton Sands, two miles of pebbled shingle beach offer stunning views. The beach was used in WWII as a practice area for the D-Day Landings. It is a good hunting ground for collectors of shells. The main village of Torcross has amenities, a large pub and tearooms, along with ample parking.  Slapton is the inland village; you will find a public house here, which gives a fascinating insight into the WWII evacuations.  The far end of the beach is known as Strete Gate, parking and amenities are also available here. Dogs welcome.