If today is anything to go by, it’s clear that summer isn’t over yet, so now’s the time to book dog friendly cottages near the sea for a last minute getaway in Devon. We still have a little availability, or if the summer season is too busy for you, think ahead to early autumn and warm days of hazy sunshine and strolls along the shore…
If we made a list of all the lovely things that await you when you stay at our dog friendly cottages near the sea, here’s what would be at the top: untroubled days, restful nights, fresh air, birdsong, glorious views, and within a short drive, the beautiful beaches of the Jurassic Coast… So you can see why so many of our guests have such idyllic holidays here at Stonehayes Farm. We’re lucky, it’s a beautiful part of the world and having the coast so close is a huge bonus.
The beaches of the East Devon coast vary so much, from golden sands to quiet fishing villages and secret bays, so there’s something to appeal to everyone.What we’ve done is put together our own little guide for you, and here it is:
A long winding lane takes you down through the valley to a picturesque village and the sea. The main street is lined with pretty thatched cottages where roses scramble up the walls and flowers tumble from hanging baskets; on the shingle beach is The Sea Shanty Beach Café, there are rockpools to explore when the tide goes out, and if you have your walking boots you can stroll up over the South West Coast Path for incredible sea views. In the village there are two pubs and a tea room.
Dogs: Parts of the beach are dog friendly throughout the year.
Pootle down the steep hill into Beer and you’ll soon come to a charming old fishing village where the main street leads down to the slipway and the shingle beach, sheltered by the towering limestone cliffs. It’s a lovely little place; right on the beach is Ducky’s Beach Café where you can tuck into a crab sandwich, you can hire a self-drive motor boat, board a mackerel fishing trip, and if you’re up early enough, you might see the day’s catch come in. There are several cafes and pubs in the village; well worth a visit are Pecorama up on the hill, and Beer Quarry Caves.
Dogs: There’s a ban on the west part of the beach from 1st May to 30th September.
Sidmouth still retains something of its Regency air, especially when you stroll along the esplanade and around the town centre. The main beach is a long stretch of sand and shingle, surrounded by dramatic red sandstone cliffs; there’s also the smaller Jacob’s Ladder Beach that’s popular with families, and up above it, Connaught Gardens which have incredible coastal views and a good café. Nearby is The Donkey Sanctuary, where hundreds of rescued donks contentedly live out their days.
Dogs: Allowed year round at the east end of the beach and on the main beach from October to April.
Exmouth is popular for watersports – paddleboarding, windsurfing, kite surfing and sailing, and the long sandy beach is great for families. A novel way to get around the town is on the Exmouth Land Train, and if you have the time, a trip along the coast with Stuart Line Cruises is a wonderful way to see the sights. There are lots of good places to eat including Mickey’s Beach Bar and Restaurant; nearby are World of Country Life and A La Ronde (NT).
Dogs: Allowed on one part of the beach all year and on the main beach from October to April.
This small town has a timeless charm, whether you’re strolling about or spending time on the pebble beach where huge red cliffs stand as if on sentry. The little thatched museum is fascinating and a good way to pass a few hours is to wander over the coast path to Ladram Bay where you can swim around the towering sandstone stacks just off the shore. Close by is the picturesque village of Otterton where you can stroll along the river from Otterton Mill and return for cream tea in the garden.
Dogs: Allowed year round on one end of the beach
Seaton has a mile long beach, where tucked away between the cliffs right out the end is the Hideaway Café – worth hiking over the pebbles for. Discover the wildlife rich wetlands and take a tram ride along the beautiful Axe estuary, a haven for migratory birds. Just over the bridge is Axmouth harbour beach, which is quieter and the starting point for walks on the Undercliff, like a lost world where ruined cottages stand among the woods and it feels almost sub-tropical. Fish and chips by the estuary at sunset is quite an experience.
Dogs: Year round at the west end of the beach and on Axmouth beach. The main beach is dog friendly from October to April.
This quaint fishing town is just over the border in Dorset; it gets quite busy in the summer because it’s so charming and because there’s so much to see and do. Stroll out along the historic harbour to the Marine Aquarium, take an exhilarating rib ride around the bay, visit Dinosaurland Fossil Museum and play crazy golf in the town gardens. Heaps of places to eat, one of the best being Hix Oyster and Fish House up on the hill where the food and the views are divine.
Dogs: Allowed on 3 of the beaches all year and on the main beach from October to April.
Another Dorset beach, this time a mix of sand and shingle on both sides of the car park. See the swans on the River Char just before it flows into the sea, explore the rockpools, join a guided fossil hunt. In the town there are places to eat, including The Bank House café and Charmouth Fish Bar and Pizzeria.
Dogs: East beach all year, west beach October to April.
Not for the fainthearted but a good find because this sheltered and secluded bay is always quiet – the access, hidden away just off the coast path and down a steep zigzag cliff path, tends to put people off but it’s rather fun and gives you a good sense of adventure. There are no facilities but it’s not far back to Branscombe.
Dogs: Dog friendly year round.
So, that’s our quick round up of the beaches that are within easy reach of our dog friendly cottages near the sea. Beautiful days and a wonderful way to round off the summer! If you’ve missed out this year, book ahead for next year, we’ll still be here and we can’t wait to meet you!
