If you’re looking for some dog-friendly hotels and staycation spots, you’ve come to the right place! Here, we share the latest on pooch-friendly hotspots and doggy news and information.
TOP DEVON DOG-FRIENDLY BEACHES
From long, sandy beaches to small, enclosed coves, experts at Sweetcombe Cottage Holidays have found the most dog-friendly spots across the county of Devon.
Home to over 120 miles of coastline Devon also boasts 130 beaches, but which ones are you and your companion allowed to visit, and more importantly which would your dog enjoy the most?
Exmouth Beach, East Devon
Though being a popular beach in Devon, due to its size Exmouth is ideal for nervous dogs looking for their own space. Dogs are allowed all year at either end of the beach, from the third break water east and from the Octagon Cafe west.
Churston Cove, Brixham
For those looking for a longer walk through a mixture of woodland and beach, venture to The Grove and adjoining Churston and Marridge Woods, and walk along a network of footpaths surrounded by 100 acres of nature.
With a moderately difficult route to the beach, this walk is best suited for dogs and owners with endurance, and no accessibility needs.
Broad Sands Beach, Combe Martin
One for the adventurers, Broad Sands beach, located on the border of Exmoor National Park, is off the beaten track, perfect for dogs and walkers who are capable of steep inclines and a more challenging climb.
With over 200 steps to walk down and back up, find yourself between heavily wooded cliffs and trees before reaching a quiet, curved beach sheltered by breathtaking cliffs and foliage. Full of caves and crannies nearby, your dog has plenty of new places to investigate, making a brilliant place for curious dogs. Before going, research the low tide to make use of the space.
Branscombe Beach. East Devon
Pet friendly all year round, Branscombe beach allows dogs to walk and swim whenever their heart desires. It’s a wonderful place for dogs and owners to visit, with pristine towering cliffs and hills, giving ample opportunity for new smells and sights.
Post paddle, stop for a drink at the nearby dog friendly cafe before heading home. Note, Branscombe is pebbled, so for those who want to avoid a sandy car, this one might be for you!
Woolacombe Beach, Woolacombe
Always a firm favourite, a trip to Woolacombe beach is a day out the dogs won’t forget! Expanding over 400m, this long expanse of beach gives dogs the chance to explore if they aren’t quite ready to free roam but are comfortable on long leads.
Although there are restrictions in peak summer months, clearly marked dog zones are easy to locate, but because the beach is so huge, it still gives ample space to play in the sand.
For a break away in Devon with your pup, there are a huge range of dog-friendly holiday cottages in Devon from Sweetcombe Cottage Holidays. sweetcombecottges.co.uk
…AND HERE’S SOME MORE POOCH PEFECT PLACES IN KENT!
Situated on the north coast of Kent and just ten minutes from Canterbury, you can find rich maritime history, beautiful beaches, a picturesque harbour, and a strong arts culture in the charming seaside town of Whitstable. This fabulous, dog-friendly coastal town is also home to a thriving high street and independent eateries.
Whitstable Holiday Homes provides a unique selection of self-catering holiday homes. With over 30 seaside properties to choose from, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Some properties have balconies or sundecks, and plenty are dog-friendly.
Spray Cottage is a three-bedroom, dog-friendly property near the Old Neptune Pub and enjoys wonderful sea views from its master bedroom.
Sunset Cottage is a unique, two-bedroom, dog-friendly property on the popular West Beach, offering extensive sea views and direct beach access.
PRICE: Property prices vary depending on the duration of stay and time of year. From £1,450 for seven nights at Spray Cottage or from £1,000 for seven nights at Sunset Cottage. Dogs are charged at £15 per stay.
HOW DO I BOOK? Visit whitstableholidayhomes.co.uk or call 01227 200602.
DOG of the MONTH
Here is our retired greyhound Dottie, pictured enjoying her retirement by the sea in Bexhill.
Wendy Maylam, Bexhill, East Sussex.
IN ASSOCIATION WITH FORTHGLADE
A GREAT START FOR PUPS
Forthglade have a new range of Devon-made meals for puppies, packed with high quality ingredients, 75 per cent protein (meat or fish), vitamins, minerals, botanicals and no junk or fillers. The natural recipes are tailored to support growing pups aged 2-12 months and include grain free or wholegrain meals. With omega 3 to aid brain development, chondroitin and glucosamine to support young joints and bones, and prebiotic chicory root extract for healthy digestion, they provide everything a pup needs to stay fit and well. forthglade.com
NEW COATS STRIKE A CORD…
The Country Coat Collection from Ruff and Tumble is now even more desirable. Corduroy – that most stylish, tough, classic and timeless of fabrics – is the new trim, and it feels and looks so right. Corduroy is the ultimate countryside fabric and somehow embodies all the things that everyone loves about being outdoors with their dogs.
The drying coats are available in French Navy and Burgundy, in ten sizes from XS to German Shepherd, including three Dachshund sizes. RRPs From £51.95. ruffandtumbledogcoats.com
