Autumn has begun and
already the weather is changing & trees are turning. North
Devon's natural beauty is set alive during Autumn, highlighting its
rugged and dramatic coastline. For visitors wishing to explore the
area with man's best friend, now is the time as many beaches will
now allow dogs through the Autumn and Winter. This means
there's no better time to get your wellies on and get out exploring
North Devon's best beaches with your pooch.
Saunton
Starting off our list is Saunton.
This beach is one of few that allows dogs all year round. The long
stretch of beautiful golden sand is famous for both its gorgeous
beach but also its extensive sand dune system which is registered
as a UNESCO Biosphere reserve and a SSSI (site of special
scientific interest). This is a beach worth visiting for those
looking to explore a unique beach in North Devon with their
dog.
Croyde
Croyde beach is popular all year
with holidaymakers and locals alike looking to surf and enjoy this
picturesque Village & Bay. Croyde beach is known for its golden
sand, spectacular views of Lundy & amazing surf! Now is
the best time of year to visit as Croyde Beach allows dogs from
1st October through to 31st March each year.
Make sure you do not miss out on the opportunity to walk your
dog along this beautiful beach, its well worth the visit,
especially as it has great access to Baggy Point as well.
Putsborough
Just a short trip from Croyde, is
Putsborough beach. With great access and a large car park this is
the perfect spot to walk your dog this Autumn. The beach itself
allows dogs all year round, with the exception being the far left
of the beach which does not allow dogs between Easter and October.
This means the beach is fully open to dog walkers in the Autumn and
for those people looking for a longer walk it is perfect as you can
go all the way down to Woolacombe beach.
Woolacombe
Woolacombe beach is a
very dog friendly area. Allowing dogs year-round on
certain stretches of the beach. The prohibition on dogs covers
the stretch of beach between the rocks at the north end and
the stream from Good Friday or 1st April (whichever is earliest)
until 30th September. This means that in the Autumn, dogs and
owners can walk freely along its entire length. This beach is also
worth visiting as the village caters very well for those looking to
stop for a bite to eat and a hot chocolate as well.
Instow
Across the estuary and into the
Torridge district of North Devon is Instow beach. This beach is
popular with dog walkers as the village is extremely pet friendly.
In fact, most of the culinary establishments allow dogs to enter
and are welcomed. Although the beach is smaller than most mentioned
previously, it is worth a visit for the fantastic views of
Appledore and the estuary. Dogs are allowed on the beach all year
round on or off the lead.
Westward
Ho!
Lastly, we have Westward Ho! Beach,
famous for being the only place in the world with an exclamation
mark in its name. The village also boasts a long stretch of golden
beach and pebble ridge used as sea defence for the wider area.
Similarly, to Instow the beach is dog friendly all year with the
only restriction being between May 1st and September
30th where dogs are only allowed on the northern end of
the beach. This means dogs and owners have the entire beach for
Autumn and winter. The village itself is also well catered for
visitors and dogs, with many establishments being dog friendly.
