Dog Friendly Kingsbridge

Kingsbridge is a small market town in the South Hams, situated within the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It’s a popular spot for those who enjoy water sports due to its proximity to the South Devon Coast and it’s also a fantastic destination for those of us with furry friends; there are plenty of beaches, walks, accommodation and eateries who welcome dogs.  

Walks

Kingsbridge has tonnes of lovely walks and places to explore with your loyal companion. Some can be accessed by foot; others you’ll need a car to get to. A couple of these walks will contain narrow, footpaths or cliff edges with sudden drops so please be aware of this and ensure you and your pooch remain safe. 

Kingsbridge to Bowcombe 

Minutes from the town centre and through Kingsbridge Recreation Park, you’ll find a hill to take you to the Kingsbridge Rugby Club. Follow the footpath past the pitch and you’ll find yourself walking through some green fields, surrounded by sheep so be sure to keep your doggy on a lead! Take a moment to admire the Kingsbridge Estuary as it funnels its way down to Salcombe and past Snapes Point. This viewpoint is especially lovely on a summers evening, where you can watch the sun move behind the hills, painting the sky with shades of pink and purple. From here, you can find a few different footpaths that will lead you down to Bowcombe Creek. We would definitely recommend wearing some walking boots and clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty, as regardless of the weather, Bowcombe Bridge can be very muddy. You can extend this walk by crossing over the creek and walking through the fields towards West Charleton.  

West Alvington Woods 

West Alvington Woods is a great place to let your dog off their lead and allow them to roam around at their leisure. From Kingsbridge, head past the petrol station and walk up the road towards West Alvington until you reach Norden Lane on your right. Following this path down will lead you through a lovely meadow until you reach the bottom of the woods. West Alvington Woods is fairly small so there’s no chance of getting lost, and there’s even a few pixie doors dotted around many of the trees for little ones to discover if you’re looking for a child-friendly walk. The woods are also home to an array of wild mushrooms and fungi which is fun to identify, but you if decide to forage, or if you have a pup who will eat anything, please be careful as some may not be suitable for consumption. When finishing your walk, you can simply walk back the way you came, or to form a loop, once you reach the top of the woods, follow the footpath into West Alvington and then take the main road back down to Kingsbridge town centre. 

Torcross to Stokenham 

Anyone who knows it well will tell you that the narrow strip of land between Torcross and Slapton Sands is one of the most beautiful drives, not only in Devon, but in the UK. The only thing better than driving it, is walking it. This dog-friendly, South West Coast Path trail is not to be missed! The walk is moderately easy and will take you along the shores of Torcross, past Slapton Ley, a freshwater lake and through the fields and countryside of Stokenham. During this walk you and your companion will meet an abundance of wildlife, including swans, warblers and purple herons, just to name a few! If you’re coming from Kingsbridge or a surrounding area, you’ll probably need to take a car to do this route, but there are plenty of parking facilities available in Torcross. If you’re looking for a slightly shorter walk for young ones with little feet, try the family trail along Slapton Ley. This is roughly a mile and a half long, but will still provide you with most of the same scenery and wildlife as the longer walk to Stokenham. 

Blackdown Rings 

If you’re interested in history, the walk around Blackdown Rings and Loddiswell Castle will certainly spark your curiosity. Blackdown Rings was a hillfort, thought to have been established in the Bronze or Iron Age, with a Norman Motte-and-bailey castle. When walking the landscape with your pooch, you can see the hillfort defences and the ringwork entrance, transporting you back to a simpler time. The fort was built upon the eastern slope of the hill and has panoramic views of Bolt Head, Plymouth and Dartmoor on clear days. Dogs are free to roam around off-lead here and will absolutely love exploring every part of the hills. 

Bolberry Down 

Bolberry Down has a network of footpaths that run along the soaring cliff tops, and drop down to many small coves and beaches. The walks are relatively flat and easy to walk as the National Trust has ensured the walks are suitable for all people, including those in wheelchairs or prams and even our four-legged friends. We think the best time to visit Bolberry Down is during the spring and summer as the landscape is filled with a sea of yellow gorse and other wild flowers for your dog to sniff around. To extend this walk, you can follow the coastal path past Soar Mill Cove and follow the cliff around where you’ll find a wooded path. Following this will take you to Overbeck’s Garden (National Trust) and drop you off at South Sands Beach. If you keep to the road, you will reach North Sands Beach and eventually, Salcombe.  

Dog-Friendly Beaches 

Although Kingsbridge has a beautiful Quay and Estuary, it doesn’t have a beach. However, there’s an abundance of beaches just a short drive away for you to take your dog to explore. Lots of these beaches will be dog-friendly all year round and have incredible views from the shore. 

Beesands 

Driving through some lovely small villages will take you to Beesands Beach, a mile-long shingle beach with stunning views across the bay. Behind the beach you will also find a village green and Widdecombe Ley, a fresh water lake, rich with wildlife. There are also plenty of places to grab something eat and drink – perhaps a crab sandwich or a warming cup of coffee to refill after a long walk. From Beesands, you can walk the coastal path to Hallsands Beach and see the ruined fishing village, lost to the sea due to coastal erosion. Whilst still beautiful, it remains a constant reminder of how fragile our coastline is. 

Northsands Beach 

If you’re looking for a sandy beach for your pooch to run around, North Sands is one to visit. This quaint cove has lovely views of the estuary and is a short walk from Salcombe town centre. This is a popular spot for locals and holiday-makers so your dog is sure to meet many other happy friends! 

South Milton Sands and Thurlestone Beach 

South Milton is a lovely beach with shallow waters for your dog to run around in. The beach is actually part of Thurlestone Beach, which is just a short 10/15-minute drive from Kingsbridge. This beach has won an award from the Marine Conservation Society due to its clear, clean waters, with this in mind there are strict anti-fouling laws in place to help keep the beach pristine. 

Slapton Sands and Torcross Beach 

This stunning three-mile beach, located on the South Devon Heritage Coast, is another hot spot for tourists and locals. This is due to its calm, still waters – perfect for water sports such as kayaking or paddle boarding.  

Where to stay 

There’s so much to do around Kingsbridge that it’s likely you’ll want to spend more than one day here. Luckily, there is plenty of dog-friendly accommodation nearby. No matter how you prefer to sleep, there’s lots of hotels, camp sites, or self-catering options for you to choose from.  

Self-Catering 

Wisteria Cottage 

This accommodation is a cosy, countryside farmhouse cottage located in Hallsands, suitable for a family or group of six or seven. With views that stretch across the countryside to Start Bay that you and your furry friend will love, plus plenty of dog-friendly walks, this is an ideal stay if you’re looking for a coastal retreat.  

Jasmine Cottage 

Another homely, self-catered cottage is Jasmine Cottage, near East Prawle with an immediate footpath to take you to the beach. This property is very isolated and is the perfect location to escape everyday life. Containing a king-size double and a twin room, this place is ideal for a small family staycation. As well as a kitchen and living room, other facilities include a wood burning stove, an outside seating area with great views and off-road parking.  

Bolberry Farm Cottages 

Bolberry Farm Cottages is situated a short walk away from the quaint fishing village Hope Cove, and is comprised of three self-catering units, each decorated and furnished with a traditional cottage style. You will have access to your own private garden and uninterrupted views of Bolberry. This accommodation is both dog and child-friendly and just a short drive to Kingsbridge. Hope Cove has a couple of dog-friendly pubs and a lovely place to grab a pint or two!

The Barn, 21 At The Beach 

This bright and modern home, located in the village of Torcoss is a lovely seaside, self-catered stay. This two-bedroom house contains an open-plan living and kitchen area with gorgeous exposed beams and two bathrooms. Torcross is a quick drive from Kingsbridge and is well-known for is three-mile, shingle beach which is dog friendly all-year round. 

Rose Cottage 

Rose Cottage is a lovely place to stay if you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. You can find this cottage within vast countryside, with lots of green space and woodland to play fetch with your four-legged friend, and an immediate of footpath to the South West Coast Path. There are also amazing views across Start Point Bay from which you can admire from the garden.  

Dittiscombe Estate and Cottages 

These self-catered cottages are nestled within a rewilded valley and are suitable for 2 – 6 guests with a dog, who want a peaceful, private stay. Each cottage has log-burners, spa baths, a garden and a stunning view. The property is just two miles away from Slapton, which has lots of dog-friendly pubs and a freshwater Lake at Slapton Ley. 

Ocean Reach Holiday Homes

Ocean Reach offer three beautiful and modern holiday homes and apartments with amazing 360-degree views of the coast and countryside. Located in Bolberry Down, near Salcombe, all homes are dog friendly and are suitable for short or long stays. There is even an onsite restaurant and bar with indoor and outdoor seating, or you can opt to have your meals delivered. There are many walks you can take with your pup, head North to Hope Cove, or follow the coast path down past Soar Mill Cove to Salcombe. 

Hotels 

Thurlestone Hotel 

Set in 19 acres of beautiful coastline, Thurlestone Hotel is a luxury hotel and spa with a lovely golf course. It’s the perfect place to stay if you’re looking for a lavish relaxing holiday and with the beach just 5 minutes away, your furry companion will enjoy the stay too! The hotel also has 3 restaurants who use the finest, local produce, and are also dog friendly! 

Salcombe Harbour Hotel and Spa 

Another luxury hotel to keep in mind is Salcombe Harbour Hotel. This hotel overlooks the beautiful Salcombe Estuary and is a short walk to North Sands, a year-round, dog-friendly beach. The town centre offers many independent shops and eateries and within the hotel, there is a lovely waterside restaurant, a spa, a pool and even a private cinema!   

Gara Rock Hotel 

Gara Rock Hotel suits all holiday-goers whether you’re a family with children or a couple looking for a romantic getaway. There is a dog-friendly beach a short walk away or if you’re the type who prefers to lounge by the pool, they have a lovely one which overlooks the countryside and coast. The history of Gara Rock is absolutely fascinating. The coastline, Deckler’s Cliff and the Lockmore field are all prehistoric sites and have been home to many throughout generations. Gara Rock was also a Bronze Age settlement for foragers, whose impact on the land can still be seen today. It’s a great place to explore with your dog, but be aware of the narrow paths around the area.  

Camping 

Island Lodge Caravan and Camping Site 

If camping is more your style, why not give Island Lodge Caravan and Camping Site a try. This rural, traditional-style campsite, set just outside of Kingsbridge is open all-year and is suitable for tents, caravans and motorhomes. There are plenty of amenities for washing, and they also have a children’s play area. With many rural lanes to walk, it’s a great place to stay if you have a dog, and some of the walks will take you into Kingsbridge town centre. 

Where to Eat 

Valley View Café 

This lovely café is a family ran business, set in the picturesque valley near the River Avon, and sits between Loddiswell and Kingsbridge. The trip here is worth it just for the views. Valley View Café is a popular spot for breakfast with the locals as the portions are generous and freshly made. You can also find the Aune Valley Meat Farmshop who source local and free-range produce. Sourcing food from all local farms, their shop offers a selection of fresh veggies, free-range eggs, tasty jams and pickles and much more! You’ll even find a few treats for your furry friend!  

Gara Rock Restaurant 

Whether you’re visiting Gara Rock for a longer stay or just for a day, the restaurant is not a place to be missed. Gara Rock prides itself on serving locally sourced food, dictated by the season which means whatever you order, it’ll be made with a lot of care and attention to detail. By using local ingredients and focusing on picking produce that is in season, Gara Rock’s carbon footprint has been significantly reduced. As well as their restaurant, they also have an onsite bar and a food van – The Garavan, all of which are dog friendly. 

The Cricket Inn 

With views stretching across Start Bay, award-winning food and friendly staff, it’s clear to see why The Cricket Inn in Beesands is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. Known for its local seafood, caught mere metres away from the pub, and selection of fine wines and local ales, you and your canine friend will enjoy all that The Cricket Inn has to offer. It’s the perfect stop off for a beer or a light lunch after a long walk across the stunning coastal path. 

The Church House Inn 

The Church House Inn, based in Stokenham, just a mile or so away from Torcross is a beautiful Grade II listed building with a lovely beer garden and serves exceptional food. Also supplying local produce from Devon and Cornwall, this pub is a great place to stop by for a refreshing drink or a meal with your dog. Unfortunately, The Church House Inn do not accommodate for dogs in their B&B rooms, but they are more than welcome inside the bar and in the beer garden. 

The Trevilder Restaurant 

Based inside Thurlestone Hotel, The Trevilder Restaurant is a beautiful, upmarket restaurant with views across Thurlestone Bay. They offer a high-end menu with the option to have one, two or three courses, and their wine list offers expertly chosen wines from independent vineyards across the world. If you’re looking for something a little more low key, why not try The Rock Pool – alfresco dining serving bistro-style food, or The Village Inn – a traditional pub serving warming meals and real ales.

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