5 of the best dog friendly beaches in North Devon

There aren't many dogs that don't love the sand between their paws, right?

What's not to love about the beach for man and man's best friend?! Long expanses of sand to play endless games of fetch, sand dunes for a spot of hide and seek and warm shallows to perfect that doggy paddle.

If you're planning a beach day from our dog friendly holiday parks, take a look at my rundown of the best dog friendly beaches in North Devon...

Woolacombe

The first of my picks is Woolacombe Beach. If you've visited dog friendly caravan parks in North Devon before, you'll be well aware of this fabulous stretch, recently voted the UK's 2nd best beach in Trip Advisor's 2014 Travellers' Choice Awards.

To comply with Blue Flag Award criteria, there are some restrictions in place. From Good Friday to November dogs are not permitted on the short section between the rocks at the north end and the stream. During the same dates dogs must be kept on leads from the stream to Mill Rock.

This relates to only a small section of the 3 mile beach. From Mill Rock onwards there is a vast stretch of flat golden beach and sand dunes for your dog to really stretch its paws over!

Putsborough

Putsborough Sands lies at the southern end of Woolacombe separated from Croyde by Baggy Point.

The beach is renowned as one of finest and cleanest in the South West, and being farther away from the hotels, cafes and shops means the beach is often quieter than its neighbours.

The location is perfect for dog owners, with 2.5 miles of sand and some wonderful scenic walks around Baggy Point.

Dogs are welcome all year round, with only small sections restricted from April to October.

Saunton

Another feature of North Devon's golden coast is Saunton Sands.

From the winding coastal road you'll see 3 and half miles of straight sandy beach with the unique backdrop of Braunton Burrows – one of the most impressive dune systems in the country.

A popular spot for dog walkers (as well as pop stars), the beach welcomes you 365 days a year. The simple zoning structure means you only have to keep your dog on a lead for the opening five minutes, after that the beach and dunes are yours to explore.

Croyde

In a small bay between Saunton and Putsborough lies one of the most well know beaches in the area, Croyde.

While the beach doesn't allow dogs all year round, Croyde remains a popular choice during spring, autumn and winter. You can send your dog scuttling after a ball as you take in some of the best surfing in the UK.

The unspoilt headland at Baggy Point is accessible from Croyde as well as Putsborough. I can highly recommend this dog walk, just remember to take your camera – the rugged cliffs and panoramic views are simply stunning.

Mermaid's Cove

At Sandaway Beach Holiday Park you're offered pet friendly holidays UK with an added extra your four legged friend will love...a private dog friendly beach!

The park stands on the cliff edge with breathtaking views over Mermaid's Cove and its turquoise tinted water.

Gain access from the park via a stepped footpath and spend the day playing fetch in the shallows while your children explore the active rock pools.