Planning a winter get-away? Don’t leave your dog out in the cold. Besides stunning walking country, Devon offers an impressive number of places where you can stay with your pet – and enjoy fabulous food and drink into the bargain.
Prince Hall Hotel, Two Bridges
Set within the glorious landscape of Dartmoor National Park, Prince Hall is an 18th-century manor house offering breathtaking views, a relaxed, informal atmosphere and impeccable food courtesy of its award-winning restaurant. Genuine hospitality is the order of the day, and that extends to your four-legged friends – the hotel is exceptionally dog-friendly, with complimentary Bob & Lush treats in every bedroom. While the main dining room is kept pet-free, the cosy bar area – which, like the restaurant and lounge, enjoys outstanding views towards West Dart and beyond – is available for relaxed dining with your dog.
The spectacular curved wall of pristine French windows at South Sands Hotel presents a breathtaking centrepiece to the extraordinary restaurant, bar and terrace. During the winter, guests can gaze out at the stormy seas and enjoy the comfort of the cosy restaurant and roaring lounge fire. Various light bites, nibbles and more informal options are available at lunchtime, while in the evening the restaurant transforms into a more formal setting that is perfect for any occasion or celebration. Dogs are very welcome in the laid-back restaurant, in a selection of dog-friendly bedrooms and also in four of the five Beach Suites.
Hotel Endsleigh is a Grade I historic house that makes the perfect country escape. The 100 acres of stunning gardens and woodlands make Hotel Endsleigh an ideal stop-off for walkers and their dogs, and the hotel’s sumptuous dining room has magnificent views of the gardens, the River Tamar and beyond into Cornwall. The cooking takes inspiration from the surrounding countryside, and includes local rabbit, venison and beef, and seasonal fish. The elegant rooms are tastefully decorated, and well-behaved dogs are welcome.
Lewtrenchard Manor, Okehampton
This lovely historic house and estate is in a unique position with Dartmoor National Park on its doorstep, and the coastlines of Devon and Cornwall not far away. Well-behaved dogs are welcome to stretch their legs in the extensive grounds, and the surrounding area offers a wealth of longer walks to explore. Your canine pets are also welcome on leads in the public areas of the hotel, with the exception of the dining room and walled garden, and can stay with you in your room.
Providing an abundance of real ale, local cider and good conversation, as well as delicious homemade food using the best local, seasonal produce available, this is a pub you’ll want to return to again and again. The café serves proper coffees, teas, cakes and pastries and the restaurant serves lunchtime and evening meals. The varied specials might include local game when in season, fresh seafood, and unique vegetarian dishes. The Sunday roasts are renowned in the district. Well-behaved short-haired dogs are welcome in the bar and bedrooms.
At this traditional country pub you can be sure of a warm welcome from the landlords and their friendly team. The bedrooms are cosy and well appointed, and wood-burners blaze in the bar in winter. Located on the Tarka Line Rail Ale Trail, The Rising Sun is surrounded by lovely rambling and dog-walking country, and dogs are welcome in the bar and most of the bedrooms. It is also only a stone’s throw from the beautiful River Taw and is renowned as a fishing pub.
Halfway between Okehampton and Bideford, on the edge of the River Mere, is the little parish of Merton, and in the heart of this quaint village lies The Malt Scoop Inn. Converted from a farmhouse during the 19th century, the inn still retains its thatched roof and stone walls, giving it plenty of rural, rustic charm. It boasts a friendly local atmosphere and everyone receives a warm welcome, including well-behaved dogs on leads. The Malt Scoop now also has two beautiful en-suite rooms for bed and breakfast, and your pet is welcome to stay with you.
Under its new ownership, the bar and kitchen at Ilfracombe’s Carlton hotel has undergone a renaissance in 2016. Located within five minutes of Ilfracombe’s harbour and maritime area, adjacent to the famous tunnels leading through to the beaches, it is a great place to stay with your dog. The hotel has rapidly earned a fine reputation for customer service and attention to detail. This is complemented by The Carlton’s excellent cuisine. Please note that dogs are not allowed in the dining area.
Take a look at the free online version of our Devon guide to find more great foodie venues to visit with or without your dog.