Dog-friendly Exeter: Things to do in Exeter with a dog

Nestled in the heart of Devon, Exeter is a historic city that loves four-legged visitors! This dog-friendly guide to Exeter highlights the best spots to explore with your pup. 

Plus, if you're seeking house sitting opportunities in Exeter or want to become an Exeter pet sitter, read on to discover more!

Best dog parks in Exeter

On the hunt for dog-friendly places in Exeter? Exeter’s dog parks offer fantastic open spaces where your pup can run, play, and socialize. Whether they prefer woodland trails or riverside strolls, there’s an ideal place for every canine.

Riverside Valley Park

Located along the River Exe, Riverside Valley Park is a wonderful, expansive green space where dogs can roam off-leash. With beautiful meadows, open fields, and stunning riverside walks, it’s a peaceful place for dogs and their owners. The park is a local favorite for morning strolls, playtime, and relaxed picnics.

Location: West Grove Rd

Heavitree Pleasure Ground

Nestled in the heart of Heavitree, Heavitree Pleasure Ground is a beloved community park with ample space for four-legged visitors to run around. It features vast grassy fields, shaded seating areas, and a welcoming atmosphere where local owners gather. While not fully off-leash, it's still a great place to spend some time outdoors.

Location: Whipton Ln

Dog-friendly restaurants in Exeter

Exeter is a dog-loving city, and this extends to its dining scene. Many restaurants here warmly welcome your four-pawed companion. Here is our favorite dog-friendly restaurant in Exeter that you must try.

On the Waterfront

On the Waterfront is one of Exeter’s most beloved dog-friendly restaurants, housed in a converted 19th-century warehouse on the picturesque Quayside. With spacious outdoor seating and views of the River Exe, it’s an ideal venue for a meal with your barking bestie. Known for its famous oversized pizzas and a variety of delicious dishes, this vibrant eatery is a great choice for owners seeking a relaxed dining experience.
Location: The Quay

Fun dog-friendly activities in Exeter

Exeter is full of exciting activities for you and your pawsome friend. Whether you’re exploring historic sites, enjoying exciting trails, or visiting dog-friendly attractions, there’s more than enough to keep you both entertained.

Check out Exeter Quayside with your best friend

Cost: Free
Date and time: Open year-round
Location: Exeter Quay

The historic Exeter Quayside is ideal for dogs and their owners seeking fresh air and beautiful waterfront views. With numerous cafés and pubs along the way, it’s a relaxed and social place to take a leisurely stroll with your best friend. You can also try paddleboarding with your pup on the calm waters of the Exeter Canal! Local companies like Saddles & Paddles offer dog-friendly SUP (stand-up paddleboarding) sessions where you and your dog can glide along the water together.

Dog-friendly shopping at Princesshay

Cost: Free to browse (store prices vary)
Date and time: Open year-round (store hours vary)
Location: Princesshay Shopping Centre, Exeter

Many shops in Princesshay Shopping Centre are dog-friendly, allowing well-behaved pups on leads to accompany their owners inside. Enjoy some retail therapy with your pet by your side, stop for a puppuccino at a nearby café, or browse pet-friendly stores for treats and accessories. It’s a great way to explore Exeter’s city centre while spending time with your dog.

Best dog-friendly walking trails in Exeter

Exeter offers excellent walking trails for owners looking to explore the countryside, riversides, and woodlands with their canines. Whether you prefer a short stroll or a longer hike, these routes provide great options for dog-friendly walks in Exeter.

Exeter Green Circle walk

Location: Various starting points around Exeter
Length: 12 km

The Exeter Green Circle Walk is a fantastic circular route that highlights the city’s green spaces, riverside paths, and countryside views. It offers a mix of urban and rural scenery, passing through parks, nature reserves, and quiet country lanes. This picturesque walk is ideal for dogs who thrive on long explorations filled with fresh scents to uncover.

Killerton Estate walks

Location: Killerton House
Length: 2 km - 5 km (various route options)

Killerton Estate offers a series of walking trails through historic parkland, woodlands, and rolling fields. Dogs are welcome throughout most of the estate, with several off-leash areas where they can roam freely. This National Trust property provides a relaxing countryside walk with beautiful natural surroundings along the way.

Stoke Woods Walk

Location: Stoke Woods
Length: 3 km - 5 km

Located just a few minutes from the city center, Stoke Woods offers a peaceful escape into nature. The well-maintained woodland trails provide shaded paths, making it an excellent choice for summer walks. With a variety of intriguing scents and open spaces, it’s a favorite among local dog owners looking for a quiet retreat.

The best dog-friendly cafes in Exeter

Exeter’s café culture is open and welcoming, and it’s even better when you can bring your dog along. Many cafes in the city offer outdoor seating and are welcoming to pets, making them great places to relax with a coffee while your furry friend takes in the atmosphere.

The Daisy Café

A charming, plant-filled café in Heavitree, The Daisy Café is a haven for dog lovers. Named after the owner’s Dalmatian, this café offers a delicious menu of homemade breakfasts, brunches, and lunches. Dogs are not only allowed but celebrated here, making it a great choice for those searching for dog-friendly cafes in Exeter.

Location: Fore Street

Mango’s Café & Bar

Situated on Exeter Quayside, Mango’s Café & Bar is a fantastic riverside stop with an outdoor seating area overlooking the water, creating a relaxing setting for coffee, brunch, or an afternoon treat. The friendly staff warmly welcomes four-legged visitors, and there are several walking paths nearby for a post-snack stroll.

Location: The Quay

Annual dog events in Exeter

Exeter hosts a variety of exciting annual events that celebrate our furry friends, offering great opportunities for socializing, fun, and adventure. From charity walks to canine festivals, these gatherings create a wonderful chance to connect with fellow dog enthusiasts while enjoying a day out with your pup. Here are our top picks:

Great British Dog Walk at Killerton

Held annually at the stunning National Trust property of Killerton Estate, the Great British Dog Walk is a charity event supporting Hearing Dogs for Deaf People. The walk features beautiful countryside routes, dog agility demonstrations, and stalls selling pet-related products. It’s a great opportunity to meet other dog owners while supporting a worthy cause.

Cost: £10 per adult (children and dogs go free)
Date and time: Typically held in spring, from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Location: Killerton House

Exeter’s Festival of Dogs

This popular festival brings together dog lovers from across Devon for a weekend of canine fun. The event features shows, have-a-go agility courses, expert talks, and a variety of pet-friendly stalls. Whether your pup wants to show off their skills or simply enjoy a day out, this event is a must-visit for dog owners.

Cost: Tickets start at £5 for adults, £3 for children
Date and time: Usually held in summer, from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: Westpoint Arena

The best dog-friendly pubs in Exeter

Exeter’s pub scene is as welcoming to dogs as it is to their owners. Whether you’re looking for a tasty fireside pint or a sunny beer garden by the water, the city offers many great bars where you and your pet can unwind together. Here are some of the best dog-friendly pubs in Exeter.

Mill on the Exe

The Mill on the Exe is a beautifully converted mill sitting on the banks of the River Exe. With its welcoming indoor seating and spacious riverside garden, it’s a fantastic place to have a drink while your best bud rests at your feet. The Mill on the Exe offers a great selection of local ales, craft beers, and hearty pub food.
Location: Bonhay Road

Double Locks

The Double Locks is a historic canal-side pub known for its large beer garden and relaxed vibe. With lots of outdoor seating and a tranquil setting along the Exeter Ship Canal, it’s an excellent place to have a pint on a sunny day. They offer a great selection of local ciders and classic pub dishes, and dogs are always welcome, with water bowls provided.
Location: Canal Banks

Dog-friendly wineries in Exeter

The countryside is home to several beautiful wineries where dogs are welcome to join you on a day out. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing vineyard stroll or a wine-tasting experience with scenic views, we selected a place that is perfect for both wine lovers and their furry companions.

Swanaford Estate Vineyard

Located just a short drive from Exeter in the Teign Valley, Swanaford Estate is a boutique, dog-friendly vineyard set on a beautiful family-run estate. Dogs on leads are welcome to explore the grounds while you enjoy a tasting of their award-winning sparkling and still wines. With scenic views, peaceful surroundings, and a relaxed atmosphere, it’s the perfect countryside escape for wine lovers and their dogs.

Location: Swanaford Rd

Dog-friendly beaches near Exeter

If your dog loves the sand and sea, check out these dog-friendly beaches near Exeter:

Exmouth Beach (dog-friendly area)

Located just 30 minutes from Exeter, Exmouth Beach has designated dog-friendly areas where your pup can run free and splash in the sea. It’s a popular place for dog walkers year-round, with golden sands, gentle waves, and a wide promenade perfect for a seaside stroll. 

Location: Exmouth Beach

Teignmouth Back Beach

Tucked away from the bustling seafront, Teignmouth Back Beach is a peaceful location for dogs and their humans. With its calm estuary waters and charming views across to Shaldon, this beach is perfect for dogs who love to paddle or dig in the sand. 

Location: Teignmouth Back Beach

Tips for pet parents in Exeter

Exploring the historic streets and beautiful green spaces of Exeter with your pup can be a wonderful adventure. However, a little preparation can make your trip even smoother. Consider these tips:

Maintain your dog’s routines

Dogs thrive on routine, and a change of environment can sometimes be overwhelming. Try to keep their feeding, walking, and sleeping schedule as close to normal as possible. This will help them feel secure and settled in their new surroundings.

Plan for emergencies

Being prepared for emergencies is essential when traveling with your dog. Make a list of local veterinarians, such as St Davids Veterinary Hospital, and pet-friendly taxi services you can contact if something unexpected happens.

Prepare everything your pet needs

Prepare everything your dog needs for a day out in Exeter. Pack enough food, water, a leash, waste bags, and any necessary medications. Also, bring a towel if you’re planning riverside walks, such as those at Riverside Valley Park.

Find the perfect dog-friendly accommodation in Exeter

Coming to Exeter from afar with your adventure pup? You’ll be happy to know that there are plenty of options for dog-friendly accommodation in Exeter. From swanky hotels to cozy self-catered cottages your pet companion will love as much as you.

Finding the right care for your dog while you travel

As lovely as Exeter is, we all need a vacation sometimes. But what about when the time comes for you to go away without your furry friend? Pets are happiest at home, and vets agree – so why not consider welcoming an in-home pet sitter to keep your home and pets safe while you're away? Click below to find out more!

Tips for pet sitters in Exeter

Exeter is a wonderful place for pet sitters, offering beautiful parks, paw-esome trails, and welcoming cafés that make pet sitting a blast. To ensure you provide the best care for the pets you look after, here are some important tips for being a great pet sitter:

Get to know Exeter’s dog-friendly locations

As a pet sitter in Exeter, knowing where a dog is welcome is key to making the most of your time in the city. Exeter is packed with dog-friendly parks and walking trails, offering plenty of opportunities for adventures and bonding. Researching dog-welcoming cafés and pubs like The Daisy Café or Mill on the Exe can also make your time out more enjoyable.

Follow the dog’s routine

Dogs love their routine, so it’s essential to stick to their daily schedule while exploring. Be sure to check with the owner about feeding times, walks, and play preferences to keep things familiar. There's no need to reinvent the wheel; if the dog you're sitting loves strolling around Exeter Quayside, that's where you should take them.

Get the essentials always ready

When exploring Exeter’s beautiful outdoors, always bring the essentials: water, treats, a sturdy leash, and waste bags. Heading to the coast or Stoke Wodds? A towel for muddy paws or a collapsible water bowl can make all the difference.

Useful resources

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