Dog-friendly Totnes: things to do in Totnes with a dog

Live in South Devon with a canine companion and looking for things to do in Totnes? Not to worry, fellow pet lover - here’s your ultimate guide to dog-friendly Totnes. 

Below you’ll find nearby dog-friendly beaches in South Devon, as well as dog-friendly Totnes restaurants, cafes, pubs and pet-friendly activity ideas.

So, whether you’re house sitting in Totnes or you’re welcoming a pet sitter and putting together a list of things to do with your furry family, take a look below.

Dog-friendly beaches near Totnes

There’s no doubt about it: one of the best activities that’s guaranteed to give your dog a good time is a beach run. Come rain or shine, dogs simply love the beach - it’s a great place to let your pup run free, socialize with other pups and enjoy the open air. 

For a list of dog-friendly beaches in Devon within driving distance of Totnes, take a look below.

Dog-friendly beaches in Paignton, Devon

Paignton is just a 17-minute drive away from central Totnes, so it’s the perfect place to go if you’re looking for a beach nearby to Totnes that’s dog-friendly. We’ll list a few below along with beach rules, but be sure to always double check the signage before heading onto a beach with your pooch.

Goodrington Sands - North Sands

Just a 15-minute drive from Totnes, North Sands of Goodrington Sands is one of the most popular spots for local dog walkers. Out of all Paignton’s dog-friendly beaches, North Sands of Goodrington Sands has to be one of the simplest to navigate for dog owners, as it’s dog-friendly all year round.

Location: Paignton TQ4 7FA

Goodrington Sands - South Sands

Unlike North Sands, South Sands is only dog-friendly between 1st October and 30th April, so it’s a popular spot for a beachside dog walk in Paignton’s autumn and winter months.

Location: Paignton TQ4 7FA

Preston Sands

Like many of the dog-friendly beaches in South Devon, dogs are allowed on Preston Sands beach between 1st October and 30th April. And at just a 17-minute drive from Totnes, it’s the perfect place for a dog-friendly winter beach walk.

Location: Marine Dr, Paignton TQ3 2NJ

Broadsands Beach

Broadsands has to be one of the most popular dog-friendly beaches Devon has to offer, and pups are welcome off-season between 1st October and 30th April. 

Location: Broadsands Rd, Paignton TQ4 6HL

Saltern Cove

If you’re looking for a beach near Totnes that’s dog-friendly all year round, head to Saltern Cove - a small, rocky beach with over 400 million years of history (look out for the information plaques if you’re interested!).

Location: S W Coast Path, Paignton TQ4 6NJ

Elberry Cove

Only a 20-minute drive from Totnes, it’s no wonder that Elberry Cove is popular with dog walkers. It’s dog-friendly all year round and is complete with a rocky shore and the ruins of a bath house that dates back to the 18th century.

Location: Paignton, Brixham TQ5 0JH

Dog-friendly beaches in St. Austell

St. Austell is another popular destination for pet parents in Totnes - at just a 90-minute drive, door-to-door (or door-to-beach?), we can see why. Below we’ll list a few dog-friendly beaches St. Austell has to offer - just remember to double check the signage before entering any beach with your dog.

Porthpean Beach

Dogs are allowed on the stunning Porthpean Beach between 1st October and 30th June, so why not join local dog owners for a walk and a swim with your canine companion in St. Austell?

Location: Saint Austell PL26 6AU

Hemmick Beach

Like many of St. Austell’s dog-friendly beaches, canines and their humans are allowed on Hemmick Beach all year round, so it makes for the perfect day trip from Totnes.

Location: Saint Austell PL26 6LL

Par Beach

Just over an hour’s drive from Totnes and 15 minutes from St. Austell, Par Beach is dog-friendly all year round, and a popular tourist attraction to check out if you’re house sitting in Totnes.

Location: S W Coast Path, Par PL24 2TJ

Polridmouth Cove

This secluded spot welcomes dogs and their humans all year round, so it’s the ideal place to splash around with your pup if you’re enjoying a day trip to St. Austell.

Location: Par PL24 2TN

Taking your dog to the beach: key considerations

As you can tell by now, many of the beaches near Totnes are dog-friendly - some welcoming dogs during the autumn and winter months, and others all year round. The bottom line when it comes to keeping your pup safe is to check the signage and stay up to date on local rules.

Dog-friendly restaurants in Totnes

Looking for places to eat in Totnes, Devon that’ll welcome your canine companion? Not to worry - many of the pubs in Totnes welcome our four-legged friends, so make a note of the list below to start you off.

Steam Packet Inn

If you’re after well-reviewed, dog-friendly restaurants in Totnes, head to the Steam Packet Inn. Dogs are welcome in the bar area and terrace, which sits on the edge of the River Dart - offering idyllic views of the water and beyond. 

Location: St Peter's Quay, Totnes TQ9 5EW

The Dartmouth Inn

If you want to get in touch with local culture, check out the dog-friendly pubs Totnes has to offer. As well as being totally dog-friendly, The Dartmouth Inn is known for its traditional, hearty pub food and historic interiors.

Location: 28 Warland, Totnes TQ9 5EL

King William IV

Get to know the local area by tasting the homemade food that’s served daily at the King William IV pub - choose from pub classics like ploughmans, gammon and battered cod.

Location: 45 Fore St, Totnes TQ9 5HN

The Cott Inn

Eating in Totnes has never been so quaint! This traditional inn has been licensed since 1320, and boasts a charming thatched roof that locals and tourists alike simply can’t help but be charmed by. Choose from an English menu celebrating locally-sourced ingredients and soak up the inn’s history from the inside and out.

Location: Cott Ln, Dartington, Totnes TQ9 6HE

Rumour Kitchen & Bar

If you’re looking for somewhere closer to the centre of town, check out Rumour Kitchen & Bar to experience the eclectic menu of miso cod, whipped feta, and mussels from the River Teign.

Location: 30 High St, Totnes TQ9 5RY

Key considerations when dining with your dog in Totnes

Lucky for dog owners and Totnes pet sitters, the town and its local area is filled with dog-friendly pubs and restaurants. While lots of businesses will happily accommodate your furry friend, it’s always worth double checking before arriving with your pooch, or strolling inside and finding yourself a seat. Simply call up beforehand and book your table to make sure dogs are welcome, and check where they’d prefer you sit.

Dog-friendly cafes in Totnes

After a morning out walking with your furry companion, there’s no need to head straight home! Why not check out the dog-friendly cafes Totnes has to offer? Explore our list below to get started, and always ask before walking inside with your four-legged friend.

Maisie’s Coffee Shop

Stop for a pot of tea, bowl of homemade soup or even a Devon cream tea at this charming, (dog-friendly) coffee shop in Totnes.

Location: Warland, Totnes TQ9 5EL

Riverside Cafe

Whether you’re in the mood for pasties, a full English breakfast or simply a cup of coffee, head along to the Riverside Cafe for tranquil waterside views.

Location: Steamer Quay Rd, Totnes TQ9 5AL

The Hairy Barista

Serious about your morning coffee? Head to the Hairy Barista in central Totnes where you can choose from freshly-baked pastries, organic porridge, smoothies, soup of the day and more nourishing goodies.

Location: 82 High St, Totnes TQ9 5SN

The Green Table Cafe

If you happen to visit Dartington estate, The Green Table Cafe is totally dog-friendly, and staff are happy to provide water bowls both inside and out.

Location: Lower Drive, The Dartington Hall Trust, Dartington, Dartington Hall, Totnes TQ9 6EE

The Curator

The Curator is another pet-friendly cafe to track down if you take your morning coffee just as seriously as Fido does his walkies. Choose from a range of wood-roasted coffee blends and take your pick from the bean shop.

Location: 2, 2A The Plains, Totnes TQ9 5DR

Things to do in Totnes with a dog

Want something to explore with your four-pawed pal, other than local pubs and cafes? Find a list of dog-friendly attractions perfect for a day out with your pooch in and around Totnes.

Visit Totnes Castle

History lover and wondering what to do in Totnes with your furry pal? Well luckily for local pet parents, dogs are welcome at Totnes Castle (on a lead). Explore the ruins of one of England’s best-preserved Norman motte and bailey castles that dates back to the 14th century.

Location: Castle St, Totnes TQ9 5NU

Walk the Dart Valley Trail

Follow the Dart River from Totnes and get into nature with your furry pal (who should be kept on a lead). The trail runs for 16 miles, all the way from Totnes to Dartmouth, so pick it up wherever suits you and be sure to find a dog-friendly pub along the way!

Location: River Dart, Totnes

Visit Berry Pomeroy Castle

You might have noticed by now that Totnes is a market town filled with history - it even has its own Tudor mansion, in the name of Berry Pomeroy Castle. Dogs can explore the grounds on a lead, and you can marvel at the 15th century architecture built by the Pomeroy family.

Location: Berry Pomeroy, Totnes TQ9 6LJ

Hop aboard Dartmouth’s Steam Railway

Try something a little different with your furry best pal, and head along to Dartmouth’s steam railway experience. For just £3 per canine passenger, you and your furry friend can take a step back in time by boarding the steam train that runs on the heritage line between Paignton and Kingswear.

Location: Kingswear, Brixham TQ6 0SG

Visit Dartington Estate

Explore the walking trails of Dartington Estate with your furry pal - dogs must be kept on a lead in all areas of the estate, apart from Aller Park where your pup can run freely. Keep your pooch and the estate’s livestock safe by following Dartington Estate’s dog policy.

Location: Dartington, Totnes, Devon, TQ9 6EL

Explore Totnes Market 

Keep your furry friend on a lead while you explore Totnes Market - it’s open every Friday and Saturday, and it’s the perfect opportunity to explore local culture through arts, crafts and food.

Location: Market Square, High St, Totnes TQ9 5SQ

Visit Buckfast Abbey

Just a 15-minute drive from Totnes, Buckfast Abbey is the perfect destination for a tranquil and dog-friendly day out with your furry pal. Canines are allowed on a lead in the grounds and gardens, as well as the outdoor terrace of The Grange restaurant.

Location: Buckfastleigh TQ11 0EE

Explore Dartmoor National Park

Just a short drive from Totnes, Dartmoor National Park offers an exciting landscape to explore with your dog on a lead. Wander the moorland with your furry friend and find forests, rivers, wetlands and Neolithic tombs, abandoned medieval farmhouses and even Bronze Age stone circles.

Location: Dartmoor National Park, Devon

Visit Sandridge Barton vineyard

Experience Devon’s award-winning wine scene that’s just over 10 minutes away from Totnes. Dogs are allowed to visit Sandridge Barton, just as long as they’re well-behaved and kept on a lead.

Location: Lower Well Farm, Waddeton Rd., Stoke Gabriel, Totnes TQ9 6RL

Tips for pet parents

So you’re all prepped and ready to go for a dog-friendly day out in Totnes! Follow our tips below to keep your furry friends calm and content while you’re at home and out of town.

• Explore nearby beaches. Totnes is surrounded by dog-friendly beaches, so don’t miss out on all that South Devon’s coastline has to offer - just check the signage to make sure you’re entering a dog-friendly area.
• Try out a local pub. South Devon is packed with quaint pubs that date back hundreds of years, so get a taste of local culture by checking out a local dog-friendly pub.
• Get into the Devon countryside. If you haven’t experienced the River Dart trail with your furry friend yet, make it your next walkies location!
• Plan ahead for your holiday. Totnes is the perfect place to own a dog, but what about when the time comes to plan a trip? Well as vets agree pets are happier at home, why not connect with a pet sitter in Totnes? Click below to find out how you can exchange in-home pet care for just one annual membership fee.

Tips for pet sitters

Want to live like a local in rural South Devon? Get your Totnes house sitting adventure started, and follow our tips below.

• Ask for pet parent recommendations. Pet parents are the best place to start when it comes to local advice, so ask where is best to take their furry pal, and where to avoid.
• Explore local history. South Devon is surrounded by local history - from the pre-historic coastline to castles dating back almost 1000 years, plus pubs, churches and abbeys from the centuries in between.
• Experience Totnes through house sitting. Want to see how locals live in the heart of the English countryside? Exchange in-home pet care for a place to stay by house sitting in Totnes, and click below to learn how it works.

Useful resources

• Dog-friendly guide to Plymouth: things to do in Plymouth with a dog
• Dog-friendly Exeter: Things to do in Exeter with a dog
• Dog-friendly guide to Winchester: things to do in Winchester with a dog