The beach and the surf are Woolacombe's headline act, but there is plenty to share with a dog beyond the sand: the seafront esplanade above the bay, the old coastal village of Mortehoe on the hill, and the lively harbour town of Ilfracombe a few miles up the coast. None of it needs the summer-restricted part of the beach, so there is always something to do with a dog on a lead.
The promenade and seafront above the beach, where the surf shops, cafes and the Red Barn look out over the bay to Baggy Point. It is a free, easy stroll with a dog on a lead, and the place to watch the surfers when the beach zones are in force.
๐ก Early morning is the calmest time to walk the seafront in summer, before the surf crowds and the day-trippers arrive.
Mortehoe
A pretty hilltop coastal village just above Woolacombe, with a medieval church, two dog-friendly pubs and the National Trust car park that is the gateway to the Morte Point walks. It is an unhurried, characterful spot for a wander with a dog.
๐ก Park at the National Trust Mortehoe car park and combine the village with the Morte Point circular for the best of both.
Ilfracombe
The lively Victorian harbour town of Ilfracombe, about six miles up the coast, where Damien Hirst's towering Verity statue stands on the pier above the fishing boats. The harbourside and quay make an easy, free walk with a dog, with plenty of dog-friendly cafes.
๐ก Reach it on the Stagecoach 31 bus from Woolacombe via Mortehoe, so you can leave the car and enjoy the harbour walk.
Our top-rated pet-friendly hotels, handpicked and verified.
Beachbreak
โ โ โ โ โ ยท 9.5/10
โฌ120/night
Southover Beach
โ โ โ โ โ ยท 9.2/10
โฌ120/night
Azure Bay
โ โ โ โ โ ยท 9/10
โฌ120/night
Looking for a place to stay elsewhere? These destinations near Woolacombe also welcome your dog.
