REVEALED: Salcombe's top 10 dog-friendly hotspots following surge in petcation holidays

Following a surge in demand for pet-friendly holidays, the Tourist Information Centre for Salcombe has revealed its top 10 dog-friendly destinations for visitors coming to South Devon’s luxury holiday hotspot.

Last year, Direct Line Motor Insurance revealed that nearly 12 million Britons planned to take their dogs on holiday with them. This year, that figure is expected to grow. Salcombe TIC is already receiving record levels of enquiries from pet owners thanks to its dog-friendly golden beaches, award-winning pet-friendly accommodation, pubs, cafes, and shops.

A centre for celebrities and their pets, it’s not uncommon to see the likes of Mary Berry and her two working cocker spaniels out and about, which means that your dog could be rubbing shoulders with the galivanting glitterati on a trip to the Saint Tropez of South Devon.   

Last year, the majority of Salcombe’s hotels were fully booked throughout August. The team at Salcombe Tourist Information Centre predicts another record year for dog-friendly holidays.

A spokesperson commented: “Salcombe has been busier than ever over the last couple of years due to limitations on travelling abroad and a dramatic increase in pet ownership. Located next to the glistening estuary, Salcombe is a dog’s paradise, punctuated by dog-friendly sandy beaches, pubs, restaurants, shops and businesses, so it’s not hard to see why it’s such a popular petcation location.

“That’s why we’re releasing our top-ten pet-friendly places to experience in Salcombe and the surrounding area, to give visitors and their faithful friends the very best holiday during their stay.”

Where to stay

1. Salcombe Harbour Hotel

Boasting one of the most breath-taking views in South Devon, Salcombe Harbour Hotel is a picturesque 50 room hotel set on the Salcombe Estuary. Four rooms welcome dogs, all of which are located on the ground floor for ease of access. Offering luxurious stays, every room boasts 400 thread count Egyptian cotton sheets, complimentary gin and sherry and Bramley toiletries. Dogs are charged at £15 per night, per dog. www.harbourhotels.co.uk / 01548 844444.

2. Brightham House Boutique Hotel Bed & Breakfast

For an utterly unforgettable stay, the unique Brightham House Boutique Hotel Bed & Breakfast is a must. Silver winner in the B&B and Guesthouse of the Year category at the Visit Devon Tourism Awards 2021/22, Brightham House has recently undergone a makeover, ready to welcome guests and their four-legged friends this summer.

Weary travellers will be welcomed by resident dogs, Lola and Poppy, before settling in to one of the three dog-friendly guest bedrooms. The hotel is where Brighton meets Devon with its elegant décor and fun, individually styled rooms. A dog mat, bowl and treats are available in each of the dog-friendly rooms, and you will discover a special dog towel rack in reception, handy for wiping off sandy paws after a day of exploring Salcombe’s golden beaches. There’s even a pet first aid box on hand, for any little accidents. www.brighthamhouse.co.uk / 01548 560111.

3. Bolberry Farm Cottages

Salcombe provides plenty of self-catered options too. One of the most popular with dog owners is Bolberry Farm Cottages. Winner of the Bronze award in the Dog-friendly Business of the Year category at the Visit Devon Tourism Awards 2021/22, dogs will feel right at home in a two or three bedroom holiday cottage in the quiet hamlet of Bolberry, just outside Salcombe.

Upon arrival, guests will discover a handy welcome pack which includes a refreshing drink and treat for your dog, a tag for extra safety, dog waste bags, an extendable lead and even a torch for evening walks. A dedicated dog wash area is also provided; just what you need after coast path adventures.

Each cottage enjoys an enclosed private garden and most rooms feature hard floors and a stairgate. Salcombe is known for its yachty culture, so if your dog is a water baby, you can make use of the complimentary dog life jackets; they really do think of everything.

Prices start from £350 for three nights. www.bolberryfarmcottages.co.uk / 07718 187469.

Where to eat

Salcombe is renowned for its range of wonderful places to eat, with excellent local seafood and prime beach-side positions on offer. The town even has its very own self-guided Food and Drink Trail which takes visitors on a culinary journey of discovery around the beguilingly beautiful Salcombe Estuary and South Hams. With plenty of dog-friendly options, the trail is a celebration of local dishes, drink, delicacies and produce.

4. The Crab Shed

Based at the Salcombe Crab Processing Unit, the Crab Shed offers sweet South Devon crab which is freshly harvested from the local waters, cooked and prepared daily. Overlooking Batson Creek, this dog-friendly dining destination received a major makeover during lockdown. Alongside its revamped waterfront terrace, where guests can dine on fresh fish, shellfish and Salcombe’s world-famous brown crab, visitors to the Crab Shed can eat and enjoy unrivalled views overlooking the quay and estuary. There’s a water bowl and treats for your pet and if you own a big dog, let the team know in advance as they will sit you at a larger table. www.crabshed.com / 01548 844280.

5. Salcombe Dairy

With summer just around the corner, Salcombe Dairy is preparing to welcome visitors and their pets back to its factory and shop on Island Street, to experience its tantalising flavours. Visitors can peer through portholes to see both the artisan chocolate making process and ice cream churning and chilling in action. Guests can also discover how the alchemists on-site create new and exciting flavours, both for the dairy’s award-winning chocolate bars and range of ice creams and sorbets, which are all free from gluten, eggs, nuts, and palm oil. www.salcombedairy.co.uk / 01548 843228.

6. The Fortescue Inn

When we think of dog-friendly places to eat, traditional British pubs come to mind. The Fortescue Inn on Salcombe’s pretty Union Street is the perfect example. With a four-star rating on TripAdvisor, this is the pub to head to with your furry friend in tow. Rest tired feet after long walks whilst you enjoy locally sourced food and drinks in one of the two bars. The homemade pizza is a particular hit with customers and there’s also a cracking range of traditional pub grub. They even have doggy treats behind the bar. www.thefortsalcombe.co.uk / 01548 842868

Where to play

With a host of dog-friendly activities available, it’s no wonder holidaymakers are rushing to Salcombe for an action-packed staycation with their canines.

7. Take a ferry trip

Explore the local area by making the most of Salcombe’s three dog-friendly ferries. The South Sands ferry, East Portlemouth ferry, and the Kingsbridge to Salcombe ferries all offer iconic waterborne trips to many of Salcombe’s all year-round dog-friendly beaches. These include East Portlemouth, North Sands, South Milton Sands, Hope Cove (dogs need to be on leads) and Soar Mill Cove.  

8. Endeavour Boardstore

Visit Salcombe and you will spot plenty of watersport enthusiasts on the water. The calm estuary offers itself particularly well to stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) and it’s not uncommon to spot a dog or two sat on board. Save space in the car and rent a board from Endeavour Boardstore. Based on the edge of Salcombe at Loddiswell business park, the store offers a range of equipment for hire, including accessories such as wetsuits and booties. www.endeavourboardstore.com / 01548 721159.

9. Whitestrand Boat Hire

Salcombe is also known as a yachty’s paradise so if being behind the helm is more your thing, head to Whitestrand Boat Hire which offers self-drive boats. Each boat is large enough to take up to eight passengers, including dogs, and you don’t need any experience or qualifications to hire them. Fuel and life jackets are included. www.whitestrandboathire.co.uk / 01548 843818.

10. Avon Mill Garden Centre

For the garden enthusiast or the afternoon tea lover, a visit to the dog-friendly Avon Mill Garden Centre located in Loddiswell is a must. Discover an impressive range of plants at this centre just outside of Salcombe, ready to spruce up the garden for the summer months. Its knowledgeable staff can guide you through their extensive range of coastal shrubs and flowers as well as more unusual tender specimens. Once you are all shopped out, take a seat with your trusty companion by the riverbank and treat yourself to a proper Devon cream tea or lunch from the café. www.avonmill.com / 01548 550338.

To find out more about places to stay, eat and for things to do, visit www.salcombeinformation.co.uk.