If you're planning a dog friendly holiday or a dog friendly wedding in North Devon, you'll be pleased to know that this part of Devon is wonderfully welcoming to four-legged guests. From cosy village pubs with log fires to clifftop terraces with sea views and cafés right on the estuary, there's no shortage of brilliant places to eat where dogs are not just tolerated but genuinely welcome.
Here are our top picks — all personally recommended and all dog friendly.
The Exeter Inn — Chittlehamholt
Winners of CAMRA North Devon Pub of the Year, The Exeter Inn is a genuine local treasure and one of our very favourite recommendations. Set in the pretty village of Chittlehamholt just a few minutes from Tree Top Escape, it's the kind of pub that instantly feels like someone's living room — warm, welcoming and full of character.
Dogs and their humans receive an equally warm welcome here. There's great food, a brilliant selection of real ales, a large outdoor area for sunny days and a real fire to cosy up beside in the winter months. Exactly what a village pub should be.
The Bell Inn — Chittlehampton
Another wonderful local pub just a short drive from Tree Top Escape, The Bell Inn in Chittlehampton is a proper family friendly local — and that very much includes the furry members of the family. It's open every day for lunch and Monday to Saturday for dinner, with a well-stocked bar of real ales and a menu of honest, home-cooked food.
There's both indoor and outdoor seating, and the atmosphere is relaxed and genuine — the kind of place you can walk in after a muddy dog walk and feel completely at home.
www.thebellatchittlehampton.co.uk
Fremington Quay Café — Fremington
Sitting right on the Tarka Trail on the banks of the Taw Estuary, Fremington Quay Café is a wonderful stop whether you're on a cycling or walking adventure or simply want a relaxed lunch with a beautiful view. The outdoor seating area has picnic benches overlooking the water and is perfectly set up for dogs — though please note dogs are not permitted inside the café itself.
It's a great starting point for a walk along the trail in either direction, and the estuary views are genuinely lovely whatever the season. One of those places that feels like a proper reward after a good stretch of the legs.
The Pier House — Westward Ho!
Perched on the cliff edge above Westward Ho! with breathtaking views across Bideford Bay and out to Lundy Island, The Pier House is one of the most spectacularly positioned restaurants in North Devon. It's a genuinely lovely spot for lunch or dinner, with a full menu served throughout the day, a Sunday carvery, and a Ginspiration gin menu with over 50 gins to work through.
Dogs are welcome in the Sunset Bar and on the outdoor Sun Terrace — the perfect spot to watch the sun drop over the horizon with a cold drink and a very happy dog at your feet. Please note that dogs are not permitted inside the Bistro (guide dogs excepted), so the terrace and bar are your spots to head for.
The Boathouse and The Instow Arms — Instow
Step straight off the beach at Instow and you'll find not one but two excellent dog friendly options side by side. Both The Boathouse and The Instow Arms have brilliant outdoor seating with estuary views, and both happily welcome sandy paws into their indoor bar areas too.
The Boathouse has a lovely rooftop deck looking out over the beach, making it a wonderful spot for a post-swim lunch. The Instow Arms has a more traditional pub feel and is equally welcoming. Between the two of them, you're very well served whichever mood takes you.
www.theboathouseinstow.co.uk | www.instowarms.com
The Farmers Arms — Woolsery
Well worth a slightly longer drive, The Farmers Arms in the village of Woolsery is a beautifully restored pub with a strong focus on homegrown and locally sourced ingredients — and one of our most enthusiastically recommended spots in North Devon. About 45 minutes from Tree Top Escape, it's the kind of place that feels genuinely special from the moment you walk in.
The pub itself serves wonderful food in a warm and characterful setting, and for something extra special the private Potting Shed dining room is available for groups wanting a more intimate experience. A real gem, and well worth making the journey for.
www.woolsery.com — The Farmers Arms
Planning your trip to North Devon? Don't miss our guides to dog friendly beaches and dog friendly days out across the area — and if you're thinking about a dog friendly wedding, Tree Top Escape would love to welcome you and your four-legged family member.
