From wide sandy beaches and dramatic coastal paths to rolling dunes and sea-view trails, Woolacombe is one of North Devon’s best dog-friendly places to visit.
Whether you’re planning a relaxed beach stroll or a longer coastal walk towards Baggy Point, there are plenty of scenic routes to discover together — many just moments from the Beach Retreats apartments.
This guide has been created by Helen, a local dog walker, alongside her famously selective Italian Greyhound, Pilchard. In this guide, you’ll find:
- Practical information about walking dogs on Woolacombe Beach
- Seasonal dog restrictions that apply to the beach
- Dog-friendly zones on the beach
- Routes for two of the best coastal dog walks in Woolacombe
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A Dog-Friendly Beach in Every Season
Woolacombe Beach is considered one of the best dog-friendly beaches in North Devon thanks to its expansive sands, surrounding coastal walks, and easy access to North Devon’s coastline.
Outside of the main summer restrictions, dogs are welcome across much of the beach, making it ideal for long walks, games, and sea swims.
The nearby dunes, coast path, and surrounding countryside also offer plenty of variety if you’re looking to extend your walk beyond the beach itself.
Dog Restrictions on Woolacombe Beach
Woolacome Beach is dog-friendly all year, but in spring and summer, dog restrictions apply in certain areas of the beach during daytime hours. These are clearly detailed in signage found at the entrance to the beach.
At the time of writing (May 2026), the rules regarding dogs on Woolacombe Beach are as follows:
There are three clearly defined zones:
- Zone A – No dogs permitted between 9am–6pm, from Good Friday or 1st April until 30th September
- Zone B – Dogs allowed on leads only between 9am–6pm, from 1st May until 30th September
- Zone C – No dog restrictions, dogs are welcome all year (on or off-lead)
During early morning, evenings and outside the main spring/summer season, restrictions are relaxed, making early mornings and evenings especially popular with dog walkers during cooler summer days.
As beach rules can occasionally change, we’d always recommend checking the latest signage when visiting.
Scenic Dog Walks Around Woolacombe Beach
One of the best things about walking in Woolacombe is how easily the beach connects with the surrounding coastline, dunes, and South West Coast Path.
Whether you’re looking for a shorter beach walk with plenty of space for zoomies, or a longer coastal adventure with dramatic sea views, there are several beautiful routes that can be reached directly from the Beach Retreats.
Below are two of our favourite walks to explore with your dog...
1. Easy Coastal Walk: Woolacombe to Putsborough
Quick Overview
- Approx. 6.6km
- Around 1.5 hours
- Moderate difficulty
- Mainly coastal terrain
This scenic route follows Woolacombe Sands south towards Putsborough, combining wide beach walking with stunning coastal scenery.
For approximately half of the walk you are strolling on the sands, following the beach. This route takes you through all three 'zones' of the beach - including 'Zone A' where dogs are only allowed in morning and evening during spring and summer. However, you can access the road from the edge of 'Zone B' to avoid the 'Zone A' restrictions. For the second half of the walk, you are following the dunes behind the beach where dogs are welcome all year; this follows the South West Coast Path.
At low tide, the walk across the sand feels wonderfully open and expansive, while the surrounding dunes and coast path provide plenty of opportunities to vary the route.
Putsborough is a great turning point for a coffee stop or a rest before heading back along the coast.
👉 Click here for the full Woolacombe to Putsborough dog walking route on All Trails.
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Longer Walk: Baggy Point & Woolacombe Sands
Quick Overview
- Approx. 14km
- Around 3–4 hours
- Moderate/challenging
- Coastal paths and uneven terrain
If you’re looking for a longer adventure, the walk towards Baggy Point offers some of North Devon’s most dramatic coastal scenery.
Expect rugged cliffs, sweeping sea views, rolling grassy headlands, and plenty of opportunities to pause and take in the coastline.
This route feels particularly special outside of peak summer, when the paths are quieter and the landscape feels wonderfully wild and open! As with the shorter coastal route highlighted above, this walk does take you down to the sand of Woolacombe Beach, so make sure you familiarise yourself with the seasonal dog restrictions on the beach and have your lead with you (it is possible to exclude 'Zone A' by following the road for a short distance).
Being as this is a longer route, we strongly recommend stopping at The Porthole cafe and kiosk overlooking the beach - you'll have earned a treat! It's one of our favourite dog-friendly restaurants in Woolacombe.
👉 Click here for the full Baggy Point and Woolacombe Sands dog-friendly walking route on All Trails.
Tips for Walking Woolacombe Beach With Your Dog
A little preparation can make all the difference when exploring the North Devon coast with your dog — especially if you’re planning longer walks across the beach, dunes, or surrounding headlands. Conditions can change quickly along the coastline, and some routes pass through areas with livestock and sensitive wildlife habitats, so it’s always worth planning ahead before setting off.
- Bring water on warmer days — some sections can feel exposed in summer
- Check tide times if planning longer beach walks
- Early mornings and evenings are often quieter during peak season
- Some dunes and wildlife areas should be treated sensitively
- Windproof layers are useful year-round along the coast
- Always double-check seasonal dog restrictions before visiting
- Parts of the headland around Woolacombe are home to free-grazing sheep and ponies, so dogs should be kept on a lead around livestock
- Some coastal paths can become muddy or uneven after wet weather, particularly during winter months
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Dog-Friendly Stays Near Woolacombe Beach
After a day exploring the coast, the Beach Retreats offer dog-friendly self-catering accommodation just moments from the sand.
With spacious self-catering apartments, easy beach access, and plenty of walks nearby, it’s an ideal base for exploring North Devon with your dog.
👉 View our dog-friendly accommodation in Woolacombe