♥ The bay-wide guide for dogs & their people

Torbay is
better together.

Wondering where to take your dog in Torbay? Find welcoming beaches, walks, places to eat and days out across Torquay, Paignton and Brixham—with the practical details dog owners need.

Checked with local places & official sources

An orange-and-white dog beside Torquay Harbour
Choose a town or useful detailExplore all of Torbay or narrow the guide to one town.
214 places match

Pick a plan

What shall we do today?

Six quick ways into the guide—choose the kind of day you have in mind.

Useful this autumn

Cooler walks, cosy stops and a towel in the car.

Start with ideas that still work when the weather changes.

Dates for the diary

Genuinely dog-friendly events.

Each event below has explicit organiser information welcoming dogs or is an event made for dogs. No “please check first” fillers.Details checked 9 October 2026. Always follow the organiser’s lead and access rules.
Dartmouth

Dartmouth Food Festival

A three-day food festival around Dartmouth. Dogs are explicitly welcomed around the town, with clearly listed restrictions in a few indoor festival venues.

Dogs welcome; check the organiser’s venue restrictions.Official event details
Near Newton Abbot

Halloween Trail at Becky Falls

Follow the free Halloween trail through the attraction during the October half-term and collect a prize at the end.

Dogs on leads are very welcome.Official event details
River Dart Country Park, Ashburton

Muddy Mutts 2026

A muddy obstacle-course fundraiser created for dogs and their people, supporting Animals in Distress (Torbay & Westcountry).

A dog-centred event; advance tickets and sponsorship apply.Official event details
Newton Abbot

Dog-Friendly Christmas Carol Service

A free Christmas carol service in partnership with Animals in Distress, held in Newton Abbot town centre from noon.

Dogs are expressly allowed at this event.Official event details
The Zoo Cafe, Babbacombe

Christmas Dog Walk

A festive dog walk leaving The Zoo Cafe at 2pm in aid of Animals in Distress. Entry is £7 and includes a hot drink on arrival, with a doggie-hamper raffle plus mulled wine and mince pies on return.

All dogs and well-behaved humans are welcome.Official event details

Explore the Bay

Three towns. Three different days out.

Start with the town you are visiting, then browse its places, walks and practical local information.
LJ’s Vroom & Groom Services logo with two dogs in a pink bathLocal spotlight

Featured from the directory

LJ's Vroom & Groom

A mobile dog-grooming service bringing a fitted salon van to customers across Torquay, Paignton, Brixham and Newton Abbot.

Spotlights are editorial and free—being featured does not affect a place’s directory position.

Useful guides

Good advice, kept practical.

Plan a visit, solve an immediate problem or make everyday dog life a little easier.

Browse by need

What are you looking for?

+ Save before you need it

Need help?

Emergency, council and lost-dog information together in one clear place.
A dog enjoying a walk on Paignton beach

● Plan your walk

Find the right Torbay walk.

Compare harbour, beach, clifftop, woodland and country-park routes, including parking, facilities, path conditions, dog guidance and planning notes for blind and partially sighted visitors.

Compare six Torbay walks →

● Compare local routes

Six useful Torbay walks.

Choose between harbours, beaches, woodland and exposed coast paths. Each card includes a simple, expandable section about surfaces, navigation hazards and arrival points.

TH

Torquay · harbour and coast

Torquay Harbour to Meadfoot

↔DistanceFlexible coastal out-and-back

△TerrainEasy to moderate · some slopes

PParkingHarbourside and Meadfoot parking available

WCToiletsPublic facilities around the harbour and beach

◒BuggyPromenade sections are the simplest option

Dog guidanceCheck seasonal beach zones and keep dogs close around roads and wildlife.

!Coastal weather and busy summer promenades can change conditions quickly.

Blind and partially sighted planning notes

Simplest sectionUse the broad, hard-surfaced harbour and seafront promenade as an out-and-back. At Meadfoot, stay on the upper promenade if steps or a steep beach approach are unsuitable.

Navigation and hazardsExpect busy shared pedestrian areas, café furniture, kerbs and road crossings around the harbour. The route becomes hillier towards Meadfoot. Torbay Council records 18 steps from the promenade to the beach and steep steps from one car park.

Arrival and facilitiesHarbour and Meadfoot parking are available. Meadfoot has all-year toilets including accessible facilities; road-to-promenade access is by a slope. Check the current slipway status before relying on step-free beach access.

Torbay Council Meadfoot access information
Check current information ↗
BD

Babbacombe · Torquay

Babbacombe Downs and coast

↔DistanceFlexible clifftop walk

△TerrainEasy on the Downs · steep beach approaches

PParkingOn-street and public parking nearby

WCToiletsFacilities available around Babbacombe Downs

◒BuggyThe level Downs are the most suitable section

Dog guidanceDogs are welcome on Babbacombe Beach year round; follow signs elsewhere.

!Cliff paths and steps can be steep and exposed.

Blind and partially sighted planning notes

Simplest sectionKeep to the flat, tarmacked section across Babbacombe Downs and return the same way. Treat Walls Hill and the descent towards Oddicombe or Babbacombe beaches as separate, much steeper routes.

Navigation and hazardsThe Downs are beside a road and close to the clifftop; expect parked cars, outdoor seating and busy visitor periods. The full coast route includes steep ground, uneven stone or grass paths and steps.

Arrival and facilitiesStart near St Marychurch car park, TQ1 3LA. The official route notes two disabled parking spaces, an accessible toilet and a nearby bus stop. Its detailed access guide includes surfaces, gradients, parking and toilet information.

South West Coast Path access information
Check current information ↗
CP

Cockington · Torquay

Cockington Country Park

↔DistanceSeveral flexible park and woodland routes

△TerrainEasy to moderate

PParkingVisitor car parks · charges may apply

WCToiletsFacilities around the village and court

◒BuggyMain paths are the simplest option

Dog guidanceUse a lead around wildlife, livestock, gardens and busy visitor areas.

!Natural paths can become muddy after rain.

Blind and partially sighted planning notes

Simplest sectionUse the signed water-meadows boardwalk from Cockington Lane and the main route around Cockington Court. Avoid branching onto woodland tracks if you need a firm, more predictable surface.

Navigation and hazardsVillage lanes can carry vehicles. Natural woodland paths may be muddy, rooted or uneven, and the park includes water, wildlife and livestock areas. Dogs should be on leads around the Court, café, gardens and busy visitor areas.

Arrival and facilitiesThe official boardwalk route is signposted from the seafront and described as wheelchair and pushchair friendly. Bus 62 serves Cockington; the Craft Centre car park gives the closest access to the Court. Check toilet hours before travelling.

Cockington Court directions and access
Check current information ↗
GR

Goodrington · Paignton

Goodrington and Roundham Head

↔DistanceFlexible beach, park and headland loop

△TerrainEasy to moderate · steps and slopes on the headland

PParkingYoungs Park and seafront parking nearby

WCToiletsSeasonal and year-round facilities nearby

◒BuggyPromenade and park sections are most suitable

Dog guidanceNorth Sands is dog friendly year round; restrictions apply on South Sands.

!Check beach signs carefully where the permitted zone changes.

Blind and partially sighted planning notes

Simplest sectionUse the audited 0.9-mile Roundham Head top-path route from North Quay, Paignton Harbour. It follows surfaced paths and pavements; stay on the top path to avoid the optional beach section and steps.

Navigation and hazardsThere are road sections near the harbour, slopes around the headland and cliff edges beyond the path. The descent towards Goodrington includes steps; do not take it if you are following the step-free top route.

Arrival and facilitiesStart at North Quay, Paignton Harbour, TQ4 6DH. The linked South West Coast Path access guide has route photographs plus gradient, surface, parking and toilet information. Facilities around Goodrington vary seasonally.

Detailed Roundham Head access guide
Check current information ↗
BE

Broadsands · Paignton

Broadsands to Elberry Cove

↔DistanceShort coast-path walk

△TerrainModerate · natural coastal paths

PParkingBroadsands car park

WCToiletsFacilities at Broadsands; opening varies

◒BuggyNot suitable for most standard buggies

Dog guidanceElberry Cove is dog friendly year round; Broadsands has seasonal restrictions.

!Paths can be muddy, uneven and exposed in poor weather.

Blind and partially sighted planning notes

Simplest sectionFor a more predictable outing, remain around Broadsands' surfaced seafront area rather than attempting the coast path to Elberry Cove. The full link is a natural coastal route and is not an easy-access walk.

Navigation and hazardsExpect uneven ground, slopes, mud after rain, vegetation narrowing the path and exposed coastal edges. Elberry Cove has no road access. This is the least predictable of these six routes for a first visit without prior route knowledge.

Arrival and facilitiesUse Broadsands car park and check toilet opening times before setting out. If attempting the coast path, use detailed navigation and consider going with someone who already knows the route.

South West Coast Path route information
Check current information ↗
BH

Brixham · coast and nature reserve

Berry Head and Sharkham Point

↔DistanceFlexible headland routes

△TerrainModerate · exposed coastal terrain

PParkingBerry Head visitor parking

WCToiletsFacilities and café at Berry Head

◒BuggySome surfaced areas; coast paths are uneven

Dog guidanceKeep dogs on leads at Berry Head because of wildlife, grazing animals and cliff edges.

!There are unguarded cliff edges and rapidly changing coastal weather.

Blind and partially sighted planning notes

Simplest sectionChoose the separate audited 1.6-mile Wildlife & Forts of Berry Head plateau loop, starting at Berry Head Visitor Centre, rather than the full route to Sharkham Point. Most of the plateau loop is level and surfaced.

Navigation and hazardsBerry Head has unguarded cliff edges, exposed weather, grazing animals and wildlife-sensitive areas. The longer Sharkham circuit includes steps, stiles, ascents and descents; it should not be confused with the easier plateau loop.

Arrival and facilitiesVisitor parking, toilets and a café are at Berry Head. The linked South West Coast Path access guide includes route photographs, gradients and surfaces. Ask the visitor centre about current conditions before setting out.

Detailed Berry Head access guide
Check current information ↗

About the access notes: These are planning information, not a professional sight-loss access audit or a guarantee that a route is suitable. Conditions, obstructions and facilities can change. Check current information before travelling and consider a companion for an unfamiliar route.

Practical extras

Useful while you’re out.

Open this box for public toilets, parking help, drinking-water taps and other handy local information.
Open guide
Public toiletsTown maps, official facilities and Changing Places

● Toilets

Find a public toilet nearby.

Open a town map for nearby options, or use Torbay Council’s written list for current facilities, access details, charges and opening information.

Public toilet map

Torquay

See nearby toilets and get directions from your current location.

Open map
Public toilet map

Paignton

See nearby toilets and get directions from your current location.

Open map
Public toilet map

Brixham

See nearby toilets and get directions from your current location.

Open map

Prefer an official written list?Map information can change. Check the council details before making a special journey.

Parking and RingGoFind a car park and understand mobile payment

Parking without the guesswork.

Torbay Council uses RingGo Start:Stop at its charged council-operated car parks and on-street spaces. Enter the five-digit zone shown on the sign, start the session after parking and remember to stop it when you leave—or charges can continue up to the maximum period.

Coins can still be used at council pay-and-display machines. Always read the sign at the individual car park because charges, maximum stays and payment arrangements can differ.

Free drinking-water tapsRefill bottles and dog bowls near the beach

Refill before you set off.

Torbay Council’s current tap list covers beach locations in Torquay and Paignton. Carry a bottle and a separate bowl for your dog, and check the council map before relying on a tap.

TorquayAbbey Sands, Corbyn Head, Maidencombe, Meadfoot Beach South and Oddicombe.

PaigntonBroadsands, Goodrington Sands, Paignton Pier and Preston Sands.

BrixhamNo Brixham beach tap is currently shown on the council list, so take water with you.

Start exploring

A few tail-wagging favourites

Dog friendly

Eat & drink

Below Decks

⌖ Beacon Quay · Torquay

A harbourfront restaurant and bar included in the English Riviera's current dog-friendly visitor information.

Status
Official source checked
Reviewed
August 2026
✓ Harbourfront✓ Dog-friendly listing
Dog friendly

Eat & drink

Babbacombe Inn

⌖ Babbacombe Downs · Torquay

A pub overlooking Babbacombe Downs, listed by the official English Riviera guide among Torquay's dog-friendly places to eat and drink.

Status
Official source checked
Reviewed
August 2026
✓ Sea views✓ Pub
Dog friendly

Eat & drink

The Buccaneer Inn

⌖ Babbacombe Downs · Torquay

A clifftop inn currently included in the official English Riviera dog-friendly food and drink list.

Status
Official source checked
Reviewed
August 2026
✓ Clifftop✓ Pub food
Dog friendly

Eat & drink

The Drum Inn

⌖ Cockington · Torquay

A village pub whose listed dog-friendly areas are the bar and outdoor seating. Confirm the permitted area when booking.

Status
Official source checked
Reviewed
August 2026
Access
Bar or outdoor areas
Evidence
Published source
✓ Bar or outdoor areas✓ Village pub
Dog friendly

Eat & drink

Angel's Tea Rooms

⌖ Babbacombe Downs · Torquay

A tearoom with dog access listed for the outside terrace only.

Status
Official source checked
Reviewed
August 2026
Access
Outdoor option stated
Evidence
Published source
✓ Outdoor terrace✓ Access restriction
Dog friendly

Eat & drink

Shoreline

⌖ Eastern Esplanade · Paignton

A seafront restaurant highlighted by the official visitor guide for its dog-friendly welcome and dog menu.

Status
Official source checked
Reviewed
August 2026
✓ Dog menu✓ Sea views
Dog friendly

Eat & drink

Cantina

⌖ Youngs Park · Goodrington, Paignton

A relaxed café beside Goodrington with a large beer garden and dog-friendly indoor area described by the official visitor guide.

Status
Official source checked
Reviewed
August 2026
Access
Indoors + outdoors stated
Evidence
Published source
✓ Dogs inside✓ Beer garden
Dog friendly

Eat & drink

Cozy Kitchen Cafe

⌖ 14 Torbay Road · Paignton

An independent, locally owned licensed café in central Paignton. The owner confirms that dogs are welcome both inside and outside.

Status
Venue confirmed
Reviewed
August 2026

Owner confirmedOwner-submitted information received through the guide's suggestion form, 2 September 2026: dogs are welcome inside and outside.

✓ Dogs welcome indoors✓ Outdoor seating✓ Independent café✓ Licensed café
Dog friendly

Eat & drink

The Boathouse

⌖ Marine Drive · Preston, Paignton

A beachside restaurant identified by the official visitor guide as a notably dog-friendly place to eat.

Status
Official source checked
Reviewed
August 2026
✓ Beachside✓ Sea views

Information checked with local places and against official business, visitor and public-body websites in August 2026. “Visitor view” notes summarise Tripadvisor reports rather than the guide’s own experience. Dog policies can change, so please confirm before making a special journey.

Our sniff test

Useful details.
No guesswork.

“Dog friendly” can mean very different things. We want every listing to tell you what really matters—from whether dogs are welcome indoors to water bowls, gardens, nearby walks and house rules.

Know a brilliant place?

Help us build Torbay’s best dog-friendly guide.

Own a business, have a local favourite, or spotted something that needs updating? Send us the details and we’ll check it out. Every directory listing is free, and listed businesses are welcome to share their page with customers.

How the guide works

Independent, useful and transparent.

How places are chosen

Listings are selected for their usefulness to local dog owners and visitors. We check business websites, trusted visitor information and clearly identified visitor reports. Inclusion is not a personal endorsement, and businesses should always be contacted before a special journey.

Your privacy

This guide uses no accounts or newsletter and does not place advertising cookies itself. Privacy-friendly, cookieless traffic measurement from Google Analytics and Cloudflare helps us understand how often the guide is visited. If you email us, we use your details only to read and reply to your message. Links to other websites are covered by those sites’ own privacy and cookie policies.

Advertising & affiliate links

The Dog Friendly Shop includes clearly labelled affiliate links. If you buy through one, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Affiliate relationships never influence directory inclusion or prevent honest practical information being shown.

Guide information and outbound links reviewed: 8 October 2026 · Corrections are welcome at hello@dogfriendlytorbay.co.uk.