If you’re looking to go for walkies with your canine companion, there are plenty of dog-friendly options to choose from.

Haldon Forest

Haldon Forest Park is a 10 mile drive away and is well worth a visit. There are walking and bike trails to suit all ages and abilities and beautiful views.  Kids will love the play areas and discovery trail.

Dartmoor National Park

You really shouldn’t leave Devon without a visit to Dartmoor National Park. Quaint villages, stunning views, Dartmoor ponies and cream teas are all in abundance. Care should be taken while walking on Dartmoor, for advice on walking with your dog click here.

South West Coast Path

And finally, Welcome Family Holiday Park is on the South West coast path, so where better to start! Why not enjoy a circular walk which takes you to Dawlish and back along the sea wall and coast path.

Don’t forget that Dawlish Warren is a nature reserve, so care should be taken. Dogs are not allowed in some parts of the Warren, but the good news is there is a part of the beach that is open all year round for dogs. For more advice on walking your dog at Dawlish Warren click here.

Parks and Nature Reserves

If you want to travel further afield than Dawlish Warren, Newton Abbot also has several parks and nature reserves, including Decoy Country Park, Bakers Park/Bradley Manor  and Stover Country Park.

Dog-friendly attractions are in excellent supply here in Devon.

Babbacombe

Babbacombe Model Village is well worth a visit and dogs are allowed everywhere except for the cafe (though there is an outdoor terrace for refreshments) and 4D theatre.

While you are in Babbacombe, you could also go for a ride on Babbacombe Cliff Railway or go to Bygones, an indoor Victorian museum, so even if it’s cold and wet outside there are indoor places to visit that are dog friendly.

Ferry Trips

Stuart Line Cruises offer day trips to the Jurassic Coast and Torbay from Exmouth; in summer you can catch a passenger ferry across the River Exe from Starcross to Exmouth.  Starcross is approximately 25 minutes walk from Welcome.

Train Trips

South Devon Railway is a little further afield with steam trains that run along the stunning valley of the River Dart, between Buckfastleigh and Totnes. While you are in Totnes, you could also visit Totnes Castle a classic Norman motte and bailey castle.  Remember, you can always catch a train from Dawlish Warren train station to Totnes if you prefer not to travel by car.

Historic Castles

You can always visit Powerham Castle or Berry Pomeroy Castle, both are dog friendly and places of fascinating historical significance.

It’s unusual for dogs to be allowed in shops, but at Dawlish Warren there are two stores that welcome dogs who are on a lead:

• Boardwalk, a clothes store stocking the best in the South West brands such as Animal, Superdry and Vans.
• Warren Trading Co. a large shop stocking a great range of gifts, clothes and beach goods.

Near to the park are The Boathouse and The Mount Pleasant Inn. The Boathouse is situated by the lovely sandy beach and dunes at Dawlish Warren.

If you fancy a walk turn right when you come out of the park and walk about a mile and you come to the beautiful little village of Cockwood, which is set around a small tidal harbour, here you have the Anchor Inn and Ship Inn.  All of these pubs serve food. Read more here.