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Looking for days out? And with the dogs too? Devon has so much to offer! Check out some of our top picks by bus.
The English Riviera (or South Devons coast), known for its beautiful coastline and countryside has several spots you can enjoy with the dogs.
The obvious choice for any Devon stay, a visit to the Beach! Goodrington Sands, equipped with toilets, cafes and shops welcomes dogs on the Northern side of the beach. It has everything you need for a ‘pur’fect day out.
The expanse of flat sands makes a great play park for the family. And having won a prestigious Blue Flag Award for cleanliness, you know you can expect a clean, safe beach day out.
Using Torbay Leisure centre bus stop on Dartmouth Road, there is a selection of buses to get you to and from your destination. The number 12, which runs every 15 minutes during peak hours, connects Goodrington Sands with Brixham, Torquay and Newton Abbot.
If you are traveling from Paignton, the 23 and 122 offer a short journey.
When exploring South Devon, take a giant step to the miniature Babbacombe Model Village! The Model village sets the scene of various British decades, landmarks and humour. A top attraction for Torbay, offering a fun day out for the whole family, dogs included.
There are some restrictions on visiting with dogs, but they are welcome throughout the gardens and outdoor attractions.
Getting there
Using Hampton Avenue Bus Stop (Inbound) or United Reform Church Bus stop (Outbound) Babbacombe Model Village is accessible on route 22, connecting you to Dawlish and Paignton.
After adventure packed days, finding somewhere for refreshments and a bite to eat is a must! For a real pup hotspot, check out the award-winning Shoreline in Paignton. Just a stone's throw away from the coastline and a 5-minute walk from Paignton Bus Station, it really is a great spot.
Getting there
Paignton Bus Station is well served by several bus journeys across South Devon. To plan the best journey for you, check out our journey planer page
North Devon
North Devon offers the warmest welcome to your four-legged pals. From pet friendly beaches, adventure packed days out and foodie hot spots.
The family friendly Theme Park in Berrynarbour, Ilfracombe offers a fun packed day for all. Watermouth Castle presents a charming selection of children's attractions from a Toboggan Run to the new Fairy Museum set in the beautiful North Devon countryside overlooking Watermouth Cove and coastline.
Your canine companions are welcome and go free! The attraction asks that guests sign their Castle Canine Code when they book.
Getting there
Bus stops Watermouth Castle and Watermouth Cove connect local buses with the theme park. The 301 between Barnstaple, Ilfracombe and Combe Martin runs hourly.
The 3-mile stretch of golden sand and sea that Saunton Sands provides, makes the perfect spot for your dogs to stretch their legs and fine tune their fetching skills. This fully dog-friendly beach has a café, restaurant, toilets and shop.
Getting there
The Saunton Sands Hotel bus stop, served by the 21C, is situated at the top of Saunton just a short walk away from the beach.
The service runs hourly at peak times connecting Saunton Sands to Barnstaple, Braunton and Croyde.
The Thatch in Croyde is dog friendly and a hot spot for locals, surfers and visitors. Situated perfectly on the 21C route, you can enjoy a drink at the pub and leave the car at home.
You will also find that several local pubs throughout North Devon will welcome your dogs!
Getting there
The 21C route between Georgeham and Barnstaple runs hourly. For The Thatch use bus stop Bridge in Croyde.
Explore the beauty that Plymouth has to offer by bus.
Plymouth is a haven for foodies, offering a wide range of local and global cuisine, fine-dining restaurants, artisan cafes and fresh food markets, which take place the first Sunday of every month. For a dog-friendly spot, check out The Treasury Lounge Bar and Restaurant where dogs are welcome between 9am and 6pm.
Or for a full list of Dog Friendly grub spots check out visit Plymouth
On the corner of the Jurassic Coast near Sidmouth, hundreds of donkeys find their home. For over 50 years, the sanctuary has worked to better the life of donkeys across the globe and, in Devon, currently home over 200 donkeys waiting to meet you!
And if that wasn’t enough, the Donkey Sanctuary has even more to offer with award-winning gardens, play areas, cafes to enjoy a cake or coffee and dogs on leads are welcome too.
Getting there
Our 9A service, between Exeter and Seaton, stops just a short walk from Donkey Sanctuary. The service runs hourly.
Bicton Park Botanical Garden is home to over 64 acres of gardening history, beautiful species and collections from across the world.
So if you’re visiting on holiday or looking for local days out, it is a great spot to take in the natural beauties of the area and enjoy a day out with your canine friends.
Dogs are welcome at all times of the year and can be brought into the park for a fee of just £1.
Getting there
The 157 service between Withycombe and Sidmouth stops at Bicton Gardens Bus stop outside the attraction.
For a scenic bite to eat, check out Exeter’s waterfront with dog friendly pubs like The Prophet and Mill on the Exe that both offer an extensive menu of food and drink with views across the river Exe. Visit Exeter have a substantial guide on places to eat with the dogs here