North Devon has some fantastic beaches with long stretches of golden sand, rocky coves and hidden gems. To enable you to enjoy a stress free walk along a beach with your pooch, take a look at our guide to our local beaches.

Combe Martin - bans dogs on the main beach between May 1 and September 30. Dogs are permitted on Newberry Beach just next door which is open to dogs all year round

Saunton - allows dogs all year round, though owners are asked to keep their pets on leads in front of the beach hut area at the start of the beach.

Woolacombe - operates a zone system: Zone A – no dogs between April 1 and November 1; Zone B – on a lead from May 1 to September 30; Zone C – no restrictions.

Combesgate in Woolacombe - Dogs are not allowed between May 1 and September 30.

Barricane - just next door to Woolacombe, allows dogs between October and April, but they must be on a lead between the months of May and September.

Putsborough - dogs are allowed everywhere except for the far left of the beach from Easter until November 1.

Croyde - allows dogs between October 1 and April 30.

Instow - dogs are not allowed on the stretch between the Quay and Lane End Road between May 1 and September 30. Dogs are allowed on the rest of the beach but must be kept in sight and under control at all times.

Clovelly - allows dogs on its sands all year round.

Hartland - there is a year-round dog ban in place.

Westward Ho! - allows dogs for most of the year; but between May 1 and September 30 they are only allowed on the northern end of beach, to the right of the Pebble Ridge.

Lee Bay, Lynton - Dogs are allowed between November 1 and Easter.

Woody Bay - Dogs are banned all year round.

Dogs are allowed all year round on the following beaches:

• Heddons Mouth
• Wildersmouth, Ilfracombe
• Tunnels, Ilfracombe
• Other Ilfracombe beaches (The Cove, Raparee, Larkstone, Cheyne)
• Watermouth
• Hele Bay
• Lee Bay
• Crow Point
• Rockham
• Wild Pear
• Lynmouth
• Mortehoe

PLEASE NOTE: Assistance dogs are allowed on beaches all year round