🐕 Planning a Dog-Friendly Exmoor Break?
Browse our collection of dog-friendly holiday cottages – most with enclosed gardens and walks from the door!
Exmoor is a paradise for dog owners. With miles of open moorland, ancient woodland, and quiet country lanes, your four-legged companion will be in their element. Unlike many National Parks, Exmoor offers exceptional freedom for dogs—many areas allow off-lead walking, and you’ll find dog-friendly pubs, cafés, and cottages throughout.
Here’s our guide to the best dog-friendly walks on Exmoor, from easy riverside strolls to more adventurous moorland hikes.
Featured Image Credit: Clair Weaver
1. Tarr Steps & the River Barle ⭐ Most Popular
Distance: 3-4 miles (circular) | Difficulty: Easy | Dog Rating: ★★★★★
The ancient clapper bridge at Tarr Steps is Exmoor’s most visited attraction—and dogs love it. The riverside paths offer plenty of paddling spots in the River Barle, and the woodland trails are perfect for off-lead exploring (when no livestock present).
Dog highlights:
- Shallow river access for swimming
- Shaded woodland walks
- Dog-friendly Tarr Farm Inn nearby
Note: Keep dogs on leads near the bridge in busy periods.
2. Valley of the Rocks, Lynton
Distance: 2-3 miles (circular) | Difficulty: Easy-Moderate | Dog Rating: ★★★★☆
Dramatic coastal scenery with wild goats roaming the rocky outcrops. The paths are well-maintained and dogs can enjoy the open grassland, though leads are recommended near the cliff edges and around the goats.
Dog highlights:
- Open grassland for running
- Spectacular views
- Dog-friendly cafés in Lynton
Caution: Cliff edges and wild goats—keep control of your dog.
3. Dunkery Beacon Summit
Distance: 4-6 miles (various routes) | Difficulty: Moderate | Dog Rating: ★★★★★
Somerset’s highest point offers wide open moorland where well-behaved dogs can run freely. The heather-clad slopes are a sensory paradise for dogs, and the summit views are unbeatable.
Dog highlights:
- Open moorland, minimal livestock
- No roads to worry about
- Freedom to roam off-lead
Best access: Start from Dunkery Gate or Webber’s Post car parks.
4. Porlock Weir to Culbone Church
Distance: 4 miles (return) | Difficulty: Moderate | Dog Rating: ★★★★☆
A beautiful woodland walk through ancient oak forest to England’s smallest parish church. The path follows the coast through Culbone Woods—atmospheric, shaded, and perfect for dogs who love woodland smells.
Dog highlights:
- Cool, shaded woodland
- Quiet paths away from crowds
- Dog-friendly pubs in Porlock Weir
See our Porlock Weir Visitors Guide for more.
5. Dunster Beach & Castle Circular
Distance: 3-4 miles | Difficulty: Easy | Dog Rating: ★★★★☆
Combine a beach walk with a stroll through Dunster’s medieval village. Dunster Beach allows dogs year-round, and the castle grounds have dog-friendly areas.
Dog highlights:
- Beach access all year
- Village pubs welcome dogs
- Flat, easy walking
Explore our Dunster Village Guide for more things to do.
6. Horner Woods
Distance: 2-5 miles (various routes) | Difficulty: Easy-Moderate | Dog Rating: ★★★★★
One of the largest ancient oak woodlands in Britain. Horner Woods is a dog paradise—streams to paddle in, endless woodland trails, and the chance to spot red deer (from a distance!).
Dog highlights:
- Streams for paddling
- Off-lead friendly (away from livestock)
- National Trust—well-maintained paths
- Horner Tea Garden is dog-friendly
Tip: In autumn, this is prime red deer rutting territory—keep dogs on leads during October-November.
7. Exford Village Circular
Distance: 3-5 miles | Difficulty: Easy | Dog Rating: ★★★★☆
A pleasant walk from the village at the heart of Exmoor. Riverside paths along the River Exe offer paddling spots, and you can extend to Winsford Hill for moorland views.
Dog highlights:
- River paddling spots
- Quiet country lanes
- Dog-friendly Crown Hotel & White Horse Inn
See our Exford Village Guide for accommodation tips.
8. Bossington & Selworthy Circular
Distance: 4-5 miles | Difficulty: Moderate | Dog Rating: ★★★★☆
Combines the picturesque villages of Bossington and Selworthy with coastal views. The route passes through farmland (leads required) and open hillside (off-lead possible).
Dog highlights:
- Varied terrain—coast, woodland, village
- Bossington Beach allows dogs
- National Trust tea room at Selworthy (dogs outside)
Full route details in our Bossington Hill Circular Walk.
Dog Walking Tips for Exmoor
| Tip | Details |
|---|---|
| Livestock | Exmoor has sheep, cattle, and wild ponies. Always use leads around livestock. |
| Ticks | Check your dog after moorland walks—ticks are common in bracken and heather. |
| Adders | Present on Exmoor. Keep dogs on paths during warm months. |
| Water | Carry water—moorland walks can be exposed with few streams. |
| Poo bags | Bag it and bin it, or stick it at home. |
Dog-Friendly Pubs & Cafes
| Venue | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tarr Farm Inn | Tarr Steps | Garden seating, water bowls |
| The Crown Hotel | Exford | Dogs welcome in bar |
| The Ship Inn | Porlock | Cosy pub, dog-friendly |
| Horner Tea Garden | Horner | Outdoor seating |
| Periwinkle Tea Room | Selworthy | Garden only |
Top 10 Dog-Friendly Cottages on Exmoor
Complete your Exmoor adventure with a stay in one of our dog-friendly holiday cottages. Here are our top picks:
The Coach House |
Cascade Cottage |
Yenworthy Cottage |
The Piggery |
Wingate Farm |
Dashel Cottage |
| Cottage | Location | Sleeps | Book |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Coach House | Porlock Weir | 2 | Book |
| The Dog House | Porlock | 8 | Book |
| Cascade Cottage | Exford | 6 | Book |
| Yenworthy Cottage | Countisbury | 6 | Book |
| St Anthony’s Cottage | Porlock Weir | 4 | Book |
| The Piggery | Dulverton | 6 | Book |
| Dashel Cottage | Countisbury | 6 | Book |
| Bratton Mill Farmhouse | Bratton Fleming | 8 | Book |
| Wingate Farm | Countisbury | 8 | Book |
| West Lynch Farm | Allerford | 4 | Book |
View All Dog-Friendly Cottages →
Frequently Asked Questions
Are dogs allowed on Exmoor beaches?
Yes! Most Exmoor beaches allow dogs year-round, including Dunster Beach, Bossington Beach, and Porlock Weir. Unlike busy resort beaches, Exmoor’s beaches rarely have seasonal dog bans. Always check local signs, but you’ll find Exmoor very dog-friendly compared to other coastal areas.
Can dogs go off-lead on Exmoor?
Dogs can go off-lead in many areas of Exmoor, particularly on open moorland like Dunkery Beacon and in woodland areas like Horner Woods. However, you must keep your dog on a lead around livestock (sheep, cattle, ponies) and during ground-nesting bird season (March-July) on some moorland areas. The key rule: if you can see livestock, put your dog on a lead.
Are there ticks on Exmoor?
Yes, ticks are common on Exmoor, especially in bracken, heather, and long grass from spring to autumn. Always check your dog thoroughly after walks, paying attention to ears, armpits, and between toes. Consider using a tick prevention treatment before your visit and carry a tick removal tool. If you find a tick, remove it promptly with a tick hook—don’t squeeze or burn it.
How many dogs can I bring to Exmoor holiday cottages?
Most dog-friendly cottages on Exmoor accept 1-2 dogs, though some properties welcome up to 5 dogs. Each cottage has its own pet policy, so check the property details when booking. Many cottages have enclosed gardens—perfect for dogs—and some charge a small pet fee (typically £20-30 per dog per stay).
What’s the best time of year for dog walking on Exmoor?
Exmoor is fantastic for dog walking year-round, but each season has its considerations:
- Spring (March-May): Wildflowers, lambing season (keep dogs on leads near sheep)
- Summer (June-August): Long days, but can be hot—walk early morning or evening
- Autumn (September-November): Beautiful colours, red deer rutting (keep dogs on leads in October)
- Winter (December-February): Quieter paths, but shorter days and muddy conditions
Autumn is often considered the best time—cooler temperatures, stunning foliage, and fewer crowds.
