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Quick LinksDog Friendly Attractions Devon
Oakdown Holiday Park · Sidmouth · East Devon
Dog Friendly Attractions Near Sidmouth
The Donkey Sanctuary on the doorstep. A heritage tram where dogs ride free. Secure dog fields, historic villages and the Jurassic Coast — all within easy reach.
East Devon has more dog-friendly things to do than most guests expect. The Donkey Sanctuary is a fifteen-minute walk from the park gate. Seaton Tramway is twenty minutes by car and dogs travel free. Secure off-lead dog fields, the Jurassic Coast and some of the finest countryside in the South West are all on the doorstep.
These are the attractions we know and recommend. Every one welcomes dogs.
Attractions covered
Donkey Sanctuary — on footSeaton Tramway — 20 minsStuart Line Cruises — 35 minsSecure dog fieldsNational TrustJurassic CoastHistoric villages
Walk there from the park gate
The Donkey Sanctuary, Sidmouth
The Donkey Sanctuary is the attraction that makes Oakdown’s location genuinely special for dog owners. A signed field trail runs from the park gate through ancient managed hedgerow to the Sanctuary — fifteen minutes on foot, level ground throughout. No car needed. No stiles.
The Sanctuary is home to hundreds of donkeys and mules rescued from across the world. It is free to visit — one of the finest free days out in Devon — with award-winning gardens, a hedge maze, a play area, scenic trails and The Kitchen, an award-winning restaurant with views across the Jurassic Coast. Dogs are welcome throughout the site and in the restaurant, on leads at all times.
Donkey Sanctuary at a glance
The trail also connects to the South West Coast Path. From the Sanctuary you can continue to the clifftops and back on a longer circular route — one of the best half-day walks in East Devon. thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk
Dogs ride free
Seaton Tramway — 20 minutes
The Seaton Tramway is a narrow-gauge heritage tram running three miles through the Axe Valley estuary between Seaton and Colyton. Dogs travel free and ride on the lower decks with their owners. The estuary is one of the finest wildlife habitats in Devon — herons, egrets and kingfishers are regular sightings from the tram.
Dog bowls are available at both Seaton and Colyton stations. The friendly team at Seaton Station often have a treat for well-behaved dogs — worth asking. Dogs can be booked online with your ticket or on arrival at either station.
Dogs travel free
No charge for dogs. They ride on the lower decks of all trams accompanied by their owners.
Colyford River Walk
Alight at Colyford station and walk the River Coly to Colyton — a flat, scenic riverside walk perfect for dogs. Rejoin the tram at Colyton station.
20 minutes from Oakdown. Seaton Tramway, Harbour Road, Seaton, Devon EX12 2NQ. tram.co.uk
Take to the water
Stuart Line Cruises, Exmouth — 35 minutes
Stuart Line Cruises has been running from Exmouth Marina since 1968 — scenic boat trips along the Jurassic Coast and up the River Exe. Dogs travel free and are genuinely welcome on board. Fresh sea air, the River Exe estuary and the Jurassic Coast from the water — it is a different way to see a coastline your dog has already explored from the beach.
Trips range from one to four hours. Dogs should be kept on leads on board. Book in advance during summer months as trips fill up.
Dogs travel free. Stuart Line Cruises, Pier Head, Exmouth EX8 1EJ. 35 minutes from Oakdown. stuartlinecruises.co.uk
Off the lead in a safe space
Secure Dog Fields Near Sidmouth
For dogs who need a proper off-lead run in a secure enclosed space, two local dog fields are within a short drive of the park.
Unleashed Core Hill
4.9 stars from 75 reviews. A secure dog field near Sidmouth — highly rated for training and off-lead exercise. Described by guests as a peaceful and well-kept space.
Near Sidmouth — check current availability and booking directly
Westy & Worzel Dog Exercise Field
4.6 stars from 19 reviews. A secure dog exercise field near Sidmouth — a good option for dogs that need a safe space to run free.
Near Sidmouth — check current availability and booking directly
Practical note: both fields operate a booking system. Check availability and book directly before visiting. Reception at Oakdown can help with directions.
East Devon Commons — the heathland commons around East Devon, including Woodbury Common, offer miles of open ground with well-marked trails where dogs can run freely. No booking needed. A popular choice for guests wanting open space and easy parking without formality.
England’s only natural World Heritage Site
The Jurassic Coast
The park sits on the edge of the Jurassic Coast — 95 miles of UNESCO World Heritage coastline stretching from Exmouth to Studland Bay in Dorset. The cliffs, coves and coastal paths around Sidmouth and Branscombe are among the most dramatic stretches. Dogs are welcome on the South West Coast Path throughout.
Branscombe beach and Beer are both within 15 minutes and sit within the Jurassic Coast. The walk between them along the Coast Path is one of the finest short stretches in East Devon — dramatic chalk cliffs, remote shingle coves and very few other people.
Good to know: keep dogs on leads near cliff edges and through farmland on the Coast Path. The terrain between Branscombe and Weston Mouth involves some descent and a short steep ascent back up — factor this in if your dog prefers flatter ground.
National Trust country on the doorstep
National Trust Properties Near Oakdown
East Devon and the surrounding area is rich in National Trust land. Three properties are within easy reach of the park — all welcoming to dogs. The NT uses a pawprint rating system: two pawprints means water bowls, dog bins and dog-friendly walks with access to some indoor areas.
Branscombe — 10 mins
●● Two pawprints
Dogs welcome on all walks through woodland, farmland and down to the beach. On leads in the Old Bakery garden and forge showroom. Water bowl at the Old Bakery. Dogs not permitted in Manor Mill.
A La Ronde — 25 mins
NT property
A remarkable 16-sided house near Exmouth, built in 1796. Dogs welcome in the grounds. One of the most unusual buildings in the NT’s care — worth the drive for the curiosity alone.
Killerton — 30 mins
●● Two pawprints
6,400-acre working estate with miles of parkland and woodland walks. Dogs on short leads everywhere outside with off-lead areas available. Dogs welcome in the Stables Coffee Shop. Superb for a half-day out.
National Trust membership covers parking at all three properties — worth having if you are visiting more than one. Check individual property pages for current opening times and any seasonal livestock notices before visiting. nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/devon/dog-friendly
Villages worth exploring
Historic Villages Near the Park
East Devon has a string of historic villages within easy reach of Oakdown — all worth an afternoon with a dog.
Branscombe — 10 mins
One of the longest villages in England, stretching down a Devon combe to the sea. Ancient thatched cottages, the National Trust bakery and forge, the Fountain Head pub and the Sea Shanty on the beach.
Beer — 15 mins
A working fishing village with a beautiful shingle cove framed by white chalk cliffs. Beer Quarry Caves — hand-carved since Roman times — are a short walk from the village. Dogs not permitted inside the caves but the surrounding area is worth exploring.
Colyton — 20 mins
One of Devon’s most historic market towns — ancient church, independent shops and the terminus of the Seaton Tramway. Walk the River Coly from Colyford to Colyton and end with a tram ride back to Seaton.
See the full dog friendly guide — beaches, walks, pubs and cafés all covered with personal recommendations from the team.
Ready to bring the dog to Devon?
Book online or call the team on 01297 680 387 — the Donkey Sanctuary is a fifteen-minute walk from your pitch.
