Dog Friendly Attractions Near Sidmouth
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 close by.
These are the attractions we know and recommend. Every one welcomes dogs.
The Donkey Sanctuary, Sidmouth
The Donkey Sanctuary is what makes Oakdown’s location genuinely unusual 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 stiles and no car needed.
The Sanctuary is home to hundreds of donkeys and mules rescued from around the world. It is free to visit, with award-winning gardens, a hedge maze, a play area, scenic trails and The Kitchen restaurant looking out across the Jurassic Coast. Dogs are welcome throughout the site and in the restaurant, on leads at all times.
- Free admission and free parking. Donations welcome.
- Dogs welcome throughout, including in The Kitchen restaurant, on leads at all times.
- Open seven days a week from 9am to 5pm, closed Christmas Day only.
- Fifteen minutes on foot by the field trail direct from the Oakdown park gate.
- Awarded second place in the Dogs Trust dog friendly attractions scheme.
The trail also connects to the South West Coast Path, so from the Sanctuary you can carry on to the clifftops and come back on a longer circular route — one of the best half-day walks in East Devon. thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk
Seaton Tramway, twenty minutes
The Seaton Tramway is a narrow-gauge heritage tram running three miles through the Axe Valley estuary between Seaton and Colyton.
There is a small charge for dogs. They ride the lower decks of all trams alongside their owners. Assistant dogs go free.
The estuary is one of the finest wildlife habitats in Devon, with herons, egrets and kingfishers regularly seen from the tram.
Dog bowls are available at both Seaton and Colyton stations. The team at Seaton Station often have a treat for a well-behaved dog — worth asking. Dogs can be added online with your ticket or on arrival at either station.
Dogs travel for a small extra charge
There is a small charge for dogs. They ride the lower decks of all trams alongside their owners. Assistant dogs go free.
Colyford river walk
Alight at Colyford station and walk the River Coly to Colyton — a flat, scenic riverside walk that suits dogs well. Rejoin the tram at Colyton station.
Twenty minutes from Oakdown. Seaton Tramway, Harbour Road, Seaton, Devon EX12 2NQ. tram.co.uk
Stuart Line Cruises, Exmouth
Stuart Line Cruises has run from Exmouth Marina since 1968, with scenic boat trips along the Jurassic Coast and up the River Exe. Dogs travel free and are genuinely welcome on board. Seeing the coastline from the water is a different thing entirely from walking it.
Trips range from one to four hours and dogs should be kept on leads on board. Book ahead in the summer months, as trips fill up.
Dogs travel free. Stuart Line Cruises, Pier Head, Exmouth EX8 1EJ — thirty-five minutes from Oakdown. stuartlinecruises.co.uk
Secure dog fields near Sidmouth
For dogs who need a proper off-lead run in a secure enclosed space, two local dog fields are a short drive from the park.
Unleashed Core Hill
A secure dog field near Sidmouth, well regarded for training and off-lead exercise and described by visitors as a peaceful, well-kept space.
Westy and Worzel dog exercise field
A secure dog exercise field near Sidmouth — a good option for a dog that needs a safe space to run free.
Both fields run a booking system. Check availability and book directly before visiting. Reception can help with directions.
East Devon Commons. The heathland commons around East Devon, including Woodbury Common, give miles of open ground with well-marked trails and no booking needed — a popular choice for guests who want space and easy parking without the formality.
The Jurassic Coast
The park sits on the edge of the Jurassic Coast — 95 miles of UNESCO World Heritage coastline running 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 and Beer are both within fifteen 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 — 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 ground between Branscombe and Weston Mouth involves some descent and a short steep climb back — worth factoring in if your dog prefers flatter going.
National Trust properties near Oakdown
East Devon and the country around it is rich in National Trust land. Three properties are within easy reach of the park. The Trust uses a pawprint rating: two pawprints means water bowls, dog bins and dog friendly walks with access to some indoor areas.
Branscombe, ten minutes
Two pawprints. Dogs are welcome on all walks through woodland, farmland and down to the beach. Leads are needed in the Old Bakery garden and forge showroom. There is a water bowl at the Old Bakery. Dogs are not permitted in Manor Mill.
A La Ronde, twenty-five minutes
A remarkable sixteen-sided house near Exmouth, built in 1796, with dogs welcome in the grounds. One of the most unusual buildings in the Trust’s care and worth the drive for the curiosity alone.
Killerton, thirty minutes
Two pawprints. A 6,400 acre working estate with miles of parkland and woodland walks. Dogs on short leads everywhere outside with off-lead areas available. They are welcome in the Stables Coffee Shop.
National Trust membership covers parking at all three, which is worth having if you are visiting more than one. Check individual property pages for opening times and seasonal livestock notices before you set off. nationaltrust.org.uk
Historic villages near the park
East Devon has a string of historic villages within easy reach of Oakdown, each worth an afternoon with a dog.
Branscombe, ten minutes
One of the longest villages in England, running 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, fifteen minutes
A working fishing village with a shingle cove framed by white chalk cliffs. Beer Quarry Caves, hand-carved since Roman times, are a short walk away. Dogs are not permitted inside the caves but the surrounding area is worth exploring.
Colyton, twenty minutes
One of Devon’s most historic market towns, with an ancient church, independent shops and the terminus of the Seaton Tramway. Walk the River Coly from Colyford and finish with a tram ride back to Seaton.
Back to the dog friendly guide for beaches, walks, cafés and everything on the park itself.
Book your stay
The Donkey Sanctuary is a fifteen-minute walk from your pitch. Book online or call the team on 01297 680 387.