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dog walks in devon

When it comes to holidaying in the UK, there’s nothing quite like a holiday in Dorset

With beautiful clean air, gorgeous weather, stunning scenery, world-class beaches and no shortage of things to see and do, Dorset is amongst the best places to holiday in the country and, we think, even the world.

Our guests come from far and wide to enjoy the historic splendour of Dorset, but for those of us who visit from within the UK, there’s one huge reason they visit: their dogs.

Dorset is perhaps the most dog-friendly county in the country, with endless dog-friendly beaches, walks, pubs, attractions and more, all accessible from our over-100 dog-friendly cottages across Dorset.

You can walk your dog almost anywhere in Dorset, but where are the spots where both you and your four-legged friend will get the most out of? Let’s take a look at some of our favourite spots.

Thorncombe Woods

Consisting of 26 hectares of mixed woodland and heath, Thorncombe Woods offers a number of trails which present a nice degree of challenge for human and dog alike, with plenty of room for your pooch to roam. Beautiful flowers are visible throughout most of the year and with clearly marked routes it’s hard to get lost.

For literary buffs, Thorncombe Woods is adjacent to Thomas Hardy’s birthplace, Hardy’s Cottage, and the woods were the ones which he explored as a child. It’s the land portrayed in his novels ‘The Woodlanders’ and ‘Return of the Native’ and makes for a fascinating journey for all.

Burton Bradstock

A classic slice of Dorset coastline found just East of Lyme Regis, Burton Bradstock makes for a delightful walk for both human and canine alike.

You’ll find a stunning mixture of sand and pebble beaches, grassy headlands, steep hills and rolling fields which make for a sensory playground for your pup. For the humans amongst your group, the town plays host to a number of delightful pubs, restaurants and shops too.

Lulworth Cove

The Lulworth Estate is home to Durdle Door and Lulworth Castle, which both make for a delightful day out, but it’s Lulworth Cove we’ve got our eyes on today. Iconic for its beauty, Lulworth Cove has steep hills which surround stunning flat, almost circular beaches which make for an amazing walk (or swim!) with your dog.

Its reasonable scale means it can be tackled by even those without the time for a long walk and with plenty of spots to pull out the phone for an amazing snap, it’s a highly recommended trip.

Wessex Ridgeway Trail

For a true slice of Dorset countryside, there can be no finer walk than the 58-mile route which is the Wessex Ridgeway. Broken down into 9 different sections and taking in some truly breath-taking views, the walk includes some challenging climbs, but the vast majority is easy enough for even casual walkers.

Some grazing animals will be found along the way, so it’s important to have your leash to hand, but much of the route can be navigated with your dog off leash. Best of all? It begins just a stone’s throw from our Lyme Regis cottages!