Dog Friendly Dartmoor Hotels
The Editor Says: I reckon that Dartmoor is a fabulous place for dogs at any time of the year. Love it. But owners should really be aware of livestock and wildlife because the last thing you want is a farmer getting irate and a lovely day out ending in complete carnage. As such, have a read of what the Dartmoor National Park Authority say about Dogs on Dartmoor so that it keeps being a spiffing place to go snuffling around. Personally, I like standing in the streams day dreaming about dog biscuits. But that’s just me.
The Two Bridges Hotel, near Princetown
Situated almost right at the centre of Dartmoor and thus ideal for escapism, the famous Two Bridges Hotel offers 3 star rated accommodation and plenty of period charm. It features an award winning restaurant, over 40 guest bedrooms, and is set within extensive grounds. Outstanding walks, such as that to Wistman’s Wood, are right on the doorstep.
Paws Policy: Dogs are very welcome and are allowed in all of the public areas apart from the Tors Restaurant. All four-pawed guests receive a pet pack on arrival, and warm sausages for breakfast are available upon request. There is a supplementary charge of £12.00 per hound, per night.
Details and secure online reservations: Booking.com
The Bearslake Inn, near Sourton
Created around a truly beautiful thatched Devon longhouse, this inn-with-rooms is located on the north western flank of Dartmoor, and is easily accessed from the A30. It features just six guest bedrooms, but benefits from its own restaurant (and bar).
Paws Policy: Three of its six rooms are allocated to those travelling with their dogs, and there is no extra charge for their stay.
Details and secure online reservations: Booking.com
The Bedford Hotel, Tavistock
Certainly one of the most dog friendly hotels in the whole of Devon, the Bedford Hotel offers classic accommodation at the heart of this historic market town. Featuring 38 guest rooms in all, the hotel is 3 star rated and includes the popular Woburn Restaurant.
Paws Policy: Dogs are extremely welcome for the additional charge of £12.00 per night, and are allowed in all areas of the hotel (on a lead) apart from the restaurant. Each will receive a goody bag on arrival.
Details and secure online reservations: Booking.com
The Ring O’Bells, North Bovey
If thatched inns are your preference, then the Ring of Bells will surely appeal. Offering just five guest bedrooms, this ancient pub is just a short drive to the south of Moretonhampstead and is ideally situated for those seeking to explore as much of eastern Dartmoor as possible during their stay.
Paws Policy: Well behaved dogs are welcome to stay for no additional charge, and permitted everywhere except in the dining room.
Details and secure online reservations: Booking.com
Bovey Castle Hotel, near Moretonhampstead
Five star rated and offering some of the most luxurious accommodation in the south west of England, Bovey Castle Hotel is set within a Grade-II* listed mansion which was built in 1907 in Jacobean style. There are a range of room options – including lodges and family rooms – and two restaurants to choose from: The Great Western and Smith’s Brasserie. Bovey Castle also boasts its own indoor swimming pool.
Paws policy: Dogs are welcome to stay in all guest bedrooms, and receive their own welcome pack on arrival. Charges apply.
Details and secure online reservations: Booking.com
The Castle Inn, Lydford
Right alongside the ruins of a notorious medieval jail (well worth a look around), the Castle Inn is the epitome of the rural Devon hostelry. With its own restaurant and characterful bar, the place is reputed to have connections to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and The Hound of the Baskervilles.
Paws Policy: Well behaved dogs are welcome with a charge of £10.00 per dog per night (but advance notice is, of course, required).
Details and secure online reservations: Booking.com
Lydford Country House Hotel, Lydford
Featuring just eleven guest bedrooms and set within 8 acres of its own grounds, Lydford Country House Hotel is ideally situated for those wishing to explore the western fringes of Dartmoor National Park. The famous White Lady waterfall is nearby, as are the ruins of the historic Lydford Castle.
Paws Policy: Welcomes well-behaved four-legged travellers for a small additional nightly charge.
Details and secure online reservations: Booking.com
Lewtrenchard Manor, near Okehampton
A truly beautiful piece of Jacobean architecture, this celebrated country house hotel offers some true “step back in time” appeal. It features just 14 guest rooms and is ideally located for those wishing to explore both Dartmoor and the eastern part of Cornwall.
Paws policy: Dogs are welcome in all en suite rooms for £15.00 per dog per stay. Larger dogs will need larger rooms, and four-legged guests are welcome in all public spaces except for the restaurant and the walled vegetable garden outside. Dogs should not be left unattended in rooms unless in a doggie crate.
Details and secure online reservations: Booking.com
The Three Crowns, Chagford
Undoubtedly one of the most historic and famous places offering accommodation in Devon, the Three Crowns boasts a 5 star inn rating and some exceptionally good feedback from past visitors. Reputed to be 13th century in origin, it is also said to be haunted by a Royalist Civil War soldier.
Paws Policy: The Three Crowns accommodates dogs in a selection of bedrooms having direct access to the external courtyard. They are also very welcome in the bar area of the pub (where breakfast can also be taken) but not in the restaurant. Charges applicable.
Details and secure online reservations: Booking.com
The Ring O’Bells, Chagford
Offering bed and breakfast accommodation at the heart of the former Stannary town of Chagford, The Ring O’Bells possesses just four guest bedrooms. Ideally located for those wishing to explore the northern part of Dartmoor, it has received some extremely good reviews from former guests.
Paws policy: Well behaved dogs are very welcome to stay for no additional charge.
Details and secure online reservations: Booking.com
The Globe, Chagford
A traditional old inn offering just seven guest bedrooms, The Globe provides bed and breakfast accommodation and some highly rated hospitality.
Paws policy: Charming dogs are welcome in the Classic Double rooms. No further information available at the time of writing.
Details and secure online reservations: Booking.com
Mill End Hotel, Chagford
Situated on the banks of the River Teign, the Mill End Hotel offers traditional country house hotel accommodation. Conveniently located for the A30, Moretonhampstead is also nearby.
Paws Policy: Four-paws are welcome at an additional charge of £8.00 per night per dog. The hotel has a side entrance into a boot room with dog towels for anyone returning after a muddy or wet walk.
Details and secure online reservations: Booking.com
Arundell Arms, Lifton
Just a couple of miles from Devon’s border with Cornwall, the Arundell Arms is a celebrated old fishing hotel. It features an award winning restaurant, 21 guest bedrooms, and a classic ambience. Dartmoor National Park is around four miles to the east.
Paws Policy: Dogs are very welcome everywhere except the dining room and the river bank. Additional charge of £15.00 per pet per night (food extra).
Details and secure online reservations: Booking.com
Moorland Garden Hotel, Yelverton
Featuring over 40 guest bedrooms, the Moorland Garden is certainly one of the larger hotels in the Dartmoor area. Plymouth and Tavistock are both within easy reach by car.
Paws Policy: Welcomes dogs in selected public areas of the hotel (including the bar), and features five dog friendly rooms on the ground floor with garden views. Luxury dog beds, bowls and blankets can be provided for a small extra charge.
Details and secure online reservations: Booking.com
Ilsington Country House, near Bovey Tracey
Set within its own extensive grounds, Ilsington Country House Hotel offers 3 star rated accommodation in the south east corner of Dartmoor.
Paws Policy: Most rooms for dogs and owners are standard rooms situated on the ground floor. They are welcome in the conservatory and grounds (on a lead at all times) and the Blue Tiger Inn. Supplementary charge for dogs is £10.00 per night.
Details and secure online reservations: Booking.com
The White Hart, Moretonhampstead
One of the oldest places offering accommodation on Dartmoor, the White Hart is a former coaching inn that dates back to 1639. The recipient of some excellent guest reviews, it features its own restaurant and 28 bedrooms.
Paws Policy: Well behaved dogs are very welcome free of charge (please bring their own bedding and bowls), but they are not to be left unattended in rooms. They are also allowed in the bar and lounge, but not in the restaurant.
Details and secure online reservations: Booking.com
Dartmoor Lodge Hotel, Ashburton
On the south eastern fringes of Dartmoor, this 2 star rated hotel is within easy driving distance of towns such as Buckfastleigh, Totnes and Newton Abbot. It features 22 guest bedrooms in all and its own restaurant.
Paws Policy: Very dog friendly (no further information available at time of writing).
Details and secure online reservations: Booking.com
Edgemoor Country House Hotel, near Bovey Tracey
3 star Visit England rated, the Edgemoor Country House Hotel is a former Victorian school offering a total of 16 guest bedrooms.
Paws Policy: A number of the Woodland Wing rooms are dog-friendly and have an outside terrace for convenience (no further information available at time of writing).
Details and secure online reservations: Booking.com
The Horn of Plenty, near Tavistock
Situated at Gulworthy (between Tavistock and the Cornwall border), The Horn of Plenty is a very highly rated 4 star country house hotel. It features an award winning restaurant and ten guest bedrooms (all en suite).
Paws Policy: Well behaved dogs are welcome in the Coach House Rooms – supplementary charges may apply. They are also welcome in the ‘library’ room of the main house, but not in the restaurant (except guide dogs).
Details and secure online reservations: Booking.com