Dog Friendly Exmoor Hotels
The Editor Says: The Exmoor area is one of the best places in the UK if you’ve got four legs. After all, the Heddon’s Mouth stretch of the South West Coast Path has been voted the best dog walk in the west (which is really saying something!). The countryside itself is brilliant for wandering about, and just so everyone gets the best out of the area it’s worth reading the information on dogs from the good folks at Exmoor National Park. In fact, it’s the perfect destination for hounds and their owners during any season of the year. Shame I don’t get to go more often, really.
The Rising Sun, Lynmouth
With plenty of Olde Worlde charm, the historic Rising Sun dates from the 14th century and boasts a connection to R D Blackmore’s famous novel, Lorna Doone. It features its own restaurant which specialises in classic British cuisine, and a period atmosphere modern hotels cannot match.
Paws Policy: Has a select number of rooms able to take dogs, so advance request is needed when booking (as should always be the case). Additional charges apply.
Details and secure online reservations: Booking.com
Rock House, Lynmouth
Right at the entrance to Lynmouth’s harbour, this 8 room guest house dates from the 18th century. Four star rated, it also features its own restaurant and bar.
Paws Policy: Has two rooms able to accommodate dogs who are welcome for the additional charge of £5.00 per dog per night. Owners must state their intention to bring their dog at the time of reservation.
Details and secure online reservations: Booking.com
Riverside Cottage B&B, Lynmouth
The recipient of some extremely favourable reviews from former guests, Riverside Cottage offers bed and breakfast accommodation right at the heart of Lynmouth. Six of its seven rooms have private balconies and sea views.
Paws Policy: Lovely dogs are welcome to stay for the additional charge of £4.00 per night.
Details and secure online reservations: Booking.com
The Bath Hotel, Lynmouth
Centrally located and right by the harbour, the Bath Hotel has 22 rooms (including three family rooms). Situated in a classic Victorian house, the hotel has its own restaurant and a bar, The Ancient Mariner.
Paws Policy: Well behaved dogs are welcome in specific rooms for the additional charge of £10 for the first night, and £5 per dog thereafter. They are welcome to join their owners in the bar (and for breakfast in ‘The Galley’), but are not permitted in the restaurant.
Details and secure online reservations: Booking.com
North Cliff Hotel, Lynton
Overlooking the bay and pretty Watersmeet Valley, the North Cliff Hotel is set high above the water and boasts some superb views. It features 14 guest rooms in all, including a number of family rooms.
Paws policy: Dogs welcome for a small additional charge and with advance notice.
Details and secure online reservations: Booking.com
Exmoor White Horse Hotel, Exford
Situated on the Devon and Somerset border, The Exmoor White Horse Inn is a 3 star rated hotel which reputedly dates back to the 16th century and was formerly a coaching inn.
Paws Policy: Has a selection of pet friendly rooms with dogs charged at £12 per night (per hound). They are not permitted in the restaurant and must not be left unattended in bedrooms. Advance notice is required to ensure room availability.
Details and secure online reservations: Booking.com
Simonsbath House Hotel, Simonsbath
A Grade II listed building, Simonsbath House dates from the mid 17th century. It features its own restaurant and is centrally located on Exmoor making it an ideal base for exploring the national park.
Paws Policy: Well behaved dogs are very welcome in some of the guest bedrooms (please bring the pet’s own bedding). They are not allowed on furniture or beds, and guests are liable for any damage caused.
Details and secure online reservations: Booking.com
Blue Ball Inn, Countisbury
Situated in the route between Porlock and Lynmouth, the Blue Ball Inn is a traditional pub of considerable age. It offers bed and breakfast accommodation through 14 guest rooms, with the 8 Superior bedrooms being located in the oldest part of the building.
Paws policy: Four-pawed visitors are welcome for the supplementary charge of £10 per night (or a maximum of £30 per stay overall). No more than 2 pets per room.
Details and secure online reservations: Booking.com
The Hunters Inn, Parracombe
Built on the site of an earlier inn destroyed by fire in the late 19th century, the present day Arts & Crafts-style Hunters Inn wouldn’t look at all out of place in Switzerland. The property is owned by the National Trust. Lynmouth and Ilfracombe are both within easy reach.
Paws Policy: Well-behaved hounds are welcome at The Hunters Inn with prior notice.
Details and secure online reservations: Booking.com
Heddon’s Gate Hotel, Martinhoe
A bagatelle of different architectural elements dating from the late 1800’s to the present day, Heddon’s Gate offers country house hotel accommodation in the north west corner of Exmoor. It possesses 9 guest rooms furnished in traditional style, and also features a restaurant.
Paws policy: Dogs very welcome, and are charged at the rate of £8 per hound, per stay. They are allowed in the lounge, the bar, the games/information room, on the terrace and in the gardens and woodland, but not in the breakfast room. Owners are requested not to leave their pets unaccompanied in bedrooms.
Details and secure online reservations: Booking.com
Porlock Weir Hotel, Porlock
Sat above Porlock’s historic little harbour, this landmark hotel offers its own restaurant and plenty of peace and quiet.
Paws policy: Most rooms are able to accommodate dogs for a small additional charge. Four-legged guests will receive treats, as well as a bed and blanket they can use during their stay.
Details and secure online reservations: Booking.com
The Lorna Doone Hotel, Porlock
So-named on account of a reputed connection to R D Blackmore, the Lorna Doone hotel offers accommodation through 10 individually furnished rooms (plus cottages).
Paws Policy: Pets are able to stay in most rooms except for the ‘small doubles’ and at no extra charge.
Details and secure online reservations: Booking.com
Cross Lane House, Allerford
In one of the most beautiful parts of the British Isles, Cross Lane House is a Grade-II listed building which provides 4-star hotel accommodation to discerning travellers.
Paws Policy: Cross Lane House welcomes small to medium-sized dogs who are able to stay in the ‘Pluck’ or ‘Fry’ rooms for the additional charge of £10 per stay. Four-legged guests can go into the bar and lounge, but not the restaurant.
Details and secure online reservations: Booking.com
Yarn Market Hotel, Dunster
A historic hotel in a very historic village, the Yarn Market Hotel take its name from the famous medieval market building which stands nearby. The castle is just a few minutes away on foot.
Paws policy: Very dog-friendly, four-legged visitors can stay free of charge and receive a ‘goody bag’. The dog and non-dog parts of the hotel are ‘separated’.
Details and secure online reservations: Booking.com
Luttrell Arms, Dunster
Surely one of the most beautiful hotel buildings in England, the Luttrell Arms is full of period features and historic charm. Unsurprisingly it is Grade-II* listed, as befits a property which dates, in part, to the 15th century. Dining options are available through both its restaurant and bar.
Paws Policy: Dogs welcome for a small additional nightly fee.
Details and secure online reservations: Booking.com
Dunster Castle Hotel, Dunster
A splendid 18th century former coaching inn, the Dunster Castle Hotel is set right at the heart of the historic little village. It has 9 very individually furnished rooms (many of which overlook the street) and its own restaurant.
Paws Policy: Dogs can only be accommodated in the double room for the supplementary charge of £10.00 per dog per night (maximum of two).
Details and secure online reservations: Booking.com
Holmdale B&B, Exford
Offering bed & breakfast or room only accommodation, Holmdale is set in a secluded position just a short walk to the centre of the pretty village of Exford. It possesses just two en suite guest bedrooms and has been the recipient of some extremely favourable reviews.
Paws policy: Very dog friendly, with four-pawed travellers able to stay for the small supplementary charge of £5.00 per night.
Reviews and further details: Tripadvisor
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