Our caravan on Beverley Bay is dog friendly, and some of our guests have brought their dogs back more than once. Torbay itself is relaxed about dogs, with some caveats that catch people out in summer. This guide pulls together what we know about the park rules and the local beaches. Rules change, so treat this as a starting point and check signs on the day.
Dogs at our caravan
The listing says dogs are welcome. The park, however, has its own rules about dogs, including, at the time of writing, a limit of two dogs per holiday home. Please check with the park if you are travelling with more than one. Please mention your dog when you book so we can pass on anything useful. The caravan is no-smoking, and the usual courtesies apply: keep dogs off the furniture and beds, bring their own bedding and towels, and clear up after them.
Dogs on Beverley Bay and Beverley Park
Beverley Bay has a dedicated dog walking field and a warm dog shower, which is a boon after a muddy walk. The Saltwater Kitchen, Terrace & Bar has a dog-friendly terrace. Park rules say dogs must be on a short lead and are not allowed around the pools, play areas, soft play, the Starlight Bar or shower blocks. That means that if you are visiting the Cove pool or the play area with children, one adult may need to stay with the dog elsewhere. Rules and facility opening times are set by Beverley Holidays, so ask at reception if in doubt.
Torbay beach rules in plain English
Torbay Council sets seasonal dog restrictions, and they matter around Goodrington, Broadsands and Paignton.
- From 1 October to 30 April, dogs can go on all Torbay beaches.
- From 1 May to 30 September, dogs are not allowed on some beaches. These include Broadsands, Paignton Sands, Preston Sands, Torre Abbey Sands, and Goodrington Sands South Sands (the stretch between the cliffs at the southern end and the signs at Middlestone).
- Goodrington North Sands is open to dogs all year.
- On a promenade next to a beach where dogs are banned, dogs must be on a lead.
- Elberry Cove, Churston Cove, Saltern Cove, Anstey's Cove, Babbacombe Beach and Livermead Sands are among the beaches where dogs are allowed all year.
- Assistance dogs are allowed on all Torbay beaches year-round.
The council's list can change, so check the Torbay Council "dogs on beaches" page and any signs on the day. If your dog is excitable or doesn't come back when called, use a lead even where it is not required, and always pick up after it.
Where to walk
- Goodrington to Broadsands and Elberry Cove. A South West Coast Path route under the railway bridge and past the Broadsands viaduct. Dogs are banned on Broadsands beach itself in summer, but Elberry Cove allows them all year. Elberry is pebbly with steps down, so go carefully with an older dog. Read more in our walks and wildlife guide.
- Roundham Head and the Cliff Gardens. A cliff-top path with sea views and gardens. Check the surface and gradients before you take a pushchair or an older dog.
- Berry Head, Brixham. Open, breezy and free to enter, but keep your dog close and on a lead near the cliffs and around ground-nesting and cliff-nesting birds. The Guardhouse Café there is open daily at the time of writing.
- The dog field on Beverley Bay. Handy for a quick morning or late-night lap.
Eating and drinking with a dog
The Saltwater Kitchen terrace on the Bay is dog friendly. The English Riviera tourism site says the area has lots of dog-friendly restaurants and cafés along the coast path. We have not tested them all, so we do not list names we cannot vouch for. Ring ahead or ask at the door. Our eating-out guide covers the places we personally know.
Days out with dogs
Policies on dogs and any charges vary and change, so check before you go. Attractions like the Dartmouth Steam Railway, Paignton Zoo, Kents Cavern and Torquay Museum have their own rules; confirm on their websites. For many days, the best option is simply a long coast path walk and a pub or café stop.
Hot weather and safety
- Never leave a dog in a parked car, even for a few minutes.
- Take water and a bowl on any walk. Cliff paths can have little shade.
- Some paths are steep with steps. Check surfaces for hot pavements in summer.
- Know where the vets are. Bay Vet Group and Green Bay Vets are both in Paignton; we leave details in the guest booklet in the caravan and recommend phoning ahead for opening times.
What to pack for your dog
Food, bowls, lead and spare lead, poo bags, a towel for the dog, a bed or blanket, any medication, and a favourite toy. A long line is handy for walks where a lead is required but you want to give them room. See also our general packing list.
Is it right for your dog?
A static caravan can be noisy at night, with other holidaymakers and a busy park, so nervous dogs may find it unsettling. Most dogs settle quickly with their own bed and a routine. If your dog is anxious, a quieter off-season stay is worth considering.
If you would like to bring a four-legged friend, our dog-friendly caravan is bookable through UK Caravans 4 Hire using the button below.
Opening times, prices, seasonal dates and rules change. Please check with each attraction, venue or the park before you travel. This is a privately owned caravan guide, not an official park or tourism site.