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Dog Friendly Beaches in and around Combe Martin

  • Bryan Cath
  • May 3
  • 2 min read
Dogs playing in the sea.
dogs enjoying the beach (AI generated)

Beach

Dogs Allowed?

Notes

Newberry Beach

✔️ All year

Quiet, great for walks, close to village

Wild Pear Beach

✔️ All year

Remote, steep, difficult access, stunning scenery

Combe Martin Main Beach

❌ May–Sept ✔️ Oct–Apr

Family‑friendly bay with seasonal rules, rockpools

Watermouth Bay

✔️ All year

2 miles from village, on coast path, shingle, check tide times

 

Combe Martin is one of North Devon’s most welcoming spots for dog‑loving beachgoers, and the mix of coves, rock pools, and the coast path makes it a brilliant place to explore with four paws in tow. This guide gives you a clear picture of where dogs are welcome, what the seasonal rules are, and why Combe Martin is such a great base for dog‑friendly adventures.

Newberry Beach – dog-friendly, year‑round favourite

Newberry Beach sits just east of the main bay and is a quiet, pebbly cove that locals love.

  • Dogs are welcome all year

  • Plenty of space at low tide

  • Great rock pools and a relaxed atmosphere

  • Easy access to the South West Coast Path for longer walks

If visitors want a peaceful stroll without worrying about restrictions, this is the go‑to beach.

Wild Pear Beach – remote and spectacular

For adventurous walkers (and confident dogs), Wild Pear is a stunning, secluded cove reached via a steep coastal path.

  • Dogs allowed all year

  • Dramatic scenery and crystal‑clear water

  • A proper “hidden gem” feel

  • Naturist beach

It’s not suitable for everyone due to the steep, difficult descent, but for fit walkers it’s unforgettable.

Watermouth Bay – a sheltered, picturesque harbour

  •  Dogs are allowed year‑round.

  • There are no seasonal restrictions.

  • It’s a sheltered tidal cove, so space varies a lot depending on the tide.

  • 2-mile drive from Combe Martin, or follow the South West Coast Path for a scenic walk.

🐕 Main Combe Martin Beach – seasonal dog rules

The main beach is the centre of village life, with cafés, shops, and calm waters perfect for paddling. It’s also where the seasonal dog restrictions apply:

  • Dogs allowed: 1 October – 30 April

  • Dogs not allowed: 1 May – 30 September

These rules help keep the beach family‑friendly during the busy summer months, but outside the holiday season it becomes a brilliant dog‑walking spot with stretches of sand at low tide.

🌞 Why dog owners love Combe Martin

  • Miles of coastal paths straight from the village

  • Rock‑pooling beaches that dogs find endlessly fascinating

  • Dog‑friendly pubs and cafés nearby

  • Sheltered coves ideal for relaxed walks

  • Easy parking and facilities close to the shoreline

Even in summer, when the main beach has restrictions, there are still great options within walking distance.

🌊Final thoughts

Combe Martin strikes a lovely balance: a lively, family‑friendly main beach in summer, and peaceful, dog‑friendly coves all year round. Whether you want a gentle stroll, a wild coastal hike, or a quiet spot to sit and watch the waves, there’s always somewhere to explore with your dog by your side.

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