If you are looking for plenty of space and perhaps somewhere to let an energetic pup have a run about, Saunton Sands Beach offers a large expanse of sand and allows dogs all year; there are also waste bins provided. As with all beaches, we’d still recommend that you allow plenty of space (no shortage of that here!) by walking a good distance before losing the lead, and always being mindful of others. Saunton Sands is around 20 minures’ drive from the hotel (7 miles).

Capstone Beach at Ilfracombe is another dog-friendly beach in North Devon with unlimited access all year for well-behaved pets and plenty of corners to explore (low tide best for plenty of space); this is around 15-20 minutes’ drive from the hotel.

Meanwhile Clovelly Beach is another where you are free to take the dog with no seasonal restrictions beyond the usual common sense rules. This is a little further away – close to an hour’s drive. Set in a picturesque village, a major draw to Clovelly is the diverse marine wildlife to be found in the bay; it’s well worth a visit.

Back closer to home, Rockham Bay, Moretonhoe is another nice spot, with some lovely craggy features – ideal for rockpooling and rock hopping but not so ideal for older visitors. Last but not least, Croyde Bay (20 mins’ drive) is out of bounds for hounds from 1st May to 30th Sept but makes a wonderful place to explore for autumn and winter dog walks, with both golden sand and dramatic, craggy headlands.