Stay; What can you expect, where can you go & what can you do with your dog/s?

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On-Site Fun and Nearby Walks:

Staying at Mill Cross Retreats with your dog means you have some fantastic opportunities for exercise & play right at your doorstep. We have open land and adjacent fields where your dog can stretch their legs. There’s a very large field right next to us – perfect for a morning run or game of fetch. We do ask that, because it’s open (unfenced) countryside and we have wildlife and those free-range chickens, you only let your dog off-lead in that big field if you are confident in their recall and when there’s no livestock grazing. Otherwise, a long lead gives them plenty of range to romp safely. You’ll likely meet Juno (our spaniel) around the property – she’s friendly with other dogs, and we can introduce them properly if paths cross.

 

Beyond our grounds, South Devon is a canine paradise. There are great walks nearby, from woods to moorland to beach:

• Dartmoor National Park – just up the road! Dartmoor allows dogs, just keep them on leads during lambing season or around ponies. There are trails for all fitness levels. Perhaps try a walk at Hembury Woods (woodland trails along the River Dart) or a trek up to Hemeldown for iconic views – both spots are very popular with dog walkers. Another personal favourite is Parke at Bovey Tracy which also has a brilliant (dog friendly) cafe.

• Local Woodland Walks: We can point you to several public footpaths near Rattery. One lovely option is the path through Lukesland and Skewbarn Hill – it winds through mixed woodland and alongside a stream, providing lots of interesting sniffs for your pup.

• Dog-Friendly Beaches: Yes, you can take your dog to the beach! Within half an hour’s drive, you have choices. Beesands and Slapton Sands are both long shingle beaches where dogs are welcome year-round. North Sands in Salcombe and Mill Bay (East Portlemouth) are sandy & dog-friendly outside of peak summer months. Check out our link to Dog Friendly Beaches (Visit South Devon) in our guidebook/website for an updated list – there are plenty of options where your dog can splash in the waves and dig in the sand. A beach romp in the sea air is sure to result in a happy, tuckered-out pup by evening!

• River Walks: The Dart & Avon rivers nearby have lovely riverbank walks. One of our favourites: park at Shipley Bridge (near South Brent) and walk the flat trail along the River Avon up to Avon Dam – dogs can dip in & out of the water along the way, and it’s relatively easy terrain.

• Fields & Farms: As we are in a rural village, just walking out from your accommodation down the country lanes can be a treat (do mind occasional traffic & use a lead for safety). Hedgerows, farm smells & open vistas – a sensory adventure for your dog.

 

We provide walking guides & maps in the Oystercatcher cottage specifically noting dog-friendly routes. And because we’re keen walkers & dog owners ourselves, we’re more than happy to tailor some recommendations to your dog’s energy level and your interests – whether that’s a strenuous hike or a gentle stroll to a pub. Just ask, and we’ll give you our insider tips.

 

Local Dog-Friendly Attractions & Eateries: One of the joys of holidaying with your dog in Devon is that many places will welcome them as warmly as we do. Here are a few to note:

• The Church House Inn (Rattery): As mentioned, our village pub is very dog-friendly & infact the owners have Wren- our Juno's pup! Your pup can join you inside the bar or in the garden. Often, they’ll even get a bowl of water & an ear scratch from the staff. So you can relax with a meal or drink knowing your dog is content by your feet (perhaps hoping for a stray chip to fall!).

• Other Pubs & Cafés: In nearly every town nearby – Totnes, Ashburton, Dartmouth – you’ll find pubs that allow dogs in at least the bar area. The Bull Inn (Totnes) is dog-friendly as is the brilliant Canteen cafe. Many cafés have outdoor seating where dogs can join too. If you’re headed somewhere specific, we likely know if it’s dog-friendly or not & our guidebook lists several dog-friendly pubs & cafés in the area. Our blogs show walks with pubs/cafe stops and all of these are dog friendly.

• Attractions: While museums & indoor attractions typically don’t allow pets, a lot of outdoor attractions do. For instance, Coleton Fishacre’s gardens allow dogs on leads (not inside the house, but the grounds are the main draw anyway). Berry Pomeroy Castle (an atmospheric ruin) is dog-friendly on leads. South Devon Railway allows dogs on the steam trains (small fee), so you could take a nostalgic train ride with your pooch. Even the Eden Project now has dog-friendly outdoor areas (dogs can’t go in the biomes but can accompany you on the grounds). Closer by, Becky Falls (a waterfall and woodland park on Dartmoor) allows dogs on leads on the trails. And of course, all of Dartmoor’s tors and trails are dog heaven. 

• Dog Services: If you ever need a break or an activity where dogs truly can’t come, we can recommend a trusted local doggy daycare or sitter. Also, local vets are a short drive away in case of any emergencies (hopefully not needed, but always good to know).

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Essentially, you’ll find that Devon as a whole is very accommodating to dogs, which means you won’t have to skip much on your itinerary. We love seeing our guests & their dogs explore together – from that first excited dash into the field in the morning to the happy, tired cuddle in the evening.

 

Making Your Stay Comfortable for You and Your Dog: We want both you and your pet to have a fantastic time, so we’ve prepared a few things to make life easier:

• Dog Amenities in the Cottage: We provide a packet of welcome treats (because every pup deserves a holiday treat!) & if you forget dog towels (for muddy paws or post-beach drying off) or bowls, we can lend these. If you forgot your dog’s shampoo & they get into something smelly, let us know – we have gentle pet shampoo available.

• Outdoor Hose: There’s an outdoor hose/tap you can use to rinse off sandy or muddy paws before coming inside- very handy after those beach trips or rainy walks. 

• Pet Safety & Comfort: Inside- there's plenty of space for your dog bed. If your dog is crate-trained and you prefer to bring a crate, there’s space to set it up in Oystercatcher’s living area. We find that dogs settle in very well here – maybe it’s all the fresh air and excitement during the day, but they tend to snooze soundly at night. If your dog has a special routine or need, just let us know – we’ll do our best to accommodate.

• Veterinary Info:  The nearest vet (& this is the one we use) clinic is in Dartington (~5 minutes away). South Moor Vets- 01803 90018 It’s peace of mind to know help is close by, though we hope you won’t need it.

• Dog Etiquette with Other Guests: Occasionally, other guests may be on-site (in Jenny Wren or using the cookery school), so we just ask that as not everyone is a dog person – always keep your dog leashed when near shared areas & be mindful of noise (excessive barking, etc., though a few excited woofs here & there are usually not an issue). Most of our visitors adore dogs, and Juno loves playmates, but we still prioritise a peaceful environment for all.

 

Finally, we absolutely love seeing dogs enjoy Mill Cross Retreats as much as their humans do. There’s something heartwarming about a pup bounding across a field or dozing happily by the wood-burner after a day of adventure. As one of our recent guests wrote in our Kind Words: “Being able to bring Sid with us for our first family getaway (with our new baby) was so lovely. We enjoyed walks on beaches in the autumn sunshine and he loved crashing out by the woodburner in the evening (and so did we!). Thank you for his treats… we’ll be back!” This sums up what we hope every dog owner experiences here – the joy of a truly dog-friendly Devon holiday where everyone, on two legs or four, feels welcome & relaxed.

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So pack up the chew toys and leash – an unforgettable escape with your best friend awaits. If you have any questions about our dog-friendly policies or want to double-check arrangements, just drop us a message. We’re here to help & look forward to meeting you and your pup soon. Woof! 🐾

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