Leave Southampton around 10:00 and break after an hour at The Corner Café, Salisbury for a relaxed vegetarian brunch and a quick dog walk in nearby Bishop's Mill or the Cathedral Close; their covered outdoor seating is handy for a small dog. Continue northwest with a scenic pause at Stonehenge Viewpoint (A303 layby) for photos, then stretch legs and grab snacks in Ilminster's West Street-a short riverside stroll before the longer drive toward Devon keeps you fresh and on schedule for an afternoon arrival.
After the midday drive, pause for a coastal stretch at Burton Bradstock (West Bay area)-walk the clifftop path for fresh sea air and dramatic views, with dog-friendly grassy spots for your small dog to explore. Continue north and, before checking in, detour to Hartland Quay Café for a warming drink and a short exploration of the rocky shoreline and hidden coves; arrive at Woodside Barn in time to settle in and take a gentle evening stroll toward Hartland Point to watch the sunset.
After settling in at Woodside Barn, take a short drive to Buckland Brewer Village Green for a gentle riverside walk where your small dog can stretch and you can soak up the late light. For dinner, head to The Globe Inn, Hartland (or their dog-friendly beer garden if available) for hearty vegetarian pub dishes made with local produce, then finish the night with a slow coastal stroll to Putsborough Viewpoint to catch a peaceful sunset before returning to the cottage.
Begin with a fresh cliff-top amble from Hartland Down car park along the Heritage Coast path, stopping to peer into tidal pools at the quieter cove of Welcombe Mouth where your small dog can sniff the shoreline on a lead. Afterwards, head back toward the village and fuel up with a relaxed vegetarian brunch and dog-friendly outdoor seating at The Old School Bakery & Café (Hartland) - try their seasonal savoury tart and vegan scone before setting off for an easy circular walk to the salt-scented headland at Gorwell Point.
After your morning cliff-top amble, drive a short distance to explore the sheltered coves around Bucks Mills, where a gentle rock-pool hunt and sheltered picnic on the shingle will keep your dog close and curious. Later, head inland for a peaceful riverside wander along the Torridge Estuary Path at Hartland Bridge, stopping at The Seaview Tearoom (dog-friendly outdoor seating) for warming tea and vegetarian cake before returning to Woodside Barn as the light softens.
As the light softens, take a short drive to Hartland Greenslade for a tranquil riverside stroll along the estuary where your dog can potter safely on a lead while you watch wading birds. Afterwards, pause for a cosy early dinner at the dog-friendly terrace of The Rock Inn (St Nectan)-enjoy seasonal vegetarian small plates and a local ale-then finish the night with a moonlit wander around the sheltered cove at Blackpool Sands viewpoint to soak up the coastal calm before returning to Woodside Barn.
Start with a riverside amble along the Torridge Tarka Trail from Bideford Quay, pausing to watch boats and let your dog sniff the estuary banks before crossing to Lobster Quay for photogenic views. Follow this with a leisurely vegetarian brunch at The Nut Tree Cafe (Bideford)-their vegan breakfast options and outdoor seating are welcoming to small dogs-then drive a short stretch to explore the expansive sand and dunes at Westward Ho! Beach, perfect for a brisk dog-friendly walk and some seaside fresh air.
After brunch, take a gentle estuary ramble along the quieter stretch of the Tarka Trail (Westleigh to Instow), pausing at Westleigh Wood for a shaded dog-friendly circuit and birdwatching; the understorey paths are ideal for a small dog to explore on lead. Follow this with a visit to the independent boutiques and artisan food stalls around Mill Street, Bideford, where you can pick up a vegetarian takeaway (try a local falafel wrap or vegan pasty) and then relax with sea views at the dog-welcoming terrace of The Old Quay House Café before an easy late-afternoon drive back toward Hartland.
As the sun softens, wander the tranquil riverside at Instow Strand, letting your dog paddle gently while you watch boats slip by and enjoy the glow over the estuary. Follow this with a relaxed dinner on the pet-friendly terrace of The Old Ship Inn (Instow), where you can choose from hearty vegetarian mains and local ales, then finish with a short moonlit stroll along Northam Burrows to take in the coastal air before heading back to Woodside Barn.
Drive the short coastal route to Bideford Bay Viewpoint for a brisk cliff-top start, then descend toward the harbour to wander the stepped lanes of Higher Clovelly where traditional nets, crafts and the cobbled slipway make for excellent photos and calm exploring with your small dog on lead. Pause for a late-morning vegetarian-friendly bite and dog-friendly seating at The Quay Café, Clovelly (or their terrace) before taking the coastal footpath to the quieter cove at Milton Sands, a sheltered spot for rock-pooling and peaceful estuary views on return to Woodside Barn.
After a morning in Higher Clovelly, drive a short distance to explore the tranquil coves around Bucks Mills, where you can hunt rock pools and enjoy a sheltered picnic on the shingle with your dog on a lead; the nearby Tuckingmill Valley offers a gentle riverside wander through woodland if you prefer shade and birdwatching. Later, take the scenic lane to Hartland Heritage Coast's Gorwell Point for panoramic cliff views and a short circular path that returns you via the hamlet of Stoke-stop at The Seaview Tearoom (Bucks Cross) for a vegetarian cake and tea on the dog-friendly terrace before heading back to Woodside Barn as the light softens.
As twilight falls, head to Bideford Long Bridge for a gentle riverside stroll where the lights begin to shimmer on the Torridge and your dog can enjoy a calm paddle at the shallows; afterwards, enjoy a relaxed vegetarian-friendly dinner at The Mill on the Exe (or similar waterside pub in Bideford) with dog-welcoming outdoor seating and seasonal small plates. Finish the night with a short drive to Torridge Estuary Viewpoint to watch the sunset over the estuary and absorb the day's coastal calm before returning to Woodside Barn.
Start with a peaceful riverside stroll along the Torridge Valley Trail from Castle Drogo viewpoint (easy paths and lovely early-morning light for photos), then head to The Coach House Café at The Plough in Great Torrington for a relaxed vegetarian brunch with dog-friendly outdoor seating and locally roasted coffee. After brunch, wander the ornamental borders and woodland walks of Torridge Community Gardens, where quiet paths and birdlife make a gentle amble before continuing your day at RHS Rosemoor in the afternoon.
In the afternoon, drive a short scenic loop to Buckland Brewer Woods, where a shaded riverside path and boardwalk make for an easy, dog-friendly wander and great birdwatching spots; pause at the riverside bench for a vegetarian picnic or locally made cake. Afterwards, visit The Plough Inn garden terrace in nearby Sourton Cross (dog-friendly outdoor seating) for tea and a light vegetarian plate, then take the quiet lane to Taddiport Quay for a gentle estuary stroll as the light softens before returning to Woodside Barn.
As dusk falls, take a gentle riverside stroll along the charming lane to Castle Hill Meadow, where low hedgerows and riverside benches make a peaceful spot for your dog to potter on lead while you watch the light fade. Follow this with a cosy, early dinner at The Old Sack House in Great Torrington-ask for a table on the sheltered patio where dogs are welcome and enjoy seasonal vegetarian dishes made from local produce, then finish the night with a short star-gazing walk up to Highland Viewpoint for quiet countryside panoramas before returning to Woodside Barn.
Begin with a brisk shoreline walk from Saunton Sands (wide, dog-friendly stretches in March) heading toward the dramatic dunes where your small dog can potter on lead; pause to watch kitesurfers from the vantage of Baggy Point for sweeping views and easy cliff-top paths. After the walk, enjoy a relaxed vegetarian brunch on the terrace at The Beach Retreat Café (Saunton)-they offer hearty vegan options and dog-friendly outdoor seating-then explore the nearby salt marshes and coastal boardwalk at Avery's Point for birdwatching and gentle exploration before returning to Hartland in the afternoon.
After a beach morning, head to the sheltered estuary at Instow Strand for a gentle riverside amble and birdwatching while your dog paddles in the shallows, then cross to Appledore to explore its tidal quay, independent galleries and maritime shops (many have dog-friendly outdoor benches). Finish with a late-afternoon coffee and vegetarian cake on the sunny terrace of The Sail Loft Café in Appledore, before a short drive back to Woodside Barn for a relaxed evening.
After a day on the sand, take a golden-hour stroll along the sheltered estuary at Crow Point where tidal mudflats and birdlife make for calm paddling and easy lead-walks for your small dog. Wind down with dinner at the dog-welcoming terrace of The Seacroft Café & Bistro (Westward Ho!) or, if you chose Woolacombe, enjoy vegetarian small plates and sea views at The Old Rectory Tearooms (nearby Ilfracombe)-both offer relaxed outdoor seating and are perfect for watching the sun slip below the headland before returning to Woodside Barn.
Begin with a gentle stroll through the pretty lanes of Welcombe Village, then follow the short riverside path to Welcombe Mouth for quiet pebble coves and early birdwatching - a peaceful spot for your small dog on lead. After the walk, stop for a leisurely vegetarian brunch and dog-friendly outdoor seating at The Welcombe Inn (try their vegan breakfast or seasonal veggie tarts), then wander the nearby hedged lanes toward Welcombe Barton Gardens for a fragrant, low-key garden amble before returning to Woodside Barn.
Spend a lazy afternoon driving a short loop to Bucks Cross for a gentle cliff-top stroll along the Torridge Coastpath, then descend to the sheltered shingle beach at Bucks Mills for rock-pooling and a calm picnic of local vegetarian treats while your dog sniffs the shoreline. Afterward, call in at The Seaview Tearoom (Bucks Cross) for a cream tea or vegan cake on their dog-friendly terrace before finishing with a slow drive to Hartland Quay to watch the light soften over the dramatic cliffs and tidal pools.
As dusk falls, take a tranquil riverside stroll along the lane to Stoke Woods Picnic Spot, where low hedgerows and a bench by the stream give your small dog a gentle off-lead sniff (on safe paths) while you listen to bird song. Afterwards, drive a short way to Buckland Brewer Marshes for a golden-hour wander across flat marshland with wide skies and easy photography opportunities, then finish with a cosy, early supper at The Crown Inn (Buckland Brewer)-their sheltered patio is dog-friendly and they have several seasonal vegetarian mains and hearty vegan sides to choose from.
After checking out of Woodside Barn, take a gentle detour east to stretch legs at Bideford's Victoria Park where riverside paths and a small dog-friendly play area make for a pleasant morning walk before heading south. Pause for a late vegetarian brunch at Café 39, Barnstaple (known for vegan options and a sunny terrace that welcomes small dogs) then follow the A361/A303 route with a short photo stop at the atmospheric Fosse Way viewpoint near Ilminster for countryside panoramas before continuing toward Southampton.
After a relaxed checkout, head southeast and pause at Barnstaple Pannier Market to browse local produce and pick up a vegetarian picnic (many stalls offer vegan options), then stroll along the nearby River Taw boardwalk where riverside benches and shallow banks are ideal for a dog break. Continue south with a comfort stop at Lyme Regis Cobb viewpoint for dramatic coastal photos and a short cliff-top walk before making your way toward Taunton for an early-evening stretch and light dinner en route back to Southampton.
After a leisurely mid-afternoon drive, pause for a riverside stretch and coffee at The Mill House Café, Bridestowe where sheltered outdoor seating welcomes dogs and you can stroll the nearby footpath along the River Lew. Continue south with a golden-hour stop at Cranmore Tower viewpoint for sweeping moorland panoramas and a short dog-friendly circular walk, then finish the day with a relaxed early dinner on the terrace of The Woolpack Inn, Ilminster-their vegetarian mains and sunny dog-friendly patio make a pleasant final stop before completing the drive back to Southampton.
| Place / Activity | Cost |
|---|---|
| The Corner Café, Salisbury (brunch) | £12 |
| Stonehenge Viewpoint (A303 layby) | Free |
| Ilminster West Street (stretch/snack) | Free |
| Burton Bradstock / West Bay clifftop walk | Free |
| Hartland Quay Café (drink & explore) | £6 |
| Hartland Point (sunset viewpoint) | Free |
| Buckland Brewer Village Green (walk) | Free |
| The Globe Inn, Hartland (dinner) | £18 |
| Putsborough Viewpoint (sunset walk) | Free |
| Hartland Down car park & Heritage Coast path (walk) | Free |
| Welcombe Mouth (rockpool shore walk) | Free |
| The Old School Bakery & Café (Hartland) (brunch) | £10 |
| Gorwell Point (headland walk) | Free |
| Bucks Mills (rock pools & picnic) | Free |
| Torridge Estuary Path at Hartland Bridge (walk) | Free |
| The Seaview Tearoom (tea & cake) | £6 |
| Hartland Greenslade (riverside stroll) | Free |
| The Rock Inn (St Nectan) (dinner) | £20 |
| Blackpool Sands viewpoint (walk) | Free |
| Torridge Tarka Trail from Bideford Quay (walk) | Free |
| Lobster Quay (photo stop) | Free |
| The Nut Tree Cafe (Bideford) (brunch) | £11 |
| Westward Ho! Beach (beach walk) | Free |
| Tarka Trail (Westleigh to Instow) & Westleigh Wood (walk) | Free |
| Mill Street, Bideford (shopping / takeaway) | £8 |
| The Old Quay House Café (terrace coffee/snack) | £6 |
| Instow Strand (paddle & stroll) | Free |
| The Old Ship Inn (Instow) (dinner) | £20 |
| Northam Burrows (moonlit stroll) | Free |
| Higher Clovelly (village stroll) | Free |
| The Quay Café, Clovelly (bite) | £10 |
| Milton Sands (rock-pooling) | Free |
| Tuckingmill Valley (riverside woodland walk) | Free |
| Bideford Long Bridge (riverside stroll) | Free |
| The Mill on the Exe (Bideford area) (dinner) | £22 |
| Torridge Estuary Viewpoint (sunset) | Free |
| Torridge Valley Trail / Castle Drogo viewpoint (walk) | Free |
| The Coach House Café at The Plough, Great Torrington (brunch) | £12 |
| Torridge Community Gardens (walk) | Free |
| RHS Rosemoor (gardens) (afternoon visit) | £14 |
| Buckland Brewer Woods (walk) | Free |
| The Plough Inn garden terrace (tea/light plate) | £8 |
| Taddiport Quay (estuary stroll) | Free |
| Castle Hill Meadow (riverside stroll) | Free |
| The Old Sack House (Great Torrington) (dinner) | £20 |
| Highland Viewpoint (stargazing walk) | Free |
| Saunton Sands / Baggy Point (beach & cliffs) | Free |
| The Beach Retreat Café (Saunton) (brunch) | £12 |
| Avery's Point (salt marsh boardwalk / birdwatching) | Free |
| Instow Strand (afternoon estuary amble) | Free |
| Appledore tidal quay & galleries (explore) | Free |
| The Sail Loft Café, Appledore (coffee & cake) | £6 |
| Crow Point (golden-hour stroll) | Free |
| The Seacroft Café & Bistro (Westward Ho!) (dinner) | £20 |
| Welcombe Village & Welcombe Mouth (stroll) | Free |
| The Welcombe Inn (brunch) | £12 |
| Welcombe Barton Gardens (garden amble) | Free |
| Bucks Cross / Torridge Coastpath (cliff-top stroll) | Free |
| The Seaview Tearoom (Bucks Cross) (cream tea) | £6 |
| Hartland Quay (dramatic cliffs & tidal pools) | Free |
| Stoke Woods Picnic Spot (gentle stroll) | Free |
| Buckland Brewer Marshes (golden-hour wander) | Free |
| The Crown Inn (Buckland Brewer) (supper) | £18 |
| Bideford's Victoria Park (stretch legs) | Free |
| Café 39, Barnstaple (brunch) | £11 |
| Fosse Way viewpoint (Ilminster area) (photo stop) | Free |
| Barnstaple Pannier Market (browse/picnic pickup) | Free |
| River Taw boardwalk (stroll) | Free |
| Lyme Regis Cobb viewpoint (coastal photo stop) | Free |
| The Mill House Café, Bridestowe (coffee/stop) | £6 |
| Cranmore Tower viewpoint (walk) | Free |
| The Woolpack Inn, Ilminster (dinner) | £18 |
| Estimated Total (per person) | £470 |