Dog-friendly Sidmouth

Dog-friendly Sidmouth

Sidmouth gives you a proper mix for a day out with a dog: a stretch of beach, a big open park, two pubs that have clearly thought about it, and one restaurant that will let your dog settle under the table. It is not a huge list, but what is here has been checked, not assumed.

Pubs

The Marine, on the Esplanade, is a coastal pub with an indoor dog zone, so you are not stuck choosing between a drink and a roof over your dog's head. Staff are described as accommodating to guests with dogs, and the pub is open from midday to 9pm most nights (10pm on Sundays). Best suited to a sociable dog who does not mind a bit of noise and company. Dog policy here is not confirmed in writing, so check when you arrive.

The Swan Inn, on York Street, is more specific: dogs are welcome in the bar area only (the venue's own words), not the full pub. There are treats on offer and staff are described as enthusiastic about dogs. One BarkFind member called it a "home from home" for dog and owner alike. Open midday to 10.30pm every day.

Places to eat

The Courtyard, on the High Street, is a restaurant rather than a pub, and the policy is correspondingly tighter: dogs are allowed but must be kept under the table throughout the meal. Mylo rates it well for small dogs and diners who are happy to settle rather than roam. It is only open for breakfast and lunch (roughly 8am to 3.30pm, closed Mondays), so this is not an evening option.

Parks and beaches

The Byes is the space to head for if your dog needs room to run: expansive grounds, fields and bike paths, open around the clock. No formal dog policy is listed for it, so there are no written restrictions to report, but there is also nothing confirming off-lead rules, so use your own judgement on the day.

Jacob's Ladder beach is a pebble-to-sand stretch good for rock pools and dogs playing with others, but it comes with real restrictions you need to know before you go. East Devon Council confirms (checked 10 October 2026) that dogs must be kept on a lead at all times on the stepped area in front of the beach huts and on the Esplanade between Jacob's Ladder and the turning circle at The Ham, year-round. Separately, dogs are banned entirely from the beach between Jacob's Ladder and the access ramp opposite Sidmouth Sailing and Sea Angling Club from 1 May to 30 September each year. Outside that seasonal window, and away from those specific stretches, the beach is open to dogs, and that still leaves a good amount of pebble and sand to explore the rest of the year.

What to know before you go

• Check lead rules on the stepped area and Esplanade at Jacob's Ladder, they apply every year, not just in summer.
• The seasonal beach ban (May to September) only covers the section between Jacob's Ladder and the sailing club ramp, not the whole beach.
• The Courtyard is breakfast and lunch only, and closed Mondays, so it will not work for an evening meal.
• Where a venue's dog policy is not confirmed (The Marine, The Byes, Jacob's Ladder beach itself) it's worth a quick check with staff or signage on the day rather than assuming.

One honest caveat

This is five venues, not a full map of Sidmouth. Coverage here is growing, and there will be good dog-friendly spots in the town that have not been checked and added yet.