Things To Do in Tiverton with Your Dog

Tucked away in Mid Devon, Tiverton is one of those blink-and-you’ll-miss-it market towns that absolutely deserves your attention. It might be small, but it punches well above its weight when it comes to history, scenic walks, canalside calm and brilliant places to eat. Whether you’re visiting for a day, a long weekend, or using Tiverton as a handy base for exploring Devon, this charming town is well worth a stop – especially if you’ve got a dog in tow. From castle ruins and countryside strolls to quirky museums and relaxed pubs, this guide covers the very best things to do in Tiverton with your dog.

Tiverton Things To Do

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Things To Do Tiverton

Tiverton may be compact, but there’s plenty to keep you busy. Think peaceful canals, historic trails, creative spaces and easy access to both Exeter and North Devon’s beaches. Whether you’re popping in or staying a while, Tiverton has a habit of pleasantly surprising visitors.

Tiverton Museum of Mid-Devon Life

If you love peeking into how everyday life used to work, this place is a real treat.Tiverton Museum of Mid Devon Life is far bigger than it looks and packed with fascinating collections, from agricultural tools and trades to childhood toys and local stories. It’s the kind of museum you can easily lose an hour or two in.

🎟️ 15% off for Blue Light Card Holders.

🐾 Dog-friendly. Must be kept on a short lead. There is a water bowl in the yard.

🚗 Short stay pay and display car park outside.

Grand Western Canal Country Park

Perfect for an outdoor wander, you can’t beat the Grand Western Canal Country Park. Stretching for miles through the countryside, it’s ideal for dog walks, cycling, picnics or simply slowing the pace and watching the world go by. Flat, peaceful and very easy on the legs.

🐾 Dog-friendly.

🚗 Pay and display car park.

Tiverton Canal Horse Drawn Barge

One of Tiverton’s most charming experiences has to be the horse-drawn barges. Gently gliding along the canal behind a working horse feels wonderfully old-fashioned and refreshingly slow. It’s a unique way to experience the canal and adds a little magic to your visit.

🐾 Dog-friendly.

🚗 Pay and display car park.

Tiverton Town Centre Circular Walk

This easy circular walk is perfect for getting your bearings. It loops around the town centre, taking in riverside paths, green spaces and historic streets, all without feeling like a big hike. Great for stretching your legs (and your dog’s).

🐾 Dog-friendly.

Tiverton Merchant’s Trail

Add a bit of purpose to your stroll with the Tiverton Merchan’ts Trail. This self-guided route follows pavement medallions and information panels, linking key historic buildings and landmarks around the town. It’s relaxed, informative and ideal if you like your walks with a side of history.

🐾 Dog-friendly.

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Dog Friendly Restaurants Tiverton

Tiverton’s food scene is full of lovely surprises, with everything from casual brunch spots to proper sit-down meals. Whether you’re after comfort food or something a little more special, you’ll find plenty of choice.

Lost Kitchen – relaxed dining with local, seasonal ingredients and wood-fired cooking. (Only dog-friendly on the outdoor terrace)
Tiverton Steakhouse – hot stone cooking using meat sourced from local farms.
Ponte Vecchio – classic Italian favourites, from pizza to pasta. (Dogs welcome outside only)
The Duck & Bean – brilliant brunch spot with fresh, responsibly sourced food.
The Flying Pickle – deli and café serving breakfasts, lunches and excellent cakes.

Dog Friendly Pubs Tiverton

After a good walk, Tiverton has plenty of welcoming pubs where you can relax with a drink (and often some food) while your dog snoozes under the table.

The Hickory Inn – American-style comfort food, from smash burgers to smoked meats and Detroit-style pizza.
The Mitre Inn – cosy village pub with seasonal menus and a great range of ales and ciders.
Rose & Crown Inn – classic country pub, well known for its cracking Sunday lunch.
Queens Head – lively Grade II listed pub with pool, darts, skittles and regular entertainment.
Bridge Troll Boardgame Cafe – quirky, relaxed spot for coffee, craft drinks and board games.

Things To Do Near Tiverton

One of the best things about Tiverton is how easy it is to explore further afield. Historic houses, gardens, railways and wild landscapes are all just a short drive away.

Knightshayes Court

If you love a bit of drama with your history, Knightshayes Court is a must. This National Trust property is famous for its richly decorated Gothic Revival interiors, bursting with colour and detail. Outside, you’ll find sweeping lawns, woodland walks and gardens that change beautifully with the seasons. It’s ideal for a relaxed half-day out, finished off with tea and cake.

🐾 Dogs are welcome on leads but can’t go in the house, kitchen, garden or on the Douglas Fir Walk.

🚗 Pay and display car park. Free for National Trust Members.

I absolutely love our National Trust membership. With entry fees often reaching £23 per person, it quickly pays for itself if you plan on visiting more than a couple of places. You usually get free parking, too, including at some beaches and coastal spots. The membership unlocks access to over 500 historic houses, gardens and heritage sites. Most sites are dog-friendly, although dogs usually can’t go inside the buildings.

Devon Railway Centre

A big hit with families (and anyone who secretly still loves trains), the Devon Railway Centre is all about nostalgic fun. Ride miniature railways, admire classic steam engines and enjoy a hands-on day out that’s refreshingly low-tech.

🎟️ Open April to October.

🐾 Dog-friendly and they can ride the trains, though they can’t go in the model railways and indoor play areas.

🚗 Free car park.

Chevithorne Barton Gardens

For a slower pace, Chevithorne Barton Gardens is perfect if you’re after peace and quiet. Expect beautifully kept gardens, rare plants and plenty of calm corners to linger in. It’s especially lovely in spring and summer when everything is in full bloom.

🐾 Dogs on short leads are welcome.

🚗 Free car park.

Exmoor National Park

Craving big skies and wild scenery? Exmoor National Park is right on Tiverton’s doorstep. With rolling moorland, deep valleys, ancient woodland and roaming wildlife, it’s a dream for walkers, adventurers and dogs who love wide-open spaces.

🐾 Dog-friendly.

🚗 Pay and display at visitor centres.

Exmoor Distillery

Gin lovers, this one’s for you. Exmoor Distillery produces small-batch spirits inspired by the surrounding landscape. Visits often include tastings, making it a great stop for couples or grown-up getaways.

🐾 Dogs welcome, but not in the production area.

🚗 Free car park.

Wellhayes Vineyard

A lovely surprise in the Devon countryside, Wellhayes Vineyard is a great excuse to slow down. Producing award-winning English wines, it’s perfect for tastings, vineyard strolls and sunny afternoons.

🎟️ Guided tours, including wine tasting, Sundays and Wednesdays at 3pm, May to September.

🐾 Pet friendly, but not in the winery.

🚗 Free car park.

Exciting Places To Visit Nearby

Tiverton is also a great base for exploring some of Devon’s most charming towns and villages – all within an easy one-hour drive. You’ll find traditional market towns, pretty villages and scenic rural spots that are perfect for day trips, whether you’re chasing sea views, historic streets or a leisurely lunch in a local pub.

Ilfracombe

Ilfracombe is a lively seaside town on the North Devon coast, best known for its working harbour, dramatic cliffs and coastal walks. There’s plenty to keep you busy, from exploring the Tunnels Beaches and harbourfront to visiting galleries, cafés and local shops. It’s an easy choice for a full day out by the sea, with a good mix of scenery, culture and places to eat and drink.

Clovelly

Clovelly feels like stepping into a postcard, with its famously steep cobbled street leading down to a small, picturesque harbour. The village is wonderfully traditional, with whitewashed cottages, donkeys still used to transport goods, and stunning coastal views at every turn. It’s perfect for a slower-paced visit, soaking up history, scenery and timeless Devon charm.

Lynton & Lynmouth

Often described as the “Little Switzerland of England”, Lynton and Lynmouth sit where Exmoor meets the sea and are linked by a historic cliff railway. Expect dramatic scenery, rushing rivers, coastal paths and access to the Valley of Rocks, making this a brilliant choice for walkers, photographers and anyone who loves wild landscapes paired with pretty villages.

Bideford

Bideford is a friendly riverside town with a strong maritime heritage and a relaxed pace of life. It’s a great base for exploring North Devon, with easy access to nearby beaches, the Tarka Trail and independent shops and cafés. Whether you’re strolling along the quay or stopping for lunch, Bideford makes for an easy and enjoyable day trip from Tiverton.

Dog Friendly Accommodation in Tiverton

If you know when you’d like to travel, try to book as soon as possible. Prices rise as you get closer to the travel date and are usually displayed per room rather than per person. However, there is a wide range of options to suit all budgets, from camping to hotels.

Tiverton Hotel Lounge & Venue

We stayed at the Tiverton Hotel. It’s in a fantastic location. Only a 10-minute walk to the town centre, or you can easily explore the surrounding area. The bedroom was large, clean and comfortable, albeit a little old-fashioned, and offered plenty of space to relax. The whole team was friendly and welcoming, and the breakfast buffet was top-notch!

National Trust Holidays

National Trust Holidays offers a selection of holiday cottages, campsites and bunkhouses set in spectacular locations. Sleeping 2 – 12 guests, they have everything you need for a night away, from kitchen facilities to cosy gardens to relax in during warmer weather. Just double-check if they welcome dogs; not all do.

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