Dog friendly holiday lodges near Minehead
Planning a dog friendly holiday can be tricky. You want somewhere with good walks close by, dog friendly beaches, easy access to outside space – and comfortable self catering for the humans too. Ideally you don’t want to be driving miles every time your dog needs a decent stretch.
Woodcombe Lodges and Cottages sits on the edge of Minehead with Exmoor National Park on its boundary. This long-established, four star self catering site has timber lodges and stone cottages in about three acres of gardens, and several of the properties are dog friendly. From your door you can head straight into the countryside, drop down to the beach, or drive a short distance to classic Exmoor walks.
For anyone looking for dog friendly holiday lodges near Minehead, with plenty of walks from the gate and across Exmoor, Woodcombe is ideal for you.
Woodcombe Lodges works well for dog friendly holidays
There are lots of dog friendly places to stay in the South West, but Woodcombe has a few features that make it particularly good for dogs and their owners:
- Edge-of-town, country feel
The site sits at the end of a small lane on the edge of Minehead. You feel properly “in the country”, but can still be at the beach or in town in a few minutes. - Walks from the gate
With Exmoor National Park on the boundary and pre-prepared walk sheets from the owners, you can step out of your lodge and be on a proper walk almost immediately – no need to load the car for every outing. - Space on site
The three acres of gardens and lawns create a relaxing environment for both dogs and humans. It’s not a cramped or urban setting, and there are plenty of views to enjoy. - Comfortable dog friendly self catering
The dog friendly lodges are fully equipped four star units with proper kitchens, electric heating and covered verandas where you can sit out in most weathers after a walk. - Experienced, on-site owners
Woodcombe has been welcoming guests for over forty years. The current owners live on site and are used to hosting responsible dog owners – they can often suggest suitable routes and dog friendly pubs nearby.
Not all lodges are dog friendly, so it’s important to check which units accept dogs when you book.
Dog walks straight from your lodge
One of the biggest advantages of staying at Woodcombe is not having to drive every time your dog needs more than a quick walk.
The owners provide simple walk sheets from the gate, including:
- Short loops around the local lanes and fields – ideal for first thing in the morning or last thing at night.
- Medium circuits that add a bit more variety and gentle climbing, with views across the valley.
- Longer half-day walks that take you out across the hills and back via different paths.
Because you are right on the edge of Exmoor, you very quickly find yourself on footpaths, bridleways and quiet lanes rather than pavements. Many guests say this is one of the reasons they return.
Normal countryside rules apply – dogs need to be under close control, kept on leads around livestock and wildlife, and you’ll need to pick up after them – but the variety of routes means you can choose what feels comfortable for your dog’s fitness and recall.
Dog friendly beaches near Minehead
Being able to combine moorland and beach walks is a big draw for many dog owners. From Woodcombe you have several coastal options:
- Minehead beach (beyond the golf course)
The main stretch of Minehead beach has seasonal dog restrictions, but the section beyond the golf course is dog friendly all year. It’s ideal for a run on the sand, a paddle and a seafront stroll. - Dunster beach
A short drive from Woodcombe, Dunster’s long, mainly shingle beach is popular with dog walkers and has a slightly quieter, more laid-back feel. - Blue Anchor
Another nearby coastal village with a beach used by local dog owners, plus seafront walking and a station on the West Somerset Railway.
Combining a beach walk with a simple pub lunch, ice cream or picnic is an easy way to build relaxed days that suit both dogs and people.
Exploring Exmoor with your dog
Exmoor is full of dog friendly walking – from open moorland and woodland valleys to coastal paths and small villages.
From Woodcombe you can reach many classic Exmoor areas with a short drive, including:
- Selworthy, Allerford and Bossington – footpaths through woodland, farmland and down to Porlock Bay, with plenty of sniffs and views.
- Porlock and Porlock Weir – coastal and woodland routes with pubs and cafés that welcome dogs.
Moorland routes around Dunkery Beacon and other high points (best for dogs with good recall, and with care taken around livestock). - Riverside walks such as the Doone Valley, Tarr Steps and Watersmeet, where dogs can paddle in the shallows in appropriate spots.
On hotter days, the wooded valleys and rivers are especially useful for shady, cooler walks.
For detailed route suggestions, difficulty levels and any seasonal access information, Exmoor National Park and Visit Exmoor’s websites are the best places to start.
Practical tips for dog owners at Woodcombe
To make your dog friendly holiday as easy as possible, it’s worth bearing a few practical points in mind:
- Check which lodges are dog friendly Not every unit at Woodcombe accepts dogs. When you book, make sure you’re choosing a dog friendly lodge and confirm any limits on number or size of dogs.
- Bring familiar items Beds, blankets, food bowls and favourite toys help dogs settle quickly in a new environment.
- Think about drying-off space After wet or muddy walks, covered verandas and entrance areas are very handy. Bringing extra towels and wipes will make life easier for everyone.
- Plan for hot weather Even on Exmoor, some summer days can be hot. Early morning and late evening walks from the lodge and shaded valley routes are usually most comfortable.
- Check pub and café rules Many local pubs and cafés are dog friendly, but it’s always worth confirming before you walk there, especially in busier seasons.
The owners at Woodcombe can often point you towards particularly dog friendly spots once they know what you enjoy.
FAQs – dog friendly holidays at Woodcombe Lodges
Are all the lodges and cottages at Woodcombe dog friendly?
All the Lodges are dog friendly. However there are no dogs allowed in April and Rose Cottages. When you book, you’ll need to choose one of the properties that accepts dogs and confirm any limits on numbers. This helps keep the site comfortable for both dog owners and guests without pets.
Is there anywhere safe to let my dog off lead?
Yes, but it depends on your dog’s recall and behaviour. Many local footpaths and open spaces are suitable for off-lead exercise where there is no livestock and it is safe to do so. Beaches such as the dog friendly stretch at Minehead beyond the golf course also offer good off-lead opportunities. You’ll need to follow local signage and keep your dog under close control at all times.
Do I have to use the car for every dog walk?
No. One of the big advantages of Woodcombe is that there are multiple walks straight from the gate. You can do early morning and evening walks without getting in the car, and then use the car for longer beach or Exmoor outings if you wish.
Are there dog friendly pubs and cafés nearby?
Yes. Minehead, Dunster, Porlock and several nearby villages have pubs and cafés that welcome well behaved dogs, often in bar areas or gardens. The owners at Woodcombe can usually suggest current favourites, and local tourism websites such as Visit Exmoor are useful for up to date recommendations.
Is Exmoor a good place for all dogs?
The area around Woodcombe has plenty of quiet lanes, paths and open spaces where you can walk at off-peak times. However, there will be livestock, wildlife, other dogs and people around, especially on popular routes. If your dog is reactive, it’s worth choosing quieter times of day and less busy paths, and discussing options with the owners who know the area well.
If you’re ready to plan a dog friendly holiday near Minehead, with walks from the gate, dog friendly beaches and Exmoor’s paths within easy reach, you can check availability for dog friendly lodges on the Woodcombe Lodges and Cottages website. For more detailed information on local walks and routes across Exmoor, visit Exmoor National Park’s and Visit Exmoor’s websites.
