Watermouth Castle

Watermouth Castle near Ilfracombe is a full-on adventure day where your dog gets the thrill of new smells and you get the joy of doing something properly different. Dogs are welcome in the gardens and pathways of this quirky attraction, though they'll need to stay on lead and skip the dungeons, rides, play areas and food zones. It's a great option when you want to tire out a dog who has endless enthusiasm and a human who wants more than another loop of the same walk.

Expect a mix of atmospheric gardens, quirky attractions and classic family-day energy, with plenty to explore at a pace that suits curious paws. The 17-acre setting is fun and photogenic, which means wandering, sniffing and lots of "what's over there?" moments. Dogs need a pre-booked ticket with limited availability each day, so plan ahead. Free on-site parking and water bowls around the site make the practical side straightforward.

Your dog will act like they've discovered a medieval kingdom, and honestly, they'll be right. It's the kind of day out that delivers proper novelty for paws and people alike, as long as everyone sticks to the gardens and outdoor areas where four-legged explorers are welcome.