Plymouth is a dog friendly city with plenty of vast open spaces for your best friend to sniff around.

From stunning beaches to relaxing countryside walks and fabulous parks & gardens, here’s five places we think it’s worth taking your dog for a lovely day out.

1. Jennycliff

Jennycliff has a pleasant grass area suitable for picnics with amazing views across Plymouth Sound and links to walks along the South West Coast Path towards Bovisand, or Mountbatten. Dogs are allowed on this beach all year, and there is free car parking nearby. Please be aware that to access the beach, there is a steep path.

      

2. Plymbridge Woods

Plymbridge is a wooded valley of the River Plym carpeted by wild flowers. The woods feature several old quarries with interesting archaeological remains and are home to many animals.

There are several footpaths you can take, including a major foot and cycle path along the disused railway line and there is parking available on either side of the Plym bridge.

Your dog will love to run free here and take a dip in the river Plym.

To find out more about Plymbridge woods click here.

       

3. Dartmoor National Park

Just a short drive from Plymouth, Dartmoor National Park covers 368 square miles of striking granite tors and steep wooded river valleys, to swatches of heather-covered moorland and hidden villages. Dartmoor is a land of contrasts and a fantastic spot to take your dog for both short and long walks.

For more information on visiting Dartmoor with your dog, including countryside access,  click here.

Coronavirus and Dartmoor: The car parks have been re-opened but the toilets and visitor centres remain closed for now and dogs are being asked to remain on leads at all times.

      

4. Mount Edgcumbe Country Park 

Mount Edgcumbe House is the former home of the Earls of Mount Edgcumbe. Set in Grade I Cornish Gardens within 865 acres Country Park on the Rame Peninsula, South East Cornwall and just a short drive away from Plymouth. There are 5 walks ranging from a circular jaunt taking in most of Mount Edgcumbe’s many fascinating attractions to a three-hour trek from Cremyll to Maker Heights, which rewards those who tackle the steep footpath with spectacular panoramic views of the Tamar, from Saltash across Plymouth Sound to the open sea. The grounds are vast with plenty of open space for you and your dog to explore.

Please note: the house and gardens are still closed to the general public. To find out more click here

      

5. Devonport Park

Also known as the 'People's Park', this Grade II registered historic park sits between the communities of Devonport, Stoke, Morice Town and Keyham. Built 150 years ago, it is the oldest formal public park in Plymouth.

Sitting on top of a hill with wonderful views of the River Tamar it's a great place for you and your dog to be active or just watch the world go by.