Dog Friendly Cottages in South Devon

Compton Pool offers two areas on-site for walks, one of which is securely fenced giving dogs plenty of freedom to explore while owners relax knowing they are safe.

One area is a 1.5-acre fully fenced field, which also incorporates our Lazy Golf course. It’s a great open space for dogs to stretch their legs while still remaining secure. In addition, we have around two acres of wetland meadow, with lakes, long grasses and natural wildlife areas that dogs love to explore on lead. It’s a wonderfully wild environment and a favourite with both dogs and owners.

Beyond the grounds, there are excellent walks right from the doorstep. Guests can enjoy countryside routes behind Compton Castle and gentle walks into the nearby village of Marldon, where you can finish with a visit to the local pub.

For inspiration, we also keep a small library of local dog walking books in The Gropers Arms, which guests are welcome to browse and borrow during their stay.

Prohibited and Banned Dog Breeds

In the interests of guest safety — particularly children — and the welfare of other dogs staying at Compton Pool, we are unable to accept certain dog breeds.

Due to the nature of our grounds and the fact that some garden and patio areas are not fully escape-proof, Compton Pool cannot accommodate dogs classified as dangerous or banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act, or breeds considered unsuitable for this environment. We appreciate your understanding and regret any disappointment this may cause.

Breeds classified under the Dangerous Dogs Act include, but are not limited to:

• Pit Bull Terrier

• Japanese Tosa

• Dogo Argentino

• Fila Brasileiro

• XL Bully

Additional prohibited breeds at Compton Pool include:

• Rottweiler

• Chow Chow

• Alaskan Malamute

• Bull Mastiff

• English Bull Terrier

• Japanese Akita

If you are unsure whether your dog is permitted, please contact us before booking and we will be happy to advise.

The Countryside Code provides sensible rules for anybody (dog owners or not) using the countryside, such as not leaving litter, leaving gates as you find them, and not disturbing farm animals.

To help ensure a relaxed and enjoyable stay for all guests, we ask dog owners to follow a few simple guidelines during their visit.

Dogs are permitted only in your own cottage and must not enter other cottages, as some guests may have allergies and not all cottages accept dogs. Dogs are not permitted in bedrooms and may sit on sofas only when covered with a throw.

Dogs should not be left unattended in the cottage for extended periods. Within the main areas of the estate, including The Orchard playground, dogs must be kept on a lead due to the presence of children and animals. Dogs may be off lead in the front field and around the lakes, where indicated.

All dog waste must be cleared up, including in fields, and disposed of in the general waste bins located around the site.

Please report any damage caused during your stay. Charges may apply where necessary.

After muddy walks, dogs should be cleaned using the outdoor taps, Muddy Daddy (where provided) and the dog towels supplied. Please do not use towels intended for human use. As the area has red Devon soil, dogs must be cleaned and dried before entering the cottage, as this soil can permanently stain bedding and towels.

Before departure, please ensure the cottage is left clean and free from excessive dog hair.

In the unlikely event that a dog persistently causes nuisance or distress to other guests, we reserve the right to ask for the dog to be removed from the site. In serious cases, this may include asking guests to leave, without refund. We sincerely hope this never becomes necessary and appreciate your cooperation.