by Last Updated on 15/09/2026 by Claire Coney
Are you looking for dog-friendly Christmas activities in Exeter but don’t know where to start? Don’t worry, I’m here to help! With my local knowledge of the city, I have plenty of fun festive ideas for a memorable trip.
Exeter is a fantastic place to enjoy Christmas markets, artisan fairs and dazzling shopping centres. You can follow winter wonderland trails or explore the canal path by the River Exe. On a frosty winter day, why not sip a hot chocolate in a quaint cafe or enjoy mulled wine in a charming pub. You can even take your pup to visit Santa.
In this guide, I’ll share how to enjoy a Christmas in Exeter with your dog. Here are my favourite dog-friendly activities and places to visit during the festive season.
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1. Dog-Friendly Christmas on Exeter Quay
First on my Christmas Activities list is Exeter Quay. I love taking my dogs for winter walks along the historic Quayside. It’s a popular spot for dog-loving locals, and I enjoy meeting other dog owners. There are plenty of trails for my dogs to burn off some energy. I adore winter walks along the scenic River Exe where you’ll find beautiful green spaces and dog-friendly cafes and pubs.
Christmas on Exeter Quay is dog-friendly, making it a great place for you and your pup to celebrate. Dogs are welcome at On the Waterfront, Rockfish and the Quayside Distillery. All these spots have outdoor seating adorned with twinkling lights and stunning views of the River Exe. Perfect for pups who enjoy fresh air.
In December, Exeter Quay turns into a festive winter wonderland. It has a Christmas market with charming craft stalls and tasty street food, making it a great place to find unique gifts. With live music and Santa’s Grotto, it’s an ideal place for late-night shopping with your furry friend.
2. Exeter Cathedral’s Dog-Friendly Christmas Market
One of the must-see attractions is the Exeter Cathedral Christmas market. St Peter’s Cathedral is a well-known landmark in the city and was built between 1112 and 1400 in Gothic and Norman styles. It features a new Cloister and a lovely garden area.
While dogs are not allowed inside the cathedral, they are welcome on the grounds to enjoy the festivities and outdoor stalls. You’ll find over 100 festive chalets to explore. The winding lanes are, festooned with fairy lights and filled with the seasonal sights and smells
The wonderful atmospheric Christmas market starts mid-November and is a delightful place to stroll around with your dog.
If you’re looking for festive gifts for your furry friend, check out my guide for great ideas.
3. Magdalen Road Dog-friendly Christmas Fair
This Christmas Fair is held in the middle of Magdalen Road every year. You can browse over 50 craft stalls, artisan gifts, and delicious food. It’s another wonderful place for Christmas shopping. There will also be live music to help get you and your dog into the festive spirit.
4. Dog‑Friendly Festive Entertainment at Exeter’s Guildhall Shopping Centre
Christmas late-night shopping begins mid-November with lots of entertainment and festive fun. In December, Guildhall Shopping Centre in Exeter hosts a special event for Christmas pet photos and paw-traits. Have fun making some festive memories with your pooch! Don’t forget your doggy Christmas jumper for the occasion.
5. Northernhay Gardens Light Trail: A Dog‑Friendly Christmas Walk in Exeter
You can visit the Winter Wonderland at Northernhay Gardens. It has a covered ice rink which is open daily, Santa’s Grotto, vintage carousel, fairground rides, street food, and festive stalls. Explore the sparkle on the new Light Trail. Its Perfect for all ages; it’s a breathtaking highlight of Winter Wonderland that you won’t want to miss.
6. Winter at Rougemont Gardens: Dog‑Friendly Green Space in Exeter
Located in the heart of Exeter, it is a quiet historic park that offers a peaceful escape during the winter. It’s a dog-friendly area with a beautiful walking trail alongside the city’s Roman walls, medieval castle, and moat. You can explore the frosty lawns and gorgeous garden. Taking your furry friend for a walk in beautiful surroundings will provide you both with quality bonding time. Rougemont Gardens in Exeter are dog-friendly during the winter and year-round, if your dog is kept on a lead.
If you would like more tips on how to make winter walks fun and safe, I have provided a post here!
7. Dog-Friendly Exeter Green Circle Walk
The Exeter Green Circle is a dog-friendly 12-mile (20.4 km) circular route that’s enjoyable in the winter. However, some rural valley sections can become muddy, so it’s advisable to choose a shorter loop or wear sturdy footwear.
You and your furry friend can explore nature and peaceful footpaths together. Make sure to check that your dog is feeling cold during your winter walks. If your pup is chilly, he may need a winter coat to keep him warm.
Pro Tip – For more information on choosing the right jacket for your dog, click here.
8. Dog-friendly Self-Guided Exeter Heritage Trail
Exeter has three self-guided walking trails, such as the City Wall Trail, the Medieval Trail and the Woollen Trail, which are perfect for a historic winter stroll with your dog.
The City Wall Trail – The walk is about 2 miles (approx. 3.2 km). It starts from the city centre and passes 2,000-year-old Roman and medieval defensive structures, Rougemont Gardens, and Northernhay Gardens. In the winter, the paved and gravel park paths can be slick or frosty. Dogs must remain on leads, especially around formal gardens and historic ruins.
The Wollen Trail – This trail is also about 2 miles (approx. 3.2 km). You can explore Exeter’s cloth trade history and pass key historic industry sites, including St Nicholas Priory. The route is primarily on urban pavement. The walk is Dog-friendly – dogs must be on leads; indoor historic sites (like the interior of St Nicholas Priory) may restrict pets.
The Medieval Trail – This short urban walk of about 1 mile (approx. 1.6 km) takes you through Castle Street, Cathedral Yard, Southernhay, and Wynard’s Almshouses. Winter weather brings early sunsets, so completing this shorter route during daylight hours is advisable
9. Riverside Valley Park, Exeter: A Scenic Winter Dog Walk
A flat, scenic winter walk, located on the south side of Exeter, along the floodplains of the River Exe. This beautiful Riverside Valley Park covers 99 acres and is noted for its endless buttercup meadows, making it ideal for Instagram photos of your furry friend. Dogs are welcome, but informal paths can become muddy.
10. The Ludwell Valley Park Butterfly Trail.
This trail is a lovely place for a peaceful winter walk with your dog. You can enjoy nature and explore the beautiful landscapes and Exeter’s rolling hills. The park has various entry points, including Ludwell Lane, Topsham Road, Parkland Drive, and Pynes Hill. From here, the trail takes you through fields, cherry orchards, and along the Northbrook stream, providing stunning views over Exeter. Ludwell Valley Park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including harvest mice, whitethroats, blackcaps, and butterflies like the orange-tip and painted lady. Make sure you wear sturdy footwear that can handle the mud. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on leads should livestock be on site.
11. Stock Wood Winter Dog Walk
This beautiful woodland is on the north edge of the city and has some of the oldest trees in Devon. There are several well-marked trails that your dog will love, as well as a picnic area. It’s also a great spot for wildlife. Stock Wood is a wonderful place for exploring in the winter. You can forage for winter berries, explore hidden paths, and keep an eye out for the deer that are often spotted bounding across the meadows. Keep your dog under control and be mindful of wildlife.
12. Exeter Canal: A Flat, Relaxing Route for Winter Walks
The Exeter Canal is a flat, easy dog walk with free parking and plenty of off‑lead opportunities. You can head upstream to the dog‑friendly Double Locks pub or continue to Exeter Quay or walk downstream towards The Turf and Powderham Castle. Paths vary from quiet and muddy in winter to busier but scenic on the opposite side, with beautiful views throughout.
13. Haldon Forest Park: Dog‑Friendly Winter Trails
Winter is an ideal time to explore forests with your dog. Just a short drive from Exeter, Haldon Forest Park has miles of well-signposted walking routes through 3,500 acres of woodland. It’s perfect for a festive winter walk with your dog. There are no seasonal restrictions in the forest, and dogs are welcome all year round! Haldon Forest Park is the perfect spot to roam and sniff the scents and sounds. Just follow the dog code for happy times and waggy tails.
14. Dog‑Friendly Dartmoor: Walks, Eats & Adventures
Dartmoor is very dog‑friendly, and a fabulous place for a winter dog walk. Whether you prefer easy, flat routes or more challenging hikes over hills and tors, there are walks to suit every type of dog and family. Many pubs, cafés and farm shops welcome dogs and even provide water bowls and treats. You’ll also find dog‑friendly attractions and even bike‑hire centres with “dog chariots” so your pup can join you on cycling adventures too.
Dog-Friendly Pubs and Cafes in Exeter
Many pubs and cafes in Exeter welcome dogs.
Dog-friendly pubs include the Swan’s Nest, On the Waterfront and the Blue Ball Inn. But the pub I like the most is The Mill on the Exe; the stylish red brick mill is near Blackaller Weir. I have fond memories of Christmas meals here, accompanied by my furry friends.
If you prefer a pitstop in a dog-friendly cafe, there are many to choose from, such as How an Earth Vegan, Mangos Cafe and Boston Tea Party, to mention a few. Whatever your preference, you will find somewhere to relax with your dog.
Enjoy Dog-Friendly Exeter at Christmas
Whether you’re looking for Christmas markets, craft fairs, scenic walks or a visit to Santa-Paws, you will find some festive fun in Exeter. These activities will ensure your Christmas in Exeter with your dog is memorable! Enjoy your festive adventures with your furry friend! 🐾
Now I am curious:
Do any of these dog-friendly Christmas activities in Exeter sound like something you’d like to try?
Share your experience in the comments below.
And if you would like more dog-friendly activities in East Devon, I have provided tips here!
