In the heart of South Devon, in a small village called Dittisham is Dittisham Hideaway. An enchanting collection of dog friendly treehouses, shepherds huts and even an original American airstream. This quirky destination is surrounded by beautiful Devonshire countryside.
We were invited to stay in the dog friendly treehouse and boy did our dogs have the best time. In fact, they genuinely didn’t want to leave when we packed up the car to go home.
This holiday is both dog friendly and family friendly. There are so many memories which we will treasure from this holiday including unwinding on the enclosed terrace, playing games with our little human, while our dogs stretched out in the sunshine (keeping one eye open for woodland critters). We also enjoyed exploring South Devon with a range of dog friendly days out. Read on below for our full review.
This review is sponsored (gifted), but our opinions and excitement for this place is completely independent.
A Welcome To Woof About
The time had finally arrived. After weeks of excitingly telling all our family and friends about our upcoming adventures in a luxury dog friendly treehouse, we were en-route from South Wales to South Devon.
Prior to arrival we were given check-in information which was very straightforward. No need to pop into a reception area, hand over any lengthy details or make awkward conversation. Simply rock-up, enter a code to open the gate, park in the private car-park and enter another code to grab your keys.
One thing that makes this place special is all the smaller details and finishing touches which are in abundance throughout. On arrival, the grogginess of the journey makes you dread getting everything out of the car to the accommodation. Especially when you have extra luggage for a four-year-old boy, and two dogs. Luckily for us, there were electric wheelbarrows which were especially helpful transporting our suitcases from the car. It was a breeze and before you know it we had our paws up, ready to relax.
The path leading to the treehouse was very charming, like something out of a fairytale. To our right a breathtaking glimmer of countryside, to our left a bolthole of beauty, and right in front of us? Two wagging tails, sniffing around and looking forward to the adventure that is to come.
Remember those extra touches we talked about earlier? The terrace was bursting with them. Including a wood-fired hot tub, BBQ, football table, giant chess board, sun-loungers and patio set. But we immediately fell in love with the hammock. In fact, for a moment, we got so wrapped up in the magic of it all, that forgot we had a four year old to put to bed!
The Dog Friendly Treehouse
Three out of the four treehouses are dog friendly, each one designed to offer guests a luxury experience. Each welcomes two small-medium sized dogs, or one big dog.
We opened the door to a grand open-plan area complete with a kitchen, lounge and a master bedroom with a comfy king-sized bed and a skylight. Other rooms include a child’s bedroom with three bunkbeds and two bathrooms.
The kitchen came fully equipped with everything you need to wine and dine in comfort. We had a great time cooking food, and enjoyed picking herbs from the complimentary herb garden on the balcony. There’s also a small vegetable garden nearby to pick your own runner beans and peas, though we didn’t find time to sniff it out! After cooking there’s only one thing to worry about… dishes, but luckily for us, it was a total breeze with the dishwasher soon becoming our best friend.
We loved the delicious welcome hamper of breakfast essentials and snacks, which included a fresh loaf of bread, crisps, biscuits, tea and coffee. Inside the fridge we were also excited to find a complimentary bottle of wine, and special box of Devonshire cream tea. As with all de Savary properties such as the Merry Harriers, and Eastbury Hotel, we also enjoyed a sample off delicious Sloe Gin.
In the lounge area we enjoyed a Smart TV complete with streaming services, but the highlight for us was the board games, puzzles and books.
Of course, this place also went above and beyond to give the dogs a warm waggy welcome. There was a big sumptuous doggy bed which was ‘bagsied’ by Minnie and a jar of gravy bones which Charlie couldn’t keep his eyes off. The water/food bowls came in handy, and we also enjoyed the cute dog toy and welcome letter.
There was also a dog-wash area by the car-park so you can hose down your pooch after a muddy walkies. This place also had other details that scream ‘we are dog lovers’ with the quaint dog-themed mugs sitting next to the kettle and a dog training book on the shelf called Easy Peasy Doggy Squeezy.
Our favourite part? The balcony was completely enclosed, allowing you to relax in the hot-tub, or play family-games while your dog busies themselves with the delights of countryside sights and smells.
While our dogs were in paradise, our little human was bouncing around in his own little fantasy world. The children’s room had triple bunkbeds, complete with hot water bottles and story books perfect for bedtime. Of course, he had to test every single one, and gave them a score of 11/10. Oh, except for the top one, but only because he’s scared of heights.
The fun didn’t stop inside the dog friendly treehouse. Just outside the treehouse was a beautiful circular woodland walk, adorned with pretty flowers and over arching trees. We all loved it so much, and eventually when we managed to not get lost, we walked it again, and again, and again! Other features outside of the treehouse include a ping-pong table which is located in the car-park, and a boules pitch.
During our stay, we tucked into a delicious, fresh box of Cream Tea from Devon Heaven. All while overlooking the rolling hills in the distance, listening to the bird-song tweeting along amongst the trees, and a little doggy head creeping for a whiff. Of course controversially, we had to have it the Devonshire way with cream then jam. But it was to live for, in fact, we’ve dreamt about it ever since and even ordered a hamper home.
This dog friendly treehouse has everything you (and your dog) could possibly need for a relaxing holiday whether you’re in a couple living your childhood dreams, or if you have children with you… and like us, still want to live your childhood dreams.
In fact, our dogs genuinely didn’t want to leave. As we packed up the car, they kept running back to the treehouse. It was like something out of a comedy sketch, but that just tells us what a positive experience it was for our two dogs. So overall it’s a 5/5 paws from the pooches!
Dog Friendly Adventures Nearby
You don’t need to venture too far to find a unique dog friendly adventure! The town of Dittisham itself is exceptionally beautiful with a riverside settlement on the river Dart. It’s also just a bone’s throw away from bigger towns including Dartmouth.
Here’s some of the dog friendly adventures we enjoyed while staying at Dittisham Hideaway.
Dittisham Ferries (To Dartmouth)
It wouldn’t be an adventure to Dittisham Hideaway, if we didn’t explore Dittisham itself first. After parking up in the main car-park, we pulled out our Google Maps to find our paws. The route was deceivingly physical, especially in the heat, with a very long incline down to the docks. Couple of people said, “it’s the way up you want to be prepared for”. While sweating our brow and laughing (crying) about our future walk back to the car with our little human and smallest dog having back-issues, we eventually arrived. (Spoiler alert, the walk back actually wasn’t that bad).
This small area was a beauty to the senses, with the long-stretch of the River Dart glistening against the sunshine. Our little human was like a bottle of pop waiting to go on the boats. Luckily boats come and go every 10-15 minutes, with our particular one arriving every half an hour.
We hopped onto Dittisham Ferry which would take us across the River Dart to the bustling town of Dartmouth. The captain of the boat gave our pups a lovely welcome, and mentioned how his dog also loves spending time on the boat from time to time.
As the boat started moving, our canine companions relished in the sights and smells as the breeze from the water blew through their fur. We were all delighted to spot Seals during our journey (both there and back) Some hauled out on the rocks and mud flats, and one following along.
This 30 minute boat trip, led us to Dartmouth, a wonderful town filled with shops. After spending our pocket money, buying treats for the dogs in the local market, and grabbing an ice-cream to enjoy at the park, we toddled back for our 30 minute boat trip back.
Ferry Boat Inn
This pretty-in-pink pub quickly became a firm favourite of ours during our stay having had two visits during our time. Loved by the locals and cherished by tourists. The pub sits right next to the Dittisham docks, boasting beautiful panoramic views out on-to the River Dart from a large window. So naturally it ties in nicely before or after a boat trip to Dartmouth.
Luckily for our second visit we discovered that we could drive down and park on the beach as the tide was out (so no daunting hill to worry about).
During our visits, we tucked into some tasty pizza dishes and side dishes. There was a range of drinks, and everyone was in high spirits with many doggy visitors popping their tails in for a pit-stop. This pub is a must-visit during your stay at Dittisham Hideaway.
South Devon Railway
A short car-ride from the treehouse will lead you to this multi-award winning attraction.
Here you can hop on a vintage steam train that runs between Buckfastleigh and Totnes. We purchased return tickets to Totnes for the whole family (including a paid ticket each for the dogs).
The whole place takes you back in time and throws you into the heart of history. With vintage features such as old advertising posters and historic locomotives from the 1930s-1960s and a ticket station with all of its original features.
We boarded the train and hopped in our own private, vintage cabin. Like our little human said ‘it’s just like the one on Harry Potter’. However, we swapped the chocolate frogs, for incredible views of the River Dart, Dartmoor and Devon Hills. Usually we’re wary about how our dog’s will react in trains due to our little dog being noise sensitive – but he loved it so much he fell asleep along the way!
We recommend getting a return ticket to Totnes, so you can take a stroll up to Totnes Castle and back. Grab some food at the Dartmouth Inn for a tail-wagging welcoming pub.
Becky Falls
On our final day, we were all sad to say goodbye to this wonderful place. However, we lined up a great adventure to fill our boots with fun. Becky Falls.
Not only does this place have a breathtaking waterfall and a variety of walking routes to explore, but there’s a small zoo of animals on-site, including Meerkats, Polecats, Chinchillas, Chipmunks, Rabbits and more.
We ended up doing the biggest route, and surprisingly had no complaints from our little human because he was busy having too much fun exploring with the dogs.
Would we visit again? You bet your fluffy tail we would!
Dogs are allowed everywhere except inside the Animal Petting area and Animal Discovery Zone. They’re also welcome in the cafe, where you can grab a proper Devonshire ice-cream or some proper tasty grub.
More Dog Friendly Places In Devon
Click here for more dog friendly attractions in South Devon. Alternatively head over to our homepage and search for dog friendly places to plan your very own adventures.
Our Verdict
There’s only one word for this whole experience – tree-rific! There’s something here for everyone. We enjoyed so many adventures both in and out the treehouse that will sit in our core memories for a lifetime.
This place offers a staycation experience like no other. The beds gave us the most comfortable snooze, the dogs instantly felt at home and the finishing touches took the whole experience to a new level.
This place offered a taste of delightful Devon and we want more!
