What’s Westleigh B&B like?
This adult-only B&B is located in the picturesque Devon village of Beer, on the Jurassic Coast. The 120-year-old cottage can be found on the main shopping street, just moments from the stony beach, and there are some great dog-friendly pubs nearby. Owner Etta, a Cordon Bleu trained cook, lives next-door with her young family.
How dog-friendly is Westleigh B&B?
Really good. All dogs will have a welcome pack waiting for them in the room, consisting of some homemade liver cake, a bottle of Woof & Brew’s Posh Pooch wine and a generous 2kg bag of Dr John kibble. Guests are invited to help themselves to the dog beds kept under the stairs and there are also dog towels, brushes, leads, toys and bowls in a chest in the porch. Dogs are allowed everywhere at Westleigh – except the kitchen – but must be kept on a lead in public spaces. They can roam free in the secure garden, however, which is accessed via the conservatory or a gate to the side of the B&B. There is no charge for pets and up to two large dogs are welcome to stay per room. Dog sitting and walking is available for an extra fee.
Tell me more about Westleigh B&B
There are three guest rooms at Westleigh, all of which are dog-friendly. We stayed in The Bell Jar, which was not only the biggest room but also the only one with an en-suite. It was located at the front of the B&B, overlooking the main street, but noise was not a problem at night. The spacious room had a comfy king-size bed, a table and chairs for two and lots of storage space. There were several cute dog-themed touches in the room too, such as cushions and prints.
A small TV was hidden away in one of the built-in wardrobes, as well as a fridge – which came in handy for keeping Ernie and Stan’s food chilled. There was also a radio and tea and coffee-making facilities, plus some chocolate oatcakes and mints. The compact shower room was sleek and modern and there were complimentary Eden toiletries. Guests were also invited to make the most of the downstairs lounge, which had lovely parquet flooring, a selection of books and magazines and an open fire.
What’s the food like at Westleigh B&B?
Lovely. As well as running the B&B, Etta has her own catering business and can provide a range of evening meals for guests from £25 per person. Unfortunately, she was unable to cook during our stay, which was a bit disappointing – but if her dinners are as good as her breakfasts, they’re definitely worth booking in for! All guests are treated to a cream tea upon arrival too, which is a nice touch. The timings are rather strict, though – you have an hour to check-in and claim your cream tea, between 4pm and 5pm, and breakfast is served from 8am to 9am. All meals are served in the conservatory, which overlooks the garden.
There are lots of good dog-friendly pubs and cafes in Beer, too. The Dolphin Hotel welcomes pets in its bar and the Barrel O’Beer has dog treats and water bowls aplenty. If the weather is good during your visit, grab one of the outdoor tables at either Chapple’s or Kenno’s, for fish and chips right on Beer beach. The Beer Head Bistro at Beer Head Caravan Park is also dog-friendly inside and out and you don’t have to be a resident onsite to enjoy its excellent pizzas.
Are there resident dogs at Westleigh B&B?
Etta has two pugs, Ted and Romeo, but we didn’t get to see them during our visit. You’ll definitely bump into lots of other dogs in Beer, though – and there will probably be other pampered pooches staying at the B&B!
Where are the best dog walks near Westleigh B&B?
There are some fantastic views to be had from the South West Coast Path, which runs right through Beer. The 630-mile trail tracks the coastline from Minehead, Somerset to Poole in Dorset and the three-mile stretch between Beer and neighbouring Branscombe, pictured above, is particularly spectacular. Walkers should allow around an hour each way. To see the route, click here. You can also follow the path in the opposite direction to Seaton. The town is around three miles from Beer so it takes a similar amount of time to walk there.
If you fancy going fossil-hunting, be sure to see more of the Jurassic Coast, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001. It runs for 96 miles from Exmouth to Old Harry Rocks, near Swanage in Dorset. Lyme Regis – a 20-minute drive from Beer – is a great place to start exploring the coastline’s 185 million-year history. The seaside town is renowned for being the birthplace of palaeontologist Mary Anning and draws fossil enthusiasts from around the world. To see the Jurassic Coast Trust’s suggested walks in the area, click here.
What Ernie and Stan loved about Westleigh B&B
Being so close to the beach, having some secure outdoor space, the doggy welcome pack
What I loved about Westleigh B&B
The great location, the spacious room, the lovely breakfasts
How to book Westleigh B&B
Rooms start from £140 per night, including breakfast, and there is a minimum two-night stay. Guests booking for more than three nights will receive a 5% discount. For more information or to book, call 01297 23247 or visit the Westleigh B&B website.
