The Williams Arms in Wrafton is one of those North Devon institutions that locals love and you discover with genuine delight. This celebrated 17th-century thatched inn on the edge of Braunton has built its reputation on an outstanding carvery that draws people from across the region, and the good news for dog owners is that well-behaved dogs are very much part of the welcome here.
The pub sits just off the A361 in the village of Wrafton, a short drive from Braunton and within easy reach of Saunton Sands and the Tarka Trail. Dogs are welcome in the bar area, where tables are available on a first come, first served basis, making this a brilliant stop for lunch after a morning walk through Braunton Burrows or along the estuary path. The bar itself has all the character you would hope for from a thatched Devon pub: exposed beams, a warm atmosphere and the kind of cheerful hospitality that makes you want to linger.
The carvery is the main event here, and it is genuinely impressive. Fresh roasted meats, a generous selection of vegetables and all the trimmings are served throughout the week, and the quality is consistently high. If you are not in carvery mode, the broader menu has plenty of satisfying options. Water bowls are available for dogs, and high chairs for small people, confirming that the Williams Arms takes an inclusive approach to its you of all shapes and sizes.
The pub opens daily with the bar available from midday. Parking is straightforward, and the surrounding area of Wrafton and the Taw estuary provides good walking before or after your meal.
For a proper Devon pub lunch with your dog at your feet and a pint of something local in hand, the Williams Arms delivers every time.
Byron is just a short drive away, and after a day exploring North Devon with your dog by your side, The Williams Arms is the perfect place to wind down together. Ask at the bar about the dog water bowl and biscuit tin they keep handy for four-legged regulars, then settle in for a proper Sunday roast that has earned this pub its loyal following across the region. Your dog gets the floor space, you get the gravy. Everyone wins.
