Flickr user Alison Day
With Dartmoor close to the southern coast and Exmoor hugging the northern coastline, rising out of a rural idyll of patchwork fields and whitewashed cottages, Devon is both a rural charmer and the perfect destination for a seaside break. With such obvious natural attractions, it is not surprising that you can find a great choice of stand out pubs. Our Guru’s recommendations for the best pubs with rooms in Devon are a mix of cosy haunts and escapes, and chic remodels - reflecting Devon’s change in image over the years.
For Walkers
- The Cott Inn in Darlington, right between Dartmoor and the South Devon coastline, is a picturesque building in a picturesque spot. It’s one of England’s oldest inns and the perfect country escape with a snug bar and an excellent restaurant.
- The Rock Inn is located within Dartmoor National Park, so ideal for walkers and nature lovers. Rooms are full of character, some with four posters, and the food is top notch (2AA rosettes were awarded in 2016).
- Tytherleigh Arms is a charming coaching inn located near the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. There are great walks to be found at the magnificent Golden Cap while the pub itself is cosy and traditional with comfortable rooms and a superb restaurant.
For Great Value
- The Seagate is situated on Devon's north coast and enjoys lovely views of the pretty fishing village of Appledore. There are just ten stylish rooms and great restaurant specialising in local seafood.
- Rose & Crown is a charming traditional inn which has undergone a chic renovation. Rooms are classic and simple, the restaurant serves up high-quality pub food and there are lovely walks nearby along the river Yealm.
- The Lamb Inn offers just seven cosy rooms. Packed full of character the pub area features beamed ceilings, exposed stone, uneven walls, and fireplaces. An owner-managed property that has a warm local feel. The price tag makes this appealing choice for a rural weekend break.
For Devon's south coast
- The Masons Arms in Branscombe is a traditional pub in a pretty coastal village. The accommodation is charming and the food won't disappoint either.
- The Cary Arms enjoys a seafront location with fabulous views over Babbacombe Beach. Rooms are chic and for families, there are three self-catering cottages. There's excellent gastropub fare and an outdoor barbecue and pizza oven during the summer months.
- Bayards Cove Inn is set in a quaint half timber building in Dartmouth overlooking the estuary. This property's modus operandi is to do the simple things well and the hotel staff make good on this. Expect an excellent restaurant, comfortable rooms and a beautiful coastal setting.
- The Hope and Anchor is a quaint inn boasting an enviable location on Devon's beautiful Hope Cove. Simply dressed rooms boast glorious sea views while quintessentially British dishes are served in the atmospheric restaurant with particularly good seafood. Coastal perfection.
- The Ness House is a real stand out property. A pretty Victorian house occupying an enviable spot on the Devon coastline. Charming interiors are the epitome of rustic chic filled with antiques and the best rooms boast large copper baths. The popular gastropub completes the picture at this boutique stay.
- The Cricket Inn is a charming inn boasting a fabulous spot on the Devon coast. Nautically themed rooms are bright and fresh. Pick this property for the award winning restaurant which serves up quintessential British fare and specialises in seafood.
For Devon's North Coast
- The Red Lion overlooks Clovelly harbour and has 17 neutral, but attractive rooms, some of them with sea views. The bar and restaurant are cosy and friendly and it’s got a very traditional seaside holiday feel to it.
For Dartmoor National Park
- The Globe Inn is set in the heart of the pretty market town of Chagford - ideal for accessing the moors. Stylish rooms are spacious and bright with large sash windows and sink-into beds. A lively restaurant serves traditional fare and is the real beating heart of the property.
- Three Crowns is another Chagford option. Cosy rooms perfectly mix contemporary and traditional styles while the fabulous restaurant showcases the best of local produce. A very comfortable base to return to after a day spent on the moors.
- The Elephant's Nest Inn boasts a spectacular position located right on the edge of the national park. Enjoy far reaching views from one of the three cosy rooms and dine in the fantastic pub which oozes character and charm. An intimate stay ideal for a rural hideaway.
- Located within the national park The Dartmoor Inn is another small property with just three rooms. Beautifully renovated, the decor is simple yet stylish. Well known for its gastropub which is a popular local spot.
- Ring of Bells Inn is a picturesque 13th-century inn set right in the heart Dartmoor. Having undergone a renovation the five rooms are fresh and bright with simple whitewashed walls and luxury bathrooms. The cosy pub serves local brews and modern British fare. A tough one to beat.
- Live and Let Live Inn is a chic gastropub within spitting distance of Dartmoor. The three rooms are fresh and bright with whitewashed walls juxtaposed with exposed brick. However, the lively bar and restaurant serving high quality British fare are the real draw.
For self-catering
- The Millbrook Inn offers the best of both worlds in South Pool. A stylish one-bedroom loft style apartment located above a charming pub giving the option to self-cater if you choose. The traditional pub serves a wide range of local beers and hearty British dishes.
Still not sure which to book?
