Kate Williams
13 March 2023
One of the UK’s best-loved rural areas, coming second only to Cornwall when it comes to the people’s choice of UK staycations, Devon is renowned for its traditional farming landscape, beautiful coastline, winding country walks and, of course, the quaint country pubs.
While visiting this holiday hot spot, whether you travel here during the scorching summer months or decide to retreat to Devon for Christmas, dining out at a country pub is a must-do aspect of your holiday. We’ve gathered together our favourite choices for families on holiday in Devon and groups travelling with dogs in tow, and even thrown in pubs with a special something throughout the county.
There’s so much choice and variety across North, South, East and Mid Devon, it can be difficult to pick where you want to travel. If you haven’t decided yet, maybe our guide to the top attractions in Devon will help you uncover the most exciting corner of this county.
Having someone else cook for you is a real luxury and part of what makes a holiday feel like, well, a holiday! Take a look through a few of the best pubs to eat and drink in Devon and find a choice that suits you. If you feel like dining in one night, many of our Devon holiday cottages have lovely kitchens. Click on the button below to discover your perfect holiday getaway.
Skip to a section to discover impressive Devon pubs:
Best pubs in North Devon
A family-friendly pub: The Pier House, Westward Ho!
Right by child-friendly Westward Ho! beach, The Pier House is the perfect place to take little ones for lunch with plenty of space inside as well as fantastic, elevated outdoor seating area to make the most of the fabulous views. Work up an appetite by heading down to the sandy beach first to splash around in the sea, play amusement arcades or have a ride on the go-karts.
A dog-friendly pub: The Pyne Arms, East Down
Located in the really pretty hamlet of East Down, you'll find the Pyne Arms which calls itself a ‘proper country pub’ so look forward to a rustic, traditional interior and good pub grub with a touch of style. If you fancy a bit of exercise before lunch, why not go walking in the beautiful scenery - Exmoor is just 3 miles away if you fancy a full day’s dog walk across the moors before settling down inside the cosy pub or out in the beer garden.
A pub with something special: The Puffing Billy, Great Torrington
A great choice for anyone with a taste for adventure! This quaint eatery is set right on the Tarka Trail, Devon’s famous cycling route which follows the River Torridge and is wide and flat so perfect for anyone - and you can even hire bikes from next door to The Puffing Billy. After a day of exploring on two wheels, return for a tasty lunch or sit in the garden with a few beers
Best pubs in Mid Devon
A family-friendly pub: The Waie Inn, Zeal Monachorum
The Waie Inn is a great choice for families with Waie 2 Play, an amazing barn with a purpose-built play area for kids to run about and a coffee bar where parents can chill and keep an eye on the little ones while they enjoy their holiday. Outside, there's also a fantastic play area and you can even book in for a swim in the indoor pool. Once the children are exhausted and have worked up an appetite, head into the pub for good food and a warming atmosphere.
A dog-friendly pub: The Culm Valley Inn, Culmstock
Steeped in beauty, the Culm Valley Inn is an idyllic escape for dining together, proving even dog-friendly pubs can enjoy a whole lot of class and style. Snuggle up in a window seat, gather around an old farmhouse table and chairs, or sit outside at the front on warm sunny days.
A pub with something special: The Mount Pleasant Inn, Tiverton
This quirky Mount Pleasant Inn near Tiverton has a mix of historic and modern décor – part magnificent old stone walls and part wood panelling – with large windows allowing natural light to flood inside and guests to gaze out on the country lane and greenery beyond. It serves good pub food and has local beers and ciders, homecooked meals as well as warming fires in the winter or a beer garden to make the most of the sunshine in warmer months.
Best pubs in East Devon
A family-friendly pub: The Clinton Arms, Exmouth
The Clinton Arms in Exmouth is a classic local pub with Sky Sports, Saturday night karaoke and a beer garden complete with outdoor play equipment to keep the kids entertained. Not to mention, they have a dedicated section for children inside the pub too: the Kids Zone is complete with games, Sky TV and mini furniture for youngsters.
A dog-friendly pub: The Harbour Inn, Axmouth
With water and dog biscuits available, your dog will feel more than welcome at The Harbour Inn in Axmouth. A thatched roof and stone walls only emphasise the heritage of this beautiful 12th-century pub while inside, stylish furnishings and tasty food complete the wonderful dining experience – and there’s plenty of room for Fido to stretch out his paws.
A pub with something special: The Jack in the Green Inn, Rockbeare
A gastropub that has won awards from local to national prizes,The Jack in the Green is a real treasure in the Devon countryside. Pick from their ‘a la carte’ menu, a tasting menu, vegetarian menu as well as th children’s menu - meaning everyone in the family is catered for at this elegant establishment.
Best pubs in South Devon
A family-friendly pub: The Boathouse, Dawlish
The Boathouse in Dawlish is right by the beach so kids can step out the front door and run down to the sand. Burn off energy on the nearby slides, the go-kart track or by splashing in the waves, before settling down in the beer garden for dinner. Children can even enjoy ice cream for their pudding!
A dog-friendly pub: The Windjammer Inn, Dartmouth
A wonderful family-run free house, The Windjammer Inn, in the heart of beautiful Dartmouth with plenty of fresh local produce; they even have their own commercial fishing boat, ensuring they have complete control over their seafood offerings. Dogs can relax at your feet while you enjoy the tasty grub at this traditional town pub. Click here to read more about our favourite restaurants and places to eat in Dartmouth.
A pub with something special: Pig Nose Inn, East Prawle
A welcoming Pig Nose Inn settled in the pretty landscape of East Prawle, a village that is known for Prawle Point, a headland that is the most southerly point in Devon. Despite its remote setting. it’s a busy venue with lively music events for you to attend in this trendy pub. Walk to Prawle Point then return to dine and listen to a band at Pig Nose Inn.
Stay at one of our Devon holiday cottages
Where will you eat out during your time in beautiful Devon? With a wide choice of country pubs to pick from, you’ll be spoilt for choice during your time here. Whether you decide to eat out at the family-friendly Waie Inn, the dog-friendly Harbour Inn or head down to Pig Nose Inn on the southernmost point of Devon, we’ve got a holiday cottage to suit you. Take a look through our collection of holiday escapes and cottages in Devon and find your perfect getaway.
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.