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Whether it’s for a restorative pint in front of a crackling fire after a long countryside walk, a thirst-quenching cider when you’ve spent the day surfing, or just as a place to catch up with friends with a round of drinks – you can’t beat a good pub, and Devon is full of them!
From historic pubs with low beamed ceilings where you have to stoop to avoid banging your head, to fancy seafront bistros where you can sup Champagne and dine on the freshest seafood – Devon has a pub for every occasion.
Whether you’re staying in North Devon, South Devon or Mid Devon and Dartmoor, here’s our guide to the best pubs in Devon – plus a few places you can stay within stumbling distance (those taxi fares over the winding Devon roads can rival London’s!).
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North Devon pubs
Credit: Instagram @pynearmsBest country pub: Pyne Arms, East Down
The Pyne Arms is one of those country pubs that you hope is waiting for you at the end of a long countryside ramble. Surrounded by open countryside on the southern fringes of Exmoor National Park, it’s in the perfect position for a pitstop and welcomes four-legged guests too. And, if you’re in need of sustenance after a day exploring the North Devon countryside, you couldn’t have picked a better pub – the pub has won many awards for its menu, which is created using local and seasonal South West produce.
Stay nearby: South Patchole Cottage, Combe Martin | sleeps 9
Credit: Instow Arms
Best dog-friendly pub: Instow Arms, Instow
Situated less than 100 metres from Instow’s year-round, dog-friendly beach – and just a short hop from the traffic-free Tarka Trail – the Instow Arms couldn’t be in a better setting for four-legged visitors and their owners. One of the most dog-friendly pubs in Devon, pups are warmly welcomed on the ground floor of the pub where there are dog biscuits to nibble on and a warm fire to curl up in front of – and more than likely, they’ll get a scratch behind the ears from the local patrons too. Make sure you take a look at the hand-painted ceiling while you’re in there!
Stay nearby: Instow Breakers, Instow | sleeps 6 + 3 dogs
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Credit: Instagram @lorri_stampBest pub with a view: The Pier House, Westward Ho!
Towering above the Atlantic Ocean as it crashes onto the rocks at Westward Ho!, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more atmospheric location for a pint than The Pier House. The pub and restaurant makes the most of its position, with a huge terrace where you can enjoy almost panoramic views across Bideford Bay, over the sandy Westward Ho! beach where surfers bob in the water, and out towards the iconic Art Deco hotel at Saunton Sands. It’s sheer bliss on a sunny day (although the view is pretty special from inside too!) Why not work off your feast with a fantastic coastal walk along the South West Coast Path after?
Stay nearby: Cloud 9, Westward Ho! | sleeps 4
Credit: Instagram @beccamowforthBest family pub: Pig on the Hill, near Westward Ho!
This quirky pub, a few miles into the countryside from Westward Ho!, draws visitors and locals alike for its AA Rosette-winning menu – but it’s not just adults that can tuck into its delicious food. At Pig on the Hill, kids can choose from the Piglets menu that’s designed for under 10s and, when they’ve finished, they can burn off some steam in the games room or the vast outdoor space while the grown-ups enjoy a pint of local cider. Visit in May for Pigstock – a family-friendly music festival with plenty of kids’ entertainment. Find more inspiration for days out in Devon with the kids in our guide.
Stay nearby: Country Life Fuggles Cottage | sleeps 6 + 2 dogs
Credit: Instagram @therockingeorgehamBest pub for something special: The Rock Inn, Georgeham
Keep it to yourself, but this is where all the locals go when they want a slap-up pub meal. Situated between Saunton, Croyde and Woolacombe, the 17th-century inn is a great choice after a beach walk, boasting a charming atmosphere and a great drinks menu to complement the fine food. As it’s one of the best pubs in North Devon for a Sunday roast, our top tip is to make sure you book at The Rock Inn before you go!
Stay nearby: Dunes At West Croyde, Croyde | sleeps 8 + 3 dogs
Credit: Instagram @r_dziewulskiLiveliest pub: The Thatch, Croyde
If you fancy a pint and a party, head to Croyde. The Thatch is the most popular pub in North Devon’s most popular surfing village, and so it’s always filled with locals looking for a post-surf pick-me-up – giving it a great atmosphere. Keep your eyes peeled (and ears pricked) for the pub’s live music and local entertainment, as that’s when the party really gets started. If you're planning a surfing holiday in Devon, find out everything you need to know with our expert's guide.
Stay nearby: Priory Stables At Croyde, Croyde | sleeps 8 + 5 dogs
Credit: Coach & HorsesSpecial mention: Coach & Horses, Buckland Brewer
Fans of the supernatural can’t leave North Devon without paying a visit to this 13th-century thatched pub nestled in the peaceful countryside. While it’s a lovely pub in its own right, it also has a fascinating history that’s well worth exploring. Popular with the locals, the Coach & Horses also been frequented by the paranormal; a lady in black has been spotted roaming the corridors and Cavalier soldiers are said to haunt the room above the main bar!
Stay nearby: Stargazey Barn, Buckland Brewer | sleeps 2 + 3 dogs
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South Devon pubs
Credit: The Cott InnBest country pub: The Cott Inn, Dartington
Set on the fringes of the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and within the picturesque South Hams district, The Cott Inn is in a fantastic location for a countryside pint – and has been serving patrons since 1320 AD! After exploring the surrounding area on foot, pop into the pub for a pint of local ale and something from the mouth-watering menu – in summer, the beer garden is the perfect place to soak up the rays and ease those aching feet.
Stay nearby: Chaffinch Cottage, Totnes | sleeps 4 + 2 dog
Credit: Cary ArmsBest dog-friendly pub: Cary Arms, Babbacombe Bay
Overlooking the year-round, dog-friendly beach at Babbacombe, this traditional inn is in a picture-perfect setting for a round with your hound. Dogs are warmly welcomed in the bar at the Cary Arms, where you’ll find beamed ceilings, stone walls and a roaring fire in the winter. Order a pint of local ale and soak up the views towards Portland Bill on a clear day, while your pup naps at your feet. It’s enough to set tails wagging!
Stay nearby: Waves End, Torquay | sleeps 8 + 2 dogs
Credit: River Exe CafeBest pub with a view: River Exe Café, Exmouth
Ok, it’s not technically a pub, but we couldn’t miss this picturesque restaurant in East Devon off our list. Sat aboard a custom-built barge, the River Exe Café is surrounded by water and offers 360-degree views of the Exe Estuary. It’s only accessible by boat – either the water taxi from Exmouth Marina, or your own – and it’s well worth the voyage. Tuck into a menu of locally sourced food while drinking up those views – but just check it’s open before you visit as it operates on seasonal hours only. Find out about more fantastic Devon restaurants in our foodie's guide.
Stay nearby: The Roost at Riverside, Exmouth | sleeps 2 + 2 dogs
Credit: Instagram @boathousedawlishwarrenBest family pub: The Boathouse Tavern, Dawlish Warren
Set opposite a Blue Flag beach and near plenty of beachfront amusements, this could be the most child-friendly pub in Devon – in fact, it’s won awards for its family dining! As well as a kids’ menu, your little ones will love the indoor soft play area and colouring-in packs at The Boathouse Tavern, while new parents will be relieved to find two baby changing areas, highchairs, baby food to buy and bottle warming facilities available. There’s even free parking after 6pm!
Stay nearby: Corfu Cottage, Dawlish | sleeps 6 + 2 dogs
Credit: Start Bay InnBest pub for something special: Start Bay Inn, Torcross
For a true taste of South Devon – and probably the freshest seafood on the entire coastline – head to Start Bay Inn. On the tranquil and picturesque stretch of beach at Slapton Sands, the pub enjoys an extra-special location anyway, but a visit is made even more memorable by the quality of the produce. Specialising in seafood, the kitchen sources fresh fish from the waters just beyond the pub, with its very own fishing boat to ensure the catch of the day is as local as it can be.
Stay nearby: No. 9 Belle Vue | sleeps 5
Credit: Instagram @thewordsmenLiveliest pub: The Old Firehouse, Exeter
Popular with Exeter University students, this city-centre pub has a buzzing atmosphere at almost any time of day – but the excitement around it is increased tenfold due to it being widely regarded as the inspiration for the Leaky Cauldron in the Harry Potter series. You’re unlikely to find any witches or wizards inside, but you will instead discover crowd-pleasing pizzas, live music and famous quiz nights – just be aware that The Old Firehouse is a strictly over-18s venue after 5pm.
Stay nearby: Highfield Topsham, Topsham | sleeps 6 + 1 dog
Credit: Instagram @pilchardinnSpecial mention: The Pilchard Inn, Burgh Island
This highly unusual pub deserves a special mention for being possibly the only pub in Devon that must be reached by sea tractor. Situated on its own private island between Bigbury-on-Sea and Bantham, the Pilchard Inn is worth a visit for the unusual journey alone – although, you can walk across at low tide which may be easier but is a little less ceremonial! The pub has been a feature of the island since 1336 and is a great place to sit and watch the tide ebb and flow.
Stay nearby: Rock Cottage - Salcombe, Salcombe | sleeps 2 + 2 dogs
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Mid Devon and Dartmoor
Credit: Instagram @appleby.donnaBest country pub: The Elephant’s Nest, Horndon
A quintessential Devon pub – and a feature in the Good Pub Guide for 25 years – The Elephant’s Nest is a welcome sight after a long walk on Dartmoor whatever time of year. If it’s winter and you need shelter from the elements, pull up a chair next to the roaring fire. Or if it’s summer and you want to soak up the rays, the extensive beer garden is a great place to enjoy a refreshing pint of Devon cider. Our guide to Dartmoor National Park has all the information you need if you're planning a trip to this magical and mysterious area of Devon.
Stay nearby: Higher Manor The Barn, Tavistock | sleeps 2 + 2 dogs
Credit: Instagram @gibsonbananaBest dog-friendly pub: Rock Inn, Haytor Vale
Within a tail-wag of Haytor – Dartmoor’s most popular tor – this traditional pub is the perfect rest break after a lung-busting dog walk around the national park. Four-legged visitors are welcome in the garden and patio area of the Rock Inn if they’re on a lead and they can dine with you in the Riley Room too. The food certainly isn’t to be sniffed at – the pub has held two AA Rosettes since 2016.
Stay nearby: Haytor Vale Lodge, Dartmoor | sleeps 4 + 2 dogs
Credit: Instagram @ashling_nolanBest pub with a view: Warren House Inn, Postbridge
For one of the most unbeatable views on Dartmoor, enjoy a pint from the Warren House Inn on one of the picnic benches outside the pub. The inn is the highest pub in southern England, at 434 metres above sea level, and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the national park. It’s also worth the trip to learn more about the pub’s lively history, and to see the fire which is said to have been burning since 1845!
Stay nearby: Widecombe Swallows, Widecombe-in-the-Moor | sleeps 2 + 2 dogs
Credit: The Ring of Bells
Best family pub: The Ring of Bells, Cheriton Fitzpaine
This picturesque pub is a great choice if you’ve got the family in tow – including any four-legged family members, who can make friends with the resident pub dog! Little ones can choose from the kids’ menu and then play in the compact garden, and the grown-ups will love the Ring of Bells' traditional pub grub with Asian influences.
Stay nearby: Haswells Cottage, Tiverton | sleeps 4
Credit: Instagram @masonsarms_kitchenBest pub for something special: The Mason’s Arms, Knowstone
One of only four Michelin-starred restaurants in Devon, having held the accolade for over 15 years, The Mason’s Arms should be top of your list for an extra-special meal. With a thatched roof, low beamed ceiling and a huge fireplace, the restaurant still retains the atmosphere of a local village pub – making the gastronomical treats even more delightful! Even better – book the set lunch menu and you can sample some of Devon’s finest food for under £30 a head.
Stay nearby: The Tall Barn, South Molton | sleeps 6 + 2 dogs
Credit: The HighwaymanLiveliest pub: The Highwayman, Sourton
The Highwayman is often called ‘the most unusual pub in Devon’ and we can see why. Both the outside and inside of the pub are covered in all manner of mythological artefacts, life-size mannequins and interesting antiques, and the publicans often cater to Pagan and Humanist ceremonies, giving the inn a unique and welcoming atmosphere. Pop in for a pint of the award-winning local cider – it has to be seen to be believed!
Stay nearby: Lydford Lodge, Shortacombe | sleeps 2
Credit: The Cridford InnSpecial mention: The Cridford Inn, Trusham
We couldn’t complete our list of Devon pubs without mentioning the one that’s been serving the longest – so a special mention goes to the Cridford Inn: the oldest pub in Devon. Dating back to 825 AD, this charming inn now serves a wide range of local ales, 80 different gins and a seasonal menu. Sip a pint while admiring the historic features, including a mural dating back to 1081, and soak up the character of the place.
Stay nearby: Primrose Cottage at Greatrock Farm, Bovey Tracey | sleeps 4 + 2 dogs
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Stay with us in Devon
Welcoming locals, incredible views and historic buildings – all of Devon’s charms can be found in the county’s pubs. If you’re inspired to visit, why not also take a look at our guide to the region’s restaurants and must-do activities? Or click below for our full collection of handpicked self-catering cottages in Devon and start planning your next holiday.
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