Food Scene
Our local. Just a couple of minutes walk, with from Michelin- trained owners who's previous experience amongst others includes Heston Blumenthal & Jamie Oliver
Excellent food.
Just check opening times and book ahead, as they vary throughout the year and they can get incredibly busy especially over the summer.
14 locals recommend
Live & Let Live Inn
Our local. Just a couple of minutes walk, with from Michelin- trained owners who's previous experience amongst others includes Heston Blumenthal & Jamie Oliver
Excellent food.
Just check opening times and book ahead, as they vary throughout the year and they can get incredibly busy especially over the summer.
Just a few minutes drive down the lanes from us, and an unmissable experience. Booking ahead essential.
They also often run great courses with visiting chefs/foodies
https://fieldkitchen.riverford.co.uk/
120 locals recommend
Riverford Field Kitchen - Organic Restaurant
Just a few minutes drive down the lanes from us, and an unmissable experience. Booking ahead essential.
They also often run great courses with visiting chefs/foodies
https://fieldkitchen.riverford.co.uk/
High up on my favourite places to eat out here. These young chefs trained at the Michael Caines Academy and have created a truly unique dining experience. The menu is always creative without trying to be clever, and everything feels beautiful, thoughtful and delicious. The restaurant itself is intimate and welcoming. The cocktails and mocktails are wonderful.
https://www.gathertotnes.com/
11 locals recommend
Gather
50 Fore StHigh up on my favourite places to eat out here. These young chefs trained at the Michael Caines Academy and have created a truly unique dining experience. The menu is always creative without trying to be clever, and everything feels beautiful, thoughtful and delicious. The restaurant itself is intimate and welcoming. The cocktails and mocktails are wonderful.
https://www.gathertotnes.com/
A tiny, intimate and excellent Italian restaurant by the people who own Little Duck The Picklery in London. Small plates, daily changing menu. Nose-to-tail approach to meat... you won't find a quick pizza here. Do check opening hours ahead, and you'll need to book ahead
They've also just opened a wine bar in Ashburton: No.14, which will undoubtedly be excellent - just not available here on the guidebook yet to list, but certainly worth a visit too
Emilia
A tiny, intimate and excellent Italian restaurant by the people who own Little Duck The Picklery in London. Small plates, daily changing menu. Nose-to-tail approach to meat... you won't find a quick pizza here. Do check opening hours ahead, and you'll need to book ahead
They've also just opened a wine bar in Ashburton: No.14, which will undoubtedly be excellent - just not available here on the guidebook yet to list, but certainly worth a visit too
Further afield than our other recommendations, but too good to not list .
These guys used to make exceptional tacos on a beach in Cornwall, and within a short space of time their new venture has won the attention of a Michelin award, which is every bit deserved.
Just seven tables in a relaxed, unstuffy environment, with superb, creative well-priced taster menus, and impeccable, welcoming service.
Taco Boys
31 Magdalen RoadFurther afield than our other recommendations, but too good to not list .
These guys used to make exceptional tacos on a beach in Cornwall, and within a short space of time their new venture has won the attention of a Michelin award, which is every bit deserved.
Just seven tables in a relaxed, unstuffy environment, with superb, creative well-priced taster menus, and impeccable, welcoming service.
The best freshly made cakes and sourdough bread this side of Italy. Great coffee and friendly service too.
45 locals recommend
The Almond Thief
The best freshly made cakes and sourdough bread this side of Italy. Great coffee and friendly service too.
Very excellent small-batch gelato in wonderful flavours, just after the arch on Totnes high street
14 locals recommend
Delphini's Gelato Totnes
5B High StVery excellent small-batch gelato in wonderful flavours, just after the arch on Totnes high street
These lovely folks make excellent small-batch, craft ice cream in Ashburton
6 locals recommend
Creamo's
34 St Lawrence LnThese lovely folks make excellent small-batch, craft ice cream in Ashburton
Coljan Cafe, Bar & Restaurant
11 West StGreat, interesting food and wine, great service
Great coffee cake and lunches in a spacious, pretty setting on the iconic Dartington Estate.
34 locals recommend
The Green Table
Great coffee cake and lunches in a spacious, pretty setting on the iconic Dartington Estate.
A great place to get breakfast while exploring beautiful Dartmoor
16 locals recommend
The Cafe On The Green
A great place to get breakfast while exploring beautiful Dartmoor
A very enjoyable place to have breakfast. Creative meals, vegetarian /vegan, and close to the A38 (in pretty Ashburton ), if you are on your way home after your stay.
18 locals recommend
Rafikis
2a West StA very enjoyable place to have breakfast. Creative meals, vegetarian /vegan, and close to the A38 (in pretty Ashburton ), if you are on your way home after your stay.
A very good choice for coffee - and a wide selection of alternative drinks - in the beautiful Narrows in Totnes
25 locals recommend
The Hairy Barista
82 High StA very good choice for coffee - and a wide selection of alternative drinks - in the beautiful Narrows in Totnes
Uber-Cool coffee shop on The Plains in Totnes. A perfect place to sit outside and watch the world go by before wandering up the High Street. Great coffee and cakes and simple lunches.
65 locals recommend
The Curator Cafe & Kitchen
2A The PlainsUber-Cool coffee shop on The Plains in Totnes. A perfect place to sit outside and watch the world go by before wandering up the High Street. Great coffee and cakes and simple lunches.
Really delicious healthy beautiful salads and lunches on the edge of the market square in Totnes
24 locals recommend
Seeds 2 Totnes
40 High StReally delicious healthy beautiful salads and lunches on the edge of the market square in Totnes
The perfect old Dartmoor pub for a drink and a meal after a walk
77 locals recommend
The Rugglestone Inn
The perfect old Dartmoor pub for a drink and a meal after a walk
A great buzzing cafe & restaurant at South Milton Sands beach. Often packed, and the service can be hectic. They do evening meals in the summer, and the food is great,as you watch the sun set over the sea
53 locals recommend
Beachhouse
A great buzzing cafe & restaurant at South Milton Sands beach. Often packed, and the service can be hectic. They do evening meals in the summer, and the food is great,as you watch the sun set over the sea
Geetie Singh-Watson’s award-winning pub in Totnes. It's not my personal favourite as I think there are other places around here more deserving of awards - if only they also knew the right food critics... But you can do far worse, and plenty of people love it!
29 locals recommend
The Bull Inn
102 RotherfoldGeetie Singh-Watson’s award-winning pub in Totnes. It's not my personal favourite as I think there are other places around here more deserving of awards - if only they also knew the right food critics... But you can do far worse, and plenty of people love it!
A wine bar with a nice atmosphere, consistently great food, and an ever-changing menu. You'll need to book ahead, although there's often space to eat at the bar if you haven't.
66 locals recommend
Rumour wine bar and restaurant
30 High StA wine bar with a nice atmosphere, consistently great food, and an ever-changing menu. You'll need to book ahead, although there's often space to eat at the bar if you haven't.
when in Dartmouth, breakfast here. Long-standing local favourite. The cinnamon toast is a must.
69 locals recommend
Cafe Alf Resco
Lower Streetwhen in Dartmouth, breakfast here. Long-standing local favourite. The cinnamon toast is a must.
Essentials
Our nearest food shop. A fantastic selection of good, local and organic food, including a cafe for breakfast, coffee and lunches.
Also head to the nearby Riverford Field Kitchen for one of the best dining experiences in the area.
75 locals recommend
Ben's Farm Shop
StavertonOur nearest food shop. A fantastic selection of good, local and organic food, including a cafe for breakfast, coffee and lunches.
Also head to the nearby Riverford Field Kitchen for one of the best dining experiences in the area.
A very well stocked local shop for pretty much anything you might need - the second closest shop to us, after Ben's Farm Shop
Broadhempston Community Shop and Post Office
The SquareA very well stocked local shop for pretty much anything you might need - the second closest shop to us, after Ben's Farm Shop
Friendly good car rental if you arrive by train and want to explore the area more than a taxi will allow for
B H Autobodies
Friendly good car rental if you arrive by train and want to explore the area more than a taxi will allow for
Good local taxi company who know the lanes around is well. Often booked out, so book in advance
South Hams Cabs
19 Elmhirst DrGood local taxi company who know the lanes around is well. Often booked out, so book in advance
Badger Cabs
Local taxi company who know the lanes around us well. Do book ahead
Sightseeing
Iconic Dartington Hall is a beautiful estate to take a stroll around, or head to the White Hart restaurant for lunch. the Green Table cafe is arguably even better, for coffee, cake, lunch.
There's a fantastic independent cinema and a year-round programme of music and literature festivals and art events.
118 locals recommend
Dartington Hall
Iconic Dartington Hall is a beautiful estate to take a stroll around, or head to the White Hart restaurant for lunch. the Green Table cafe is arguably even better, for coffee, cake, lunch.
There's a fantastic independent cinema and a year-round programme of music and literature festivals and art events.
A beautiful steam railway ride along the River Dart, between Buckfastleigh and Totnes.
57 locals recommend
South Devon Railway station
Dartbridge RoadA beautiful steam railway ride along the River Dart, between Buckfastleigh and Totnes.
A selection of trips by by boat and steam train, including a round trip, around Dartmouth and Totnes, along the beautiful River Dart www.dartmouthrailriver.co.uk
39 locals recommend
Dartmouth Steam Railway & River Boat Company
The SquareA selection of trips by by boat and steam train, including a round trip, around Dartmouth and Totnes, along the beautiful River Dart www.dartmouthrailriver.co.uk
An iconic Devon town rich in nautical history, and hugely popular for yachting. Many excellent restaurants and gift shops, and the drive there along the coastline is fantastic
378 locals recommend
Dartmouth
An iconic Devon town rich in nautical history, and hugely popular for yachting. Many excellent restaurants and gift shops, and the drive there along the coastline is fantastic
An iconic Devon day out. Heaving with tourists in the summer, and full of pretty shops and cream teas
213 locals recommend
Salcombe
An iconic Devon day out. Heaving with tourists in the summer, and full of pretty shops and cream teas
Brixham is a thriving working fishing harbour, with much of the UK's fresh fish coming in here to the large fish market. As a result the town has a grittier, less glossy feel to it than Dartmouth, and it's great place for a wander.
Brixham Harbour
Brixham is a thriving working fishing harbour, with much of the UK's fresh fish coming in here to the large fish market. As a result the town has a grittier, less glossy feel to it than Dartmouth, and it's great place for a wander.
Parks & Nature
Unmissable. Take a picnic, walking boots, kite...and enjoy the fresh air
799 locals recommend
Dartmoor National Park
PL20Unmissable. Take a picnic, walking boots, kite...and enjoy the fresh air
A five minute steep walk down from the hotel car park brings you to one of the most striking beaches around here. The cafe at the top does good food too
15 locals recommend
Gara Rock Beach
A five minute steep walk down from the hotel car park brings you to one of the most striking beaches around here. The cafe at the top does good food too
Stunning golden sands and an organic cafe for chips, burgers, ice cream... Just be careful of the water with little ones- the sand dips away fast at the shore, so it's not the safest swimming. It is lifeguarded in the summer though
183 locals recommend
Blackpool Sands
Stunning golden sands and an organic cafe for chips, burgers, ice cream... Just be careful of the water with little ones- the sand dips away fast at the shore, so it's not the safest swimming. It is lifeguarded in the summer though
A heavenly estuary beach opposite Salcombe. Get the boat across from Salcombe or drive there early to get a parking spot in the village. Trees shade the top of the beach from the sun. Golden sand and shallow water, and the organic cafe make it ideal for small children.
East Portlemouth
A heavenly estuary beach opposite Salcombe. Get the boat across from Salcombe or drive there early to get a parking spot in the village. Trees shade the top of the beach from the sun. Golden sand and shallow water, and the organic cafe make it ideal for small children.
Thurlestone Sands
A wide, beautiful sandy National Trust beach.
A tucked away beach with only space for a handful of cars. When then tide is out the rocks are great to explore, and the sand is smooth.
10 locals recommend
Lannacombe Beach
A tucked away beach with only space for a handful of cars. When then tide is out the rocks are great to explore, and the sand is smooth.
Shopping
Voted by the Guardian as "the hippy capital of England". Totnes is full of independent shops, a picturesque high street, and a bustling market every Friday and Saturday on the Civic Square. A great place for food, clothes, retro items, plants, gifts.
351 locals recommend
Totnes
Voted by the Guardian as "the hippy capital of England". Totnes is full of independent shops, a picturesque high street, and a bustling market every Friday and Saturday on the Civic Square. A great place for food, clothes, retro items, plants, gifts.
The pretty, old top end of Totnes High street, ( no idea why Airbnb is saying it's a station- it's just a lovely old street!)
Packed with many more independent shops and cafes than the lower end of the high street
The Narrows station
The pretty, old top end of Totnes High street, ( no idea why Airbnb is saying it's a station- it's just a lovely old street!)
Packed with many more independent shops and cafes than the lower end of the high street
A perfectly formed lifestyle and gift shop in the Totnes Narrows, packed with a superb curation of local ceramics, cards, skincare.
https://meandeast.com/
Me and East
24 Leechwell StA perfectly formed lifestyle and gift shop in the Totnes Narrows, packed with a superb curation of local ceramics, cards, skincare.
https://meandeast.com/
Apparently this was the first zero waste shop in the UK, and it's lovely. Full to the brim of yummy eco things, and the kindest staff.
Earth.Food.Love
101 High StApparently this was the first zero waste shop in the UK, and it's lovely. Full to the brim of yummy eco things, and the kindest staff.
A beautiful deli packed with culinary gifts, fresh olives, and a superb selection of fresh fish, mostly from Brixham. even if you aren't cooking while you are here, you'll almost certainly find something lovely to take home.
11 locals recommend
the fish deli
7 East StA beautiful deli packed with culinary gifts, fresh olives, and a superb selection of fresh fish, mostly from Brixham. even if you aren't cooking while you are here, you'll almost certainly find something lovely to take home.
Barnaby's Brewhouse Ltd
Award-winning local craft beer.
Gnash Comics & Graphic Novels
9 West StA great niche shop in Ashburton
Morrisons
Closest large supermarket.
Craftmongers
A beautiful shop full of beautiful things!
Entertainment & Activities
A beautiful little independent cinema- restored from an old Romany cinema. Licenced bar with great cocktail just beneath the screen until the film begins, much of the seating on sofas and armchairs.
https://totnescinema.co.uk
32 locals recommend
Totnes Cinema
27A High StA beautiful little independent cinema- restored from an old Romany cinema. Licenced bar with great cocktail just beneath the screen until the film begins, much of the seating on sofas and armchairs.
https://totnescinema.co.uk
Long-standing excellent independent cinema set inside an ancient barn on the Dartington Hall Estate grounds.
https://www.dartington.org/
27 locals recommend
The Barn Cinema
Long-standing excellent independent cinema set inside an ancient barn on the Dartington Hall Estate grounds.
https://www.dartington.org/
Sharpham have been producing award-winning wines and cheeses for decades, and the Sharpham Estate has stunning views back across the river Dart and Totnes. They run wine tours and have a pretty alfresco cafe too. A good day out.
https://sharpham.com/
90 locals recommend
Sharpham Wine and Cheese
Waddeton RoadSharpham have been producing award-winning wines and cheeses for decades, and the Sharpham Estate has stunning views back across the river Dart and Totnes. They run wine tours and have a pretty alfresco cafe too. A good day out.
https://sharpham.com/
Spend the day on Dartmoor with llamas. I've not been myself yet, but guests who have, came home at the end of the day very happy.
7 locals recommend
Dartmoor Llama Walks
Spend the day on Dartmoor with llamas. I've not been myself yet, but guests who have, came home at the end of the day very happy.
Horse riding across Dartmoor on huge, beautiful Clydesdale horses, traditionally use for agriculture. A stunning day out.
www.adventureclydesdale.com
Adventure Clydesdale
Horse riding across Dartmoor on huge, beautiful Clydesdale horses, traditionally use for agriculture. A stunning day out.
www.adventureclydesdale.com
Horse riding across Dartmoor including rides for beginners. A fantastic way to see Dartmoor
20 locals recommend
Cholwell Riding Stables.
Horse riding across Dartmoor including rides for beginners. A fantastic way to see Dartmoor
Canoe trips down the River Dart - A really friendly, experienced team.
windingrivercanoe.co.uk
WindingRiverCanoe
81 East StCanoe trips down the River Dart - A really friendly, experienced team.
windingrivercanoe.co.uk
Very popular cookery school offering all sorts of courses.
https://www.ashburtoncookeryschool.co.uk/
17 locals recommend
Ashburton Cookery School & Chefs Academy
Very popular cookery school offering all sorts of courses.
https://www.ashburtoncookeryschool.co.uk/
The friendliest climbing wall in the area, with great facilities. It's in an victorian electricity power station, and makes for a lovely airy space to climb.
22 locals recommend
The Quay Climbing Centre
Haven RoadThe friendliest climbing wall in the area, with great facilities. It's in an victorian electricity power station, and makes for a lovely airy space to climb.