The top 15 boozers according to locals including one on an island
A TRIP to Devon isn’t complete without visiting a pub and luckily, the county has plenty.
Whether you prefer a pub garden or being by a cosy fireplace or have a dog with you, Devon is full of great pubs.
Though, it can be overwhelming to choose a spot, so here are some of the best pubs in the county from someone who has tried and tested them as a local…
Church House Inn, Marldon
The Church House Inn in the village of Marldon, South Devon is a gem not many stumble across.
The pub is out of the way from the main tourist spots in the area, but if you have a car it is well-worth the drive too.
Inside you will find traditional beams and exposed stone walls, as well as a large open roaring fire.
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In the summer, the garden is a tranquil spot to enjoy a spritz, with nothing but the hum of birds nearby and the church watching over the garden.
The Drum Inn, Cockington
Nestled in the unique village of Cockington, you will find The Drum Inn.
I have been caught in here on both scorching hot days and snowy winter storms, making it the ideal pub for all seasons.
It is a large pub but still has a cosy vibe and it is the perfect retreat after exploring the thatched cottages and fields of Cockington.
The Old Rydon Inn, Kingsteignton
Run by a couple of 20 years, The Old Rydon Inn in Kingsteignton is a very pretty pub.
It’s a Grade-II listed farmhouse, which used to be part of Lord Clifford’s Manor way back during the reign of Henry II.
The pub even still has the original elm screens dating to the early 16th century.
In the sunny weather, try and sit outside – plants crawl all over the building and it is very peaceful.
Court Farm Inn, Abbotskerswell
The Court Farm Inn used to be a farmhouse and was built in the 16th century.
Today, beams still feature inside and so do exposed stone walls.
The ciders served here are always cold and crisp and don’t forget to try desert if eating, they are unfussy but the ultimate comfort.
Steam Packet Inn, Kingswear
Just before you get the ferry across to Dartmouth town, make sure to stop off in the Steam Packet Inn.
Inside, this spot has a more modern feel with chic striped benches and blue tones throughout.
Perhaps though, the best thing about this pub is that it overlooks Darthaven Marina and the railway, where you will often see the steam train chugging past.
Masons Arms, Branscombe
The Masons Arms in Branscombe dates back to the 14th century and sits in a picturesque village.
The pub itself has a thatched roof, and then on the inside the decor includes pine cladding, low ceiling beams and of course, a roaring log fireplace.
During the day, this spot is ideal for coffee but of course, the ales are great too.
The St Austell Burger for £18 is a delicious feat, with Mena Dhu stout onion marmalade, Monterey Jack cheese, beef tomato, gherkin, pickled red slaw, and skin-on fries.
The Thatch, Croyde
There’s a reason why The Thatch has over 2,000 four and five-star reviews…
Though the food isn’t cheap, it is super flavoursome and a lot of the dishes put a sophisticated twist on pub classics.
Croyde Bay is right on the pub’s doorstep as well, making it the ideal spot post beach walks or surfing sessions.
Fairway Buoy, Bideford
Sat on the promenade in Bideford, Fairway Buoy overlooks the sprawling, golden sands beach.
It’s pet friendly and has a large outdoor seating area which is the ideal spot for watching the sunset.
The food is more modern too, with pizzas often on the menu.
Definitely try their hot chocolate as well on cold beach days – it was bigger than my head.
Samuel Jones, Exeter
Sat on the edge of Exeter Quay, you will find the stylish pub Samuel Jones.
Inside, the decor features a more industrial style fitting in with the rest of the Quay.
In addition to serving their award-winning ales, the venue also broadcasts live sports.
Victoria Inn, Salcombe
Salcombe is loved for many reasons, drawing in hoards of tourists each year, but the Victoria Inn is another reason to love it.
Just a short walk from the banks of the Kingsbridge Estuary, the Victoria Inn is full of cosy corners and a log fire.
On Sundays the pub hosts bingo, which is always a laugh.
And when it comes to the menu, sharing boards are a great option for a lunchtime sit down after exploring the town.
The Waterman’s Arms, Totnes
The Waterman’s Arms in Totnes feels like being in a fairytale storybook.
The pub sits right at the riverside, by Bow Bridge.
In the evenings, the 17th century watering hole often hosts candlelit dinners but if you are there in the day and it happens to be sunny, do not miss the garden terrace.
Kids also eat free during half-term!
Old Fire House, Exeter
The Old Fire House in Exeter is a super popular spot and with good reason.
The boozer is inside an old 19th century firehouse with a vaulted wooden-beamed ceiling and exposed stone walls.
This spot is especially loved for its late-night events with a good atmosphere and oversized 14-inch square pizzas.
You dog is allowed to come too…
Tinpickle And Rhum, Dartmoor
Tinpickle and Rhum is a gastropub located at the The Moorland Hotel by Haytor, on Dartmoor.
Inside the interiors feel a little luxury with rustic wooden cladding on the walls which match the tables and giant modern chandeliers hanging from the ceiling.
Don’t miss their All Three Roasts for £23.95 with Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes, cheddar cauliflower cheese, season’s best vegetables and red wine gravy.
Head to the pub after a walk up to Haytor Rock, which is one of the most popular spots on the Moors for its breathtaking views and unique rock formations.
The Highwayman Inn, Sourton
Despite not having visited yet, I couldn’t miss out the quirky Highwayman Inn near Sourton.
Often dubbed Britain’s most unusual pub, The Highwayman Inn features its own minotaur and has a layout that is more like a maze.
The boozer dates back to the 13th century and inside it is full of unusual objects to feast your eyes on.
The Pilchard Inn, Burgh Island
Dating back to the 14th century, The Pilchard Inn offers amazing views of the sea and crashing waves.
It is actually one of England‘s oldest pubs, according to its website.
And to get to the pub you can either walk across at low tide, taking around 10 minutes or at high tide, hop on the sea tractor costing between £2 and £3 a way.
In other pub news, here are 10 of the UK’s cosiest pubs with bed and breakfast from £99.
Plus, Britain’s smallest town named one of the coolest spots in the country with cosy pubs and coastal walks.