love my devon top tips

lovemydevon top tips...from those that know

Our lovemydevon guide comprises over fifty tips from those in the know, well known chefs, musicians, authors and TV presenters, all experts in their individual fields, as well as Devonians who love living in their county and want to share their insider knowledge. The guide includes everything from favourite pubs, walks, views and beaches to the very best place to tuck-in to an ice cream or great spots to sit and watch the world go by.

      
 

Seth Lakeman, Folk Musician

‘I have always loved walking around Double waters (near Buckland Monachorum). It's a stunning place to be in all the seasons.’

Jonathan Knight, Author, Cool Camping Guide UK
www.coolcamping.co.uk

‘Devon is such a great place to be outdoors. The sea and beaches are never far and you can find quieter spots to get away from it all in the Tamar Valley or on Dartmoor. And after a day outdoors, what better than to spend a night under the stars. One of my favourite places to camp is at Cloud Farm, a campsite with tea rooms, campfires and horse-riding stables, tucked awayin Doone Valley. Here you can find a nice place to pitch down by the river, light a fire and cook up a feast ready for another day of walking or riding on the 10,000 acres of pristine, car-free countryside which adjoin the site '

Chris Beardshaw, BBC presenter and Celebrity Gardener
www.chrisbeardshaw.com

‘The Garden House(in Buckland Monachorum near Yelverton) is a gloriously colourful and ‘wild’ garden which seems to blend into its surroundings with ease. It is largely the brainchild of ex-head gardener Keith Wiley whose horticultural skills are perhaps only surpassed by his lavish imagination.’

Dan Snow, BBC presenter and Historian

‘One of my favourite heritage spots in Devon is the 700 year old home of the great seafarer Sir Francis Drake, Buckland Abbey, located in the beautiful Tavy Valley estate. However sailing around Salcombe is where my sporting passions lie. Combining history with activity, one of my most memorable experiences in Devon was the incredible underwater exploration of what appears to be a North African Slave ship which lies just off the Salcombe coast. This is a protected wreck and can only be dived with a special licence but is a vital piece of evidence in piecing together the forgotten, but fascinating part of our history: a time when African slave ships arrived off Britain and Ireland and took thousands into captivity.’

Caroline Sylger Jones, Author of Body & Soul Escapes: Britain & Ireland, by Footprint Books
www.carolinesylgerjones.co.uk

‘My favourite part of Devon is the South West Coast Path around Bolt Head near Salcombe. I reconnect with my childhood self each time I walk it. It's beautiful, romantic, wild and remote, yet relatively easy, and boasts invigorating views out to sea and down into the pretty estuary of Salcombe. Devon boasts some wonderful places to retreat too - Gaia House, for example, is a former convent set in tranquil countryside a short drive from Newton Abbot, and it runs Buddhist meditation courses including those for beginners'  www.gaiahouse.co.uk

Judi Spiers, BBC Radio Devon presenter

"Love the combined Regency splendour and the salty air of Sidmouth!"

Tony Perkins, Living Coasts
www.livingcoasts.org.uk

‘Try the coastal path between Dartmouth and Salcombe. There is a cove near the Salcombe end of the walk which is stunning. It’s half a days walk but well worth the effort on a fine day.’

Simon Heptinstall, Editor ‘Devon – The Best of Britain’
Read more of Simon's Devon recommendations at www.thetraveleditor.com  

Top View

‘From the coast path between Budleigh Salterton and Sidmouth on the World Heritage East Devon Coast. Park in Otterton and walk up the lanes to meet the path, then head for the distinctive conical cliff top called High Peak. It's 514ft high but there is a path and you're rewarded with a brilliant view along the coast where the cliffs change from red sandstone to white chalk.’

Top Beach

‘Rockham Bay on the National Trust coast in North Devon. Park in Mortehoe near the excellent homemade pasty shop then head north on the coast path. The beach can only be reached on foot. It's quiet, sandy, and framed by rocks.’

Restaurant

‘Cheristow Farm (www.cheristow-restaurant.co.uk) in a high-sided lane near Hartland in the far north west corner of Devon. Farmer/chef/builder Graham cooks meat he has reared and his own seasonal vegetables. Three surprisingly accomplished courses in the old farmhouse lounge cost around £25. While I was there he took a mid-evening break to feed his pigs and let my toddler daughter help. Wife Wendy manned the stoves.’

Hotel

‘Tor Cottage near Brentor. Maureen Rowlatt’s eccentric B&B down a private track at Chillaton is a wonderfully odd collection of converted outbuildings, cabins and even a gypsy caravan around a pretty cottage. There’s a heated pool in the gardens alongside a babbling stream in a secluded valley. Together it’s a unique sort of boutique B&B. Their five-star rating restores your faith in hotel inspectors (www.torcottage.co.uk from £70pppn).’

Walk

‘From Branscombe to Beer along the coast path, past the great landslip where a huge chunk of the chalk cliff tumbled away in a storm leaving the sheltered chasm full of lush vegetation with winding paths through it.’

Dan Linstead, Editor, Wanderlust Magazine
www.wanderlust.co.uk

‘Compton Pool Farm, a cluster of revamped, self-catering cottages nr Newton Abbot. They're extremely toddler-friendly (Vietnamese pot bellied pigs, trampolines), good for boutique hotel-addicted parents (Bose hi-fis and plasma screens; indoor swimming pool) and easy on the environment (low energy lightbulbs, water pump from the lake). We found it a rare combination of hotel facilities with self-catering freedoms - all important with young kids.’

‘Maidencombe Beach, hidden away at the bottom of the aptly-named Steep Hill, is a quieter contrast to the funicular-railway-riding crowds at nearby Babbacombe. And there's an absurdly picturesque pub there, too - the Thatched Tavern.’
 

Kate Rew, founder of the Outdoor Swimming Society and author of Wild Swim, Guardian Books
www.outdoorswimmingsociety.com

'For an amazing outdoor dip head to Sharrah Pool on Dartmoor. This is a 100 metre crystal clear stretch of the River Dart, sandwiched between smooth granite boulders. Access is by foot only, around forty minutes walk through ancient woodland. For a more accessible spot of the River Dart head for Spitwich Common, a popular picnic spot, where there is a waterfall at one end and a natural Jacuzzi, stunning!'

Marcus Waring, Author & Travel Editor
www.nowfly.co.uk

'Chris and Fi Daly from Widecombe have recently taken over Prince Hall which is a great hotel and restuarant to escape to. Tucked down an atmospheric driveway of mature trees, you can walk straight out onto the moor from here. The griddled rump of beef with duck liver mousse is excellent, the rooms have captivating views and reading a book and watching the drifting rain is hypnotic.'

The Wright Family, East Devon

Family fun

‘Budleigh Salterton beach: near the Otter Estuary, piling pebbles into zen towers, fishing, eating clotted-cream-topped ice creams from the ice cream parlour in Budleigh’s sleepy high street’

Days out

‘Crealy: ‘everyone’s favourite family day – anytime and especially early in the day for a chance to be Crealy’s First Family of the Day, meeting Dina the Dinosaur, when all the animals are particularly pleased to see you and the rides have just started running for the day.’

Ice-cream

‘The Orange Elephant Ice Cream Parlour, Kennford, near Exeter – delicious home-made farmhouse ice creams with a great café and farm shop.’

Warm welcome

‘Poltimore Arms at Yardown, a privately run pub and restaurant and booking is always advised. A warm welcome, fantastic home cooked food always on offer. You look like you are entering someone's house, a small bar frequented by the locals and two converted rooms with a log fire will greet you. A must if you are in the area.’

Ian Packham, Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) South West Regional Director
www.camra.org.uk

‘An excellent example of a successful pub in these difficult times and one that is an absolute pleasure to visit is the Tom Cobley Tavern in Spreyton, which was the National CAMRA Pub of the Year in 2006 and is currently in the running for the title again. It offers a superb welcome, very friendly atmosphere, excellent range of local real ales, many of which are served on gravity, at reasonable prices as well as a very popular restaurant serving good quality food from locally sourced produce. It is well worth the trip as many visitors have already discovered.’

Susy Atkins, Wine writer, author and broadcaster
www.susyatkins.co.uk
 

Winter walk

‘In winter it would have to be a walk on the moor around Fingle Bridge, near Castle Drogo, where you can have a lovely walk by the river, and stop for a tumbler of hot, spicy mulled wine from a thermos! I did just that on my birthday, Boxing Day, at the end of last year. I sometimes think I love Devon more in the winter than the summer - the moor is so atmospheric.’

Eating out

‘My favourite place for a casual supper is the restaurant at Moorstone guesthouse which is within walking distance from our house in Bridford in the Teign Valley. Serge is a wonderful cook, his partner John provides a very friendly front-of-house, and you can bring your own wine for nothing, so I'm always taking something unusual and new to try!’

Sophie Campbell, Travel and heritage writer

‘Dartmoor is my favourite place in Devon, without a question of a doubt. Whenever I drive past it on my way west I have to fight off the urge to drive up there. I once did an amazing walk, on the west side, near tavistock. It took several hours and we found a stone circle in a wood, which was meant to be something to do with druids. I’ve never forgotten it and I’ve never found it again. It’s a mysterious, beautiful, wild place – with cracking pubs. I’d like to spend a lot more time walking there.’

Jo Rees, Editor, Food
www.food-mag.co.uk

‘The Old Custom House in Barnstaple is my fave new find. The chef James Duckett took it over a few months ago and is doing very good, unpretentious food.’

Chris Murray, Pennywell Farm Nr. Buckfastleigh
www.pennywellfarm.co.uk

Favourite Beach which offers all ages fun for rock pooling, surfing, natural ‘hot tubs’ (on a sunny day), to estuary walks and opportunity to discover sand dune wildlife is Bantham.

For your best day out for all who love animals, nature, great views , bundles of all day fun , friendly staff , and some unique activities/entertainment, it has to be Pennywell, the UK’S best rural attraction offering with the extra touch of magic!

For inspirational, timeless architecture the village churches at Staverton, Holne, Rattery, and Broadhempston . They all have a fine pub near by making them special places to visit at the end of the day aiding inspirational, out of this world dinner conversation at their own Church House Inn next door!

For a special walk take the Abbots way from Buckfast Abbey across Dartmoor to Tavistock and enjoy the challenge of getting back to your car using public transport; it makes the walk a delightful doddle!

Marilyn Susan Anscombe

‘Come to Appledore and wander the tiny streets, enjoy a Hockings ice-cream and join in the crabbing contest off the quay.’

Alison Hope

‘My big favourite is Mortehoe Farm Campsite. Fantastic views and a long sandy beach.’

Jan Stapley

‘Tranquility at Watersmeet House near Lynmouth.’

John Bowden

‘Don’t miss some wild swimming opportunities in Devon! What can be better than jumping off the boat-ramp at Hope Cove at New Year!’

Nadine Trout, West Devon

‘Pay a visit to the Women’s Institute cake stalls at Tavistock Pannier Market, Tavistock every Tuesday to Saturday – quite delicious!’

 Andrew Huckerby

‘Lido café/bar, Plymouth Hoe for the best view in the world.’

Fraser Bridgeforth

‘A favourite pub of mine is the The Pig's Nose in East Prawle - good beer, great food, live music...and the walks around the headland nearby are pretty stunning too.’

Dan Spokes

‘Pay a visit to Green Jane’s, a simple veg stall on the narrow lane linking East Prawle and East Portlemouth, on the southernmost tip of Devon. You can even order meat and seafood from her. There is an honesty box for immediate purchases.’

Michelle Taylor

‘Fantastic woodland walks around Haldon Forest.’

Mark Fouracre

‘After a swim on Budleigh Salterton beach, pop into The Creamery for an ice-cream – they’re the best in the area.’

Polly Bale

‘Ashclyst Forest around Christmas time, a perfect spot for collecting pine cones.’

Margaret Partington

‘I just love the Dartington Cider Press Centre – with its eclectic mix of shopping opportunities from ‘seconds’ Dartington Crystal to stunning locally made rugs and a great vegetarian café - www.dartington.org/cider-press-centre.’

Helen Garrett

‘Take a drive on the A386 between Tavistock to Oakhampton or Exeter to Moretonhampsted on B3212 – the views are stunning.

Danielle, Torquay

‘Head down to Hopes Nose, near Torquay, for a picnic.’

Wendy Gomersall, Travel writer

‘Raw, rugged, naturally stunning, the pristine coastline of Hartland Peninsula is so beautiful - I could spend forever standing 350ft up on the cliffs at Hartland Point, gazing out beyond the picturesque lighthouse and white waves throwing themselves onto the rocks, to mile after mile of unending blue ocean.’

Marion China, The New Angel, Dartmouth

‘Up on Dartmoor it is just fantastic to go rock hopping in the rivers in the summer. We spent two hours going upstream at Badgers Holt with our French friends. We laughed when one of us fell in, panicked when the water got a little deep and giggled at our husbands who got the short straws carrying all our gear above water level.’

Philip Knowling, Paignton Zoo
www.paigntonzoo.org.uk

‘The terrace at Living Coasts in Torquay on a golden summer’s day, a glass of wine, some great food and stunning views across Torbay. I could sit there all day and watch the boats and the seabirds.’

Sally Watson

‘One of the best kept local secrets has to be the Devon Open Studios in September each year when you get to snoop around some stunning exhibitions and galleries throughout the county. Check out www.devonartistnetwork.co.uk for the big names taking place this year.’

John Rea, Paignton Zoo
www.paigntonzoo.org.uk

‘Exploring the grounds of Dartmouth Castle.’

Richard Elliott, South Devon Railway

‘A summer's day sitting on Staverton Station on the South Devon Railway. Peace and quiet, old time atmosphere and only disturbed by the passing of a steam train eight times a day.’

Sarah Bell

‘Watching artists painting Dartmoor ponies and boats on the back beach at Teignmouth.’ 

Georgina Bowen, Torquay

'Take a drive...Ilsham Marine Drive and enjoy the views of Torbay from Thatcher's Point and the bay over to Brixham.'

Debbie Lewis

'The coast walk between Hope Cove and Salcombe, the Mason's Arms at Branscombe, the Drew Arms at Broadhembury and the Hunter's Path walk below Castle Drogo.'

James Chubb

'The Exe Estuary birds and the open fire of The Bridge pub in Topsham.'

Emma Parkin

'Bowermans Nose and Blackingstone Rock on Dartmoor.'

Lynne, Dawlish 

'Treat yourself to a trip on the train twixt Exeter and Newton Abbot. Fantastic views of the Exe and Teign estuaries. Check the tide times and if it is low tide I suggest you get off at Dawlish Warren and then walk to the town of Dawlish following the path that runs parallel with the railway. Plenty of places in Dawlish where you can get refreshments of all kinds once you've done your walk, and don't forget to check out the black swans and other wild fowl swimming on the brook running through the centre of the town.'

Lesley, Dawlish
www.dawlishblue.co.uk

Explore Dawlish. Walk up the Brook and explore the Manor House gardens with its colourful flower beds, and children's play area. Head for the narrow, streets of the old town, with its cottages of all shapes and sizes, where you'll find quaint thatched cottages tucked away down side streets. Visit the Parish Church and explore the churchyard with its jumble of gravestones overhung by a huge Yew tree. Find the newer streets of handsome Georgian and Victorian villas. Look out for tiny Albert Street and its cobbles (amazingly, a two way road). Wander past the shops on Park Road, Queen Street and the Strand with its shops on one side and the Lawns on the other - where else can you shop and look at gardens at the same time? Watch the black swans with their four cygnets on the Brook. Relax with a Devon Cream tea at one of the variety of cafes and restaurants - many have tables outside. And if it's sunny, take a walk along the promenade beside the beach. All this within a short walk of the car park.

Danielle Staunton, Torquay

The Azure cafe in Torquay is the best place to enjoy a light snack or a glass of wine in the afternoon. It is a peaceful cafe bar above the Living Coasts attraction and only open during Living Coasts' opening hours. The sun shines right upon the open terrace, with views of the harbour. If you go to the very end of the terrace, just around the corner you have a little bit more privacy and even more amazing views! You can access it by the top floor of the living coasts car park or after visiting the attraction.

Nicki & Russell, Ivybridge
www.esmescottage.co.uk

The Ivybridge Viaduct walk: Follow the River Erme from the ancient Ivy Bridge, past Brunel's viaduct remains, through Longtimber Woods to Harford Gate, the old Church and the lower reaches of Dartmoor. Then the choice is yours.

        

If you would like to add your own top tips please email info@visitdevon.co.uk and put 'top tips' in the subject line