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All you need to know
The rural village of Cheriton Bishop offers a tranquil base from which to explore the wilderness of Dartmoor, yet is within easy reach of Exeter and the picturesque Teign valley.
Cheriton Bishop is a small village with a pub and a shop on the north eastern edge of Dartmoor, situated about 10 miles from the historic city of Exeter and close to the market town of Okehampton. Nestled within unspoilt countryside, the village offers a rural escape, away from the crowds yet still within easy reach of shops and supermarkets if you want them.
This area is perfect for exploring the iconic and beautiful Dartmoor National Park, Step back in time and take a drive down the picturesque Teign valley to the quaint little village of Lustleigh, then head towards Widecombe in the Moor. If you like to feel the wind in your hair, park up at Haytor and take a scenic walk round this huge rocky outcrop, keeping a look out for the old granite tram tracks. The near vertical face of Haytor is a popular spot for climbers, but it is also possible to reach the top by clambering up an easier route on the opposite side.
Whilst exploring the moors you will come across the numerous Dartmoor ponies along with cattle and sheep, which all have a tendency to wander into the road! Most of the moor is open access, so it is perfect for a day out whether you are simply picnicking by a river, hiking or taking the dog for a good walk. If you are in the north western part of the moor, however, please check the signposts before walking off-road as the military often train in that area. Whilst Dartmoor may feel fairly uninhabited, man has long had an influence on the landscape; keep an eye out for the numerous remnants of our ancient history, including stone rows, standing stones and hut circles.
England's youngest castle at Castle Drogo National Trust is also well worth a visit. Follow the winding paths down to the steep gorge teeming with wildlife, and on a fine day enjoy the spectacular Dartmoor views at Sharp Tor.
If you fancy a change of scenery and want a day at the beach, there are plenty on the south coast within an hour’s drive including the pebbly beach at Budleigh Salterton and the long sandy beach at Exmouth. We also recommend taking a boat trip up the Exe estuary, particularly on a guided wildlife tour – just don’t forget your binoculars!
A holiday cottage in Cheriton Bishop offers rural peace and tranquillity right on the edge of the rugged moors.
Looking for ways to explore the area? Treasure Trails, the award-winning treasure hunts will have you seeing sights, solving clues and having fun. There’s mysteries to solve and treasure to find! *Guests of Toad Hall Cottages can unlock exclusive savings.
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Overlooking the dramatic Teign Gorge, Castle Drogo is a spectacular building with a wealth of history to go with it, and beautiful gardens to explore. While it’s currently undergoing a conservation project, it remains open so that you can explore and learn about it’s fascinating story. Outside, discover the beautiful Lutyens-designed terraced garden with dramatic views of Dartmoor, and see the quaint miniature gardens that go with it. Beyond the castle there is the Teign Valley with its ancient gorge and magnificent wildlife, and after all that exploration there’s a cafe to refuel in with a traditional Devon cream tea. Dogs are welcome.
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A very interesting Arts and Crafts castle 'home' which recreates the atmosphere and life of 100 years ago, above and below stairs. A fine setting too overlooking Dartmoor and the valley it sits imposingly above. The Lutyens architecture inside and out is stunning - not your typical castle. The gardens are worth a look even though our visits have been in winter. Long or short walks (dog friendly) to take in the vistas, followed by a sit down in the cafe at the visitor centre, complete the whole-day experience. All volunteers were particularly helpful, cheerful and gave a friendly Devon welcome to visitors.
January 2024
Wonderful location; architecture of Lutyens is well worth visiting
October 2023
Beautiful view from the castle grounds and the inside was lovely. Great walks along the ridge - wonderful views.
July 2021
Interesting castle to explore, with beautiful gardens and a superb view!
June 2018
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An enchanting 5-acre woodland garden on the edge of the Dartmoor famous for National Collections of Birch trees and Alder trees and the annual ‘Mythic Garden’ sculpture exhibition.
Stone Lane Gardens Chagford TQ13 8JU (T: 01647 231311)
Enjoyable excursion if you're in the area and worth an hour of your time if you enjoy looking at some interesting art pieces. The sculpture element is complimented by the woodland aspect and vice-versa and make this a more unique attraction.
October 2018
One of Devon's most prominent Art Galleries, Green Hill is attracting the attention of some of the most respected South West Artists with names such as Peter Randall-Page, Susan Derges, and Peter Stiles exhibiting in the Gallery's large attractive contemporary space. While you’re there find out about the rich history of the area in the Heritage Centre or pick up a unique souvenir or gift from the shop.
Green Hill Arts 23 Fore Street, Moretonhampstead TQ13 8LL (T: 01647 440775)
Specialising in fly fishing tuition, the Dartmoor School of Fly Fishing invites anyone from beginners to seasoned pros to brush up their skills on the edge of Dartmoor, on the outskirts of the attractive market town of Moretonhampstead. A 10 minute drive away from the picturesque Kennick Lake, where you will be putting your newfound skills into action, it is the ideal place learn to fish from a boat using both modern and traditional loch style techniques for the first time in over 50 acres of space, all surrounded by the Dartmoor wilderness. Prices start at £90 for half a day, and a variety of courses are available.
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Dating back to Medieval times, The Old Thatch at Cheriton Bishop is full of charm and character with a traditional thatched, low beamed ceilings, slated floor and sunny garden. All are welcome at this friendly pub including dogs and children, either pop in for a drink or stay a bit longer and enjoy their traditional home cooked pub food.
The Old Thatch Inn, Cheriton Bishop, EX6 6JH (T: 01647 24204)
A traditional Dartmoor pub brimming with character along with excellent food and a fine selection of ales, wines, ciders and soft drinks.
The Drewe Arms, The Square, Drewsteignton, Exeter, EX6 6QN (01647 281 409)
A gourmet fine dining restaurant with lots of atmosphere, mentioned in the Michellin Guide and serving up a mouth-watering menu packed with local seasonal produce exquisitely cooked.
The Old Inn, Hillmorhayes, Drewsteignton, Exeter, EX6 6QR (T: 01647 281 276)
Set in a beautiful position on the bank of the River Teign in the heart of Devon, The Fingle Bridge Inn offers a traditional bar menu and popular Sunday carveries. A good spot for refreshment whilst enjoying the lovely walking in the area with plenty of seating inside and out.
Fingle Bridge Inn, Drewsteignton, Exeter, EX6 6PW ( 01647 281 287)
Set in beautiful countryside, this 19th century free house serves a menu bursting with fresh and unusual dishes complimented by a wine list of over 40 wines, an impressive gin collection and an eclectic wine list of over 40 wines. Add stylish interiors, a children’s menu, plus bar nibbles, tea & coffee available all day, there’s something for everything at the Duck at Yeoford.
The Duck The Village, Yeoford, Crediton, EX17 5JD tel: 01363 85273
This family friendly Blue Flag beach is the perfect spot for some traditional seaside fun. The mile and a half long sandy beach with award winning clean waters is backed by sheltered sand dunes and grassland, home to over 600 types of flowering plants and a host of interesting birdlife. If watersports are your thing you can have a go at surfing or body boarding under the watchful eye of the RNLI lifeguards, or enjoy the many family friendly amusements and rides. The beach is easily accessible with plenty of parking, toilets and a choice of restaurants, cafes and bars plus deck chair hire. Dogs welcome all year round in designated areas.
Exmouth Beach is a bustling two mile stretch of golden sand at the mouth of the Exe Estuary backed by a promenade of shops and restaurants. Old meets new here, with traditional seaside donkey rides, swing boats and crazy golf alongside volley ball courts and a huge selection of modern watersports including jet skis, kite surfing, kayaking, paddle boarding and windsurfing.
If you’re looking for some peace and quiet you can find that here too at the far end of the beach, where there are also some rock pools for children to explore. Exmouth is known as the gateway to the Jurassic Coast and its cliffs are teaming with fossils and geological finds. The coastline is also part of the South West Coast Path with the beach and surrounding cliffs providing some excellent long and short walks.
Dogs are welcome all year on parts of the beach and on the main beach from October to the end of April. Dog bins are provided.
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Sitting at the mouth of the River Teign, Teignmouth is a traditional British seaside resort with a wide sandy beach backed by Georgian houses and a Victorian pier with amusement arcades and cafes. The main beach, known as Town Beach, offers acres of sand to play on and sunbathe and if the mood takes you the safe waters are perfect for taking a dip. The sheltered estuary is popular with kayakers and paddle boarders, and the award winning clean waters are home to plenty of sealife with dolphins spotted occaisionally offshore. No dogs 1st May – 30th September.
Lovely long beach which is excellent for dog-walking. Parking not the cheapest though
March 2023
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A picturesque two mile pebble beach backed partly with cliffs, with plenty of space and lovely clean clear water. Along the esplanade there are beach cafes and a car park and it is only a short wander into the village for toilets, shops and pubs. Care should be taken swimming towards the eastern end of the beach where there can be strong currents due to the River Otter, and there are no lifeguard facilities.
Step back in time to a gentler age here - lovely beach, quaint little town, reminded us of Southward in Suffolk on a smaller scale - we loved it!
September 2017
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By the seaside town of the same name, Sidmouth Beach is a long stretch of pebbles that stretches from the River Sid at the east of the town, West to Chit Rocks and Jacobs Ladder Beach and beyond. From the town you go over a footbridge and a number of steps down to the beach, however there are also access points along the sea front esplanade. There are a number of car parks close by, most of which are a few minutes’ walk from the beach itself, and it benefits from nearby facilities, cafes, restaurants and shops. Dogs are not allowed on the beach from 1st May to the 30th September, however there is a small area at the East end of the beach where dogs are allowed all year round. It’s a delightful spot for swimming sailing and surfing if the weather permits it, but you do have to take your own equipment.
Very pleasant
July 2018
lovely beach
July 2018
Visited twice and both times had a pleasant walk along the prom in the sun. Sea very calm. Lovely cup of coffee served from little coffee "bar" on prom served by a charming and coffee knowledgeable American lady. Pleasant and busy shopping area behind the prom. Not much parking and just a little expensive.
June 2018