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All you need to know
The quaint village of Spreyton offers a picturesque spot from which to explore the delights of Dartmoor, with easy access to both the North and East Devon coasts.
The quaint village of Spreyton, just to the north of Dartmoor, is ideally located for walkers, cyclists, and horse riders to explore the rugged wild beauty of the Dartmoor National Park.
Dartmoor, characterised by its distinctive granite tors, and rising in parts to over 2000 feet, offers a wonderful variation in landscape, from the barren remoteness of the higher moorland, to the rivers rushing over granite boulders down to deep wooded valleys and traditional farms. The Tors are huge granite outcrops left standing after the last glacial period and it is these that are the centre of attention in the famous 10 Tors walk, which hundreds of school children compete over as part of the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme.
Other nearby attractions include Okehampton Golf Club, the dramatic Castle Drongo National Trust overlooking the Teign Gorge, the bustling seaside town and gateway to the Jurassic coast at Exmouth, the cathedral city of Exeter, and the picturesque North Devon clifftop town of Lynton and pretty harbour village at Lynmouth.
Spreyton is famed for its connection with 'Old Uncle Tom Cobley' who lived here; in fact, the friendly village pub is named after its most famous resident. Every holiday in Spreyton should include at least one visit to the Tom Cobley Tavern, a traditional, dog-friendly country pub, complete with beamed ceilings, an open fire, pretty beer garden and hearty, homecooked food.
The village also has a small village shop, tennis courts, playing fields and a children's play area, so there's plenty to keep everyone entertained.
A holiday in Spreyton offers a picturesque spot from which to explore the delights of Dartmoor, with easy access to both the North and East Devon coasts.
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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
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Famed as the last working water powered forge in England, Finch Foundry gives an insight into Dartmoor’s industrial past. With three water wheels powering hammers, sheers and sharpening stone, this was the basis of one of the South West’s most successful factories in the 1800s, and in visiting there’s the opportunity to learn about the lives of the workers as well as the enterprising Finch family to which it belonged. Parking is free and there’s also a shop and tea room available.
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Brilliant. So interesting, we were early so took a walk around the village, small but very pretty. The guided tour was informative and full of detail. Well worth a visit.
October 2023
Great tour, very knowledgeable guide, extremely interesting and enjoyable. Recommended.
August 2022
Excellent tour.
May 2022
very good visit and informative.
September 2019
Interesting building with a volunteer giving a detailed talk. Pretty garden and tearoom too.
July 2019
One of the best-explained small National Trust sites we have ever visited. Unexpectedly charming, and really interesting. They managed to include this year's theme for the Trust - Women and Power .
October 2018
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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
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.
Life on Dartmoor might look like it’s all sheep farming and wild swimming, but the history of it is all encompassing. In an independent museum run by a charitable trust, the Museum of Dartmoor Life is a family friendly attraction detailing 5000 years of history in this magical and mystical part of the world. Open seasonally, they have a range of activities available for children, and collections showcasing Dartmoor trades, the local military, prison and transport, as well as a reconstructed Bronze Age hut.
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A warm and cosy traditional 16th century inn surrounded by beautiful countryside and serving high quality pub classics accompanied by an excellent range of real ales and ciders.
The Post Inn Exeter Road, Whiddon Down, Okehampton EX20 2QT (T: 01647 231242
Food was good although limited availability due to COVID . Young waiter we had was outstanding even though rushed off his feet and very helpful . Few issues with paying the bill but my advise would just be to check it and ensure any discounts are applied accordingly .
August 2020
great service from the staff and the meal was enormous.
September 2019
Had a very good meal here while on holiday in Sticklepath, just a short drive away. Glad we booked as they were quite busy, even though it was Wednesday. Service was good and prices reasonable
July 2019
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A stunning 12th century former monastery and manor house now a popular hotel, bar and restaurant. There are plenty of places to eat and drink with a choice of two bars and two restaurants along with a large terrace and garden with fantastic views. Choose from a lunch or evening menu with daily specials along with coffees and afternoon cream teas.
The Oxenham Arms South Zeal, Okehampton EX20 2JT (T: 01837 840244)
Fantastic meal; attentive service and full of character. Highly recommended.
August 2022
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A friendly, atmospheric village pub and restaurant serving good home cooked food and real ales.
Taw River Inn, Sticklepath, Devon, EX20 2NW – (T: 01837 840 377)
Lovely, traditional pub with a large menu. Very welcoming and the food was good.
August 2022
A huge menu, friendly atmosphere, and be prepared to wait a while. Tremendous value for money.
May 2022
Very friendly pub providing good quality food from a huge menu choice, yet price for food and drink is exceptionally low. You may have to wait a while, but it’s worth it!
May 2022
Lovely welcoming pub for meal or drink
April 2022
Friendly pub allowing pets. Good wholesome food
October 2020
Very friendly with good value for money on food .
August 2020
Have eaten here several times, good lively village pub .
December 2019
had a meal on 2 nights here and the last night we waited for 1 hour. not very good to wait that long, although the staff did tell us there would be a "bit of a wait" did not expect that long a wait.
September 2019
Attractive country pub, selling very reasonably priced and good quality home cooked food. Good beers too.
July 2019
Amazing pub, choice of food was immense. Staff friendly great atmosphere. Gold valve for money
June 2019
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)
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)
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.
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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
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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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
A good choice for families, Instow is a pleasant sandy beach with safe swimming protected from swell by sandbanks at the mouth of the Taw estuary. There’s plenty to do including kayaking and windsurfing and lots of space for children to play. There are some good café’s to choose from, and the beach is easily accessible with a car park and toilets. Dogs allowed October to April.