Devon is full of history worth discovering including in its pubs! We have found just 14 of the best historical pubs to visit…
Torquay is home to the Hole in the Wall, a traditional pub bursting with character from low-beamed ceilings to cobbled floors. Head to the bar and order a pint of Otter Ale to accompany your steak and onion baguette over lunch with friends. Perhaps pop in for a lively evening on a Tuesday, Thursday or Sunday when the pub is buzzing with live music.
Situated on the edge of Dartmoor in Horndon is the 16th century country pub, the Elephant’s Nest. When the sun comes out, venture into the garden where you can soak in the beautiful weather with a pint of Jail Ale to hand; or dig into the steak and kidney pudding with cabbage, pancetta and herbed new potatoes next to the open fire with your four-legged friend. For afters, tuck into the chocolate brownie with chocolate ice cream.
3. Poltimore Arms, South Molton
Take a trip down to the Poltimore Arms, a traditional 13th century pub where a delicious breakfast is served everyday from 7am made with fresh, local produce. The beer garden is the perfect location to sit for a while with your four-legged friend and absorb the sunny weather with a nice glass of white. Why not visit on a Sunday from 12-3pm for a succulent roast by the toasty log fire?
The Cott Inn is a family run pub and has been part of Dartington’s community since 1320. Grab a bottle of Albis Cabernet Sauvignon to share over a catch up with friends alongside a sumptuously prepared meal. We recommend the ‘Brixham fish in beer and soda batter, hand cooked chips, tartare sauce and pea puree’ and finish off with a delicious tiramisu – yum! Join them on a Wednesday or Sunday for a night of live music.
5. Albert Inn, Totnes
Just a short walk from the picturesque River Dart is the Albert Inn. Drop by on a Friday for pie and a pint night. Or indulge in the classic sausage, mash and peas with a pint of real ale. But save room for some apple pie! When the weather is warmer, we recommend enjoy a glass of wine in the beautiful beer garden.
Related content: Pubs in Totnes: 6 of the best to visit
While rambling in Devon’s countryside, drop by The Old Inn, a 16th century village pub which suffered fire damage and was rebuilt in 1806. Make an evening of it by tucking into a pub classic such as homemade steak and kidney pie with vegetables and potatoes before a game of skittles in the on-site alley!
Situated in the South Hams is this historical gem surrounded by beautiful countryside that’s perfect to explore with the pooch. The Old Inn was originally built in the 14th century but burned down and then reopened in 1814. Gather friends for the quiz night on the last Tuesday of the month while enjoying a pint of real ale or venture into the beer garden for a relaxing drink with vistas surrounding you. Don’t forget to say hello to Sadie, the pub’s dog who loves meeting new people!
8. The Old Thatch Inn, Cheriton Bishop
Located in the beautiful Cheriton Bishop is The Old Thatch Inn, with its award-winning food and picturesque beer garden. The 16th century inn serves succulent Sunday lunches from 12 – 6pm perfectly washed down with a pint of real ale.
9. The Olde Plough Inn, Bere Ferrers
Enter the snug Olde Plough Inn in Bere Ferrers, a pub which dates back to the 16th century. The pub is a collection of three silver miners’ cottages that were converted into a pub in 1857. Pull up a seat next to the warming wood-burning stove and tuck into a plate of delicious homemade ravioli or mushroom risotto while listening to the live music. In the sunnier weather we recommend sitting in the beer garden and soaking in the beautiful view over the River Tavy.
Situated in the heart of Branscombe is the Masons Arms, an award-winning, charming 14th century pub. After a picturesque morning walk in the countryside duck into this historical pub for a hearty full English breakfast and hot cup of coffee by the open fireplace. In July join the pub for its annual beer and cider festival and enjoy a tipple or two – a perfect day out with friends and family.
11. The Odd Wheel Inn, Wembury
Wembury’s 18th century pub, The Old Wheel Inn, was believed to be a cider-house before becoming an inn in 1880. Why not try the Odd Wheel spicy chicken burger in a brioche bun and then finish with a chocolate and orange mousse before vacating to the beach? Perfection.
12. The Old Mill Inn, Woolacombe
The Old Mill Inn is a 17th century pub located in the seaside resort of Woolacombe with live music and entertainment throughout the year. After a walk with your four-legged friend along the beach drop by the family-run pub for a pint of real ale, a juicy BBQ chicken breast topped with bacon and melted cheese served with coleslaw and chips with a lemon tart to finish.
13. The Old Market Inn, Holsworthy
North Devon is home to The Old Market Inn, a charming pub in Holsworthy. Try the mixed grill or lamb cutlets with mashed potato, vegetables and gravy – tastes great with a glass of merlot. In the summer, the beer garden will be bustling with people enjoying a beverage in the sun while surrounded by flourishing flora.
14. The Old Malt Scoop Inn, Lapford
Take a trip to the village of Lapford and stop in at the traditional country pub in central Devon, The Old Malt Scoop Inn, with its beamed ceilings and wood-burning stove. Why not have a few friendly games of pool with friends while enjoying a pint of Yellow Hammer?
