Devon


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-hourglass-exeter"><a href="https://www.hourglassexeter.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Hourglass</a>, Exeter</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/01/hour-glass.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-52481" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/01/hour-glass.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/01/hour-glass-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/01/hour-glass-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/01/hour-glass-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/01/hour-glass-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>With its central wooden bar and curvaceous shape, this characterful 19th century hostelry tucked away among the terrace houses close to the Quay is legendary for its top-tier food, quirky decor and cosy ambience. Locals held their breath when it didn&#8217;t open after the pandemic, but to everyone&#8217;s relief The Exeter Brewery took it on and it&#8217;s back open and buzzing, now with a Mediterranean bistro style menu, brilliant local-brewed beers plus regular Vinyl Nights and Quiz Nights. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-nobody-inn-doddiscombsleigh"><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://nobodyinn.co.uk/" target="_blank">The Nobody Inn</a>, Doddiscombsleigh</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1333" src="https://devon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/10/IMG_0514.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-36318" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/10/IMG_0514.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/10/IMG_0514-225x300.jpg 225w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/10/IMG_0514-375x500.jpg 375w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/10/IMG_0514-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/10/IMG_0514-394x525.jpg 394w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Here’s a Devon classic on the edge of Dartmoor as delightful as its name. The Nobody Inn harks back to the 13th century, as you can tell by its low beams and brasses over the wood-burner. It’s known for its extensive range of whiskeys and wines by the glass. (Over 250? That’ll do nicely!) Should you fancy sampling a few, there are five comfy rooms upstairs.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-pig-s-nose-inn-east-prawle"><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.pigsnoseinn.co.uk/" target="_blank">The Pig’s Nose Inn</a>, East Prawle</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://devon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/10/the-pigs-nose-inn.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-36347" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/10/the-pigs-nose-inn.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/10/the-pigs-nose-inn-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/10/the-pigs-nose-inn-720x480.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/10/the-pigs-nose-inn-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/10/the-pigs-nose-inn-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>This quirky 300 year-old inn and one-time smugglers’ lair on Devon’s most southerly tip is known for its amazing ability to bring in big names for its live music (hello Damon Albarn and Atomic Kitten). It’s also a surefire hit for winter, filled with characterful knick-knacks, roaring fires and hearty pub grub from the Devon farming and fishing community.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.fbidittisham.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Ferry Boat Inn</a>, Dittisham </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1001" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/01/ferry-boatinn.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-52479" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/01/ferry-boatinn.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/01/ferry-boatinn-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/01/ferry-boatinn-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/01/ferry-boatinn-768x513.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/01/ferry-boatinn-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Whether you call it  The FBI or the &#8216;Pink Pub&#8217;, this waterside pub&#8217;s eye-catching colour and even more stunning location in the upmarket village of  &#8216;Ditsum&#8217; on the River Dart make it a go-to. Grab a seat in the window or head outside and sit on the low wall with your pint to watch the yachties and swans float by, along with the comings and goings of the waterfront at Greenway, Agatha Christie&#8217;s former holiday home (now a must-visit National Trust property.)</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="http://www.rugglestoneinn.co.uk/" target="_blank">The Rugglestone Inn</a>, Widecombe in the Moor</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://devon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2022/06/IMG_4815.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-44121" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2022/06/IMG_4815.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2022/06/IMG_4815-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2022/06/IMG_4815-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2022/06/IMG_4815-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2022/06/IMG_4815-700x525.jpg 700w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>The classic stop for a pint when out for a wintry walk on Dartmoor. Expect home-cooked food, real ales and organic and local wine, a friendly atmos (kids and dogs on leads welcome) and cute roaming chickens. The menu changes regularly. If you want to make a stay of it, there’s their two-bedroom Rugglestone Cottage nearby where you can be really lazy and have dinners delivered to your door. Great for walkers. Bliss.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="http://www.warrenhouseinn.co.uk/history.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Warren House Inn</a>, Postbridge</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/07/warren-inn.jpg" alt="the fire at The Warren Inn, Postbridge" class="wp-image-57341" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/07/warren-inn.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/07/warren-inn-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/07/warren-inn-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/07/warren-inn-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/07/warren-inn-700x525.jpg 700w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>What makes this high-flung pub a must-visit is not just the far-reaching views, it’s the fire which has reputedly been burning without going out since 1845 (they use beech wood to keep it going at night, apparently). At 1425ft (434m) above sea level, this Duchy of Cornwall owned pub is the highest inn in Southern England and possibly the loneliest, hugging the road between Princetown and Moretonhampstead. Their rabbit pie is the go-to dish for the moor&#8217;s backpackers, best eaten by the fire while enjoying views out to the abandoned mineshafts opposite. Also good for a warming soup of the day or a Salcombe Dairy ice cream, depending on the season.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.thethatchcroyde.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Thatch</a>, Croyde</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="742" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/02/thatch-2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-52570" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/02/thatch-2.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/02/thatch-2-800x594.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/02/thatch-2-768x570.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/02/thatch-2-708x525.jpg 708w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Practically on the sands in the chocolate-box village of Croyde, here combines thatched Devon charm, with beachy fun and its amazing ability to be a year-round hub for locals. It&#8217;s where everyone rocks up after a day surfing, swimming or lazing &#8211; young and old, families and couples. It&#8217;s one of those wonderfully welcoming places which brings everyone together &#8211; for the regular music and open mic nights, to sit under a parasol in the beer garden and the excellent locally-sourced menu which includes delicious burgers and their Roast on the Coast made from ethically produced Exmoor beef. They also press their own Crydda Cider with help from Sandford Orchards. It&#8217;s as much a pub as a way of life.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://thetorsinn.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Tors Inn</a>, Belstone</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="938" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2022/11/tors.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-50400" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2022/11/tors.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2022/11/tors-800x500.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2022/11/tors-1000x625.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2022/11/tors-768x480.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2022/11/tors-840x525.jpg 840w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Its lofty position in a pretty North Dartmoor village, 1000ft above sea level and middle-of-the-moors feel is the draw. In summer, the outdoor Shed bar is open and you can take your drink and burger and eat with moors and granite tors looming above you, while dodging the wild ponies and sheep (and their &#8216;presents&#8217;). If you really want to lap up the atmosphere, there are two B&amp;B rooms upstairs, with creaky floorboards, thick snuggly duvets and in winter at least, the potential to get snowed in a-while.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://oldexeterinn.com/">The Old Exeter Inn</a>, Ashburton</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1001" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/01/oldexeter-inn.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-52492" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/01/oldexeter-inn.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/01/oldexeter-inn-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/01/oldexeter-inn-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/01/oldexeter-inn-768x513.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/01/oldexeter-inn-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>At 900 years old, this ye olde pub has links with Sir Walter Raleigh and Francis Drake. It looks the part too, darkly wood-panelled with a main front bar, off which are lots of smaller rooms, decorated with gilt-framed paintings and lit with flickering silver candelabra, and a Tap Room where people can pour their own pints. Come hither for comfort food, good red wine and a Medieval vibe.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.burghisland.com/the-pilchard-inn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Pilchard Inn</a>, Bigbury on Sea</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/01/pilchard-inn.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-52497" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/01/pilchard-inn.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/01/pilchard-inn-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/01/pilchard-inn-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/01/pilchard-inn-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/01/pilchard-inn-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>A young stripling at a mere 700 years-old, this one-time fisherman&#8217;s pub is right on the edge of the stunning beaches of Bigbury and Bantham with the Gatsbyesque Art Deco dream, Burgh Island Hotel, as it neighbour. If you don&#8217;t have the dosh for stay in the £400+ a night hotel, here&#8217;s the next best thing &#8211; an old smuggler’s haunt of a pub with stone flags, low ceilings, open fires and plenty of nooks and crannies to explore.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-oxenham-arms-south-zeal-okehampton"><a aria-label="The Oxenham Arms (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.theoxenhamarms.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Oxenham Arms</a>, South Zeal, Okehampton</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://devon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/10/oxenham-arms.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-36366" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/10/oxenham-arms.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/10/oxenham-arms-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/10/oxenham-arms-720x480.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/10/oxenham-arms-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/10/oxenham-arms-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>There can&#8217;t be many pubs with an ancient 5000-year old standing stone, aka the South Zeal Menhir Standing Stone, embedded in the wall which dates back to the 12th century when it was a monastery. The menu is full of crowd-pleasing pub classics with sumptuous roasts (including vegan) on Sundays. And you&#8217;re in prime walking country, so don&#8217;t forget your hiking boots!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.turfpub.net" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Turf Locks</a>, Near Exeter</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2022/08/turf-hotel.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-46577" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2022/08/turf-hotel.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2022/08/turf-hotel-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2022/08/turf-hotel-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2022/08/turf-hotel-700x525.jpg 700w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Sitting on a peninsula between estuary and canal, The Turf can only be accessed by water, bike and foot but that small detail doesn&#8217;t stop the locals flocking to the garden for summer barbecues and an Avocet ale by the water. It&#8217;s open only in the summer months, and rumour is it&#8217;s up for sale but we have everything crossed whoever buys it won&#8217;t change a thing.</p>



<p><span><i style="font-weight: bold">Go on, then &#8211; where have I missed out? Let us know your favourite iconic </i><span style="font-weight: 600"><i>pub</i></span><i style="font-weight: bold"> in the comments!</i></span></p>


12 iconic Devon pubs to tick off the bucket list

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