10 Of The Best Pubs In Dartmoor You MUST Visit
Dartmoor National Park is one of my favourite places in the UK, thanks to its stark landscape, ample walking trails and cosy pubs. If you, like me, associate the word ‘hike’ with the word ‘pub’ then trust me when I say you will be spoilt for choice here. Below are, in my opinion, the 10 best pubs in Dartmoor which you absolutely MUST visit.
The selection below are all dog friendly and all serve food, but please check individual menus for dietary requirements.
Warren House Inn
First on the list, the Warren House Inn is famous for being the highest pub in Southern England (it sits at 1425ft above sea level) and also for its fire, which has allegedly been burning continously since 1845. If you’re visiting in the winter, you’re guaranteed a warm welcome inside. And in the summer you can sit outside and enjoy sweeping views over the moors. Keep your eyes peeled for the ponies who like to visit sometimes!
Fingle Bridge Inn
One of my favourite hikes on Dartmoor is the Castle Drogo to Fingle Bridge walk. The views are lovely of course, but really it’s this pub, at the furthest point in the walk, which makes it for me. Sat idylicly overlooking the River Teign, this pub and restaurant is popular for good reason. Refuel with some traditional pub grub, or just a quick drink or 2 on their lovely terrace. And if you don’t fancy the hike from Castle Drogo, there is parking outside the pub…or you could even kayak here instead!
Rugglestone Inn
Though small in stature, the Rugglestone Inn is big on character. Its name derives from a nearby logan stone; a large piece of granite naturally balanced on another piece of granite, allowing it to rock. There are many such formations on Dartmoor and they were once considered sacred meeting places for village elders. Nowadays the inn is probably a more popular meeting spot for both locals and visitors alike! Try some of their local cask ales or go for a full blown meal. And if you don’t fancy leaving at the end of the night, the Rugglestone has their own rental cottage right next door, available for bookings year round.
Bearslake Inn
One of the prettiest pubs on this list, the 13th century Bearslake Inn is making its name as a ‘destination pub’ with artisinal food menus, locally supplied ales and spirits, and beautifully presented rooms to stay in (book here). But even if you are just passing by, its worth stopping at this thatched pub to check out its lovely garden. Merlin enjoyed a little paddle in the stream, and we enjoyed a crisp cider in the sunshine. Bliss.
The Highwayman Inn
Probably the most bonkers pub in the UK is right here in Dartmoor! I’m not sure anything I write will accurately describe The Highwayman so just know that you enter either through a giant shoe (!) or a carriage, and it all gets more surreal from there. The rooms are a real Aladdin’s cave, each one strange and unique. The restaurant is decorated like the hull of a ship, using real timbers from wrecked vessels. The other rooms contain, among other things, a minotaur and a Egyptian sarcophagus. There are plenty of nooks and crannies to hide in, but I really recommend wandering around the entire pub when you visit to admire all the weird and wonderful things the owners have amassed.
The Cleave Inn
A real classic Dartmoor pub, The Cleave Inn looks like something you’d see on a postcard. Situated in the picturesque village of Lustleigh, it boasts a pretty thatched roof and a charming garden. The staff are warm and friendly, and the food is good, and we really could have stayed here all day! But if you do want to walk off those pints then the Wray Valley Way goes right through Lustleigh, on its way to Bovey Tracy in one direction and Moretonhampstead in the other. Whichever way you go there are bus connections between the villages if you don’t fancy walking back.
Oxenham Arms Inn
We stopped at the Oxenham Arms around Christmas time and it was wonderfully festive, with a lovely buzzy atmosphere and cosy decorations. Originally built as a monastery in the 12th century, it was first licenced as a pub in 1477. The history goes even further back than that however. The monastery was built around the 5000 old South Zeal standing stone, which can still be found in the centre of the pub today! Standing stones were once places of worship and gathering, and even today people say the stone still gives off energy if you touch it. Why not come and try it for yourself and see?
Old Exeter Inn
The title of oldest pub in Britain is often disputed, but the Old Exeter Inn is definitely up there in the top 5! Trading continously since 1130, it has seen its fair share of history. The inside is all dark wood panelling, with candlelit tables and wonky ceilings and floors. If you have a few too many drinks and feel the need to spill the beans, there is even a confessional box in one of the rooms (priest not included).
Mary Tavy Inn
A recent find for us, the Mary Tavy has actually been trading since the 1600s. They have a separate parking area for overnight motorhome stays, and we received a warm welcome and a tasty meal when staying here. On a warm day the gardens are a perfect place to relax, but if the weather is less than ideal you’ll find a cosy corner inside where you can while away the evening.
The Old Inn
You can find The Old Inn in the beautiful village of Widecombe in the Moor, right in the heart of Dartmoor National Park. Think exposed stone walls, log fires in every room, and an expansive garden with free-roaming chickens! Why not tie in a visit to the previously mentioned Rugglestone Inn for a mini Dartmoor pub crawl?
We haven’t visited every single pub in Dartmoor (yet!) so if you think there is somewhere special that i’ve missed please let me know – I’ll make sure to pop in for a pint and check it out next time we are around. For more Dartmoor blog posts, keep an eye on my UK travel page.
