For more information and to book please visit www.mrandmrssmith.com or let us arrange your whole trip, by calling +44 (0)20 8987 4312 or from the USA dial 1 866 610 3867.
Today, surf’s up for a new generation of coastal devotees, keen to rediscover rural delights without abandoning urban expectations. And not just on the beach, either: Dartmoor, in all its ruggedly spartan glory, provides the county with a dramatic, windswept heart (perfect for walking, riding and cycling) that’s serviced by a swathe of picturesque villages. Gastronomically, Devon punches well above its weight, with clotted-cream teas and a rich pantry of home-grown produce – all readily proffered by an ever-spreading spate of fine new restaurants keen to capitalise on the fact that, on every level, Devon delivers.
Dartmoor is the home of letterboxing. No, it doesn’t involve carparks: this bizarre ‘sport’ mixes orienteering with grown-up treasure hunt, and is based on messages left in ‘letterboxes’ dotted around the moors. Each one contains a visitors’ book, an inked stamp to prove you’ve found it, and clues to the whereabouts of the next one. Some granite ‘letterboxes’ date from the 1830s; modern ones are likely to be old Army ammunition tins (www.dartmoorletterboxing.org).
… imbibing some local cider. Countryman Ciders, located in a 15th-century stable block in Tavistock (+44 (0)1822 870226), has an amazing array of apple-based ales to try before you buy.
Our round-up of the hippest hideaways and romantic boutique hotels in Devon
Hotel Endsleigh, a grade I-listed fishing lodge, is insanely pretty, and its setting magical – a remote valley between Devon's Dartmoor and Cornwall's Bodmin Moor.
A woodland wonder in the moorland wilds, Gidleigh Park is a beautiful Tudor-type country house hotel that's home to one of the most divine dining experiences in Devon.
A 300-year-old Devon longhouse in a tiny moorland-hugged hamlet, Higher Westcott Farm is a dainty rustic wonder with fine food and a homely hearthside feel.
Just a short countryside amble from the Devonshire coast, Whitehouse boutique hotel brings a sense of urban-honed style to the sleepy village of Chillington.
We tell you the best ways to get to Devon, by plane, train and automobile
March Exeter Festival of South West England Food & Drink hails local produce (www.visitsouthwest.co.uk). May/June English Wine Week is celebrated all over, but Devon’s many vineyards make it one of the best places for tasting events and tours (www.englishwineweek.co.uk). June North Devon Festival, centred in Barnstaple, hosts live music, food, theatre and literature events (www.northdevonfestival.org). Goldcoast Oceanfest worships sun, sea and surfing in Croyde Bay (www.goldcoastoceanfest.co.uk). July The Port Eliot Lit Fest, held in a stately home near Saltash, draws big names from the art, music and cabaret worlds, as well as big bookish names, such as Zadie Smith and DBC Pierre (www.porteliotlitfest.com). October Tavistock’s annual Goose Fair has attracted traders since the 12th century, but the two-day event is no longer restricted to poultry shifters: today, stallholders from all over the country descend to sell and to entertain (www.tavistock.gov.uk).
If it’s organic, fairly traded or locally sourced, then it’s on the menu at this fantastic beachside stop-off. The café is part of the Venus Company, an environmentally friendly operation that runs beach cafés and shops at many Devon locations, including East Portlemouth (+44 (0)1548 843 558) and Bigbury on Sea (+44 (0)1548 810141).
Blackpool Sands, Nr Dartmouth, Devon TQ6 0PA
This award-winning café serves locally sourced fish and game, as well as a particularly good cream tea. Located in a former railway station, it is on the Tarka Trail and overlooks the Taw estuary.
Fremington Quay, Bickington, near Barnstaple, Devon EX31 2QF
Almost everything served here is freshly squeezed, all with the aim of detoxing, refuelling or re-energising you. For those in need of a caffeine fix, the coffee is also good.
5 Caen Shopping Centre, Caen Street, Braunton, Devon EX33 1EG
This stylish café, housed in a former dairy in Tavistock, serves Fairtrade coffee and local produce.
5 Paddons Row, Brook Street, Tavistock, Devon PL19 0HF
For all things home-cooked; washed down with speciality teas and coffee. The view over the church green is picture-postcard pretty.
3 Church Lane, Tavistock, Devon PL19 8AA
Located in an ancient Stannary (tin mining) Town, on the edge of Dartmoor, this restaurant is the justifiable winner of two Michelin stars under chef Michael Caines and provides the perfect country-house setting for fabulous food. There are three dining rooms: Meldon is the main, traditional one, Teign is slightly less formal and Nattadon offers a more contemporary setting.
Chagford, Devon TQ13 8HH
Michael Caines runs an excellent brasserie in the ABode Exeter Hotel, right on the green opposite Exeter's magnificent 11th century cathedral.
Royal Clarence Hotel, Cathedral Yard, Exeter City Centre
This beautiful thatched village pub in Broadhembury has rural gastro style down to a T. There are great fresh fish dishes and local Otter ales.
Broadhembury, Honiton, Devon EX14 3NF
An award-laden restaurant where the husband-and-wife team are devotees of food produced seasonally, locally, and organically. This is fantastic field-to-fork dining – you can expect estate-caught rabbit and fish straight off the boat at Looe.
Coombeshead Estate, Virginstow, Devon EX21 5EA
A series of small, airy and very chic dining rooms provide the setting for food which is cooked with love and imagination. The little bar does its own version of pub classics with a twist. There’s a boutique, too, selling handmade jewellery and homewares.
Moorside, Lydford, Okehampton, Devon EX20 4AY
Mix a passionate chef with local produce and breathtaking views of the Tamar Valley, and you’ve got a destination dining venue that’s second to none. This restaurant has its own organic vegetable and fruit garden, and a national reputation for its delicious food (www.thehornofplenty.co.uk).
Gulworthy, Tavistock, Devon PL19 8JD
Damian Hirst-owned stylish bar, café and restaurant in a stunning location. The downstairs White Hart Bar serves good coffee and a tapas-style bar menu. Upstairs for great views and à la carte.
11 The Quay, Ilfracombe, Devon EX34 9EQ
Award-winning fish ’n’ chips in a light and airy modern restaurant. Busy but welcoming.
Exeter Road, Braunton, Devon EX33 2JL
If you’re staying around Tavistock, this is the closest you’ll get to a trendy bar.
17 West Street, Tavistock, Devon
©2009 Mr & Mrs Smith
Member offer
