Local Attractions and Restaurants
Business Title
LOCAL ATTRACTIONS
At Finlake you are spoilt for choice. Less than half a mile from the A38, it is ideally situated within easy reach of many attractions. Lots of beaches with blue flag awards. Try Dawlish Warren: a sandy beach, waterfront shops, and go karting. Or visit the nature reserve with information centre.
Dawlish, a smaller beach famous for the black swans who reside on the river flowing through the town, it is worth a visit.
Or if you desire bigger beaches, Torquay, Paington and Brixham. These towns are at the heart of the English Riviera. Approximately 20 minute drive from the park. But you can easily make a day of it, as we have done ourselves many of times.
Go Ape at Haldon forest, swing through the trees on zip wires – if you’re brave!
Ideal for mountain biking, lots of bike trails, push chair/wheel chair accessible tracks.
River Dart Country Park at Ashburton on the edge of Dartmoor - man-made lake safe for little ones to splash in. Adventure playground, walks and picnic areas, and of course Dartmoor itself. The stunning area home to the ten tors. An exquisite area of land to be ravished.
Towns.
Finlake is within easy reach of Newton Abbot, Plymouth, Torquay and Exeter.
For shopping try Trago Mills at Newton Abbot – 10 mins drive. Bargain prices, outside attractions.
To check out in more detail visit these websites.
Before visiting please check with venue what is open, as some activities may limited due to covid restrictions.
Devonshire Pubs and Restaurants
Not an exhaustive list, but a few recommendations by some local people.
The Cowick Barton – Exeter - 01392 491117
EX2 9HF – 12.05 miles
https://www.thecowickbarton.co.uk
Dog friendly. Child friendly
This is a lovely old pub with a country feel to it. Rustic, log fire in winter.
Lunch and evening menu. Cooked to order with fresh local ingredients. Vegan, vegetarian, gluten free catered for.
Good parking. Beer garden. children’s outside play area.
The Smugglers Inn – Dawlish - 01626 862301
EX7 0LA – 11.7 miles
Dog Friendly
They provide a full lunch and evening menu that caters to everybody. With stunning steak dishes, full vegan and gluten free options and their popular ‘Farmers Feast’ carvery.
They pride themselves on being one of the best restaurants in Devon, continuing to provide the highest quality dining service and cuisine while maintaining a relaxing, family atmosphere. They are also surrounded by stunning panoramic views of the countryside and the ocean.
The London Inn – Shaldon - 01626 872453
TQ14 0DN - 9.7 miles
https://www.londoninnshaldon.co.uk/
Dog Friendly
Located in the seaside village of Shaldon, in Devon, the London Inn has had a long history at the heart of the community. London is a relaxed and family-friendly bar, rich with atmosphere. The pub is very much a home from home, with a fantastic team behind the scenes. The kitchen provides good old-fashioned hearty food, offering the classic ‘Best of British’ dishes, at very affordable prices. The relaxed, warm and inviting environment attracts people of all ages, locals and tourists alike.
At London Inn they love food! The head chef and his skilled team devise their seasonal menus and focus on sourcing fresh ingredients and serving great tasting food full of flavour with attention to detail. They are very proud to have been listed as number one for their Sunday roast by Devon Life!
Teign House Inn, Christow - 01647 252286
EX6 7PL – 6.6 miles
Dog Friendly
On the edge of Dartmoor in the scenic Teign Valley lies this very welcoming, atmospheric country pub with exposed beams and warming log fire in winter. The pub’s supported strongly by the locals with a large garden attracting families and locals alike There’s usually live music every 3rd Wednesday evening and every 4th Sunday afternoon. Great pub food, all home cooked, with a special Thai menu which is also available for take-away.
The Cleave, Lustleigh - 01647 277 223
TQ13 9TJ – 7.5 miles
http://www.thecleavelustleigh.co.uk
Dog Friendly
The Cleave Restaurant & Bar, a 15th century thatched inn set in the beautiful village of Lustleigh on Dartmoor, Devon.
They only use the freshest ingredients from local suppliers and farms from fish to meat, lovingly created into mouth-watering dishes by the head chef. Enjoy the finest real ales from the South West and their selected wines to complement your food.
The pub is dog friendly, where they are more than welcome in the bar and, when the sun shines, in the beer garden; or by the log fire when the evenings get a little chilly.
With a well-thought-out wine list to complement the food, along with a high level of service, one can look forward to good simple food cooked to perfection and something just that little bit special.
Whatever the occasion, wine and dine and relax in comfort and style, whether inside or alfresco in the gardens, at The Cleave Restaurant & Bar here in the village of Lustleigh Devon.
Rugglestone, Widecombe
TQ13 7TF – 14.5 miles
http://www.rugglestoneinn.co.uk
Dog Friendly
The Rugglestone Inn is a unique, un-spoilt Dartmoor inn delightfully located in the picturesque village of Widecombe in the Moor. Originally a cottage, the grade II listed building was converted to an inn back in 1832 and named after a local logan stone. It is surrounded by peaceful moorland, adjacent to a pretty stream and just a few minutes’ walk from the centre of the village. Inside, there is a cosy bar with a wood burner and two further rooms, one of which has an open log fire, together creating a wonderful ‘home from home’ atmosphere. Outside is a large sheltered garden with picnic tables accessible via a small bridge over a delightful moorland stream and from where you can enjoy fabulous views. Children and dogs are welcome but we ask that dogs (not the children) be kept on a lead. The home cooked menu of locally sourced produce from suppliers such as Dartmoor Farmers Association, Gribbles Meat & Game and Hawkridge Dairy is extensive and offers a broad range for all tastes. The bar is well stocked with real ales, farm cider and a comprehensive wine list. The real ales are served straight from the barrel and include different guest beers mainly from the southwest.
The Rock Inn – Haytor – 01364 661305
TQ13 9XP – 6.5 miles
https://www.rock-inn.co.uk/eat/
Dog Friendly
Nestling below the famous Haytor Rocks and just inside the Dartmoor National Park is the rural hamlet of Haytor Vale and the Rock Inn. This family-owned traditional English Country Inn has been offering travellers hospitality, good food and shelter since its foundation as a coaching inn in the mid-eighteenth century. In this modern age they pride themselves on a relaxed, friendly atmosphere, with personal service reminiscent of a bygone age.
The Manor Inn - Lower Ashton - 01647 252 304
EX6 7QL – 5.1 miles
Dog Friendly
Inside you will find a relaxed ambiance full of style and comfort where you can wine and dine and enjoy the bar stocked with a fine selection of wines, spirits and real cask ales such as Otter, Legend, Cotleigh Jail and Teignworthy Reel Ale.
The restaurant has a smart interior, with a menu offering freshly prepared lunches and evening meals using Devon’s finest produce, with seafood being one of their specialities.
Outside there is a garden with shaded tables and chairs where one can eat and drink while enjoying the spectacular views over the local countryside.
The Manor Inn’s head chef specialises in locally caught fish and game, and takes real pleasure in bringing to the Manor Inn ‘good honest food with a difference’ using local produce that always reflects the season.
With a well thought out wine list to complement your menu which regularly changes, along with great service, one can look forward to food cooked to perfection and an evening of something just that little bit special.
The Coombe Cellars, Teignmouth - 01626 872423
TQ12 4RT – 9.7 miles
https://www.thecoombecellars.co.uk
The Coombe Cellars is a premium pub, bar, and restaurant with its very own courtyard and garden, centrally located in the heart of the picturesque town of Combeinteignhead. The perfect destination for lunch, dinner and drinks, The Coombe Cellars in south Devon is a premium pub, bar, and restaurant that will allow you to relax, indulge, and dine in optimum style and comfort. With lots of character and charm, this unique establishment is based in Combeinteignhead and is the perfect destination for a spot of al fresco dining in the summer time. Bringing together rustic charm with modern interiors, The Coombe Cellars is decidedly chilled out, making it the perfect spot for taking in unrivalled views of the estuary, whilst you enjoy a glass of wine or a pint and good hearty meal!
The Ness, Shaldon - 01626 873480
TQ14 0HP – 10.3 miles
Named after the ‘Ness’ rocky outcrop that towers over it – so named because it resembles a nose or ‘nez’ in French – the Ness is a Grade II listed Inn located on the South West Coast Path in the picturesque seaside village of Shaldon, with stunning views over the Teign Estuary. The house was originally built in 1810 as the summer home of the Clifford family (on land owned by Lord Clifford who was Charles II’s notorious treasurer and the ‘C’ in CABAL), rumour has it that the family subsequently enlarged their fortune through smuggling (via the smugglers tunnel which you can find just behind the Ness). The Ness’s menu is packed with all of your traditional favourites as well as some exciting modern dishes to tickle your tastebuds. To start why not try their classic Prawn Cocktail or Baked Camembert, for mains their Forum Lager Battered Fish & Chips or amazing Steak & Tangle Foot Pie are a must. If that’s not enough their delicious desserts are the perfect way to round things off.
The Old Rydon Inn, Kingsteighton - 01626 354626
TQ12 3QG - 4.5 Miles
A former 16th-Century farmhouse, this Grade II listed building was converted into a public house during the 1960s, and has been providing great food and drink for customers ever since. Owners Charlie and Amy were both raised in Kingsteignton and take pride in providing an excellent service for the community. Wherever possible, ingredients are sourced locally, and everything on the menu is made from scratch, down to the freshly baked bread and delicious ice cream. The pretty leafy garden provides a dose of bucolic charm, and the rustic interior, complete with intimate dining areas, is sure to make you feel right at home. Here you will also find a varied range of real ales from local breweries in Ringmore, Newton Abbot, Ipplepen and South Hams. Old Rydon Inn even has its own eponymous house ale, which is brewed in Devon exclusively for them. A real Devonshire pub with fantastic food and service to match, Old Rydon Inn is well worth a visit.
The Puffing Billy Inn - Exeter - 01392 877888
EX3 0TR – 16.4 miles
http://www.thepuffingbilly.co.uk
Dog Friendly
The Puffing Billy is located in the beautiful village of Exton on the east side of the Exe estuary. Just 15 minutes from Exeter and 5 minutes from Exmouth. The inn offers a dynamic, seasonal menu of locally sourced produce inside a cosy, recently revamped stylish interior. They change their menus regularly and have a daily changing specials board utilising local produce. On Sundays they offer a superb selection of roast dinners.
The bar offers a wide range of drinks which include an interesting range of soft drinks, regularly changing real ales, an extensive wine list, over 100 spirits and a full coffee menu.
Dogs are welcome in the bar and timber area of the restaurant, the garden and outside. They do not allow dogs in their main restaurant.
Phoenix, Chudleigh - 01626 859005
TQ13 0HX - 1.8 miles
Ian and Tracey Nixon opened The Phoenix in February 2014 on the site of the former Old Coaching House on Chudleigh’s Fore Street, which had succumbed to fire in 2011. The dining room and bar share a big, open space that has a warm atmosphere. There’s a happy mix of generations in evidence, something that Ian is keen to encourage. “I develop my menus to suit all taste buds, so there’s a lot of variation.” he says. “I’ve also catered for a younger audience, so that they are able to come out and eat with their parents and it won’t break the bank.” With a commitment to sourcing local ingredients, plus special offer meal deals spread across the week – children under three eat free! – the Phoenix ticks’ boxes across the board.
The Elizabethan Inn, Newton Abbott - 01626 775425
TQ13 0BL – 5.4 miles
In July 2002 the current landlord moved into one of the few remaining Free Houses in South Devon. Immediately they set about establishing The Elizabethan’s reputation for great food, drink and service in the area surrounding Teignmouth and Newton Abbot. To this day our aims remains simply the same and, together with our loyal team, work hard to provide our customers with not only a great choice of quality and affordable “good, honest Devon food” but for it to be served in a hospitable, friendly environment. Being located in a prime farming community we benefit greatly from our neighbours' produce and use as much as possible to give our food its unique depth and richness of flavour. All dishes and desserts are made on the premises using either our own original recipes or great classics that have been used for many years. Whether it be dry curing bacon, making pies and sausages, producing chutneys, mayonnaise and parfaits, we are always looking to develop and produce new ideas.
Claycutters Arms, Chudleigh Knighton 01626 853345
TQ13 0EY – 1.6 miles
https://www.theclaycutters.co.uk
This traditional thatched village pub, easily reached just off the main A38 Exeter to Plymouth road, is packed with charm and character and offers a warm welcome and great food in relaxing surroundings. A wide selection of seating areas is available inside this cosy pub, and a lovely patio area and beer garden for sunnier days. There is pub grub as well as an a la carte menu available and a selection of specials on blackboards which change daily, as well as a wider range of real ales and an extensive wine list. A take-away service is also available.