Fireside dining and farm-to-table menus
Devon, with its idyllic landscapes and rich culinary heritage, is a haven for food-lovers, especially when it comes to Sunday lunching. Whether you're craving a traditional roast or something a little different, this region has plenty to offer. From rustic pubs nestled in charming villages to more refined dining experiences on the waterfront, Devon's culinary scene promises to delight every palette.
As the leaves begin to fall and the seasons change, there's no better time to indulge in cosy lunches and the warmth of a roaring pub fire.
1. The Seahorse in Dartmouth
© The Seahorse via Instagram
Serving a Venetian-style antipasti from its coveted Dartmouth location, The Seahorse is all about Sunday lunch with a twist. With an ever-changing menu featuring new dishes each week, enjoy a selection of cured Italian meats before indulging in a three course lunch with your choice of main. For a pre-dinner tipple, try an in-house aperitif at Joe’s Bar before taking your seat at the table.
2. Railway Dining Trains
© South Devon Railway via Instagram
If you prefer to drink and dine on the move, don’t miss the popular railway dining experience making its way through South Devon. Setting off from Buckfastleigh station, book your ticket and climb on board a dining train to enjoy a Sunday lunch with a difference.
With availability across selected dates for tables of two or four, this unique restaurant car experience will include a freshly cooked three course lunch from a menu of locally sourced produce. With an at-table bar also in operation, ease into the weekend over a glass of fizz and watch the world go by from the window.
Nearby property: Waterside in Salcombe.
3. Black Venus Inn in Challacombe
A traditional country pub boasting a sociable beer garden, a cosy bar and a selection of comprehensive menus, the Black Venus Inn occupies a picture-perfect setting in North Devon. Beautifully presented and showcasing the finest local ingredients, the pub’s indulgent Sunday lunches provide the perfect excuse for a lazy weekend well spent.
4. Blue Ball Inn in Sidmouth
© Blue Blue Inn via Instagram
Nestled in the beautiful countryside of East Devon, the Blue Ball Inn is known for its hearty Sunday lunches and welcoming atmosphere. This historic inn serves up a generous carvery of traditional roast meats, accompanied by seasonal veggies, roast potatoes and fluffy Yorkshire puddings. Cosy up beside the fire in the winter months, or head into the dog-friendly beer garden to enjoy your meal on sunnier days.
With Sidmouth’s stunning coastline just a short drive away, The Blue Ball Inn makes a great stop after mornings spent on the sand or exploring the East Devon Nature Reserve.
5. The Masons Arms in Knowstone
For a traditional Sunday roast set within the gently rolling hills of the Exmoor countryside, The Masons Arms is a Michelin-star thatched inn serving three exquisite courses on the first Sunday of each month. From smoked haddock starters to duck confit mains and poached rhubarb desserts, expect award-winning cuisine and an extensive wine list to match.
Nearby properties: Nightjar, Willow’s Rest and Upcott Farm in Dulverton.
6. Lifton Farm Shop
© Lifton Farm Shop via Instagram
A popular gem in West Devon, Lifton Farm Shop offers a farm-to-table carvery experience perfect for a Sunday lunch. With fresh, homegrown produce, you can expect delicious roasts served with all the trimmings. This family-friendly destination is not only wheelchair-friendly with step-free access, but it also offers seasonal activities like pumpkin picking in October and sunflower collecting in the summer, making it a delightful spot for everyone to visit year-round.
Nearby properties: Sea Edge and Eden in Downderry
7. The Sloop Inn in Bantham
A must-visit for those staying in nearby Bigbury-on-Sea at our properties, this 14th century inn awaits in the gorgeous village of Bantham. Tucked among thatched rooves in the South Hams Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the pub warmly welcomes families, children and dogs, and is located on the road to Bantham Beach.
Nearby properties: Clifftop, Beachfront, Overcombe and Avocet
8. Hope & Anchor in Hope Cove
© Hope & Anchor via Instagram
Situated in picturesque Hope Cove, this cosy pub offers a relaxing setting for Sunday lunch with a view. With a focus on locally sourced ingredients, the menu features classic roast options and decadent sides. Serving up St Austell ales, ciders and stouts, this dog-friendly pub is perfect for those looking to enjoy a traditional taste of the South West.
Round things off nicely with a warm chocolate brownie or sticky toffee pudding, as is tradition when lunching in the autumn months. Walk off full bellies by taking to the coast path towards South Milton, a route loved by our team during a stay at Tamarisks in Hope Cove.
Image credits: The Seahorse, South Devon Railway, Lifton Farm Shop, Blue Ball Inn and Hope & Anchor via Instagram.
Posted by Bethany Walton
Beth can usually be found on a Cornish beach or enjoying a swim in the sea. She has great insight about where to visit across the county, plus plenty of recommendations for finding the best Cornish ice cream.
Featured in this post
Waterside
- Salcombe, Devon
- Sleeps: 6 - 8
- Bedrooms: 3 i
- Bathrooms: 3
Set right on the water’s edge and featuring a cinema room plus three coastal inspired bedrooms, Waterside enjoys sensational views over the Salcombe Estuary. The elevated terrace and open plan living space invite sociable evenings with friends and family, while the beautiful beach at Mill Bay sits just across the water.
- Dog-Friendly
- Sea Views
- EV Charger
- Hot Tub
- Swimming Pool
- Games/TV Room
Per week from
£3450Short breaks from
£3050
Beachfront
- Bigbury-on-Sea, Devon
- Sleeps: 8 - 10
- Bedrooms: 4 i
- Bathrooms: 3
A striking amalgamation of glass and wood, Beachfront is a Scandi-inspired beach house overlooking the water in Bigbury-on-Sea. Four serene bedrooms and a light, bright open plan living space meet an expansive front deck that's ideal for al fresco breakfasts, and just a minute's walk from sand and surf.
- Dog-Friendly
- Sea Views
- EV Charger
- Hot Tub
- Swimming Pool
- Games/TV Room
Per week from
£3250Short breaks from
£2850
Overcombe
- Bigbury-on-Sea, Devon
- Sleeps: 10
- Bedrooms: 5 i
- Bathrooms: 5
From its heart-melting views over the iconic Burgh Island to its high specification kitchen and spacious living areas, Overcombe was made for blissful family escapes. Complete with five bedrooms and a wraparound deck, it’s a magical special occasion home, featured on Fantasy Homes by the Sea.
- Dog-Friendly
- Sea Views
- EV Charger
- Hot Tub
- Swimming Pool
- Games/TV Room
Per week from
£2250Short breaks from
£1850
Sea Edge
- Downderry, Cornwall
- Sleeps: 6
- Bedrooms: 3 i
- Bathrooms: 3
With a relaxing spa-like feel and sensational ocean views spanning Cornwall’s south coast, Sea Edge is a stunning, contemporary home sitting just a moment’s walk from the beaches at Seaton and Downderry. With a Mediterranean-inspired garden, cosy window seat and glass-fronted terrace, it’s a tranquil hideaway come rain or shine.
- Dog-Friendly
- Sea Views
- EV Charger
- Hot Tub
- Swimming Pool
- Games/TV Room
Per week from
£2750Short breaks from
£2550
Avocet
- Bigbury-on-Sea, Devon
- Sleeps: 12
- Bedrooms: 6 i
- Bathrooms: 6
Overlooking the iconic Burgh Island from its enviable position on the South Devon coast, Avocet features six beautifully styled bedrooms, a bubbling hot tub and a large enclosed garden. Children will love playing on the lawn after dinner while adults relax on the sea-view swing set.
- Dog-Friendly
- Sea Views
- EV Charger
- Hot Tub
- Swimming Pool
- Games/TV Room
Per week from
£2995
Tamarisks
- Hope Cove, Devon
- Sleeps: 14 - 16
- Bedrooms: 8 i
- Bathrooms: 6
A real coastal haven, this large and luxurious home enjoys jaw-dropping views over the golden sands of Hope Cove Beach and the glistening sea beyond. Indulge in sunny lunches on the wraparound terrace or play games with the little ones in the secure garden. Just a short drive to the foodie town of Salcombe, it’s the perfect base to explore the wonderful South Devon coast.
- Dog-Friendly
- Sea Views
- EV Charger
- Hot Tub
- Swimming Pool
- Games/TV Room
Per week from
£3600Short breaks from
£3300
Upcott Farm
- Dulverton, Somerset
- Sleeps: 12
- Bedrooms: 6 i
- Bathrooms: 6
A countryside haven for those hoping to get back to nature, Upcott Farm is located on the edge of Exmoor National Park. Enjoy sprawling country views, beautiful interiors, elevated balconies and two luxurious hot tubs.
- Dog-Friendly
- Sea Views
- EV Charger
- Hot Tub
- Swimming Pool
- Games/TV Room
Per week from
£2500Short breaks from
£2100
Nightjar
- Dulverton, Somerset
- Sleeps: 8
- Bedrooms: 4 i
- Bathrooms: 4
With a magnificent feature wood burner at its heart, this beautifully restored hayloft is bursting with all the charm of a rustic Somerset hideaway. Complete with four delightful bedrooms, a spacious kitchen, an indulgent hot tub and an elevated balcony, this is where your countryside dreams come to life.
- Dog-Friendly
- Sea Views
- EV Charger
- Hot Tub
- Swimming Pool
- Games/TV Room
Per week from
£1850Short breaks from
£1550
Willow's Rest
- Dulverton, Somerset
- Sleeps: 4
- Bedrooms: 2 i
- Bathrooms: 2
The pinnacle of rustic luxury, Willow’s Rest sleeps up to four guests across two charming bedrooms. Perfect for couples or a small family, experience spectacular countryside views, an elevated balcony and bubbling hot tub at this enchanting retreat on the edge of Exmoor's National Park.
- Dog-Friendly
- Sea Views
- EV Charger
- Hot Tub
- Swimming Pool
- Games/TV Room
Per week from
£1150Short breaks from
£1000
Eden
- Downderry, Cornwall
- Sleeps: 6
- Bedrooms: 3 i
- Bathrooms: 3
An architectural masterpiece, Eden in Downderry is home to sparkling ocean views and an outdoor pool. Finished to an impeccably high standard, its bespoke interiors are reminiscent of a tropical beach house, where gentle tides are a short walk away. Sleeping six guests and welcoming dogs, it becomes an idyllic sea-view hideaway for those wishing to switch off on the south coast.
- Dog-Friendly
- Sea Views
- EV Charger
- Hot Tub
- Swimming Pool
- Games/TV Room
Per week from
£1950Short breaks from
£1800
Clifftop
- Bigbury-on-Sea, Devon
- Sleeps: 14
- Bedrooms: 7 i
- Bathrooms: 6
Settled above the waves amid the rugged Devon landscape, you’ll find this dreamlike retreat. Clifftop has been carefully renovated by VESP Architects into a true sanctuary, sleeping up to 14 guests. Home to panoramic ocean views over Challaborough Bay, it lends itself to spa breaks and family getaways, thanks to its seven bedrooms, direct coast path access, sea-view hot tub and sauna.
- Dog-Friendly
- Sea Views
- EV Charger
- Hot Tub
- Swimming Pool
- Games/TV Room
Per week from
£2950Short breaks from
£2550
