Devon Details

Beverley
Devon Details

Food scene

I love finding great places to eat, drink and be sociable with friends. These are just a few of the ones I'm happy to recommend. Some are more pricey than others but they're all great and well worth a visit. Do feel free to mention where you're staying if you visit any of them.
The award winning Tytherleigh Arms is just up the road. The food is amazing and the service impeccable. It's advisable to check which days it is open as this changes depending on the season. It's also advisable to book in advance. It's a great place for a light lunch or a really special dinner. You're welcome to bring your dog in but let them know you're bringing your four legged friend when you book to eat there. Unfortunately, children under five are not permitted in the evenings.
29 locals recommend
The Tytherleigh Arms
29 locals recommend
The award winning Tytherleigh Arms is just up the road. The food is amazing and the service impeccable. It's advisable to check which days it is open as this changes depending on the season. It's also advisable to book in advance. It's a great place for a light lunch or a really special dinner. You're welcome to bring your dog in but let them know you're bringing your four legged friend when you book to eat there. Unfortunately, children under five are not permitted in the evenings.
Fabulous coffee shop selling great tasting drinks as well as quirky gifts that are amazing value!
Higgler Coffee
South Street
Fabulous coffee shop selling great tasting drinks as well as quirky gifts that are amazing value!
This is a great foodie pub off the beaten track but only a short drive away. In a fabulous location out in the countryside, the menu is brilliant, it's dog-friendly and if you want to meet some of the friendly locals, this is a great place to go. The Sunday lunch is a particular favourite so best to book in advance! Currently only open for outside drinking and eating. No need to book.
26 locals recommend
The Cotley Inn
26 locals recommend
This is a great foodie pub off the beaten track but only a short drive away. In a fabulous location out in the countryside, the menu is brilliant, it's dog-friendly and if you want to meet some of the friendly locals, this is a great place to go. The Sunday lunch is a particular favourite so best to book in advance! Currently only open for outside drinking and eating. No need to book.
This is a great sea front bar/restaurant in Lyme Regis. It's dog friendly and has outside seating and great cocktails! Worth it for the view alone!
50 locals recommend
Swim
Marine Parade
50 locals recommend
This is a great sea front bar/restaurant in Lyme Regis. It's dog friendly and has outside seating and great cocktails! Worth it for the view alone!
Fabulous veggie restaurant in Lyme Regis. Seriously good food. It's small but perfect. It's located in a lovely area of Lyme with lots of surrounding independent shops selling lovely seaside and other gifts.
18 locals recommend
Tierra Kitchen
1A Coombe St
18 locals recommend
Fabulous veggie restaurant in Lyme Regis. Seriously good food. It's small but perfect. It's located in a lovely area of Lyme with lots of surrounding independent shops selling lovely seaside and other gifts.
This is a wonderful, dog-friendly pub right on the beach at Seatown. Great food, lovely outside space and you can walk up Golden Cap (but keep your dog on a lead near the cliffs!). It gets busy at weekends but you can't book, so get there early! Currently has a large marquee serving food and drink on a first come, first served basis. From 17 May, they will be taking bookings for inside tables.
79 locals recommend
The Anchor Inn
79 locals recommend
This is a wonderful, dog-friendly pub right on the beach at Seatown. Great food, lovely outside space and you can walk up Golden Cap (but keep your dog on a lead near the cliffs!). It gets busy at weekends but you can't book, so get there early! Currently has a large marquee serving food and drink on a first come, first served basis. From 17 May, they will be taking bookings for inside tables.
A real Italian restaurant with a lot more than pasta and pizza (although those are also very good). Imaginative dishes and a good wine list all at very reasonable prices. Currently only offering take away service.
8 locals recommend
Le Pisani
1C Fore St
8 locals recommend
A real Italian restaurant with a lot more than pasta and pizza (although those are also very good). Imaginative dishes and a good wine list all at very reasonable prices. Currently only offering take away service.
It's a long and winding road to get to this great pub but worth the trip. I recommend you book in advance as it does get very busy. There is an advance booking page on their website https://shavecrossinn.resos.com/bookingwww.shavecrossinn.co.uk. Pub open 12-3pm & 6-11pm. 01308 868 356. You can also visit one of our sister sites in Lyme Regis. The Shave Cross Cellar (a bar and taproom with a unique serve yourself pint system) and Shave Cross Taverna (shavecrosstaverna.co.uk).
10 locals recommend
The Shave Cross Inn
10 locals recommend
It's a long and winding road to get to this great pub but worth the trip. I recommend you book in advance as it does get very busy. There is an advance booking page on their website https://shavecrossinn.resos.com/bookingwww.shavecrossinn.co.uk. Pub open 12-3pm & 6-11pm. 01308 868 356. You can also visit one of our sister sites in Lyme Regis. The Shave Cross Cellar (a bar and taproom with a unique serve yourself pint system) and Shave Cross Taverna (shavecrosstaverna.co.uk).
The second closest pub to here. It is on the main road but it’s a local village pub offering a wide range of ales homemade food with a fabulous beer garden . They do huge Sunday lunch portions! They have set up dining pods outside in case of bad weather (opening from 16 April, to book call 01460 221 000) and also have a large, child-friendly garden. You can get take away Sunday lunches from here too).
Ye Olde Poppe Inn
Axminster Road
The second closest pub to here. It is on the main road but it’s a local village pub offering a wide range of ales homemade food with a fabulous beer garden . They do huge Sunday lunch portions! They have set up dining pods outside in case of bad weather (opening from 16 April, to book call 01460 221 000) and also have a large, child-friendly garden. You can get take away Sunday lunches from here too).
You’ll find freshly prepared seasonal menus alongside Palmers casked ales, bottled lagers and carefully selected wines. Dog friendly, and there is a pizza night with freshly made pizzas straight from the pizza oven every Thursday evening. Good outside space but you should probably book for inside 01297 489 419.
19 locals recommend
The George Inn
Main Street
19 locals recommend
You’ll find freshly prepared seasonal menus alongside Palmers casked ales, bottled lagers and carefully selected wines. Dog friendly, and there is a pizza night with freshly made pizzas straight from the pizza oven every Thursday evening. Good outside space but you should probably book for inside 01297 489 419.
Limited dog-friendly tables at peak times. Call to book. Easily accessible from the A35, in the heart of some of Devon’s most beautiful countryside, 10 minutes’ drive from Axminister. Seasonal, West Country produce in traditional, yet imaginative dishes. It serves locally produced Dalwood wines which are equally delicious! Dalwood, Axminister, EX13 7EG 01404 881 342
16 locals recommend
The Tuckers Arms
16 locals recommend
Limited dog-friendly tables at peak times. Call to book. Easily accessible from the A35, in the heart of some of Devon’s most beautiful countryside, 10 minutes’ drive from Axminister. Seasonal, West Country produce in traditional, yet imaginative dishes. It serves locally produced Dalwood wines which are equally delicious! Dalwood, Axminister, EX13 7EG 01404 881 342
This is a community owned village pub just the other side of Axminster. It has great local beers and fine, locally sourced food. It’s advisable to book in advance. They also offer a Thai Takeover menu for take away or eat in (or out) every Wednesday from 5.30-8pm. Stockland EX14 9BS, 01404 881686
8 locals recommend
The Kings Arms Inn
49 Bishopston
8 locals recommend
This is a community owned village pub just the other side of Axminster. It has great local beers and fine, locally sourced food. It’s advisable to book in advance. They also offer a Thai Takeover menu for take away or eat in (or out) every Wednesday from 5.30-8pm. Stockland EX14 9BS, 01404 881686
Best burgers around! You can message your order via their facebook page (thecowandthebeanaxminster) up until 2pm. From 4.30pm, call in orders to 01297 792782. Wait for confirmation of your order before going in to collect. Please wait for a reply to ensure your order is confirmed.
thecow&thebean
14 Lyme Street
Best burgers around! You can message your order via their facebook page (thecowandthebeanaxminster) up until 2pm. From 4.30pm, call in orders to 01297 792782. Wait for confirmation of your order before going in to collect. Please wait for a reply to ensure your order is confirmed.
A great shop for a huge range of vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and generally healthy foods. They also stock a large number of refillable household and toiletry products. They've been doing refillable for 20 years - way ahead of the game!
Ganesha Whole Foods
3 South St
A great shop for a huge range of vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and generally healthy foods. They also stock a large number of refillable household and toiletry products. They've been doing refillable for 20 years - way ahead of the game!
The freshest bread of all kinds and a whole lot more besides. If you need a cake for a special occasion or fancy a Devon cream tea while you're staying here, put in an order in advance. 01297 598903.
The Cornerhouse Bakery & Cafe
Lyme Street
The freshest bread of all kinds and a whole lot more besides. If you need a cake for a special occasion or fancy a Devon cream tea while you're staying here, put in an order in advance. 01297 598903.
With a huge extra outdoor seating area - The Deck, Hix is open for business again in Lyme Regis. Now taking online bookings for the Deck. Phone bookings: +44 (0)1297 446910 / Please note they can only accept two households or six people per booking until 20th June.
100 locals recommend
The Oyster & Fish House
Cobb Road
100 locals recommend
With a huge extra outdoor seating area - The Deck, Hix is open for business again in Lyme Regis. Now taking online bookings for the Deck. Phone bookings: +44 (0)1297 446910 / Please note they can only accept two households or six people per booking until 20th June.

Totally Local

These are a few suggestions of independent shops locally that are worth a visit. The more people that support our independent shops and help them to thrive, the more we can ensure that our local towns and villages retain a sense of uniqueness without becoming full of big brand, high street names.
This is an award winning local community village shop about a ten minute drive away. Staffed by volunteers, there is a cafe serving hot and cold drinks, home made cakes and pies, groceries and household staples plus lots of gift items, cards and stationery. There is a post office operating once a week. There is outdoor seating available (although inside isn't dog friendly) and you're just as likely to see a horse as a dog tethered outside while their owner is doing a bit of shopping! There are also some great dog walks around that area - ask in the shop for directions.
Thorncombe Village Shop
Chard Street
This is an award winning local community village shop about a ten minute drive away. Staffed by volunteers, there is a cafe serving hot and cold drinks, home made cakes and pies, groceries and household staples plus lots of gift items, cards and stationery. There is a post office operating once a week. There is outdoor seating available (although inside isn't dog friendly) and you're just as likely to see a horse as a dog tethered outside while their owner is doing a bit of shopping! There are also some great dog walks around that area - ask in the shop for directions.
This is my home from home. A family-run farm shop not just selling local West Country produce but also an amazing selection of food and drink brought directly over from France on a weekly basis. There's a cornucopia of different food and drink, a flower shop, plants, food, wine (of course), gardening and doggy bits, a fresh fishmonger (with catch directly off the boats in Lyme Regis) and loads more. There's also The Teapot, a lovely cafe now with a drinks licence that serves all day with plenty of outside seating.
32 locals recommend
Millers Farm Shop
Gammons Hill
32 locals recommend
This is my home from home. A family-run farm shop not just selling local West Country produce but also an amazing selection of food and drink brought directly over from France on a weekly basis. There's a cornucopia of different food and drink, a flower shop, plants, food, wine (of course), gardening and doggy bits, a fresh fishmonger (with catch directly off the boats in Lyme Regis) and loads more. There's also The Teapot, a lovely cafe now with a drinks licence that serves all day with plenty of outside seating.
The Town Mill is a small complex of shops and restaurants (and a local brewery) in Lyme Regis. Definitely worth a visit. If you're lucky, you'll be able to park in the car park on Broad Street and then walk down the steps to the Mill.
23 locals recommend
The Town Mill
Mill Lane
23 locals recommend
The Town Mill is a small complex of shops and restaurants (and a local brewery) in Lyme Regis. Definitely worth a visit. If you're lucky, you'll be able to park in the car park on Broad Street and then walk down the steps to the Mill.
The Village Shop in Chardstock is just up the road from here. It has all the household staples, food and drink, newspapers, magazines and a post office facility. To get there, drive up to the main road, turn right then almost immediately left. Follow the road ahead and you'll find the shop just after the Village Hall on the left hand side.
Chardstock
The Village Shop in Chardstock is just up the road from here. It has all the household staples, food and drink, newspapers, magazines and a post office facility. To get there, drive up to the main road, turn right then almost immediately left. Follow the road ahead and you'll find the shop just after the Village Hall on the left hand side.
I swear by my Kindle but there's still nothing quite as lovely as the smell of a new book. The Archway Bookshop has been in Axminster since 1966 although it recently moved to Trinity House in the Market Square. Well worth a visit!
Archway Bookshop
2 Church St
I swear by my Kindle but there's still nothing quite as lovely as the smell of a new book. The Archway Bookshop has been in Axminster since 1966 although it recently moved to Trinity House in the Market Square. Well worth a visit!

Sightseeing and things to do

You are welcome to visit (and walk) the alpacas that live here. They are all happy and very inquisitive animals and their home is in the middle of Shute Woods so you can do a lovely dog walk after your time there.
David Attenborough visited here recently to unveil a huge fossil found locally (Dippy the Dinosaur). It's a fascinating place and you can hire fossil hammers to go down to the beach and find your own. They usually offer guided fossil walks too. Beware of falling cliffs though!
25 locals recommend
Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre
Lower Sea Lane
25 locals recommend
David Attenborough visited here recently to unveil a huge fossil found locally (Dippy the Dinosaur). It's a fascinating place and you can hire fossil hammers to go down to the beach and find your own. They usually offer guided fossil walks too. Beware of falling cliffs though!
Unleash your inner French Lieutenant's Woman with a visit to the historic Cobb Harbour in Lyme Regis where it was both written (by John Fowles whose studio you can also visit) and filmed.
69 locals recommend
The Cobb
69 locals recommend
Unleash your inner French Lieutenant's Woman with a visit to the historic Cobb Harbour in Lyme Regis where it was both written (by John Fowles whose studio you can also visit) and filmed.
Forde Abbey is an 800 year old former Cisterian Abbey which has been owned by the same family for many generations. The house itself is astonishing, full of incredible features dating back hundreds of years. The gardens have been a labour of love for the family and the many others who work tirelessly on the flowers, trees, shrubs, vegetables and fruit trees that surround the Abbey. There is a wonderful restaurant/coffee shop serving home-made food, locally produced alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and delicious local ice cream. There is a also a lovely gift shop and you can buy plants grown by the Abbey from the plant shop. It's dog-friendly including in the cafe but dogs must be kept on a lead.
60 locals recommend
Forde Abbey House and Gardens
60 locals recommend
Forde Abbey is an 800 year old former Cisterian Abbey which has been owned by the same family for many generations. The house itself is astonishing, full of incredible features dating back hundreds of years. The gardens have been a labour of love for the family and the many others who work tirelessly on the flowers, trees, shrubs, vegetables and fruit trees that surround the Abbey. There is a wonderful restaurant/coffee shop serving home-made food, locally produced alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and delicious local ice cream. There is a also a lovely gift shop and you can buy plants grown by the Abbey from the plant shop. It's dog-friendly including in the cafe but dogs must be kept on a lead.
Who doesn't love an alpaca? Based in Shute, you can arrange a 'meet the alpacas' visit for only £15 or book to go on a woodland walk with some of them. You'll be introduced to the whole herd in their paddocks, including the adult boys, young alpacas, females and newborn cria in the summer. You'll learn all about alpacas, how to look after them and use their beautiful fleece. Then you can enjoy feeding them some of their favourite treats and take plenty of alpaca photos! In the Summer, you can take a picnic and enjoy some alpaca company as you enjoy the sunshine. DIRECTIONS If you are using SatNav to find it please note the postcode can take you to the lower end of Haddon Road, by the Church and Shute Primary School. From that direction, it's a few minutes further up the hill towards Shute Woods. Keep an eye out for the sign!
Little Orchard Alpacas
Who doesn't love an alpaca? Based in Shute, you can arrange a 'meet the alpacas' visit for only £15 or book to go on a woodland walk with some of them. You'll be introduced to the whole herd in their paddocks, including the adult boys, young alpacas, females and newborn cria in the summer. You'll learn all about alpacas, how to look after them and use their beautiful fleece. Then you can enjoy feeding them some of their favourite treats and take plenty of alpaca photos! In the Summer, you can take a picnic and enjoy some alpaca company as you enjoy the sunshine. DIRECTIONS If you are using SatNav to find it please note the postcode can take you to the lower end of Haddon Road, by the Church and Shute Primary School. From that direction, it's a few minutes further up the hill towards Shute Woods. Keep an eye out for the sign!
Run by the wonderful Si Lippett, why not give kayaking a try in the beautiful Lyme Bay. At the very least, you could earn that lovely lunch at SWim afterwards!
Lyme Kayak Hire LTD
Marine Parade
Run by the wonderful Si Lippett, why not give kayaking a try in the beautiful Lyme Bay. At the very least, you could earn that lovely lunch at SWim afterwards!
Set in 51 acres of glorious Somerset countryside, Ferne is home to over 300 animals. Take a stroll along the nature trail, have a picnic and visit the animals. Everything from dogs and cats to donkeys and chipmunks. Dogs on leads are welcome.
Ferne Animal Sanctuary Charity
Set in 51 acres of glorious Somerset countryside, Ferne is home to over 300 animals. Take a stroll along the nature trail, have a picnic and visit the animals. Everything from dogs and cats to donkeys and chipmunks. Dogs on leads are welcome.
This is a veritable cornucopia of everything from mid-century modern glass and other decorative items to collectables, kitchenalia, antique farming implements and tools and 'proper old' antique furniture as well as newer items. It's within walking distance of here (but you may need your car to pick up your finds!).
The Trading Post
Chard Road
This is a veritable cornucopia of everything from mid-century modern glass and other decorative items to collectables, kitchenalia, antique farming implements and tools and 'proper old' antique furniture as well as newer items. It's within walking distance of here (but you may need your car to pick up your finds!).
A small, dedicated West Country winery in the Axe Valley passionate about producing delicious and award-winning English wines as well as fruit wines, ciders, meads and liqueurs. Situated within the Winery, their shop offers their complete range of products plus a wide selection of locally produced food and drinks. Opening times vary so call before you go to avoid disappointment. 01297 551 355
8 locals recommend
Lyme Bay Winery
Shute Road
8 locals recommend
A small, dedicated West Country winery in the Axe Valley passionate about producing delicious and award-winning English wines as well as fruit wines, ciders, meads and liqueurs. Situated within the Winery, their shop offers their complete range of products plus a wide selection of locally produced food and drinks. Opening times vary so call before you go to avoid disappointment. 01297 551 355
Yeehaw...the stables are open. If you want to book a ride, just email woodhousestables@gmail.com. It's £40 per hour on your own or with an instructor; £35 if you go on a group ride.
Woodhouse Farm
Champernhayes Lane
Yeehaw...the stables are open. If you want to book a ride, just email woodhousestables@gmail.com. It's £40 per hour on your own or with an instructor; £35 if you go on a group ride.

Dog and People Places

These are a few ideas for places to go for dogs (and people)
These are suggestions for a few dog (and people) walks around the local area. Some are actually within walking distance of here, others are a short drive away. If you find any others on your visit, do please let me know - my dog has very short legs and is very old so we don't venture far these days and I'd love some more recommendations for future guests, four legs and two!
National Trust Lambert's Castle
These are suggestions for a few dog (and people) walks around the local area. Some are actually within walking distance of here, others are a short drive away. If you find any others on your visit, do please let me know - my dog has very short legs and is very old so we don't venture far these days and I'd love some more recommendations for future guests, four legs and two!
Ok, so Shute Barton itself isn't dog friendly (in fact the National Trust have decided it will no longer open to the public but will only be available as a holiday let at an eye-watering cost!) but the woods around it are a great place to explore with your dog. There are some really old and beautiful trees and extensive paths and there are lots of parking spaces around the lanes. It's a great place to go in Summer especially when it's hot outside as the woods are always shady (in a good way).
Shute Barton
2 New Cottages
Ok, so Shute Barton itself isn't dog friendly (in fact the National Trust have decided it will no longer open to the public but will only be available as a holiday let at an eye-watering cost!) but the woods around it are a great place to explore with your dog. There are some really old and beautiful trees and extensive paths and there are lots of parking spaces around the lanes. It's a great place to go in Summer especially when it's hot outside as the woods are always shady (in a good way).
There are some great walks around Stonebarrow but please keep your dogs on a lead if near the cliffs. Sometimes there is stock (cows/sheep) up there so be aware.
8 locals recommend
Stonebarrow National Trust Car Park
Stonebarrow Lane
8 locals recommend
There are some great walks around Stonebarrow but please keep your dogs on a lead if near the cliffs. Sometimes there is stock (cows/sheep) up there so be aware.

Useful stuff - petrol, post office, supermarkets etc

I hope you'll take advantage of the many independent local food shops near here. However, sometimes, needs must and a supermarket is needed! Local petrol stations, post office and medical walk-in centres also listed here.
Nearest large supermarket in Axminster.
26 locals recommend
Tesco Superstore
West Street
26 locals recommend
Nearest large supermarket in Axminster.
Nearest Sainsburys - in Chard.
Sainsbury's
Holyrood Street
Nearest Sainsburys - in Chard.
Large car park, friendly staff.
26 locals recommend
Tesco Superstore
West Street
26 locals recommend
Large car park, friendly staff.
Great place to shop, smaller than Tesco and my Co-op card means that every time I shop here, a local charity I support gets a percentage! There's a smaller Co-op in West Street, Axminster too.
Co-op Food - Axminster
West Street
Great place to shop, smaller than Tesco and my Co-op card means that every time I shop here, a local charity I support gets a percentage! There's a smaller Co-op in West Street, Axminster too.
A new Lidl store in Chard. Who can resist those central aisles!
Lidl
Tapstone Road
A new Lidl store in Chard. Who can resist those central aisles!
NHS Walk-in Centre. Chard Community Hospital, Crewkerne Road, Chard, TA20 1NF
Chard Hospital
Crewkerne Road
NHS Walk-in Centre. Chard Community Hospital, Crewkerne Road, Chard, TA20 1NF
If you've forgotten your wellies, looking for a country-style wax jacket or you, like me, just love looking around country stores, this is the place to go. Used by farmers and smallholders as well as non-farming folk, it's got a pet section, gardening, local produce, gifts, clothing, household items, DIY...pretty much anything you could want.
Mole Avon Country Stores Axminster
If you've forgotten your wellies, looking for a country-style wax jacket or you, like me, just love looking around country stores, this is the place to go. Used by farmers and smallholders as well as non-farming folk, it's got a pet section, gardening, local produce, gifts, clothing, household items, DIY...pretty much anything you could want.

Take-aways and deliveries

Best fish and chips around. Locally caught and super-fresh. Great staff too. Takeaway only. Lyme Street, Axminster EX13 5AU. 01297 35888.
The Lemon Plaice
Lyme Street
Best fish and chips around. Locally caught and super-fresh. Great staff too. Takeaway only. Lyme Street, Axminster EX13 5AU. 01297 35888.
Delicious Indian food, extensive menu. Eat in (not at the moment obviously), takeaways and they deliver from Axminster. What's not to love? View the menu online http://cinnamonsindianrestaurant.co.uk/menu/.
14 locals recommend
Cinnamons
10 South St
14 locals recommend
Delicious Indian food, extensive menu. Eat in (not at the moment obviously), takeaways and they deliver from Axminster. What's not to love? View the menu online http://cinnamonsindianrestaurant.co.uk/menu/.
Another great Indian restaurant in Axminster. Currently takeaway or delivery only. You can order online https://safarrestaurant.com/our_menu.php. The Old Wadebridge Building Wood, Mead Road, Axminster, EX13 5PJ
Safar Restaurant
Woodmead Road
Another great Indian restaurant in Axminster. Currently takeaway or delivery only. You can order online https://safarrestaurant.com/our_menu.php. The Old Wadebridge Building Wood, Mead Road, Axminster, EX13 5PJ
My favourite Chinese restaurant. Extensive menu, free prawn crackers (I always swop these for fortune cookies!). Currently takeaway only. Order online http://thegoldenhouse.co.uk/home/menu
Golden House Restaurant
1 Lyme St
My favourite Chinese restaurant. Extensive menu, free prawn crackers (I always swop these for fortune cookies!). Currently takeaway only. Order online http://thegoldenhouse.co.uk/home/menu
You shouldn't really come all this way and then get pizza from a national chain...but if you're desperate, this one is close by. By a fraction of a centimetre, they still won't deliver to hear so it's takeaway only.
Domino's Pizza - Crewkerne
145 South Street
You shouldn't really come all this way and then get pizza from a national chain...but if you're desperate, this one is close by. By a fraction of a centimetre, they still won't deliver to hear so it's takeaway only.