Broomhill Art Hotel
Muddiford, EX31 4EX
This unusual hotel was totally refurbished before reopening in 2021. It is set in one of the southwest’s most enchanting gardens, which features over 200 sculptures. Each of the rooms is inspired by art-house and cult films such as Velvet Goldmine, Lost in Translation and Betty Blue. The whole place is beautifully furnished and, should any piece of art take your fancy, most of it is available to purchase.
Half Moon Inn
Sheepwash, EX21 5NE
A 16th-century traditional inn with 13 en-suite rooms and an open fire in the bar to keep out any winter chill. Exclusive salmon and trout fishing on the Torridge, guided by Charles Innis; they can provide all the equipment you’ll need – from flies to waders and rods.
Hartland Quay Hotel
Bideford, EX39 6DU
This is the hotel for walkers, and most of your fellow guests will come down to breakfast in their boots. The hotel has been here since 1886 and has a comfortable lounge with spectacular views out to sea – a quiet place to enjoy a good book or just watch the ever-changing view. There’s 13 bedrooms plus an annexe that sleeps seven in three rooms, ideal for families or groups.
Hoops Inn
Horns Cross
Thirteen en-suite rooms. A picturesque, thatched 13th-century inn set in 2.5 acres near the North Devon coast between Clovelly and Bideford.
Millslade House Hotel
Brendon, EX35 6PS
Anna and Simon’s beautifully located and unpretentious country hotel is set in the Brendon Valley next to the East Lyn River. Windswept moorland, ancient woods and the fast-flowing river make the valley quite special. The hotel, which has just four rooms, has a nice guest lounge with a wood-burner for cool evenings and a patio outside for sunny afternoons.
New Inn Hotel
Clovelly, EX39 5TQ
Located halfway down the iconic steep cobbled hill, this eight-room inn is quintessential Clovelly. The village is, of course, traffic-free so your luggage may be brought to the hotel by sledge. Car parking is available at the top, about 400yds away. The inn has been here since the 17th century and has hosted, among others, Charles Dickens who stayed in 1860. The hotel is very comfortable and every room is different; there is a less expensive but still comfortable option at their Hamlyn’s Hostel, aimed at short stays for coast-path walkers and those who fish.
The Fox & Hounds
Eggesford, EX18 7JZ
A former coaching inn set in six acres of gardens that stretch down to the River Taw. The hotel owns five miles of the river – perfect if you wish to fish – and they can organise lessons with the Devon School of Fly Fishing. They’ll happily pick guests up from Eggesford train station, just a minute away by car, and, as well as rooms, there is a splendid tree house tucked halfway up an oak tree in the grounds.
The George
Hatherleigh, EX20 3JN
Thatched and medieval-looking, this hotel was once was the courthouse for the Abbots of Tavistock, before becoming a coaching inn with stables and a place to park carts. In 1980, when it was over 500 years old, a disgruntled chef burnt the entire building to the ground. Careful use of traditional materials and craftsmanship, and £2.5 million, have resulted in this stunning replica of the original building. The George now offers four-posters and some accessible rooms, as well as rather good pub food, including wonderful homemade pies.
The George
South Molton, EX36 3AB
The George has had lots of names – the Posting Tavern, the Old Coaching House and The Globe – and is even mentioned in the novel Lorna Doone. Today it retains its elegance as a beautiful, 18th-century town house with 12 bedrooms, a coffee lounge and a bar. Riding one’s horse in through the front door used to be permitted but, alas, can no longer be done.
The Globe Inn
Sampford Peverell, EX16 7BJ
This traditional inn in the heart of the village has six simple, comfortable rooms, and is the perfect place to stay if you’re using public transport. It’s less than 1½ miles from Tiverton Parkway station, so easily walkable (or you can take the bus), and the varied delights of the Grand Western Canal are nearby. Bicycles can be hired on the premises.
The New Inn
Coleford, EX17 5BZ
A 14th-century thatched inn constructed from cob next to the river bridge, which was once a ford. Tales are told of the inn once being a monk’s retreat and of a resident ghost – a monk called Sebastian. In the late 1700s, the inn was an overnight stop for stagecoaches travelling from London to Cornwall. The seven double bedrooms are all very individual and the inn serves good food and drink and has a small garden.
The Old Rectory Hotel
Martinhoe, EX31 4QT
An award-winning country hotel surrounded by National Trust land. The hotel was created in 2008 by Huw Rees and Sam Prosser but the rectory itself dates back to 1530 and is set next to St Martin’s Church in the tiny hamlet of Martinhoe. There are just nine rooms and two suites – the dinner, bed & breakfast option is good value. There are many delightful walks from the hotel, including to Woody Bay and Heddon’s Mouth.
Pack o’ Cards
Combe Martin, EX34 0TE
This famous hotel folly has six rooms of various sizes and prices (one with a four-poster bed) and a restaurant. It was built in 1688 as a private residence for a teacher who paid for it with his winnings from a game of cards and then became a pub in the early 1800s. The rooms, which are quiet and comfortable, have a separate entrance from the pub and restaurant. Frequently used by walkers on the South West Coast Path so owners Chris and Debbie are used to arranging luggage transfers.
More information
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