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'40' Real Gems Found (last updated: 03 August 2010)
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| Axminster - Tea Room or Cafe etc |
Visit Website »
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Spillers Farm Tea Rooms, Spillers Farm, Musbury, Axminster, Devon, EX13 8AJ
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| Cream teas, home-made cakes, light lunches |
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“second to none and provides breakfasts, lunches and fabulous Devon cream teas (sounds like an advert!”
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A.P - Weston Super Mare
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| Tavistock - Town or Village of interest |
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Tavistock, Tavistock, Devon,
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| Ancient market town on the south-west edge of Dartmoor, 15 miles north of Plymouth. Straddles the River Tavy. Best Market Town award 2004, Best Local Foods awards 2007
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“for shopping, markets and eating”
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M.F - Waterlooville
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| Okehampton - Pub |
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The Laurels Inn, Petrockstowe, Okehampton, Devon, EX20 3HJ
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| 17th century coaching house, just one mile off the Tarka Trail, serving an award-winning range of beers, and food at good prices. Walkers and cyclists welcome.
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“The Laurels is the local pub in the village of Petrockstowe. Super home-cooked food and a range of real ales. Children welcome”
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J.H - Walsall
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| Plymouth - Riding Stables |
Tel: 01752 862 676 or 862 312 or 07774 280 529
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Bay Riding School, 83, Church Road, Wembury, Plymouth, Devon, PL9 0JW
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| Offers group and private lessons, hacking and livery. |
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Recommended by
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C.J - Middx
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| Okehampton - Pub |
Visit Website »
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The Dartmoor Inn, Moorside, Lydford, Okehampton, Devon, EX0 4AY
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| Restaurant, bar, boutique and rooms. Restaurant serves award-winning cooking based on seasonal ingredients from local farmers. Bar (log fire and real ale) serves pub classics (but check for Fri and Sat)
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M.M. - Romsey
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| Seaton - Pub |
Tel: 01297 20222
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The Hook & Parrot, East Walk, Seaton, Devon, EX12 2LN
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“Thursday night quiz night (at time of review) - have dinner there beforehand, dog-friendly”
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G.B - Northwich
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| Okehampton - Beauty Spot, Landmark etc |
Visit Website »
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Lydford Gorge, National Trust, Lydford, Okehampton, Devon, EX20 4BH
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| Deepest gorge in SW England stretching 1.5 miles from the Devils Cauldron whirlpool at one end to the spectacular White Lady Waterfall at other end. Owned by NT. 1.5 & 3mile walking routes, VERY strenuous in places, unsuitable for v. young children but back-carriers can be hired, dogs must be kept on leads. Shop & plant centre at main entrance, small shop at waterfall. Play area, tea rooms. Unsuit |
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(Halfway between Okehampton and Tavistock, 1ml W off A386 opposite Dartmoor Inn main entrance at W end of Lydford village waterfall entrance near Manor Farm - Parking at both entrances - free)
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M.M. - Romsey
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| Bigbury on Sea - Tea Room or Cafe etc |
Tel: 01548 810 796
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Bay Cafe, Marine Drive, Bigbury on Sea, Devon, TQ7 4AS
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| April, May & June - open 10am to 6pm inc weekends and Bank Holidays. July, Aug & Sept - open every day 10am - 7pm
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S.J.H - Southwater
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| Plymouth - Aquarium |
Visit Website »
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The National Marine Aquarium, Rope Walk, Coxside, Plymouth, Devon, PL4 0LF
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| Britains largest aquarium. Good disabled access, wheelchairs available foc, disabled toilets, guide dogs welcome. Restaurant and gift shop. Open daily from 10am. Entrance fee applies. See website for full details
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“We enjoyed Plymouth Aquarium - get to the Aquarium after 3.30
for a quick visit at the end of the day, and it’s half price!”(at time of review)
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A.D - Hants
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| Okehampton - Pub |
Visit Website »
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Bearslake Inn, Lake Sourton, Okehampton, Devon, EX20 4HQ
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| Pub, restaurant and accommodation.
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J.S - Aylesbury
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| Dartmouth - Beach |
Visit Website »
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Blackpool Sands, (between Stoke Fleming & Strete) , Stoke Fleming, Dartmouth, Devon,
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| Blue flag coarse sand & shingle beach. Cleaned daily in season (no dogs), swimming, cafe, shop, showers, surf-ski, boogie boards, kayak, wet suit & snorkel hire. Disabled facilities. Lifeguard during summer. Parking charge
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(3 miles from Dartmouth on A379 -
Blackpool Gardens are opposite)
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Recommended by
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S.C - Liphook
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| Exeter - Beauty Spot, Landmark etc |
Visit Website »
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Canonteign Falls, Chudleigh, Exeter, Devon,
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| England’s highest waterfall. Lakes and fern gardens, wildlife and woodland, wetlands nature reserve, children’s adventure area. |
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“Good for en-route stop off picnic area, shop and toilet facilities”
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Mr P - West Midlands
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| Axminster - Garden |
Visit Website »
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Burrow Farm Gardens , Dalwood, Axminster, Devon, EX13 7ET
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| East Devon’s “secret garden”. 10 acres of landscaped gardens, cream teas, refreshments, plant nursery, advice, craft & gift shop. See website for opening. Ample parking, picnic area.
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(Signed from A30 and A35)
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Recommended by
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G.B - Northwich
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| South Molton - Shopping & Retail Therapy |
Visit Website »
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South Molton, South Molton , Devon,
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“for the antique shops”
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B.P - USA
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| Bigbury - Restaurant |
Visit Website »
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The Oyster Shack, Stakes Hill, Bigbury, Devon, TQ7 4BE
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| Fish restaurant.
Also at Salcombe
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Recommended by
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R.K - Swindon
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| Eggesford - Town or Village of interest |
Visit Website »
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Eggesford, Eggesford, Devon, EX18
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| Small village between Exeter & Barnstaple on A377 with Church, hotel open to non-residents, walking in forestry, garden centre and train station. |
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“you could be forgiven for thinking Eggesford was just a railway station. Well, we discovered its much more than that! Stop at Eggesford Forest to walk the dog, picnic, loos etc. The Garden Centre (over railway and up hill on left) is fantastic, their cafe is great & the shortbread divine. Lovely Church - locals hold the key. Good circular walk starting and finishing at Garden Centre with every chance of seeing Red Kites. Non-residents welcome at Fox & Hounds up road, for food & drink
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J.H - Bucks
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| Beer - Town or Village of interest |
Visit Website »
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Beer, Beer, Devon,
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| Fishing village |
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“(I recommend) the fish stall on the jetty - try the scallops, and cream teas on the beach (dog friendly)”
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G.B - Northwich
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| Paignton - Zoo or Animal Park |
Visit Website »
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Paignton Zoo Environmental Park, Totnes Road, Paignton, Devon, TQ4 7EU
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| An 80 acre natural environmental park with thousands of animals and plants, miniature train ride, indoor and outdoor play areas, keeper talks and feeding times. Open every day (except Christmas Day) from 10am - closing times vary. Wheelchair and electric scooter hire available. Assistance dogs welcome. Reduced admission for visitors with disabilities. Restaurants, coffee shops, bar, gift shops.
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P.S - Somerset
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| Plymouth - Pub |
Tel: 01752 872 007
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The Dolphin, Riverside Road East, Newton Ferrers, Plymouth, Devon, PL8 1AE
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R.K - Swindon
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| Okehampton - Markets and Farmers Markets |
Visit Website »
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Okehampton Farmers’ Market, St. James Chapel Square, Okehampton, Devon,
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| Third Saturday of every month (at time of review) - 9.00am to 1.30pm. Centre of Okehampton - not far from A30.
20 stalls of local food and crafts - meats, fresh fish (weather permitting!), beer, pate, cheeses, breads, cakes, chocolates, vegetables, herbs and plants.
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G.B - Northwich
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| Totnes - Childrens Theme Park, Animals etc |
Visit Website »
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Woodlands Leisure Park, Blackawton, Totnes, Devon, TQ9 7DQ
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| Set in 90 acres and also home to UKs biggest indoor venture centre. Zoo, farm, falconry centre, family rides, train, playcentres, cafe, and family attractions. |
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J.R - Essex
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| Dartmoor - Tea Room or Cafe etc |
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Powder Mills Cottages, Postbridge, Dartmoor , Devon,
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| Pottery and tea rooms - off the B3212
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“lovely cream tea and pottery”
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S.J.H - Southwater
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| Plymouth - Beach |
Visit Website »
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Wembury Beach, Wembury, Plymouth, Devon,
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| Sandy cove with rock pools, backed by low cliffs. Wembury Marine Centre hosts rockpool rambles for kids during the summer. Cleaned daily in high season. Dogs banned May to September. Cafe, restaurant, toilets. 150 car park spaces (charge). MCS (Marine Conservation Society) Recommended.
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Recommended by
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S.J.H - Southwater
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| Great Torrington - Garden |
Visit Website »
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RHS Rosemoor, Great Torrington, Devon, EX38 8PH
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| RHS Gardens with fruit & vegetables to woodland, formal gardens to wildflower meadows and water features to foliage. Also, Rosemoor Restaurant, RHS Shop and Plant Centre. |
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Recommended at
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A.P - Shorham by Sea
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| Tavistock - Pub |
Visit Website »
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The Elephants Nest, Horndon, Mary Tavy, Tavistock, Devon, PL19 9LQ
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| A quintessentially English pub with log fires, stone floors, good garden and great views of the moor. |
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Recommended by
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M.F - Waterlooville
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| Seaton - Golf Club or Course |
Visit Website »
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Axe Cliff Golf Club, Squires Lane, Axmouth, Seaton, Devon, EX12 3AB
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| Affordable, family-run club. 18 holes, par 70 cliff-top course. Friendly bar and small restaurant, putting green, practise net & small pro shop. |
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“Cliff top setting - challenging but friendly”
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G.B - Northwich
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| Exmoor - Country Park, Reserve or Forestry etc |
Visit Website »
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Exmoor National Park , Exmoor, Devon,
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| 267 square miles of hilly open moorland and coastline - straddling Devon & Somerset. Designated a National Park in 1954.
Discover it on foot, horseback, bicycle or by car
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| Tavistock - Visitor Centre or Museum |
Visit Website »
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Morwellham Copper Mine & Museum , Morwellham, Tavistock, Devon, PL19 8JL
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| An award-winning, evocative museum and visitor centre in the heart of the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape World Heritage Site and Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. |
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“all excellent”
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M.F - Waterlooville
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| Axminster - Pub |
Tel: 01297 552 413
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The Golden Hind, The Street, Musbury, Axminster, Devon, EX13 8AU
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“good range of early-evening meals for the family at a reasonable cost”
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A.P - Weston Super Mare
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“good beer and food, child- and dog-friendly, and friendly locals. Have a game of darts or boules”
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G.B - Northwich
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| Tavistock - Church, Abbey etc |
Visit Website »
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St. Michael de Rupe Church, Brentor, Tavistock, Devon,
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| 12thC Church, 4th smallest Parish Church in England, just 40ft x 14ft, and the highest at 1,100ft above sea level. Still in use - (though not for burials!) - superb views of Dartmoor, Exmoor, Bodmin, Plymouth Sound and Brecon Beacons on a clear day.
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“the magnificent sight of St. Michael de Rupe on top of Brentor -
a steep walk but well worth it for the views across Dartmoor”
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M.F - Waterlooville
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| Chulmleigh - Pub |
Visit Website »
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The Lymington Arms, Lama Cross, Wembworthy, Chulmleigh, Devon, EX18 7SA
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| County pub serving traditional Cornish ales, with a reputation for really outstanding bar and restaurant food |
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“Lovely country pub (a bit tricky to find if youre not local!), run by a great lady. Bar full of locals when we arrived (always a good sign) and then went through to a fabulous restaurant (other tables for eating in bar too). We had a brilliant meal with 12 of us looked after really well. The food was FANTASTIC - I see from looking at their website since that the chef, Steve Kinsey, was the head chef at The Sandy Lane hotel, Barbados, and it showed”
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J.H - Herts
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| Seaton - Trains or Tramway |
Visit Website »
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Seaton Tramway, Harbour Road, Seaton, Devon, EX12 2NQ
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| Three mile tramway ride between the coastal resort of Seaton, the village of Colyford and the ancient town of Colyton. Takes 25 minutes. Open toppers or enclosed dependent on weather. See website for full details |
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Recommended by
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G.B - Northwich
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| Plymouth - Pub |
Visit Website »
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Dartmoor Union Inn, Fore Street, Holbeton, Plymouth, Devon, PL8 1NE
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| 16th Century hostelry, restaurant and bar
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Recommended by
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R.K - Swindon
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| Cullompton - Pub |
Visit Website »
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The Five Bells, Clyst Hydon, Cullompton, Devon, EX15 2NT
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| 16th Century thatched building, with gardens, serving traditional lunches and dinners. Children welcome. Cod & chips to take away. Live Jazz 2nd Wednesday of the month and folkguitar duo on 4th Friday (at time of review) |
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Recommended by
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D.S - Selby and A.H - Littlehampton
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| Sidmouth - Hotel open to non-residents |
Visit Website »
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The Terrace at The Hotel Riviera, The Esplanade, Sidmouth, Devon, EX10 8AY
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| Seafront Regency hotel with restaurant and light refreshments available to non-residents
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Recommended by
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K.G - Dorset
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| Sidmouth - Animal Sanctuary |
Visit Website »
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The Donkey Sanctuary, Seaton, Sidmouth, Devon, EX10 0NU
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| Meet the donkeys in the main yard or stroll round the fields, or ramble down to the sea. Adopt a donkey. Visitors Centreshop, restaurant & picnic area. Toilets. Wheelchairs available to borrow. Some walks wheelchair accessible. Dogs on leads welcome |
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(30 minutes from M5 J30 on the A3052 between Sidford & Seaton. On leaving Sidford follow the brown tourist signs at the top of the hill)
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Recommended by
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K.G - Dorset
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| Bigbury on Sea - Beach |
Visit Website »
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Bigbury Beach, between Modbury and Aveton Gifford, Bigbury on Sea, Devon,
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| Blue flag sand (mainly) and shingle beach. Toilets, cafe, disabled access to beach and facilities. First aid and lifeguards during season. Dog restricted area. Access to Burgh Island on foot or tractor (tide dependent), for pub and hotel.
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From A379 turn on to B3392. Pass through Bigbury village and follow road to Bigbury on Sea to car park.
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S.J.H - Southwater
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| Buckfastleigh - Childrens Theme Park, Animals etc |
Visit Website »
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Pennywell Farm and Wildlife Centre, Buckfastleigh, Devon, TQ11 0LT
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| Award-winning farm activity park - animals, go-karts, quads, train rides, maze, trampolines, tractors etc - a new fun activity every 30 minutes. Restaurant. Wheelchair accessible. Entrance fee.
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“fantastic for children”
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Mr P - West Midlands
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| Cullompton - Pub |
Tel: 01884 277 474
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The Blacksmiths Arms, Plymtree, Cullompton, Devon, EX15 2JU
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A.H - Littlehampton
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| Plymouth - Pub |
Tel: 01752 862 287
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The Old Wheel, Knighton Hill, Wembury, Plymouth, Devon, PL9 0ED
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“The Odd Wheel pub in Wembury is very good, despite its old-style decor!
Good beer and excellent food”
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G.A - Woking
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“The Odd Wheel pub - friendly and does very good food”
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M.M. - Romsey
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