Local recommendations

The Nook is a perfect place to rest, rewind and cook, but it is your holiday and so we have added our personal recommendations for places you may find tempting as you explore our wonderful Dartmoor National Park and further to the South West Coast.

There are a number of restaurants and cafes that we can recommend in Bovey Tracey.  The Bell Inn  is a two minute stroll up the road from the Nook and has great food and a lovely beer garden.  The Cromwell Arms is a family owned oak beamed warm and friendly pub, and is of similar distance down the street.   

Our three favourite cafes in the area are the Café 3 Sixty, an independent wine bar and café which is popular with cyclists but most enjoyable for all.  Home Farm Café, situated at the National Trust Parke Estate using the best of the local produce to ensure you will not be disappointed.  Offering a fuller menu and delicious cakes we love Ullacombe Farm Shop and Café,  where we always receive a warm welcome.  Stock up on supplies of local produce for your own cooking if desired.

In nearby Lustleigh, The Cleave Inn is great for good food, and we often visit when walking from Parke through to Lustleigh Cleave, it is equally nice whatever the season.  The Primrose Tearooms is also lovely for light meals, or afternoon tea.

The Moorland Hotel has a lovely terrace for al fresco dining in the summer, or the Tinpickle and Rhum is a cosy welcoming spot of the hotel, dog friendly and complete with a roaring wood-burning fire you can snuggle up by the fire and we have found that even wet dogs will be welcome!  The Rock Inn just below in Haytor Vale and is quite small so booking a table is recommended.

The Rugglestone Inn can be found in the picturesque village of Widecombe in the Moor.  We particularly like to warm up with a home cooked pie next to one of the cosy log fires in the winter.  Nestled into the heart of this village you will find a pretty village square and The Old Inn, a particularly nice spot for a cream tea and offering you everything that you would expect from a moorland pub, including the odd free roaming duck or chicken.

Moving towards the South West Coastal path, why not stop for coffee at the Clipper Café in Shaldon, or maybe take a trip to Maidencombe's Café Rio where you will often see a Seal or two.  For a more substantial meal, the picture postcard 17th Century Thatched Tavern offers an excellent standard of food in a beautiful setting.

A little further along the coast, you will find another stop with an outstanding view at Three Degrees West situated on Oddicombe Beach, or try Anstey's Cove Café, in the beautiful cove where you can jump from the rocks to the sea.

Like Wine?  We are blessed to have not one but two vineyards within easy reach.  Relax on the terrace of Old Walls Vineyard at Bishopsteignton and take in the view of the vineyard to one side and the Teign estuary to the other.  Or head to Totnes and take a walk along the banks of The River Dart to sample lunch accompanied by award winning wine at Sharpham Vineyard.  

Looking for something a bit more special - look no further than the Michelin stared Gidleigh Park near Chagford or Bovey Castle near Moretonhampstead.  Another Michelin stared restaurant owned by Chef Michael Caine can be found at Lympstone Manor on the Exe estuary, or finally, The renowned Ivy has now opened in Exeter, and having spent a night here we would highly recommend a visit.

Had enough food?  Why not cuddle a pig at Pennywell Farm, or enjoy a day at Paignton Zoo.  Indoor wet weather fun?  How about Plymouth Marine Aquarium.