the Dartmoor bnb

As you drive down the narrow, winding lane leading to Gidleigh Park, just know that you will be handsomely rewarded at the end of your journey. Situated inside a grand Edwardian mansion, this is the epitome of country house dining; the setting, both inside and out, is beautiful, while the cooking is underpinned by superb premium ingredients from lobster to venison. Their delicious natural flavours are showcased in classically based dishes with the odd dash of international flair. Any visit here is a joy, but staying over in the hotel makes it feel all the more special.

The impressive Boringdon Hall Hotel plays host to this cosy, intimate restaurant, which sits under wooden beams within the former minstrels’ gallery. The building itself dates back to the Domesday book and still exudes a historic feel. Prime seasonal ingredients feature in exciting modern dishes which are refined yet restrained and demonstrate great attention to detail. The range of internationally influenced flavours are knowledgably balanced, aptly demonstrated by the cured hamachi with subtle yuzu ponzu.

It feels like nothing ever changes at The Cornish Arms – and that is meant in the best possible way. This traditional high-street pub continues to serve up proper pints, flavour-packed food and a joyous atmosphere. A mix of locals and tourists, drinkers and diners, are all well looked-after by the gregarious team, while the kitchen does its part with a menu of dishes that combine no-nonsense appeal with detailed and careful execution. The result is dishes like 'The BFG Trifle', where a Black Forest Gateau fuses wonderfully with a fellow staple pudding.

The team behind Emilia, situated just a few doors down, have imparted another gift to the residents of Ashburton with this delightful rustic bistro. Where its sister operation is all-Italian, Le Vin Perdu is full-blooded French in its approach, so don’t be surprised to find the likes of pork terrine or rotisserie chicken on the menu. The décor is understatedly chic, with the bar making a great place for a cocktail or a glass of wine from the blackboard list. If you’re sweet of tooth, the tarte Tatin is a great note to end on.During autumn and winter, Le Vin Perdu runs limited opening hours.

A small piece of a much bigger picture, The Refectory is a cosy 18-seater restaurant occupying a rustic new-build barn on the 500-acre Fowlescombe Farm, which has the sprawling feel of an estate and even includes a former manor house now cradled by verdant ivy. The menu utilises produce from the estate, including their own Longhorn cattle and Manx Loaghtan sheep, while the nearby coastline provides the likes of meaty monkfish packed with natural flavour. To get the full countryside experience, stay overnight in one of the 10 smartly dressed suites.

You couldn’t meet a friendlier family than the parents, daughter and son-in-law who run this rustic roadside pub. With its cosy, shabby-chic style, it's an undeniably charming and characterful place where everyone feels welcome. The bar area is filled with locals and their dogs enjoying a drink, while diners are spread across several dining rooms in which they enjoy the straightforward, satisfying cooking that derives plenty of flavour from the quality local produce.

Hold your nerve when navigating the narrow country lanes here and you’ll be rewarded with a simply delightful country pub. Situated next to the village church, it’s a wonderfully bucolic setting and inside the pub ticks all the soul-warming boxes with wooden beams, open fires, two pianos and even a snooker table. The daily changing menu is in the St. JOHN style with British, produce-led and minimal-fuss dishes such as salt cod fritters or pork chop with braised savoy cabbage. Communal dining at their long tables is encouraged.