Heaven in Devon - our hot spots

May 29, 2022

We share our hotspots for some heaven in Devon this summer. Where to stay, where to surf, and where to eat oysters in the sunshine!

We quizzed interior designer Elizabeth Hay, our interview guest this June and owner of Gracie's Cottage in Devon on her favourite spots and our friends at Lightfoot Travel have also generously given us their highlights too. From cream teas to seaside beers, windswept walks and wildflower meadows, it's time to explore the beautiful Devon countryside and beaches...

Stay -

Gracie's Cottage - owned by Elizabeth Hay so the interiors are heavenly and it's situated in the Yarty Valley, an AONB, a quiet and cosy retreat

Glebe House - fantastic seasonal local food, lovely interiors and incredible views

Hotel Endsleigh - set in 100 acres of beautiful Devon countryside, it was originally a fishing lodge and its historical connotations give it a magical charm

Eat -
Glebe House, has fantastic seasonal local food and lovely interiors with an incredible view
Coombeshead Farmhouse restaurant, run by April Bloomfield (of Spotted Pig, New York fame) and Tom Adams
If oysters are your thing, be sure to try the decades-old Oyster Shack, once home to an oyster farm
Hippy Happy Hoppers by Croyde Fresh Well Camping
Croyde Ice Cream Shop has such a fun variety of flavours and the best freshly cooked doughnuts

Beaches -
Branscombe, Puttsborough, Beer beaches

Walks, Adventures & Outings -

Elizabeth's top tips -

Branscombe to Beer is a good coastal walk and you can finish up with the best fish and chips in Beer and a visit to Pecorama which my children are obsessed with for a ride on the mini steam engine.

Devon is famous for antiques. Honiton has some brilliant antique shops. Topsham is another favourite - it is the prettiest seaside town with a fabulous antiques market where I always find treasures. They do a fab cream tea at the Topsham museum which has a lovely garden.

Lightfoot recommends -

Go gorge walking at Lydford, looking out for the 100ft high White Lady waterfall

Look out for Cranch’s sweet shop in Salcombe

Surfing lessons with Nick Thorn surf school