With winter just around the corner, it pays to plan days out where you aren’t stuck inside your house, but also not freezing outside either.
Enjoying your favourite beverage in front of a fire at a local pub is something many people enjoy. Whether it’s a pint of Guinness, G&T, orange juice or Pepsi Max, there’s something for everyone.
Some even offer delicious food with rave reviews. We have compiled a list of several options near Plymouth where you can enjoy a cosy day out.
If you know of a pub that is perfect for the winter, get in touch via email at rob.currell@reachplc.com
Old Exeter Inn, Ashburton
Address: 26 West St, Ashburton, Newton Abbot TQ13 7DU
Travel time (est): About half-an-hour
This 900 year old pub is the perfect place to warm up after a stroll around Dartmoor and is stepped in history. Legend goes that Sir Walter Raleigh was arrested for Treason against King James I at the Old Exeter Inn on July 19, 1603 after a huge manhunt. The inn is temporarily closed at the moment due to kitchen works but is expected to be back open operating soon.
(Image: The Old Exeter Inn)
It claims to be the fifth oldest pub in the UK, the oldest building in the town, and it has previously undergone three years of painstaking restoration to bring it back to its past glory. It comes with its own charming stone fireplace and will be a big hit with those who appreciate the charm of yesteryear.
It is only about half-an-hour drive from Plymouth so is worth checking out.
The Cornish Arms, Tavistock
Address: 15 West St, Tavistock PL19 8AN
Travel time (est): Under an hour
Located under an hour from Plymouth, The Cornish Arms at Tavistock has a beautiful, warm fire on offer to patrons. The venue was listed as part of the traveller’s choice accolades by TripAdvisor in 2024 due to being an excellent example of a high-street pub.
The Cornish Arms restaurant is noted for its warm, inviting atmosphere which is made more evident by its fire. It is described by travelers as lively yet relaxed, with music that sets the perfect tone for conversation.
The food on offer has received rave reviews for flavor and presentation — despite some concerns about portion size and value — many have found the quality of meals justifies the cost.
The Warren House Inn, Postbridge
Address: Postbridge, Yelverton PL20 6TA
Travel time (est): Around 50-55 minutes
A drive of under an hour from most of Plymouth will soon find you at this dog friendly pub. This establishment is the home of a famous fire that has been burning since 1845, when the smouldering embers were transferred from the original old building across the road.
(Image: Sphinx Media 2016)
The owners on their website state: “We now use hardwood logs obtained locally, instead of the peat vags which were used in 1845.”
The inn enjoys breathtaking, expansive views over Dartmoor but has not been immune in the past to poor weather. In one of the worst winters the Inn encountered back in 1963, it was cut off by heavy snow drifts, when, for approximately 12 weeks, supplies had to be flown in by helicopter.
The Chagford Inn, Chagford
Address: 7 Mill St, Chagford, Newton Abbot TQ13 8AW
Travel time (est): 45-60 minutes
Around a 45-60 minute drive from Plymouth, this site also has its own fireplace. With a delightful food menu that regularly changes, patrons who visit several times a year will never be bored by its culinary offerings.
The Chagford Inn has been a pub for over two centuries. During this time it has had three names, the Bakers Arms, Buller’s Arms and since 2014 it has been named the Chagford Inn. This historic pub is now home to owners, Ollie and Jordan, since 2020 along with their two children and loveable Labradors.
With three guest rooms, visitors can overnight it at the inn and enjoy nearby Dartmoor if they wish as the gastropub sits on its edge.
(Image: The Chagford Inn)
Black River Inn
Address: Black River Inn, Broad St, Black Torrington, Beaworthy EX21 5PT
Travel time (est): About an hour from the city
Located around an hour from Plymouth, The Black River Inn is a village pub in Devon serving local food and drink that strives for sustainability. Chef Alex Pallatt took his interest in cooking on solid fuel to another level when he transformed his kitchen into a solid fuel hearth.
The pub is dog friendly and has a large beer garden. The owners have been recognised by The Food and Drink Devon awards and were finalist in The Great British Pub awards.
