Otter's Holt Shepherd's Hut

3013

Ottery St Mary | Sleeps 4 (no children under 3)

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From £88 per night

The location of attractions is intended only as a guide. Distances are 'as the crow flies'.

Nearby pub

First registered as a public house in 1820, this is a traditional pub with restaurant area and roof terrace for alfresco drinks. Food is cooked fresh to order using high quality ingredients.

Nearby beach

This is a wide sandy and shingle beach with good access and parking nearby. Jacobs Ladder leads down to the beach from Connaught Gardens, a lovely place to take in the view. A great family beach, you'll find lots of facilities and cafes nearby. Dogs are allowed year round at the easterly end of the beach.

Nearby walk

Start at Newton Poppleford Church, between Exeter and Sidmouth, for quiet countryside and good views across the Otter Valley. A circular route of 6.25 miles starts towards the west of the village before linking with the East Devon Way and crossing the River Otter.

Nearby town

One of the oldest towns in Devon, Ottery St Mary pre-dates the Domesday Book by some margin. Nestling in the Otter Valley, Devon’s rolling countryside spreads in every direction. Just a few miles to the south are the beaches of the south coast, perfect for days out. Ottery St Mary has a number of mystifying annual celebrations that are always great fun to witness: Tar Barrel Rolling in November (the barrels are on fire!), the spectacular carnival and Pixie Day, when local bellringers are taken captive by ‘pixies’, with a fete, live entertainment and a fireworks display.

Also nearby

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

17 wooden barrels are coated in tar, set alight and carted shoulder-high through the streets of the town. Yes, on fire. It’s been a tradition since 1605-ish and probably started to brace the town for the imminent invasion of the Spanish Armada.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

January 2011

Amazing!

This really is a spectacular event. The atmosphere is electric as locals hurtle through the streets with the flaming barrels hoisted onto their backs. Thousands of people come to witness the tradition each year - if you don't like crowds, then this is probably not the event for you, but you can take refuge by the huge bonfire, which has to be one of the largest and most impressive in the South West, if not the country.

In the heart of the pretty village of Tipton St John, this pub offers a warm log fire in winter and plenty of outside seating in summer in the beer garden. The menu blends classic British with rustic French, courtesy of the French owners.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

September 2019

Philip A. Wooster and Jean Wooster

We lunched at this pub. (We have eaten there previously).
Extensive menu to choose from. Food well prepared and presented.
Outside tables, some under cover. (Dogs allowed outside)

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

The focus here is on the animals, so there are no rides or play parks, just rescued donkeys to see and stroke. The Donkey Sanctuary is dog-friendly and admission is free.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

October 2019

Liz Riley

Loved this place! So well-kept and loads of gorgeous donkeys to stroke. Good cafe too.


Rated 4 out of 5 stars

July 2016

Dinky Donks

Lovely to visit, and as it's free you can spend as little or as long as you like. Not just donkeys, there are some walks / trails to follow and a good cafe.


Rated 4 out of 5 stars

April 2012

A great family day out, free entry, free parking, all facilities on site are good - from eating to toilets, beautiful grounds. Only downside is reliant on reasonable weather as mostly outdoors.


Rated 4 out of 5 stars

June 2009

A wonderful day out for all the family - go on a fine day as you can walk a long way. A great bonus is that it is FREE to visit and there is no pressure on visitors to pay anything - but you will want to help this super charity.


Rated 4 out of 5 stars

February 2009

The donkey sanctuary is a brilliant day out for families. We have been here on numerous occasions and it is a joy to see the smiles on the childrens faces as they interact with the donkeys. We are always made to feel very welcome and the staff are very well informed.


Rated 4 out of 5 stars

January 2009

One of the largest in the world. Great for children and adults will enjoy it too.
- J M Wynne

You will find a lovely relaxed area downstairs with comfy sofas and upstairs a light and airy dining area. Food is prepared in an open kitchen which adds to the vibrant and lively atmosphere!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

November 2020

Great food and atmosphere

Coping well with Covid restrictions, had great atmosphere .
A short menu, included the most delicious fish sharing platter to start, and amazing sea bream main course.
Hope they can open up again soon....


Rated 5 out of 5 stars

October 2019

Lovely pub

Although we didn't eat, the food looked excellent, the beer was good and the general ambience wonderful. Would highly recommend


Rated 5 out of 5 stars

November 2017

Birthday celebration!

Ten of us enjoyed a delicious 3 course meal (the smoked chicken starter was particularly good) with fantastic wines at The Holt. There were plenty of waiting staff who made us feel very welcome.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Excellent food and great pub atmosphere with plenty of outside seating for balmy summer evenings and a roaring open fire for cooler weather. Dogs are welcome.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

October 2023

Excellent food

A great country pub with such friendly staff and excellent food


Rated 5 out of 5 stars

October 2016

You have to visit here !

The Masons Arms, from the outside it looks stunning, charming thatch, honey stone, you expect so much from this first impression, well we were not disappointed, inside the atmosphere is spot on, and the food, local beers and especially the service from the ever attentive staff was brilliant. Welcomes dogs too, a truly British pub experience.
Glad we are not locals, we'd be in here every day !


Rated 5 out of 5 stars

August 2011

Great crab ploughman's!

Get there early at lunch time for a table outside in the summer. The famous crab ploughman's makes a wonderful lunch - washed down with the local Branscombe Bitter. For me the beer of the week!


Rated 5 out of 5 stars

March 2009

Chocclate box pub in a chocolate box village

The Mason Arms is a very popular pub in the heart of Branscombe village. It has lots of nooks and crannies and plenty of eating space, although it can get extremely busy in the summer months and at bank holidays - make sure you book ahead for a table. The food is fresh, great quality and very well cooked - a surefire winner!

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