With its rugged good looks, epic coastline, and endless pretty villages, Devon is the perfect spot for a holiday on the coast.
There's endless scope for fun to be had here. From the wild north coast with its gnarly waves to the south with its idyllic English Riviera, and the wild moorlands and stunning river valleys of Dartmoor National Park, Devon was created for exploring.
And while, yes, a cream tea and fish and chip dinner is practically mandatory on holiday here, make sure you save room for a roast too. Devon is home to an array of excellent spots for a Sunday roast, which is widely regarded as the best meal of the week - and rightly so! Let’s dive in…
North Devon
Comyn Farm, Ilfracombe
With its wide stretches of sand and charming natural harbour, Ilfracombe has all the trappings of a popular seaside town. Just 1.5 miles inland, you'll find Comyn Farm, a family-run working farm famous for its epic Sunday lunches. Laden with produce from its own farm, if it's a roast with all the trimmings you're after, look no further.
Roasts are served in the warm farmhouse on chunky wooden tables by affable duo Lisa and Martin. Depending on the Sunday you choose, you could pick from the farm's own roast pork, a roast rump of beef, braised pheasant in cream and white wine sauce, farm reared sausage casserole or vegetarian options like Moroccan pie. Extras here could include pork crackling and broccoli and cauliflower cheese. And whatever you do, save room for Martin's 'Mega Pavlola'.
And if a trip to Comyn Farm has whet your appetite for farm fare, be sure to check out more farm shops in Devon during your next trip.
The Old Smithy, Welcombe
Welcome to Welcombe, an idyllic seaside village in North Devon, just above the Cornish border. Famous as the holiday haunt of Kirstie Allsopp, you can even stay in her 'Homemade Home'. And while you're there, pop into her local: The Old Smithy Inn.
A 13th-century thatched pub, they do a fine Sunday roast, renowned for the epic Yorkshire puds and homemade gravies, which are made over three days. Depending on your visit, you’ll get to choose from beef, pork, lamb and gammon, alongside a nut roast for vegetarians. Children’s portions are available, and the pub is dog-friendly, so the whole family can come.
It’s just a mile down to the coast, so why not work up an appetite with a trip to Welcombe Mouth and spot the stunning waterfall?
South Devon
The Sloop Inn, Bantham
If you’re staying in South Devon, pop to Bantham on a Sunday and treat yourself to Sunday lunch at the 14th-century Sloop Inn, it’s the perfect post-walk haunt. For visitors staying in Agatha Christie’s beloved Bigbury-on-Sea, you can hop aboard the seasonal passenger ferry and cross the River Avon to Bantham. The village is known for its sweep of sandy beaches, epic surfing conditions, and seriously good views out to Burgh Island.
Pick from rare Devonshire beef, local pork with crispy crackling or the vegetarian stuffed mushroom, and the Yorkshire puds are truly elite!
Afterwards, take a stomp around the historic port town of Bantham, home to tales of shipwrecks, pirates, and smuggling. Alternatively, head to the bar and ask for more local tales (and ales), they'll be happy to indulge you.
The Sea Trout Inn, Staverton
If you’re holidaying in or around the bohemian town of Totnes, head to The Sea Trout Inn for your Sunday lunch. Tucked away in the quiet village of Staverton, this Devon village features a medieval bridge plus a heritage stop on the South Devon Railway.
Inside the atmospheric 15th-century coaching inn, you’ll find a delicious Sunday roast menu featuring options like Devon beef, pork belly, free range turkey crown or a mushroom and cranberry nut roast.
Afterwards, why not go for a stroll around a castle? Berry Pomeroy Castle and Totnes Castle are two fantastic local options full of history and grandeur.
Ocean View at The Dome, Plymouth
Whether you’re staying in Britain’s oceanside city or just stopping by for a spot of sightseeing, don’t leave Plymouth without popping into Ocean View at The Dome. Sat on Plymouth’s charming seafront, the views here are as good as the roast dinners.
Tuck into Cornish beef or slow-cooked pork belly, then finish up with a decadent pudding. Once you’re done eating and soaking up the Art Deco vibes, check out the nearby 1935 Tinside Lido or head out into Plymouth for some shopping.
You could also swing by the National Marine Aquarium, with some 4,000 animals including sharks, stingrays, octopuses, jellyfish and turtles - it’s the UK’s biggest aquarium! Alternatively, head out of the city for a woodland walk through Plymbridge Woods.
East Devon
The Masons Arms, Branscombe
Thatched roof, timber frames, and a crackling log fire? The Masons Arms has pub vibes down to a tee. Nestled in the picturesque seaside village of Branscombe, the setting is second to none - and that’s before you even duck inside! Speaking of, The Masons Arms has perfected the cosy pub atmosphere, with heart-warming interiors inviting you to unwind in true Devonshire style. There’s also a lovely pub garden for those all-important sun-soaked afternoons with a pint in hand.
The menu more than lives up to the hype, with a lip-smacking mix of pub classics and contemporary dishes, and, you guessed it, a spectacular Sunday roast. As you peruse the menu, nibble on some balsamic onions or chorizo bites before ordering a seasonal soup or pork, maple, and chilli scotch egg to start. Then, it’s onto the star of the show… Whether you opt for the braised beef brisket, roast chicken breast, or apricot and chestnut roast, you can expect fabulously fresh local ingredients and a button-popping array of sides, including Yorkshire puds, rosemary and sea salt roasties, and a wonderfully rich gravy. Wash it all down with something from the extensive wine list and you’ll be snoring by the fire in no time.
The Tytherleigh Arms, Axminster
A former coaching inn dating back to the 16th century, today the Tytherleigh Arms in Axminster is a family-run inn big on food. You can expect a seasonal menu packed with the best local produce.
Inside boasts an inviting atmosphere that manages to be both elegant and welcoming with charming beams, padded lilac window seats, and pretty candlelight casting the space in a flickering glow. When it comes to roast dinners, you can expect pink roast beef, generous portions of vegetables and roasties, and epic puddings - anyone for blood orange sponge pudding? This family-friendly pub has highchairs available for Sunday lunch sittings, though under-fives aren't able to join in the evening. Dogs can sit in the bar area, but not the dining room.
Sat on the Devon, Dorset, and Somerset border there is a whole world of exploring to do nearby. The renowned Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site is only 20 minutes away by car, or stay local and explore the East Devon National Landscape.
Fat Otter, Ottery St Mary
And the award for the best-named establishment on the list goes to: Fat Otter! An intimate, family-run restaurant in Ottery St Mary, Fat Otter serves up a small seasonal menu with an emphasis on hand-selected ingredients.
Served between 12 and 2.30pm on Sundays, the Sunday lunch consists of a starter followed by a roast rib of beef, roast pork loin or roast celeriac. Trimmings include beef dripping potatoes, Yorkshire puddings, cauliflower cheese, and proper gravy. Finish up with a sticky toffee pudding with toffee sauce and double cream.
Wash it all down with a glass of something from their extensive wine list. We like the sound of the Rioja Crianza Cerro Anon! And if you're interested in wine, be sure to swing by a Devon vineyard while staying nearby.
If you visit Fat Otter on another day, head to the cosy bar area where you can grab a glass of something tasty and tuck into homemade bar snacks. Afterwards, why not take a turn around a beautiful Devonshire garden? It’s only 10 miles to Bicton Park Botanical Gardens in Budleigh Salterton with its 64 acres to explore, including the stunning palm house, crazy golf, and a countryside museum.
Dartmoor
The Cornish Arms, Tavistock
Despite the name, The Cornish Arms is in fact in Devon. Tavistock, to be precise. The name comes from the pub being known as the last coaching inn before arriving in Cornwall.
But enough about boundary lines - what about the food? Well, the good people at Michelin have given it the thumbs up. Or, actually, a ‘Bib Gourmand’ to recognise its good quality, good value cooking. The philosophy here is on great-tasting dishes with little fuss. Think: classic combinations packed full of flavour. And of course, above all else, a commitment to local, seasonal, and high-quality produce.
They take their Sunday lunch quite seriously here with a fairly extensive offering. Start with nibbles, such as house breads with caramelised shallot butter and pork crumb. Then start with something like a Roscoff onion soup or Pentillie pheasant scotch egg. Then it's time for the main show - think roast bed end of saddleback pork with maple smoked belly, apple sauce and crackling. Extra hungry? Load up on sides like red wine jus, mash potato or Cavolo nero, garlic and parsley butter.
Food is served in the restaurant, bar, and beer garden, and dogs are allowed in the bar and garden areas. An ancient Stannary town, Tavistock sits right on the edge of Dartmoor National Park, making it an excellent spot for a post-meal stomp around the countryside. Got a taste for Michelin? Check out our guide to Michelin star restaurants in Devon.
Furzeleigh Mill, Buckfastleigh
A family-run establishment, Furzeleigh Mill started off life in 1547 as a spring-fed Corn Mill before turning its talents to hoteliering for the last 100 years or so. Today it's a popular spot in Dartmoor for all sorts, including weddings, live music events, and, you guessed it, Sunday roasts.
The Sunday lunch menu changes, but you could start with chicken liver pate on focaccia before tucking into Westcountry beef with all the trimmings. Located in the smart market town of Buckfastleigh, brimming with charm, explore the historic abbey or head to Dartmoor for an outdoor adventure.
The Who'd Have Thought It, Milton Combe
Tucked into the quaint Dartmoor village of Milton Combe, you'll find the 16th-century inn, The Who'd Have Thought It, affectionately called 'The Whody'. As for the unusual name, it comes from the original landlord applying for an alcohol licence, which local villagers didn’t think he’d be granted. Upon receiving confirmation of the license, he's said to have shouted out across the village, "Who’d have thought it!" - and the rest, as they say, is history.
Speaking of history, while original 1500s features abound, it's been restored and modernised over the years, making the pub both charming and uber comfy. As for the roasts, you can choose from pink beef, roast lamb, and pork with crackling. It's also dog-friendly and boasts a cosy log fire, perfect for whiling away a wintery Sunday afternoon.
It’s just a mile away from Buckland Abbey, a Grade I listed, 700-year-old house managed by the National Trust. And with its enviable spot on the western edge of Dartmoor National Park, it would be practically rude not to go for a ramble afterwards. Find out where to head on our guide to Dartmoor National Park.
If that’s got your tummy rumbling and your heart longing for Devon, why not browse our collection of holiday cottages in Devon and start planning your next adventure now.
