Devon inspiration
Fresh air and fabulous food in the heart of gorgeous Devon. What more do you want?
There’s nothing that tells you you’re in the countryside quite like an early morning cock-adoodle-doo as the sun streams through a crack in the curtains.
And despite the super-comfy bed at our digs in North Devon gastro pub The Jubilee Inn, the sunny day – and the resident cockerel – told us it was time to get up and explore the beautiful landscape.
Just down the road from South Molton, the Gateway to Exmoor, we were spoiled with a perfect location for our weekend getaway – in the heart of green fields but a stone’s throw from the county’s beautiful northern coast.
On day one we went exploring to familiarise ourselves with the area, taking in the picture-perfect chocolate box villages on our way to National Trust gem Knightshayes Court. The Victorian manor house is set in beautiful parkland, with a huge adventure playground.
By the afternoon, we were craving a bit of seaside so we headed out to the coast and the picturesque villages of Lynton and Lynmouth.
Lynmouth is a harbour by the sea and Lynton is at the top of a cliff, with breathtaking views. They are connected by a water-powered funicular railway which only takes a few minutes.
After a potter around the antiques shops and souvenir stands, we headed back to our home for the weekend.
The pub itself is a haven of calm recently taken over by Claire Elliott and Sam Salway, a local chef who returned to the area after training in Paris.
The bar is a higgledy-piggledy mix of modern and old. There’s an ancient pulpit in one corner, and tea is served in mismatched bone china cups, adding to the rustic charm.
But in the dining room, things are taken more seriously.
The relaxed mood remains the same, but the complex and delicious menu rivals some of Britain’s finest restaurants.
Grilled local mussels stuffed with herbs, garlic and Iberico ham, and a crisp goat’s cheese bonbon served with an ode to beetroot was the starter.
The best monkfish I have ever eaten, with courgetti and a wonderful bisque followed, along with local lamb with pommes sarladaises – a crunchy, golden king of a roast potato dish.
If you’re still hungry, the pear tart tastes like it’s straight out of a Parisian patisserie. There’s even a tucked-away table for colouring and crafts for kids, and they also provide picnic hampers.
And there really are plenty of things to do in the area to keep the kids occupied. Quince Honey Farm in South Molton does a Beekeeping Experience Day, and there’s a play area and café.
Exmoor Zoo near Barnstaple is a halfhour drive away – and of course you can always look out for the Exmoor beast!
With a completely rural yet easily accessible location, the Jubilee Inn is a real gem in a fabulous staycation spot.
So next time you need a hit of country air, book in – as long as you don’t mind the early morning wake up call!