On Our Doorstep

The Ring of Bells

Have a drink and/or enjoy a lovely meal at our village pub, The Ring of Bells.  The owner and her team are passionate about cooking local seasonal produce, as well as stocking local beer and cider.

It is only a mile away (about a 20 minute walk), from The Orchard Retreat. So don your hiking boots, enjoy walking through the country lanes and have a fantastic time.  The Ring of Bells is definitely worth a visit or two, during your stay!

Thorne’s Farm Shop

Thorne’s Farm Shop is just next door to us, a couple of minutes drive or an 8 minute walk.  Turn left out of our drive and the farm shop is signposted on left as you get to the top of the hill.

As well as providing all the essentials you may expect from a farm shop (milk, bread, fresh veg, meat etc), they also have some lovely locally made items.

There is a cafe on site which offers brilliantly priced breakfasts and lunches and they have a drinks licence.  Cheers!

Plus there is pick your own (PYO) in season.  Locals come form far and wide for their wonderful array of strawberries and other berries and the children love it.

The farm shop is a great hit with our guests – so wander up and enjoy all that is on offer there.

Knightshayes National Trust & The Lost Kitchen

Knightshayes is a lovely National Trust property half an hour away near Tiverton, with expansive grounds, a country house to explore and cafe on site.

While you are there, why not check out the amazing Lost Kitchen who celebrate seasonal ingredients cooked on a large wood fired oven. Walk from Knightshayes and finish with brunch or lunch at this very popular venue, where booking is recommended.

Bickleigh Mill & Devon Railway Centre

Visit Bickleigh just 6 miles away and stroll along the river banks, wild swim, visit Devon Railway Centre, which is perfect for younger children or have a cream tea at Bickleigh Mill, with its restaurant and a small selection of shops.

Exeter & Saddles & Paddles

The beautiful city of Exeter is only a 20 minute drive away.  Explore its fantastic cathedral and museum, as well as a wealth of shops, restaurants and bars.

Go climbing at the The Quay Climbing Centre – with climbing walls and an excellent clip and climb for children.

You can also hire a bike or canoe/kayak from Saddles & Paddles at the Quay and enjoy the canal and river.  You can cycle all the way to the sea at Exmouth, or for a shorter ride – cycle to The Turf pub and have lunch – a lovely pub on the banks of the estuary.

The Grand Western Canal

Bring a bike to explore the local area (such as the Grand Western Canal Cycle Route) or walk one of the many public footpaths available. You can ride or walk for miles on this lovely flat route following the canal paths.

See if you can spy some of the wildlife around there and some of the traditional canal boats.

More Local Pubs & Restaurants

For other pubs and cafes to visit in the area, check out the web link to Visit Mid-Devon.  You can also find more attractions and things to do locally by navigating through their website.