The Rock Inn

Sheltering below the Haytor Rocks, this beamed and flagstoned 18th-century inn is an oasis of calm and comfort on wild and windy Dartmoor. This old coaching inn occupies a stunning location just inside Dartmoor National Park, with wonderful surrounding walks, and the nine, upgraded and comfortable en suite bedrooms, all named after Grand National winners, make this well established, family-run inn a peaceful base for exploring Dartmoor and South Devon's superb coastline. The old stables recall the pub's strategic position on the road between Widecombe-in-the-Moor and Newton Abbot. The characterful, traditional beamed interior has sturdy old furnishings, plenty of antique tables, settles, prints and paintings, a grandfather clock, and various pieces of china over the two fireplaces, where logs crackle constantly on wild winter days and make a welcome respite from Dartmoor's wilderness. Both the classic main bar and the attractive adjoining rooms are popular settings in which to appreciate some solid modern British cooking, using top notch local produce in attractively presented dishes. After a day walking on the moor, healthy appetites can be satisfied with tempura king prawns with sweet chilli and ginger dip; grilled plaice fillets on wilted spinach with herb-crushed potatoes and chive hollandaise; pan-fried rump steak with garlic butter, chunky chips and salad garnish. Leave room for a steamed chocolate pudding with chocolate sauce and vanilla ice cream or home-made rice pudding with berry compote. Simpler, more traditional lunch dishes include steak and ale pie, cheese ploughman's with chutneys, pickles and crusty bread - best enjoyed alfresco in the sheltered courtyard or in the peaceful garden across the lane. Devon cheese is a particular feature, alongside wine from the Sharpham Vineyard in Totnes and local ales, including Dartmoor Jail Ale or Otter Bright.