Focus on Dartington – another jewel in South Devon

The Dartington Estate, offers a large social hub for nature conservation, creative courses and literary events.

With the small and intimate Barn Cinema, it is unique, comfortable and cosy, so if it’s a rainy-day check out what’s showing – www.dartington.org.

Enjoy a riverside and woodland walk in the fresh air and take in the glory of the extensive gardens, deer park and the stunning Dartington Hall.

Cafes and restaurants are close to The Hall and cinema, as well as a large pay and display car park.

The Shops at Dartington, have good quality retailers selling interior/exterior design products, imaginative local crafts, art, stylish fashion, beauty items, toy shop with some great sturdy wooden gift ideas, colourful and exciting glassware and home accessories. There is a large and well stocked kitchen shop selling everything from wooden spoons to sturdy cooking vessels.

Definitely not to be missed is the food and farm shop, with a large deli counter, local preserves, sweets and alcohol.

Central to the shops is the friendly and informal Bayards Kitchen. It is a comfortable place to take a break from retail therapy and enjoy one of their breakfasts, paninis, vegetarian choices, pittas, soups or salads. There is a children’s menu as well as snacks, cream teas and cakes.

Follow the signs to the separate entrance for the shops, which has a pay and display car park, so you don’t have to walk too far with your purchases!

Stop for a bit to eat at The Cott Inn, TQ9 6HE, which lives up to its fame as being one of the oldest thatched inns that remain in Britain. The menu includes mouth-watering delights such as naturally reared Devon meats and locally caught fish. Booking is essential.

There is a friendly rustic atmosphere inside giving diners a feeling of warmth and comfort.

Outside in the colourful and attractive garden is a heated all-weather area for relaxed alfresco dining.

The area is home to the famous Riverford Organic Farmers, Buckfastleigh, TQ11 0JU. 

To simply say that Riverford Organic Farms do just what their name suggests would be a complete understatement of their social responsibility and ethics, please have a look at their website to enjoy reading about this award-winning grower.

Seasonal veg, fruit and salad boxes, dairy items and bread are delivered to thousands of households and businesses weekly. Riverford also provide recipe boxes with all the ingredients and instructions for making quick and easy meals from scratch. Perfect for busy families.

Dining in The Riverford Field Kitchen restaurant is a unique experience that you will always remember. There is just one sitting, so no rush. Seasonal set menu dishes keep on coming from the kitchen as you sit together with other guests at long tables sharing and discussing the delights of the wonderful fresh produce that has been imaginatively prepared by the chefs.

There is a huge choice of luscious deserts to choose from, as diners from each table in turn go to the counter, where the chef explains the ingredients of day’s creamy and fruity creations – you can try a piece of two if you can’t decide on one! 

There is a large car park. Booking is essential.

There are two Ben’s Farm Shops in the area. One is in the High Street of Totnes TQ9 5RY and the other is in Staverton, just outside of Totnes TQ9 6AF.

Ben’s is a separate family run business that farms part of the Riverford land and sells produce through their shops and online.

The Staverton shop has convenient free parking. As well as fresh organic fruit and veg, there is a butcher’s counter, local beers and ciders and soft drinks. Take home some of their delicious pies, pasties or Riverford dairy products.

Treat yourself in the Conservatory café. Choose from a variety of salads and deli goodies, vegan, vegetarian choices, burgers, or hot pies. If you are only snacking there are sweet traybakes and drinks.

Check out the news post on three other South Devon gems.