23rd January, 2019

Top 5 places for a cosy meal on Devon and Cornwall’s branch lines

This article is more than 5 years old.

Here are five of our favourite warm and toasty haunts that you can visit by train, safe in the knowledge that you can also have a tipple without needing to drive.

1. The Olde Plough Inn, Bere Ferrers
Set in the riverside village of Bere Ferrers, just a short trip from Plymouth on the Tamar Valley Line, this 16th century inn is full of character with open fires, beamed ceilings and flagstone floors.

Real ales are from Tamar Valley breweries and the menu showcases local produce too.

Website | Map (0.5 miles from Bere Ferrers station)

The Olde Plough, Bere Ferrers
The Olde Plough Inn, Bere Ferrers

2. The Old Sail Loft, Looe
If sitting in a warm and friendly restaurant, looking out at a winter storm is your idea of cosy, then a visit to the Old Sail Loft in Looe is a must.

Located in the beautiful fishing port of Looe, which is reached by the scenic Looe Valley Line, the restaurant overlooks the harbour and was once reputed to be the haunt of local smugglers. Fish and seafood feature heavily on the menu, as well as many other tantalising treats.

Website | Map (0.5 miles from Looe station)

The Old Sail Loft, Looe
The Old Sail Loft, Looe
The Old Sail Loft, Looe

3. The Star and Garter, Falmouth
Sat on the water’s edge of Falmouth Harbour, this stylish pub restaurant (pictured at the top of this article) is a great place to while away a few hours in front of a roaring fire whilst admiring the view.

The menu is inspired by the countries of the Mediterranean but firmly focused on local produce. You could always make a weekend of it and stay in one of their three stylish apartments.

Website | Map (0.8 miles from Falmouth Town station)

The Star and Garter, Falmouth
The Star and Garter, Falmouth
The Star and Garter, Falmouth

4. The Rising Sun, Umberleigh
Just a few minutes’ walk from Umberleigh station on the picturesque Tarka Line, this traditional country inn has the cosy interior of flagstone floors, beams and open fires you would expect.

Generous pub classics showcase local produce and you can even stay over in one of their seven newly refurbished rooms.

Website | Map (0.2 miles from Umberleigh station)

The Rising Sun, Umberleigh
The Rising Sun, Umberleigh
The Rising Sun, Umberleigh

5. The Puffing Billy, Exton
Easily reached from Exeter on the Avocet Line, this attractive village pub, close to Exton station, is great for those of you who like to banish the winter blues with a bracing walk or cycle ride and is located on the Exe Estuary trail.

The pub is warm and welcoming with large wood burners and comfy sofas and has an ever changing menu which reflects the seasons.

Website | Map (0.1 miles from Exton station)

The Puffing Billy, Exton
The Puffing Billy, Exton
The Puffing Billy, Exton

More to explore
Check out our branch line Foodie Guides and Rail Ale Trails for more ideas of great places to visit by train.

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