News 2nd September 2025

A Food Lover’s Guide to Mid Devon

Food tastes even better when you know where it comes from — and in Mid Devon, you don’t have to look far. From farm shops stacked with local produce to vineyards, breweries and cider orchards, our corner of Devon is packed with foodie experiences worth travelling for. Whether you’re here for a day, a long weekend or longer, there are plenty of ways to combine great food with a walk in the countryside, a visit to a village, or a leisurely afternoon with friends.

From Field to Fork

There’s nothing quite like browsing a farm shop or local market, where the food on the shelves has often travelled just a few miles — if that. Mid Devon has a thriving tradition of growing, rearing and making, and visitors are spoilt for choice when it comes to picking up something fresh, local and delicious.

  • Halberton Court Farm Shop fields

    Halberton Court Farm Shop – Set in the heart of the Exe Valley, this long-standing family farm shop is packed with seasonal fruit and vegetables straight from the fields, as well as local cheeses, chutneys and freshly baked treats. Perfect for stocking up before a canal-side picnic.

  • Thorne’s Farm Shop – Known for its home-grown soft fruit and wide range of produce, Thorne’s combines a farm shop, café and plant centre. Strawberries and raspberries in season are a must-try, but you’ll also find everything from fresh eggs to Devon honey.

  • Farmers’ Markets across Mid Devon – From Tiverton’s busy Pannier Market to Cullompton’s popular farmers’ market and Crediton’s twice-monthly gathering, markets are a brilliant way to meet the makers: from butchers and bakers to cider producers and vegetable growers. They’re a showcase for the very best of Mid Devon’s food culture.

Wherever you stop, you’re guaranteed to leave with a taste of the countryside — and probably a few new favourites to take back with you.

Sip & Savour

Mid Devon has long traditions of brewing and cider-making, but in recent years vineyards and distilleries have also flourished — making the area a real treat for anyone who enjoys discovering drinks at their source.

  • Hanlons Brewery (Newton St Cyres) – Famous for their award-winning Port Stout and Firefly Bitter, Hanlons has been brewing in Devon for decades. Book a brewery tour, sample a pint fresh from the tanks, or visit one of their popular restaurant.

  • Sandford Orchards

    Sandford Orchards (Crediton) – This award-winning cider producer is at the heart of Mid Devon’s apple country. Their tours offer a fascinating look at how traditional cider orchards are cared for, followed by generous tastings in the taproom.

  • Thunderflower Distillery (Bradninch) – Thunderflower is a new favourite on the Mid Devon food map, moving to Bradninch in 2024. Known for their handcrafted gins infused with local botanicals, the distillery runs tastings and masterclasses.

  • Wellhayes Vineyard (Sampford Peverell) – A family-run vineyard producing award-winning sparkling wines right in the heart of Mid Devon. Their summer tours and tastings include a wander through the vines and a chance to try their traditional-method wines overlooking the rolling countryside.

  • Quoit-at-Cross Vineyard (Stoodleigh) – A newer addition to the Mid Devon wine scene, Quoit-at-Cross is a boutique vineyard producing small-batch wines. Tours and tastings are available by appointment, making it a special stop for wine lovers in search of something unique.

Whether you’re a beer enthusiast, cider devotee, wine lover or gin explorer, there’s no shortage of ways to sip and savour your way through Mid Devon.

Perfect Pairings: Walks & Beer Gardens

There’s something especially satisfying about combining a countryside walk with a hearty meal or a refreshing drink at the end. Mid Devon’s footpaths and trails often lead you straight to a cosy pub or café — the perfect way to round off your adventure.

  • Grand Western Canal & The Globe, Sampford Peverell – The Grand Western Canal is a peaceful, level walk full of wildlife and history. Stretch your legs along the towpath and finish up at The Globe Inn, right in the village centre, for a well-earned meal or pint.

    Culmstock Beacon

  • Exe Valley Way & Bickleigh Mill – This long-distance trail follows the River Exe, passing through some of the area’s prettiest countryside. A section around Bickleigh makes a perfect day walk, with the historic Bickleigh Mill waiting to welcome you with food, drink and shopping.

  • Culm Valley Inn & Culmstock Beacon – For something a little more adventurous, hike up to Culmstock Beacon, a hilltop landmark with sweeping views across the Blackdown Hills AONB. Afterwards, drop down into the village to the Culm Valley Inn, a traditional pub serving hearty fare in a picturesque riverside setting.

Whether you’re after a gentle towpath stroll or a rewarding climb with panoramic views, pairing Mid Devon’s walks with its welcoming inns makes for a day out to remember.

Treat Yourself

Foodie experiences aren’t only about pubs and farm shops — sometimes it’s about slowing down and truly indulging.

  • Devon Cookery School

    Afternoon Tea in Mid Devon – From cosy tearooms to elegant hotels, you’ll find plenty of places to enjoy a traditional cream tea or full afternoon spread. Think dainty sandwiches, homemade cakes, fresh scones with clotted cream and jam — all served with a pot of tea or a glass of fizz. We’ve rounded up some of the best in our Afternoon Tea in Mid Devon blog, so you can plan your perfect treat.

  • Devon Cookery School – For something more hands-on, book into Devon Cookery School for a class. From breadmaking and pastry to world cuisines, their courses give you the chance to learn new skills in a relaxed, fun environment — and of course, you get to enjoy the results at the end.

  • Quicke’s Cheese – Cheese lovers shouldn’t miss Quicke’s, where centuries of dairy farming expertise go into their award-winning truckles. Their guided tours take you behind the scenes of the cheesemaking process and into the maturing rooms, before a generous tasting session in the shop.

Whether you’re tucking into an elegant afternoon tea, rolling up your sleeves in the kitchen, or savouring the depth of a traditionally aged cheddar, Mid Devon has plenty of ways to treat yourself.

Food and drink in Mid Devon isn’t just about what’s on the plate or in your glass — it’s about the experience. Taste wines where they’re grown, sip cider among the orchards, and try produce from the farm just down the lane. Whether you’re looking for a long lunch, a countryside walk with a pub at the end, or a cream tea in a cosy café, Mid Devon is ready to serve up something special.

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