Warren House Inn
Postbridge, PL20 6TA
You can judge a pub fireplace by its keeper. Do the staff take time to stoke it? Do they watch it like hawks, ready to swoop in if the embers dare think of burning out?
If they gave out medals for this sort of thing, the Warren House Inn would win every time. This traditional village tavern has the longest-burning fire of all pubs on Dartmoor. In fact, it might have the longest continually burning fire of all pubs in the UK.
Yes, the Warren House Inn has kept its hearth ablaze for more than 170 years. Its owner even made the effort to carry its piping hot embers across the road when the pub relocated in the 1800s.
That's not the only reason it's worth a visit, though. At 434 metres above sea level, this Dartmoor pub is also the highest in Southern England – and it serves a tasty selection of beers and traditional meals to reward you for the climb.
Oxenham Arms
South Zeal, Okehampton, EX20 2JT
Like Warren House, the Oxenham Arms has a few historical claims to its name.
For one, it's among the oldest pubs on Dartmoor. It occupies a former monastery that dates back to the 12th century – and the bar has been serving drinks to weary travellers for more than 540 years.
And while it doesn't have an everlasting fireplace, it does have a rather lovely log fire in the restaurant room. Warm toes and sticky toffee pudding for dessert? Don't mind if we do.
At the bar, you can expect a mix of local ales and hand-picked wines, along with an impressive selection of gins and whiskies.
The Tors
Belstone, Okehampton, EX20 1QZ
If you hop in the car and drive northwest from the Oxenham Arms, you'll quickly reach the village of Belstone. Spend a moment admiring the historic Post Office, then pop down a country lane to discover the next of our toasty pubs on Dartmoor.
In its own words, The Tors is a 'proper pub'. It serves proper food – think fish, chips, pies and cheese. It pours proper pints of proper local ale. And it's properly pooch-friendly too.
Of course, we're most interested in its proper log fire. You'll find it at the far end of the barroom, flanked by cosy padded benches. Quick – grab a seat before it's taken.
Old Exeter Inn
Ashburton, Newton Abbot, TQ13 7DU
Finally, we head to Ashburton on the eastern edge of Dartmoor. On West Street, tucked between rows of pastel terraces, you'll find the oldest building in town: Old Exeter Inn.
Yes, like many pubs on Dartmoor, the Old Exeter has years on the clock and stories to tell. With a foundation date of 1130, it's believed to be the UK's fifth oldest inn. Here, in 1603, the famous explorer Walter Raleigh was arrested for acts of treason against King James I.
Step inside and you'd think nothing had changed since. The inn is decked out in ancient woodwork, with flagstone floors and candlelit tables. It's a little spooky – but very cosy.
So, order a cold one from the extensive ale list, park yourself next to the roaring log fire and dream of times gone by. Bliss.
More pubs on Dartmoor with fires
There are lots of pubs on Dartmoor with fireplaces – and nearly all of them are worth visiting. Consider these honorary mentions.
- The Castle Inn, Lydford: a characterful pub with a gorgeous beer garden and log fires aplenty.
- The Chagford Inn, Chagford: set in a historic building, this modern gastropub lights a woodburning stove for winter visitors.
- The Kestor Inn, Manaton: a traditional Dartmoor country pub with log fires and great views.
- The Tavistock Inn, Poundsgate: not to be confused with the Tavistock Inn in Tavistock, this Poundsgate pub has a long history and a toasty stove in the corner.
- Two Bridges Hotel, Princetown: this one's right in the heart of Dartmoor – and it has a hearty log fire to match.
The Horn of Plenty: your gateway to Dartmoor
How's this for the perfect day? You start with a brisk morning walk and spend the afternoon exploring pubs on Dartmoor. Then, to top it all off, you head to The Horn of Plenty for an evening of fine food and fun.
You'll find us just where you need us. Our hotel and restaurant is perched on the edge of the Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – and just a stone's throw from Dartmoor National Park.
Book a table at our restaurant and you'll be treated to a distinctly Devonshire take on modern British cuisine. Our passion for local produce and creative culinary approach have earned us two AA Rosettes, along with scores of five-star reviews.
Or why not stop by a little earlier for afternoon tea? Expect homemade scones, freshly made sandwiches and lashings of clotted cream. It's a dainty – and delicious – way to fuel up before you head off to visit these pubs on Dartmoor.
And, of course, you're welcome to stay the night – and so is Fido. As a proudly dog-friendly hotel, we work hard to give all our guests a luxurious overnight experience, tails or no tails.
