Exploring GB

The Highwayman Inn on Dartmoor is considered to be the most unusual pub in Britain!

The 11th century inn sees customers both 'ghastly' and 'fantastic' flock to see inside the quirky building, which is nestled on the edge of Dartmoor National Park.

Its Tudor-style exterior includes a nod to an old lady who lived in a shoe, a fairy tale pumpkin house, and a fire breathing dragon.

Using natural wood and stone from the area and a great deal of imagination, the building soon took on a unique character of its own.

Low-beamed ceilings add to the olde-worlde feel of the place.

If you follow the once secret passage way, past a sarcophagus of Tutenkamun, it will lead you to the Rita Jones’s Locker Bar, with its gothic door from the old whaling boat, the Diana, that was built in the mid 18th century.

This piece of architectural salvage, carved with the head of Diana, the Goddess of Hunting, stands proud at one end.

At the other, the bar counter is a sea-dragon: a natural piece of bog oak fashioned by nature and the elements into this dramatic shape.

The Locker bar has been created to look like you’re in the boughs of an old wooden ship. Upstairs the theme is continued with cabin accommodation.

Exposed beams and the general ambience of the lounge bar create a wonderful backdrop for a long cool local Cider.

Step down from the Lounge bar into the Hideaway; an ideal place to take in all the mystery you will have seen in the other bars Settle down in the Snug bar for a chat with the friendly
staff and fellow visitors.

From the nooks and crannies of the public bar follow the secret passage to the Locker Bar.

As well as intimate dining areas, they have several cosy nooks and crannies in the Hideaway Bar where you can relax and enjoy a drink or two.

If you explore here you can even find a 6ft Minotaur, named Asterion, hidden in his grotto.

Meanwhile, the Coach Cabin Lounge has a huge bellows rescued from a local forge, and a more equestrian theme, with several harnesses and bridles from the days when people used horse drawn coaches instead of cars.

The Highwayman has its share of paranormal sightings too, a burly sea captain, the flamboyant cavalier Samuel, and a provocative serving wench in a mop cap are all allegedly part of the furniture!

One common sighting is of a man dressed in green with a feather in his hat. He has been seen walking through a wall which used to be a route to an adjoining stable block.

At an impromptu seance one foggy November night a medium claimed to be in contact with a man named Samuel.

Very strange, that several months earlier, an eight year old girl said she had been having long conversations with an oddly dressed man called Sam and that he had a feather in his hat!

The Clairvoyant also said that Sam died at 36, that he couldn’t leave the inn and that he had been in a battle.There was an historic battle between The Roundheads (Sourton) and Cavaliers (Bridestowe).

Samuel may well have fled the scene to the inn in order to retrieve his mount and make his escape.
Taken from Jason Karl’s book “Great Ghost Hunt.”

Here in the magical interiors of The Highwayman, nothing else seems to exist. It’s as if there’s no world outside, as if all that matters is in there with you, from times past to times present.

The inn itself is 13th century and was once a coaching house, farm and hub of the local community.

These days it is a unique landmark and tourist attraction, not just in itself, but also because Sourton, situated on the edge of the North Moor, is steeped in history and legend with great walking routes.

Sourton Church opposite is well worth a visit with its unusual angel carvings, labyrinth and black-cloaked ghost in the tower.

In the 17th century, it was called the Golden Fleece - Plymouth Breweries later renamed it the New Inn to give it a more contemporary image.

Rita and Buster Jones moved to Sourton on Michaelmas Day 1959 from South Wales, it was Rita who christened the inn ‘The Highwayman.’

This was because she had romantic notions of highwaymen dashing about in the mist on the moor.

Someone who recently visit the pub left a raving review on TripAdvisor, she said: “this place is probably the most exotic pub in southwest of England and I doubt there will be many pubs quite like this elsewhere in the UK.

”If you're into old pubs this is a must see! Easy access from Exeter, about 30 to 40 minute drive.”

Another person added: “Fantastic pub. We arrived on our bikes and were sad to be told they were full, just as we were heading off when we were told they’d squeeze us in, as long as we were happy to sit in the tunnel!

”What a special place, the kids loved exploring the different rooms eating in a little tunnel was great fun, in fact I’d request that table if we went back!”

The pub has a range of ales and lagers, wines and spirits.

According to their website, they also occasionally stock organic or bio dynamic guest wines, but if you fancy something a little different, you can try their local cider.

For sunny days, there is outside seating by the Coach, the Boot and in the Goddess Courtyard.

They also offer cosy accommodation, featuring ancient poster beds or half-tester beds and ensuites with Victorian slipper baths.

You can book a room via their website, or alternatively, Booking.com.

If you’d like to visit this unique pub, the address is: Sourton, Okehampton EX20 4HN.

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