Ashburton

A Guide to Ashburton

Harking back to Saxon times, when it was a significant trading post, the town’s name is believed to originate fromOld English, ‘aesc-burna-tun’, meaning ‘farm/settlement with a stream frequented by trees’.

It’s a town robust with history; a former stannary town, a temporary refuge for Royalist troops during the English Civil war and the home to a famous beverage, Ashburton Pop, the recipe of which was lost with the brewer in 1765. And, it’s heritage can be witness all of its streets, from the Grade I listed Parish Church of St Andrew, to the Old Exeter Inn – it’s certainly a sight for sore eyes.

What to do in Ashburton

Ashburton high street should prove the starting point for any visit. The town is almost chain-free, its main stretch a charmingly hotch-potch jigsaw of independent retailers, tea shops and delis.

Antiques are one of the major draws for the many who make regular pilgrimages to Ashburton’s high street, so much so that the town has and entire trail dedicated to antiques. Available to collect from the Information Centre, the Ashburton Antiques Trail guides you through ten or more of the best antique shops run by some of the south west’s most notable dealers. From Art Deco jewellery to mid-century design pieces, Victorian furniture and countless other curios, it is almost impossible to leave the trail empty handed.

Ashburton does crafts beautifully well, with handmade pieces feeling ay home in such a pretty town set against Dartmoor’s rugged backdrop. Ashburton Craftmongers feels like a step back in time, its magical shop piled with artisan goods ranging from the mythical to the practical, yet unique. The shop is owned by wildlife and documentary cameraman, Toby Strong, with internationally sourced pieces happened upon his travels sitting side-by-side with locally made items. It is truly unique and unmissable.

If you fancy being a little creative yourself, the Ashburton Cookery School is the place to do it. It’s considered one of the UK’s top cookery schools for good reason; their team of expert chefs run more than 50 hands on courses that cater to total beginners just as much as confident home cooks. Whether you’re perfecting the basics or diving into something more adventurous, you’ll be cooking with incredible local, seasonal ingredients sourced straight from the moors and the sea. It’s a relaxed, inspiring environment that makes learning feel like a real treat rather than a lesson.

Given its proximity to the moors, it would be remiss of anyone spending time in Ashburton to not embark on a hike or two. Haytor is one of Dartmoor National Park’s best-known tor, delivering panoramic views well worth the effort it takes to reach the top. Scoop up edible souvenirs at Ashburton Delicatessen or squirrel away all the local cheese and charcuterie for a picnic on Dartmoor later in the day. Fresh sourdough from Briar Bakery and a couple of pasties from Dartmoor Butchers are the final flourishes you need for a good post-walk fill.

Places to eat in Ashburton

While the town may be small, its reputation as a foodie-destination is fierce. Referred to as ‘the gourmet gateway to the Moors’, Ashburton offers a feast of places to eat, so much so that you might well find that there aren’t enough meals in the day to enjoy them all.

Emilia is the standout and notorious eatery around here. The little Italian osteria by Claire Lattin and Tom Hill of Ducksoup in Soho fame. Despite only being open a couple of years, Emilia has seen a slew of exceptional reviews from food critics and a Michelin Bib Gourmand nod. Family tables sit in mismatched and rustic interiors, with a menu nonchalantly chalked up on the blackboard each day. Expect flavours like crab and fennel farfalle, salt pollock with nectarine and milk, and a signature ‘offal of the day’. The restaurant is open on Tuesdays for Dinner, Wednesday to Saturday for lunch and dinner, and Sunday for their ‘Big Italian Sunday Lunch’.

Were Emilia not enough, the culinary power couple recently toasted the much anticipated arrival of their second Ashburton eatery. Le Vin Predu opened as the sister restaurant to Emila, the time with a French bistro feel and rotisserie offering plus wine bar. Alongside an expertly curated wine list, the wine bar also serves two ‘Collina’ and ‘Contadino’ wines created in collaboration with local award-winning wine producers Sandridge Barton. Le Vin Perdu is only open on occasional weekends, so be sure to plan your visit accordingly to make the most of this fantastic eatery.

For more relaxed dining, Rafikis is known for its creative, globally-inspired dishes and an atmosphere that whisks you away to somewhere infinitely more exotic. The café on Lawrence Street was created by founder Susie after years of adventuring abroad, guiding treks in the Sahara and homeschooling her children on a remote tropical island. When the kids needed a more settled way of life, Susie created Rafikis as a place to share the eclectic recipes collected on her travels. All food is vegetarian or vegan, astoundingly flavourful, with a menu changing from day to night and a feel of a real family affair to the restaurant; it isn’t unusual to see the well-travelled and incredibly polite children taking orders and serving drinks.

Places to drink in Ashburton

On the fringes of Dartmoor may be the last place to might expect to find a flavour of South America, but Ashburton’s Café Latino is just that. Speciality coffees and Latin music whisk you away to sunny Cuba on even the dreariest of Devon days.

A different vibe entirely is found at the Old Exeter Inn, one of the oldest pubs in the country. Rumoured to have been a favourite watering hole of both Sir Francis Drake and Sir Walter Raleigh, the historic Inn has quenched the thirsts of patrons since 1130. Ashburton boasts several other classic taverns, including The Silent Whistle, The Royal Oak and The Bay House, that serve up real local ale and tempting tipples, often with live music and meat raffles, if that’s your kind of thing!

Houses to buy in Ashburton

Making Ashburton your home means enjoying a lifestyle that’s as varied and characterful as the town itself. From historic market houses and cosy cottages to contemporary townhouses with all the modern comforts, there’s something here for every taste. With Dartmoor right on the doorstep, you get the best of both worlds; vibrant local culture, independent shops, peaceful rural rambles, and exceptional places to eat and drink, all surrounded by the beauty of the Devon countryside.

If you’re thinking about a move, take a look at our current homes for sale near Ashburton and start discovering where your next chapter could begin. Find property for sale in Ashburton here.