The Oxenham Arms

The Oxenham Arms sits in South Zeal, a beautiful old village on the northern edge of Dartmoor, just a short hop from the A30 but with a proper tucked away moorland feel.

This is one of the area’s most historic inns, set within a former 12th century monastery and later manor house, with low beams, flagstone floors, open fires and a remarkable sense of age throughout. The building is also linked to the South Zeal Menhir, an ancient standing stone incorporated into the site, giving it a story that reaches far beyond a normal village pub.

Food is a big part of the appeal here. The Oxenham Arms serves bar meals, lunches, afternoon teas, evening dinners and Sunday lunches, with its own site saying food is served from 12pm to 2:30pm and again from 6pm to 8:30pm, with bars open from midday. Menus include lunch and bar meals, evening dining, Sunday lunch, children’s options, afternoon teas and takeaway food and drinks.

It works well with Shilley Pool and the wider Okehampton side of the moor, where wild water, village lanes and open hills can all be part of the day. After that kind of fresh air, this is a characterful north Dartmoor stop for proper food, local history, fireside warmth and a slower pause before heading home.