Venford Brook Walk and The Church House Inn, Holne
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
Intro
This one is for families who want a proper Dartmoor outing without having to plan the whole day like a military operation.
We have paired our Venford Brook walk with The Church House Inn in Holne, one of our Dartmoor Partner hospitality partners, so the walk and the food & drink stop are already sorted.
Do the route, tuck into the woodland when the weather turns, find the water, have some fun, then head to the pub.
Simple.
Why we picked this Venford Brook walk
Venford is one of those Dartmoor walks that feels like a proper little adventure without needing a full expedition plan.
You follow the tracks towards Bench Tor, drop down through the woodland to find the base of the brook, then clamber over rocks and weave through the trees as the water pulls you along. It's the type of route where children naturally explore, climb, paddle and stop every five minutes to look at something new. It's one of our best.
There is always something to spot too. Deer moving quietly through the trees, flashes of blue from kingfishers along the water, and all the usual Dartmoor details that make you slow down and actually notice where you are.
It also works brilliantly in mixed weather. The woodland gives you shelter from wind and drizzle, while the water and shade keep things cooler on warmer days. It feels tucked away and protected, which makes it a really reliable choice when you still want to get out but do not fancy being exposed on open moorland.
The Church House Inn finishes it off perfectly. It is close by, family run, full of character and right in the heart of Holne village. You get a proper walk, a bit of adventure, and a genuinely good place to land afterwards.
The walk
Our Venford route is one of the more adventurous family walks in the collection, so this is not the one for tiny tired legs or fresh white trainers.
Give yourself around 3 hours for the full adventure. That gives you time to park up, get everyone ready, explore properly, move at a family pace and still head back to Holne without turning it into a route march.
The food and drink stop
After the walk, head to The Church House Inn in Holne.
Run by Tom and Tina, this is a proper family run Dartmoor village pub and one of our Dartmoor Partner hospitality partners. It feels wholesome, welcoming and nicely unfussy, which is exactly what you want after a muddy walk with children.
They have a great choice of local beers, brilliant food and a small, cute outdoor area with grass, benches and umbrellas, tucked into the heart of the village.
This is not a breakfast stop, so think lunch, an afternoon drink, or proper pub grub after the walk. It is well priced, good quality and a lovely place to land once everyone has earned something decent to eat.
Good to know
Time Guide
Allow around 3 hours for the full outing before heading to the pub. That includes parking, getting ready, walking, exploring and the usual family faff.
Opening times*
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 5:00pm to 10:00pm
Thursday: 5:00pm to 10:00pm
Friday: 12:00pm to 10:00pm
Saturday: 12:00pm to 10:00pm
Sunday: 12:00pm to 6:00pm
Opening times can change, so it is always worth checking before you head over, especially if you are planning your day around food.*
Parking
There is parking in various spots around Holne village. We have always found somewhere, but allow a little time during busier periods.
Toilets
There are toilets at The Church House Inn. There are no toilets on the route itself.
Dogs
Dogs are welcome in the pub, but check the latest details before visiting.
Food and drink
This is best if you are looking for a nice drink and some lovely pub grub after your walk. It works especially well as a Friday, Saturday or Sunday lunch plan, or a Wednesday or Thursday evening stop after a later walk.
Best for
Families who want a proper Dartmoor walk with woodland cover, water, muddy boots and a relaxed pub stop afterwards.
Ready to walk it?
Members can view the full Venford route above, including the route notes, parking details, map and everything you need to head out with confidence.
Not a member yet? Join our Supporter Membership to unlock the full route collection, member maps, food and drink pins, and our ready made Our Picks recommendations.
Before you go:
Before heading out, do a quick check so the day runs smoothly.
Check the weather and choose layers that suit the day. Dartmoor can change its mind quickly, and this route works best when everyone is comfortable from the start.
Check The Church House Inn is open, especially if you are planning your walk around lunch, dinner or a post walk drink. Opening times can change, and no one wants to promise pub chips to children and then find a closed door.
Read the full route notes before setting off. Our route pages include the parking details, terrain notes, map and useful bits that help you feel more confident before you leave the car.
Allow enough time for family pace. This pick is best with around 3 hours for parking, getting ready, walking, exploring and the usual family faff.
Bring the basics. Decent footwear, drinks, snacks, spare socks and a change of layers can make the difference between a lovely Dartmoor day and a soggy family mutiny.
If you are eating afterwards, it is worth booking ahead where possible, especially at weekends and during school holidays.
Enjoy!
Dartmoor Partner
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