There’s something special about eating well when you’re on holiday—especially somewhere like Mornacott. Set within the Exmoor UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, food here isn’t just about where you go, but how you experience it.
It might be a slow wander around a market, a last-minute decision to grab pizza from a village van, or a relaxed evening cooking together after a day spent exploring restored river corridors and species-rich grasslands.
If you’re staying in our cottages on Exmoor, you’re in exactly the right spot to enjoy a bit of everything—local produce, good pubs, and easy access to the North Devon coast.
Cafés & Slow Mornings
Mornings here tend to start slowly—in the best way. Coffee in the garden, fresh air coming off the hills, and the sense that the day doesn’t need much planning.
A wander into South Molton often leads to the historic pannier market, which has been at the centre of the town since the 18th century and remains one of North Devon’s best spots for local produce. Step inside and you’re met with the smell of warm bread, buttery pastries and freshly ground coffee, the air carrying a mix of sweetness and savoury as stallholders chat and locals move steadily between tables.
You’ll find fresh bread, pastries, cheeses, and seasonal ingredients—perfect for a long breakfast back at the cottage or an easy lunch. It’s the kind of place where you pick things up as you go, guided more by what looks good than any set plan.
If you’re after something sweet mid-morning, Rachael’s Tearoom is a local favourite, known for its warm welcome and proper homemade cakes.
Leaning into this rhythm—shopping locally, eating seasonally, and keeping things simple—often becomes one of the most memorable parts of a stay.
Evening Eats (Without the Fuss)
Evenings can go a few different ways here, depending on your mood.
For something easy and reliably good, the Pig & Olive pizza van is always worth seeking out. It pops up weekly in Bishop’s Nympton and South Molton, serving wood-fired pizzas with a strong local following.
The Coaching Inn in South Molton is a dependable choice. Equally suited to a casual drink or a full meal, it has a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere that fits the town perfectly—easy, unfussy, and consistently good.
For those with dietary requirements, there are also good options nearby. The Fisherman’s Cot in Tiverton offers a range of vegetarian and vegan dishes, and many local cafés and pubs are happy to accommodate allergies or specific dietary needs with a bit of notice.
It’s ideal for those nights when no one feels like cooking—but you still want something rooted in the local area.
Back at Mornacott, many guests choose to cook together, often using locally sourced ingredients or pre-ordered meat boxes from the estate. Our organic beef and estate venison come directly from conservation grazing systems that help restore habitats across the landscape. For something a little different, we also offer pizza ovens to hire—perfect for relaxed evenings cooking and eating outdoors together.
It’s a simple way to connect what’s on your plate with the land around you.
Beach Bites & Days Out
While Mornacott feels tucked away, the North Devon coast is within easy reach—and that opens up a completely different side to eating out.
Croyde has a lively, surf-led feel, with plenty of casual options and excellent local coffee. Saunton Sands offers something more open and expansive—long walks, wide views, and simple food done well.
Westward Ho! is a classic choice, especially for families, with traditional fish and chips, arcades, and a proper seaside atmosphere.
A day at the coast followed by an easy meal—whether out or back at the cottage—tends to strike exactly the right balance.
Eating Well, Without Overthinking It
Most stays naturally fall into a rhythm—market in the morning, time outdoors during the day, and something simple in the evening.
That’s really what eating locally here comes down to. Not overplanning, just choosing good ingredients, supporting local producers, and enjoying time together.
And within a landscape that’s actively being restored—from river systems to grazing pastures—those small choices become part of something bigger.
If you’re planning a sustainable holiday in Devon or looking for a wildlife holiday on Exmoor, Mornacott offers the perfect base to experience it all—both on and off the plate.
Written by Laura Hartshorn