Cary Arms & Spa, Devon

Overview

Perched on the rocks beside the sea in beautiful Babbacombe, the Cary Arms & Spa is a soul-soothing hideaway offering luxury accommodation for its guests. Dating back to 1662, the 'Inn on the Beach' retains plenty of old-world charm - but its current owner has brought it into the 21st century. With old stone walls, original beams, log burner and nautical themed décor, the low ceilinged bar is a cosy place in winter to enjoy a pint of Otter or a hearty meal, while the conservatory or the large outdoor terrace are perfect for making the most of the fabulous coastal views.

For those staying, every room boasts stunning views across Babbacombe Bay to the Dorset coast beyond. For the ultimate relaxation, relax in the state-of-the-art boutique Cary Spa, replete with sea-facing hydrotherapy pool, experience showers, sauna, steam room and gym.

Rooms from

Doubles: £245

Good to know

All major credit cards accepted
Parking available
Alfresco and private dining

Outdoor adventures
With Dartmoor National Park on your doorstep, there's stunning walking, cycling, horseriding and canoeing to enjoy when at Cary Arms.

Waves and water
Fabulous coastal views await for visitors - making it the perfect spot for some seaside rest and relaxation.

Dog-friendly
Dogs are welcome in the bar area and can stay overnight in two of the cottages. Dog beds and bowls provided as well.

Family favourite
Children can choose from their own "Nippers" menu, cots and highchairs are also available.

Rooms

You're spoilt for choice at The Cary Arms, with a range of rooms to suit every budget. There are eight double rooms and two suites in the main inn, six stylish "beach huts" and two large suites perched just above the water, plus five holiday cottages. All rooms are decked out in a contemporary coastal style and all have large, comfortable beds, crisp white linen, colourful sea-themed artworks on the walls and, of course, lots of those fabulous sea views.

All but one of the rooms have balconies or terraces, complete with loungers for soaking up the South Devon sun. The five characterful and luxurious cottages, nestled into the cliff side above the inn, each have their own individual charm, with log burners for winter stays. Modern bathrooms feature walk-in showers, fluffy towels and luxury White Company toiletries, and some have sea views, so you can enjoy a soak in tub whilst soaking up the view.

Restaurant & bar

With the ocean lapping at the rocks below the inn, it's no surprise that seafood is a strong suit at the Cary Arms. Ordering the catch of the day is an excellent option - landed just 12 miles away at Brixham, you won't find fresher!

Peruse the lunchtime menu chalked up on the blackboards in the bar; they change each day depending on what fresh, local and seasonal produce the kitchen can get its hands on. At the bar enjoy a pint of local Otter ale, or perhaps Bays Topsail, brewed just five miles down the road.

Things to do

From spectacular, wide-open moorland to more secluded and sheltered tree-lined river valleys, Dartmoor National Park has so much to offer all year round. Great walking, cycling, horse-riding and canoeing are just a few of the possibilities.

For some culinary retail therapy, head to Totnes, a mecca for foodies with plenty to see and do. Packed with butchers, cheese shops, fishmongers and grocers, enjoy the urban outpost of the Watson family's Riverford Farm, where you'll find meat, poultry, fruit, veg and wine. The Ticklemore Cheese shop sells local artisan cheeses, including those from nearby Sharpham Wine & Cheese Estate. Cranches Sweet Shop is packed with goodies you haven't seen for years - sherbert lemons, pear drops and midget gems.

Enjoy unspoilt Devon from the comfort of a vintage steam train, with a picturesque jaunt on South Devon Railway. The line hugs the beautiful River Dart between Buckfastleigh and Totnes for seven miles - period uniforms, original station buildings and vintage motors complete the picture.

Fancy some arts and culture? Bradley Manor in Newton Abbott is a delightful small medieval manor house surrounded by woods & meadows, with an impressive collection of pre-Raphaelite pictures & Arts & Crafts furniture inside.