Royal Seven Stars Hotel

The Royal Seven Stars is a 17th-century coaching inn on The Plains in Totnes, a few paces from the River Dart, run today by St Austell Brewery. The building keeps its period frontage and character rooms, each en-suite, with wifi and limited on-site parking on a first-come basis.

TQ9, the in-house restaurant, cooks seasonal dishes from local produce, while Bar 7 and the more traditional Saloon Bar - with its real log fire - handle drinks either side of it. An outdoor terrace catches passing trade for al fresco meals and people-watching through the day. The pub has picked up Best Managed Pub Company and Best Sustainable Pub Company at the Publican Awards in past years.

Totnes railway station is under half a mile away, and Totnes Castle climbs the hill above the town centre, a short walk from the hotel. Totnes itself is known for its independent shops, and South Devon's wider attractions - the coast, Dartmoor, the South Hams - are reachable by road, rail or bus from the door. Dogs are welcome throughout.

**Best for:** guests touring South Devon by train who want a dog-friendly pub-hotel right in the town centre.

**Less good for:** guests wanting a quiet retreat away from a working pub, since the rooms sit above a busy bar and restaurant.