Inside the UK’s “weirdest” pub
“It’s here?” I asked my partner, moments after we turned off the A30. We’d driven past this turning hundreds of times before, without realising it was in fact home to what has been named the UK’s weirdest pub.
Situated on the edge of Dartmoor in Sourton, near Okehampton, the Highwayman “is like the Tardis”, a stagecoach that has been transformed with collections, objects and curiosities everywhere from the exterior to the dining area.
Entering the pub
The pub is often fully booked, so it is recommended to make a reservation. I’d called the pub earlier in the day.
“Yes, we have a table” I was told. “Don’t be late”.
We parked up outside the pub, taking in its exterior from the outside for the first time.
Two buildings sit in an L formation, one made out of brick and with an image of a man with a gun pointing to the road (presumably the highwayman himself) on one side. The other building is white in colour, with an entrance that’s made from a shell of an old coach.
The history
Originally established in 1282, the Highwayman Inn began its life serving weary travellers crossing the challenging terrain of Dartmoor.
By the 17th century, it was known as the Golden Fleece and was a popular stop for merchants.
Then, Plymouth Breweries took over and named it “The New Inn”.
But the pub’s transformation to its new (and rather eccentric) form began in 1959 when Buster and Rita Jones took over ownership.
They planned to spend two years revamping it and then sell it on, But, two years turned into ten, which turned into twenty, which turned into now!
Determined to create something unique, the couple filled the building with an eclectic collection of antiques and curiosities.
This snowballed, and now you have exposed brickwork walls with decorations ranging from witchy to spooky to downright bizarre and a room that’s made to look like the inside of a ship!
Paranormal tales and local myths
Many visitors and locals claim the pub is haunted, with sightings of a cavalier dressed in green and other inexplicable occurrences reported over the years.
The most famous spirit is said to be Samuel, a figure associated with a tragic love story that ended in betrayal.
Staff and patrons alike have shared tales of mysterious footsteps, flickering lights, and objects moving of their own accord.
What to expect when you visit
As mentioned, booking is recommended – you can only enter The Highwayman Inn if you are eating or drinking there.
The pub is well-known for its vegetarian and vegan options – they made news a few years ago when they went strictly vegan for Christmas and Boxing Day.
I had the fake “fish” and chips, and while I was happy to see it on the menu, it wasn’t mindblowing – it tasted like the vegetarian “fish” you can buy from a supermarket (with oven chips and frozen peas).
That said, it’s well worth visiting for the atmosphere and curiosities alone!
Things you need to know before your visit
- Location: The Highwayman Inn is in Sourton, near Okehampton, Devon, EX20 4HN. It’s easy to access by car and is a great stop if you’re exploring Dartmoor.
- Opening hours: The inn operates Wednesday to Sunday, from 12pm to 3pm and 6pm to 9pm. It’s closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Booking: Highly recommended – call +44 (0)1837 861243 to secure your table.