Thirsty? Raise a glass with these five South Devon breweries

Fresh air, glorious scenery, friendly folk on every corner… Devon really has it all. If you were thinking "but what about beer?", then don't worry – we've got plenty of that too. In fact, this picturesque corner of the UK boasts some of the best Devon breweries in the country, as well as some of the best South Devon holiday cottages to rest your weary head.

Ale lovers, you might have just found paradise.

Here are five of our favourite South Devon breweries, all of which are located within a 45-minute radius of our holiday cottages. Bottoms up!

South Hams Drinks, Slapton

A much-loved Devon brewery, South Hams Drinks has been conjuring up punter-pleasing brews for more than 17 years. As you might imagine, it knows its pales from its porters.

Notable ales include the hoppy Stumble Bee and the devilishly drinkable Devon Pride, a traditional bitter inspired by the rolling hills we call home.

You'll find South Hams beers in pubs and bars throughout the region. But if you get the chance, pull up a stool at its well-equipped taphouse. You'll find it in the Stokeley Farm Shop, nestled on the shore of Slapton Ley.

Salcombe Brewery

There's a reason Salcombe's beers taste so special – the Devon brewery stores them in a decommissioned underground reservoir. This unique space maintains the ideal temperature for conditioning, the process that gives beer its distinctive fizz and mouthfeel.

If you, like us, find this sort of thing deeply fascinating, then why not take a tour of this Devon brewery? You'll spend 90 fact-filled minutes exploring the brewhouse and enjoy a few samples of Salcombe's award-winning ale along the way.

There's a shop on site, where you can purchase delights like the crisp, fruity Shingle Bay and the velvety Island Street Porter. Fallen in love? You can order online when you get home too.

Things Happen Here, Totnes

Things Happen Here has many strings to its bow. As well as brewing its own vegan-friendly beer and cider, it finds time to run a lively taproom and host live gigs.

You'll find the taproom in Dartington village, located just outside the quirky town of Totnes. There is a large play park and grass open space right outside the front door with plenty of outside seating. And on various days they have different food concessions including Pizzalogica and The Big Kebabski serving delicious food.

Ivybridge Brewing Company

Ivybridge Brewing Company describes itself as a "social enterprise brewery". And for good reason – the brewhouse is staffed predominantly by people with learning disabilities. They receive a fair wage and valuable training opportunities, and the people of Ivybridge enjoy a local supply of excellent craft beer from a brilliant Devon brewery. Win-win.

Paying a visit to its bottle shop? We highly recommend the Erme Pale, which is named after the river that runs alongside the brewery. If the sun is shining, you can't go wrong with PILS 21, a refreshing, floral-tinged lager

Noss Beer Works, Ivybridge

Ivybridge is lucky. It's home to not one, but two fantastic Devon breweries!

Well, technically Noss Beer Works is located in the nearby village of Lee Mill. But, as the locals will tell you, it's well worth the trip to pick up one of Noss's celebrated beer kegs or boxes.

If you can't make it there in person, why not enjoy its ales on tap instead? Noss's award-winning beers are available in many Devonshire pubs. If you're a guest of ours, you're in luck – you can sample Noss beers at The Wolborough Inn, which is just a short drive away in Newton Abbot.

Need somewhere to sleep it off?

After a hard day's refreshment at a number of Devon breweries, you'll want somewhere cosy to rest your head, we're sure.

Our Devon holiday cottages are located near Newton Abbot, right in the heart of South Devon. This makes us the perfect base for your Devon brewery tour. As for the morning after, you can relax and unwind in our indoor heated pool. Hangovers? Never heard of them…