March 15th 2026 is Mother’s Day, if you didn’t already know. Time to show one of the leading ladies in your life just how much she means to you, to celebrate all that is wonderful about motherhood. One great way to do that is to dine out together, so here’s our quick round up of the best places to eat this Mother’s Day in East Devon.
Mother’s Day. We always think there’s something wrong about there being just one dedicated day in the year to show your Mum how much she’s loved and appreciated – after all, you can do that any day, or even EVERY day. But let’s not be party poopers – let’s embrace it. Mothering Sunday. 15th March 2026. If it’s not already on your diary, make sure it is now.
If you’re staying at one of our lovely holiday cottages at Stonehayes Farm, you’ll find our guide to the best places to eat for Mother’s Day useful. The tradition seems to be to take Mum out for lunch or afternoon tea, and we are very fortunate to have some great places nearby to do so. Only thing is, you’d better book pretty sharpish.
Make the most of the day (hopefully the sun will be shining, sporing flowers in bloom, lambs skipping in the fields, birds singing, et al). Plan a walk along the Jurassic Coast, a visit to the Donkey Sanctuary near Sidmouth, a walk beneath the beech trees at Dumpdon Hill or Hembury Fort, a ride along the tranquil wetlands of the Axe estuary with Seaton Tramway (Mum’s go free that day of course).
But first, eats. Where’s it going to be? We’ve had a good think about this and come up with a list of our favourites – here goes:
Coldharbour Farm Shop, Ottery St Mary
This very friendly farm shop is such a popular place – because it’s very, very good. The restaurant has a modern rustic vibe inside, and outside there’s a huge deck – and the views are glorious so you should hope for good weather.
So, book for breakfast or lunch, or afternoon tea from 11th-19th March; whatever you choose, it’s going to be tasty, freshly prepared, made using seasonal, local ingredients. Those afternoon teas are such a treat - tuck into a spread of finger sandwiches, savouries, scones with jam and clotted cream, and cakes. Wash it down with a pot of tea, or upgrade to a cheeky glass or 2 of prosecco.
Website: https://coldharbourfarmshop.co.uk/field-kitchen/
The Pig at Combe, Gittisham, Honiton
Oh, this! The setting is exquisite – a 16th century Elizabethan Manor House, set in the most gorgeous grounds with walled gardens where they grow their own herbs, veg, fruit and flowers, and a folly for outdoor dining. Inside country house style interiors make it feel so relaxed and lovely, especially the cosy sitting rooms where fires are lit on chillier days.
Book up for afternoon tea, Sunday roast, Saturday night dinner, or if there’s a group of you, a private dining room, might suit. Have a wonder round the grounds, see what’s popping up in the kitchen gardens, spoil your Ma with a pampering session in the Potting Shed treatment rooms.
Website https://www.thepighotel.com/at-combe/
Vineyard Kitchen, Heron Farm, Weston, Honiton
This is a lovely place to be, but especially so for families, so if you’re part of a multi-generational stay at one of our larger Devon holiday cottages, this will be good. The very unique building the farm shop and kitchen are set in was featured on Grand designs, the 17 acres include a walled garden, a play park and fairy garden, orchards where sheep graze beneath the trees, and a vineyard.
Food is good, showcasing all that is tasty and local; get there early for breakfast or brunch, go for lunch, afternoon tea or cocktails. Vineyard tours don’t start until April, but do have a stroll around because it’s all so lovely and the views of the Devon countryside are incredible.
Website: https://heron-farm.co.uk/
The Hare & Hounds, Sidbury, Sidmouth
The Hare & Hounds is famous locally for its carvery, with people coming from far and wide to tuck into local meats and veg. They also serve traditional pub food and have quite an extensive menu, so there ought to be something to satisfy even the fussiest eaters.
Inside has all the traditional pub vibes, with is wood beams, log fires and local ales, outside there’s a big beer garden with a play area and spectacular views down the valley to Sidmouth and the sea.
The carvery is served all day Sunday so there’s not so much pressure to get there on time.
Website: https://hareandhounds-devon.co.uk/
The Victoria Hotel, Sidmouth
Give your dear old Mum the luxury treatment at this traditional 4 star hotel on the Devon coast. There’s a choice of eateries – the AA rosette award-winning Jubilee Restaurant for contemporary dishes with a distinct French influence, the laid-back White Room, Bertie’s Bar, or the Sun Lounge where enormous bay windows give glorious views of the sea. This is elegant dining with a coastal backdrop, something that won’t be forgotten in a hurry.
The hotel has a spa with a heated pool, sauna, steam room and treatment rooms, so if you’re organised, you could combine lunch with some quality Mum time. Otherwise, take a stroll along the beach or through the clifftop Connaught Gardens.
Website: https://victoriahotel.co.uk/dining
The Drewe Arms, Broadhembury
Only a few miles from Honiton, this is such a lovely pub, set in a very pretty village. The centuries old thatched building is wonderful, rambling and packed with history and character, out the back there’s a peaceful garden with trees all around and views of the church tower.
Choose what you want to eat from creative menus by the local boy chef; it’s all freshly cooked of course, and sourced from local suppliers. Great choice of mains for lunch or dinner, fantastic Sunday roast.
Website: https://www.drewearmsinn.co.uk/
Masons Arms, Branscombe
This one is good for a stroll along the shore or a walk on the South West Cost Path. The Masons Arms stands on the main street in Branscombe, lined with centuries old cottages with roses clambering up the walls, an old working forge, and historic bakery; the backdrop of the rolling Devon valley is lovely.
Inside the feels are very much coastal inn, with lots of charm –a quarry tiled floor, beams, bumpy stone walls, cosy corners, and when its chilly out, blazing fires to keep you toasty. Food is excellent, the best local ingredients are put to good use by creative chefs for breakfast, lunch, dinner or a cracking Sunday roast.
Website: https://masonsarms.co.uk/
Kings Arms, Stockland
Another lovely pub in a picturesque village, this time in the Blackdown Hills. If you were out pootling about on a mystery tour and you stumbled across this place, it would be a very serendipitous moment indeed. The building is fascinating – thatched and rambling, with all the kind of original features you’d expect. If it’s sunny out, find a table among the flowers in the garden, watch the comings and goings in the village.
The beauty of the food they serve here is its creative simplicity; ingredients are seasonal, sourced from local butchers, farms, growers, fishermen, and artisans. Choose from a Sunday Roast on Mother’s Day or select from the mains; starters and puds are equally tempting so don’t feel guilty if you have 3 courses.
Website: https://kingsstockland.co.uk/
Otter Valley Ice Cream and Field Kitchen
Just down the road from the holiday cottages at Stonehayes Farm, Otter Valley Ice Cream & Field Kitchen is about as local as it gets, because their ice cream is made onsite with milk from their own herd – you can see the cows happily grazing in the fields.
So, yes, it’s March, but who says you can’t have ice cream? Of course you can, especially on Mother’s Day. The food is all good – lunch options are sandwiches, wood fired pizzas, homemade pancakes, and everyone’s kind of favourites.
The views are fabulous from the light and airy glass walled restaurant where rafters soar to the ceiling, and from the outdoor tables.
Website: https://www.ottervalleydairy.co.uk/
River Cottage, Axminster
How about treating Mum to a River Cottage dining experience? This Mother’s Day they’re doing a Long Table Lunch, serving a 3 course farm-to-table feast in the rustic bar at River Cottage HQ near Axminster. Booking is absolutely essential and if there aren’t any places left, there’s always the River Cottage Kitchen at the top of the farm, where menus are seasonal, using organic produce from the farm or foraged locally. The views are astonishing, rolling on for miles across the Axe Valley. Large groups should book ahead.
Walk off your lunch with a wander round Trinity Hill (car park up the road) or go on to the Jurassic Coast for a stroll at Seaton or Lyme Regis.
Wesbite: https://rivercottage.net/
Enjoy your day, special times spent with the woman who brought you into the world and to whom you owe so much. Be together as a family, take photos, make memories that will always make you smile.
Happy Mother’s Day to each and everyone of the Mums out there 🩷
