Masons Arms, Branscombe, South Devon

Masons Arms, Branscombe

February 7, 2023

This summer, St Austell has made some exciting new developments ahead of the staycation season with the renovation of 14th-century Masons Arms in Branscombe, South Devon – one of Britain’s most picturesque villages. The £2 million investment will revitalise the pub’s timeless, charming features, making it the perfect country escape for locals and tourists alike.

Comprising 28 rooms and a converted cottage, Masons Arms is quintessentially English, with a thatched roof, characterful timber beams, pine cladding, whitewashed walls and a roaring log fire. The pub’s well-appointed rooms have views of the beautiful Devon countryside, each of which has been refurbished to the highest standard, masterfully blending the historical with the contemporary. The rooms and thatched cottage have been redesigned with refreshed and homely interiors and calming, earthy tones to reflect the property’s surroundings. Public spaces such as the dining rooms have also been redesigned, with warm tones, cosy furnishings and a brand-new private dining space.

The design inspiration behind the new rooms, was centred around creating an inviting, country escape that aligned with the newly renovated trading areas. The Cottage rooms had so much character and wonderful original features that the team really wanted to enhance by adding rich colours and textures. The quirky shape of such an old building means that no two rooms are the same.

The atmospheric gastropub downstairs offers a convivial and warm atmosphere for guests to enjoy, as well as sumptuous dishes including fresh seafood and reimagined pub classics. The provenance of ingredients is central to the Masons Arms’ offering, with produce sourced from local farms and suppliers in the southwest. Paired with a cold pint of St Austell’s beer, the Masons Arms is the perfect place from which to explore the bounties of the Devon countryside and coastline – the property is dog-friendly too!

WHAT MAKES THE MASONS ARMS GREAT FOR FAMILIES?

Classic family rooms have all mod cons and are beautifully decorated, oozing countryside chic. These rooms are situated above the pub and sleep three or four.
Superior Studio Rooms are on the ground floor and offer a kitchenette for self-catering as well as a sofa bed.
An informal atmosphere and dog-friendly – there are none of the stuffy constraints of a posh hotel, but instead a more relaxed and low key vibe.
Masons Arms boasts an extensive kids menu so fussy little ones will be well catered for.
The South West Coastal Walk is right on your doorstep as well as beaches for the kids to enjoy.
The road the Masons Arms resides on is part of the South West 660 driving route; perfect for families travelling by car with lots of luggage!
Branscombe, thought to be the longest village in England, has a number of historic buildings. The Old Bakery and Forge, for example, are both National Trust properties that can be found in the beautiful streets. Inside the Old Bakery you will find yourself surrounded by baking tins and storage jars as well as open fires, while the compact Forge is thought to be the oldest working thatched forge of its kind in England.
The countryside and coastline surrounding Branscombe is a walker’s delight. With the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty at its door step and the South West Coast Path stretching out either side of the village, which ever direction you head in you’ll be sure to find amazing views, stunning scenery and a range of wildlife to be spotted.
Branscombe beach is a long expanse of pebbles flanked by pretty painted beach huts and a beachside cafe. Branscombe Beach is a great family friendly beach; at low tide children can explore the beaches rockpools and find sea creatures hiding below the waves. During the summer, National Park rangers are on site every Sunday and Bank Holiday to help children discover the rockpools, or get involved in local activities.
For families, close by are many local visitor attractions such as Crealy Adventure Park, Seaton Tramway, Seaton Jurassic, The Donkey Sanctuary and Pecorama – so you’ll have no trouble keeping the kids entertained!