Pub Camper & MotorHome Stopover Site:
-The Old Smithy Inn Welcombe Welcombe,
Bideford EX39 6HG
01288 331305all firstAlways try and call ahead to check availability
Visit Location on Google
Get Directions


Reported as Free
(Call to confirm as some locations ask that you make a purchase)


Camper Motorhome Stopover Site + Pub/Restaurant
The Old Smithy Inn Welcombe Motorhome Stopover Information
🏠 About the Pub
The Old Smithy Inn is a charming 13th-century thatched inn located in Welcombe, North Devon, nestled at the top of the valley surrounded by stunning unspoilt countryside and just a mile from the sea near the Cornwall border. It embraces a fresh food ethos with a strong focus on local and British ingredients, offering a wide range of dietary options including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free. The pub supports a friendly atmosphere for motorhome owners, providing free campervan stopovers in their car park in exchange for dining at the pub.
They also offer luxury bed and breakfast accommodation with three stylish en-suite rooms on site, offering beautiful valley and sea views from some rooms. The Old Smithy Inn is well-known for its inclusive menu and high-quality Sunday roasts which include meat and a nut roast option.
⏰ Opening Times
- Wednesday: 3pm – 10pm (Food 5:30pm – 8:30pm)
- Thursday to Saturday: 12pm – 10:30pm (Food 12pm – 2:30pm and 5:30pm – 8:30pm)
- Sunday: 12pm – 8pm (Food 12pm – 3pm and 5pm – 7pm)
Note: Booking in advance is strongly advised, especially during holiday periods. A deposit of £5 per person is taken over the phone for groups of 5 or more.
🍽️ Food & Drink
The Old Smithy Inn serves a wide range of locally sourced British food, including fresh meat, game, and fish, as well as plant-based dishes for vegans and vegetarians. Children’s portions are available, with properly cooked meals from scratch. Their renowned Sunday roasts include beef, pork, lamb, gammon, and nut roast, with homemade gluten-free gravies prepared over three days.
They offer a good selection of real ales, including beers from nearby Forge Brewery and other West Country breweries, alongside excellent ciders.
🛠️ Facilities
- Free Motorhome Parking (with meal & drink purchase)
- Dog Friendly 🐕
- Beer Garden 🌿
- Full Bar & Real Ales 🍺
- Reservations Available
- Outdoor Seating
- WiFi
- Family Friendly Kids Portions
- Parking Available
- Live Music & Events (including a Beer and Music Festival in July)
🌟 Reviews & Rating
The Old Smithy Inn holds a strong reputation with approximately 857 reviews on Tripadvisor. It is within the top 10% of restaurants on Tripadvisor, reflecting a high level of satisfaction among visitors.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) – Best known for great Sunday lunch and an inclusive menu with good vegan options.
The pub is praised for its cosy atmosphere, friendly staff, vegan and gluten-free options, and a lovely beer garden with scenic views. Some reviews mention mixed service experiences, so booking and patience are recommended.
📍 Nearby Things to Do (within 5 miles)
1. Welcombe Mouth Beach
A beautiful and secluded cove just a mile from The Old Smithy Inn, ideal for peaceful beach walks, picnics, and exploring tidal pools in summer. It offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and is popular for swimming and paddling.
Click HERE to view this place on Google (opens in new window)
2. Hartland Quay
Only a few miles away, Hartland Quay is a rugged coastal area known for its dramatic cliffs, rock formations, and a rich history including shipwreck tales and old lime kilns. It also has walkways for coastal hiking and scenic photography.
Click HERE to view this place on Google (opens in new window)
3. Clovelly Village
A picturesque historic fishing village approximately 5 miles away, famous for its cobbled streets, charming cottages, and donkey paths. Clovelly offers arts, crafts shops, museums, and beautiful coastal walks.
Click HERE to view this place on Google (opens in new window)
4. Welcombe Hills Nature Reserve
Close by nature reserve providing woodland walks, wildflower meadows, and panoramic views of the coastline. It’s an excellent spot for birdwatching and enjoying the tranquility of North Devon’s countryside.
Click HERE to view this place on Google (opens in new window)
5. Bude Canal and Wharf
Located around 5 miles from the inn, Bude Canal offers easy flat towpath walks, cycling routes, and a lovely waterside café. The wharf features boating and is ideal for a relaxing day out close to nature and local history.
Click HERE to view this place on Google (opens in new window)
With its idyllic location, excellent food, welcoming atmosphere, and free motorhome parking linked to dining, The Old Smithy Inn is a perfect Motorhome Pub Stopover for travelers exploring North Devon’s coast and countryside.
Extra Info about this Motorhome Pub Stopover:
Facilities:








-The Old Smithy Inn is a charming and historic pub located in the picturesque village of Welcombe, Bideford. The building dates back to the 17th century and has been lovingly restored to retain its original character and charm. The interior is warm and inviting, with exposed beams, a roaring fireplace, and comfortable seating areas. The pub serves a range of delicious food and drink, including local ales and ciders, and the menu features classic pub dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Welcombe is a beautiful village nestled in the heart of the North Devon countryside, with stunning coastal walks and breathtaking views. Visitors can explore the nearby beaches, including the secluded Welcombe Mouth Beach, or take a stroll along the South West Coast Path. The village is also home to a number of other historic buildings, including the 12th-century St Nectan’s Church. For those looking for a relaxing break in a peaceful and idyllic setting, The Old Smithy Inn is the perfect choice.


ukcampsites.co.uk within 5 miles


Help your Fellow Camper & Motorhome Owners by leaving a review for this Motorhome Stopover.
We are a lovely community and wave when we pass each other.
Wave System Explained:






*Some sites may no longer allow Camper & Motorhome Stopovers due to closure or other reasons so please help us and your fellow motorhome community by letting us all know in the review section, plus advise if a Free site reported to us now charges a small fee so we can update the listing accordingly.
Leave a Review Cancel reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Sorry, no records were found. Please adjust your search criteria and try again.
Sorry, unable to load the Maps API.
Checkout more Pub Stopovers for Motorhomes





1 Review on “The Old Smithy Inn Welcombe”
Fantastic place. We have stayed here in the past also. Lovely level gravel car park. Fantastic food, very friendly service ????.
Last time we stayed we also had breakfast which was amazing.