Ashburton is an appealing blend of traditional, edge-of-the-moor town and bordering-on-chic retreat. Elegant terraces and granite cottages line its winding streets, and you can shop for everything from hiking rucksacks to upcycled antiques. It's an all-round pleasant place, and a good base for the southern area of Dartmoor.

THE BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN ASHBURTON

CAFES, PUBS AND RESTAURANTS

Moorish

On West Street, there's Moorish, a restaurant producing dishes that are, well, Moorish and more-ish, while on North Street there's the Agaric which has been in the Good Food Guide for a decade. A nearby deli displays 50 local artisan cheeses and 12 salamis. I could go on, but you get the point – there may be only 3,500 residents but this town is Foodie Central.

Old Library

Chefs Joe and Amy describe themselves as 'locally grown' and this idea shines through in their simple but sophisticated food that showcases prime Devon produce.

Taylor’s Cafe

Wander inside Tea at Taylor’s and you’ll be greeted by a warm interior, antique furnished decor and the smell of freshly baked scones (gluten-free options are also available). There’s also a great cake, sandwiches and soup selection.

FOOD & DRINK SHOPS

The Fish Deli

The Fish Deli sells River Teign mussels, diver-caught scallops and haddock which is "not like the rubbish up north", according to the sign. There are other fruit and veg stores, a sandwich shop and upmarket takeaways, while the most recent arrival is Moor Chocolat! selling coconut ice and Venezuelan and Ghanaian cacao.

Ashburton Deli

Ashburton Deli sells 30 local artisan cheeses, some of which are produced by producer with his very own cave for ageing, air-dried ham from Ottery St Mary in Devon, pate from Exmoor, delicious cakes from Exeter, award winning salamis from Delabole in Cornwall, locally smoked fish and meat, tea picked in Cornwall, Cornish goat’s milk chocolates, preserves from Ashburton-based Wild Garden Preserves and Hog’s Bottom Garden Delights in Tavistock, locally-made meringues, macaroons and Laydilay eggs.

Moor Chocolate

Moor Chocolate is for lovers of all things sweet. Situated halfway up the high street, you’ll find a candy coloured building. Inside, all types of candy, chocolate, and other confectionery. Here, you’ll find a sweet tooth’s dream spread of sugary snacks.

Ella’s Artisan Bakers

You’ll need an early start to catch Ella’s delicious range of breads and cakes before they sell out.

THINGS TO DO IN ASHBURTON

Ashburton Antiques Trail

There are no less than 12 antiques shops crammed in Ashburton’s town centre, and the Ashburton Antiques Trail has a special map to guide you round them. There’s everything from Victoriana to fine-art. Our favourite is Alchemy Antiques, for its carefully curated selection of gorgeous furniture and homewares.

Ashburton Cookery School

Long-established cookery school, offering more than 40 courses in everything from breadmaking to teen cuisine, via fish filleting and food photography. Queen of all she surveys here is Stella West Harling, whose Ashburton Cookery School has taught 20,000 amateur and professional chefs during the past 17 years, including five who reached the televised stages of the BBC's 2009 Masterchef series.

Town Guide: Ashburton