The Great Barn Devon

There is a peaceful charm to The Great Barn Devon’s location. Tucked into the Teign Valley, it sits among rolling hills and mature woodland, just eight miles from Exeter. The setting offers quiet countryside with easy access to city connections. Stone bridges, winding lanes, and long views define the approach, giving guests a sense of arrival.

Though it feels remote, the venue is within reach of both road and rail routes, with Exeter St Davids railway station just 8 miles away. For those flying in, Exeter International Airport is located 15 miles to the east, while Bristol International Airport is 77 miles north.

The Great Barn Devon offers a choice of licensed and non-licensed spaces for ceremonies. The Great Barn itself is ideal for indoor vows, with its high ceilings, historic beams and dramatic lighting. For those seeking something open-air, the walled garden’s Arbour provides a private and sunlit setting.

Traditional church ceremonies can be held at the nearby Church of St. John the Baptist, a short walk from the barn. This historic church is one of Britain’s top 1,000 and sits at the heart of the local hamlet.

Celebrant-led ceremonies, religious blessings, and cultural rituals such as Chinese tea ceremonies are welcome. The team supports couples in creating celebrations that are personal, inclusive, and meaningful.

Once the ceremony concludes, The Great Barn Devon transitions smoothly into a lively reception space. After the meal, guests can enjoy a coffee in The Roundhouse or The West Barn while the main barn is prepared for dancing.

The barn’s open central area becomes the heart of the party, with ample room for dancing, live music or a DJ set. The nearby bar keeps drinks flowing without pulling guests away from the celebration.

Entertainment is flexible-anything from a solo acoustic act to a full band can be accommodated. For a simpler setup, the barn has built-in tech for playlists and lighting, supported by the venue’s team.

As the evening unfolds, the courtyard transforms into a relaxed outdoor retreat. Festoon lights and a glowing fire pit offer a quiet place for guests to pause under the stars.

Three self-catering cottages provide on-site accommodation for up to 30 guests. Just a short walk from the barns, these properties combine comfort with elegant styling.

• Place sleeps 12 with room for five more. A Grade II listed house, it features the Bridal Apartment, designed for getting ready in calm and private surroundings.
• St Nectan sleeps 6 with space for two more, and overlooks the rose garden.
• Figgy Cottage sleeps 4, plus one on a fold-out bed, and has its own walled garden.

Each cottage is booked as a whole, not by the room, so couples can allocate space as they wish. The team can liaise directly with guests for payment and planning.

Having guests stay close by adds to the sense of shared celebration, from morning coffee to late-night chats.

Food at The Great Barn Devon is central to the experience. The in-house chefs work with seasonal, local produce to create generous, flavour-forward menus. Options range from plated three-course meals to relaxed sharing feasts, and menus can be tailored to reflect your preferences.

A Friday night supper can kick things off, and a Sunday brunch or BBQ offers a relaxed close to the weekend. The food consistently earns praise, with many calling it the best they’ve had at a wedding.

Drinks are equally considered. The Bubbly & Bar Drinks Menu includes local spirits, ciders and wines. You can also bring your own drinks, with a £15 per head fee covering service, chilling, and waste.

Sustainability is built into how The Great Barn operates. Food is sourced with care-seasonal, local, and often organic-to reduce food miles and waste.

The historic barns have been restored to be energy-efficient, and waste is actively minimised through reuse, recycling, and reducing plastic use. Couples are encouraged to make environmentally mindful choices, like using biodegradable confetti.

On-site accommodation also helps reduce travel needs, letting guests enjoy the celebration without constant car use.

The surrounding Teign Valley offers quiet beauty, from woodland walks to sweeping moorland views. The village of Ashton is nearby, and Dartmoor National Park lies just to the west for those seeking more adventure.

Though rural in feel, The Great Barn is just 8 miles from Exeter. The city offers a base for visitors, featuring shopping, dining, and direct rail connections. It’s easily reached via the A38 and M5.

Directions:

• From M5/A38 South: Exit for Teign Valley, cross A38, then right to B3193.
• From A38 North: Exit and left to B3193.
• Follow B3193 for 4 miles, turn right after the golf course, through Ashton, and continue 1 mile.

Exeter St Davids station (8 miles) offers direct trains to London. Exeter Airport is 15 miles away, and Bristol Airport is 77 miles away.

On-site parking is available.