The Burrator Inn

What a fantastic place.

The décor is beautiful — a perfect blend of old and modern styles that works brilliantly. It’s a spacious, bright, and airy pub that used to be a hunting lodge, giving it loads of character.

There’s an excellent selection on tap, and the staff were warm and welcoming from the moment we walked in. The pub has something for everyone — a lively section with a pool table, dart board, and big TV for sports fans, plus plenty of cozy spots to relax.

We ordered a the Jail Ale and Tribute before heading out to the beer garden, which has lovely tables at the front and charming individual booths that feel like old-time speakeasies. There’s also a huge grassy area with picnic tables and a brilliant play area for kids, complete with slides and climbing frames.

And for the finishing touches, how cool is this? They have a dedicated shed in the car park where you can wash and dry your dog after a muddy walk, plus a huge bike shed for cyclists. Such a thoughtful and brilliant pub

making everyone feel welcome.

P&P

Background....

The Burrator Inn (often called “The Burrie”) stands at the gateway to Dartmoor near Burrator Reservoir. The inn itself leans into its “old hunting lodge” character and today operates with seven en-suite guest rooms, open fires, and large dining areas following a recent refurbishment.

Origins (Late 19th Century)

1880 – Built as the Manor Hotel.
Local heritage records note the building was first constructed in 1880 under the name The Manor Hotel — the predecessor to today’s Burrator Inn. The original layout was smaller, with multiple snug rooms off a passageway.

Victorian/Edwardian context.
Dousland’s growth was tied to the Princetown branch railway, which opened in 1883 and closed in 1956 — placing the hotel on a useful route between Plymouth and the high moor.

Burrator Reservoir opens (1898).
The reservoir reshaped local travel and leisure patterns on western Dartmoor and helped cement the area as a destination for walkers and visitors — benefitting nearby inns and hotels.

The Post Office Years & Internal Layout

Heritage notes add that one end of the building housed a “Spanish bar” (roughly where the dining room is now) and, just around the corner, the village post office operated inside the building until 1959. That area later became the games room (pool/darts).

Name & 20th-Century Evolution

Over time, the Manor Hotel became known as The Burrator Inn, reflecting its proximity to the reservoir and the moor. Mid-century photos and accounts from the 1940s show it as a vibrant community hub for both locals and visitors alike.

Refurbishment & Recent Ownership

Major refit (2021).
The pub underwent a £444,000 transformation backed by its owner, Punch Pubs & Co., reopening with refreshed interiors while preserving its period charm.

Current offering.
After the refurbishment, The Burrie presents itself as a renovated hunting lodge with seven new en-suite bedrooms, home-cooked food, and a well-stocked bar — perfectly balancing heritage character with modern comfort.

Folklore & Local Lore

Several local stories tell of a “phantom postmistress” — a Victorian “lady in black” said to be linked to the period when the post office operated within the building. While a fun tale, it remains folklore rather than documented history.

At-a-Glance Timeline

1880 – Built as The Manor Hotel (later The Burrator Inn).

1883 – Dousland railway station opens on the Princetown branch (nearby).

1898 – Burrator Reservoir opens; the area becomes a popular recreation spot.

1956 – Dousland station closes; the branch line later lifted.

1959 – Post office inside the inn closes; space later becomes games area.

2021 – £444k refurbishment; reopens under Punch Pubs & Co. with upgraded rooms and spaces.

Today – Marketed as a renovated hunting lodge with seven en-suite rooms, dining, and garden on the edge of Dartmoor.