Some towns reward a slower pace. Ashburton is one to explore with room for a browse, a second coffee and something you did not know you were looking for. These nine discoveries give you different ways to spend a day in and around town. Choose a few that suit you; the flower farm is a separate countryside stop, while an Arts Centre booking gives you a reason to stay into the evening.
Start with a little colour
Rafikis brings pink walls, plants and vegetarian brunch to St Lawrence Lane. Make it your first stop for coffee and a generous plate, or keep it for a long lunch. The cheerful setting is a good excuse to put your phone down after the photograph.
Meet RafikisBrowse things made by people
At Craftmongers on East Street, the shelves invite a closer look. Find a handmade mug, a thoughtful book or a useful object with a maker behind it. This is the sort of stop that deserves a little time, even if you only came out for coffee.
Meet CraftmongersLook for the lilac shopfront
On East Street, tessdesigns brings gifts, cards and colourful clothing into the same browse. Pick out a present, look through the scarves and bags, or ask the team to help you find something for a particular occasion. Its lilac frontage is close to the Bullring junction.
Meet tessdesignsFollow your curiosity along West Street
Field System adds art, folk traditions and curious objects to the day. Look in on the current exhibition, browse the shop and see what catches your eye. If a talk or workshop appeals, check its date and booking details before planning your visit around it.
Meet Field SystemChoose another good table
If brunch did not happen earlier, The Old Library gives you another daytime option on North Street. Its hand-crafted interior and food make a natural pause between shops. You do not need to fit both cafés into one visit: leave yourself a reason to come back.
Meet The Old LibraryMake a separate detour for flowers
Bloomin’ Lovely Flower Farm is at Goodstone Cross, outside Ashburton, so allow for a separate journey. When the picking season is open, wander among the flowers, choose your own stems and pause at the café. Check seasonal opening and any workshop bookings before you travel.
Meet Bloomin’ Lovely Flower FarmFind a pub with a garden tucked behind it
The Old Exeter Inn on West Street gives you another way to make a meal of the day. Choose a pie or something else from the current menu, settle into one of the characterful rooms and look for the walled garden at the back. Book a table if you have a particular mealtime in mind.
Meet Old Exeter InnStay for supper, if the mood takes you
Make a separate booking at Emilia if you want your little day out to become an evening. The intimate Italian dining room has limited space and a changing menu. A planned supper is a lovely finish; an unhurried afternoon can be plenty, too.
Meet EmiliaLet the evening have its own soundtrack
Ashburton Arts Centre fills the former Methodist church on West Street with live music and other performances. Browse the current programme and book a show that catches your eye. It is a lovely reason to turn a daytime wander into an evening out; classes and workshops have their own arrangements.
Meet Ashburton Arts CentreMake it your own. These are ideas to choose from, not a timed itinerary. Check each venue’s current opening, availability and travel arrangements before you go.
An independently researched Near & Known edit. Venue details checked against their own websites, October 2026. No paid placements in this guide.
