Escape the city for the ancient county of Devon, where you should sample the national parks, English Riviera and the hyper-local menu at The Pig at Coombe.

London, of course, has countless merits. But sometimes you need a timeout. So, inspired by the launch of the new Audi A8, we started thinking of the best places to drive to just outside of London. One of the first destinations on our list was Devon – which has many advantages that a city simply cannot offer. Especially when it comes to landscape and food. The proximity to the coast means fresher fish, for example. The air is undoubtedly cleaner. And the lusher, more verdant land offers not just therapeutic effects – it also means better access to the high-quality ingredients, such as dairy products, vegetables, meat, which make for the best British food.

You could do a lot worse than staying at The Pig at Coombe (see below) – which is a three-and-a-half-hour drive down the M4, M3 and A303. In Devon, a car is the best way to get around – especially if you want to roam around the more remote parts where public transport is sporadic. You’ll experience a web of ancient, narrow roads – of the sort that, in the new A8, will make you appreciate its fine-tuned air suspension.

Once you’ve arrived at The Pig, well, you’ve not quite arrived just yet, because there’s a mile long driveway to navigate, starting in the village of Gittisham (once described by Prince Charles as “the perfect English village”). You will experience idyllic meadows – replete with Arabian horses, no less, and kitchen gardens, where 12 types of mint are grown. This impressive manor boasts 27 rooms – each charmingly mismatched and subtly decorated with their own distinctive look. Depending on which room you book, there’s a good chance you’ll find a TV disguised as a mirror, or a minibar masquerading as an antique cupboard.

Dining at the Pig is one of the main draws. It is one of the best representations of Devonshire food that you will find. Their informal “25 mile” menu features locally sourced ingredients – from venison to lamb to scallops and produce from the kitchen gardens – prepared simply, but expertly. This is hyper-local eating in idyllic surrounds. We especially like the whole roasted plaice and the buckhouse lamb loin.

The Pig is located near to the Otter Valley, so head to Seaton Wetlands for a serious dose of flora and fauna. If you want to venture further afield, and fancy a quick dip, head to the resort towns along the Torbay coastline (also known as the English Riviera). If a longer drive is on the cards, and you have a bit of time to spare, head to Dartmoor or Exmoor national parks.

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