There has been a hostelry on this site since Roman times welcoming travellers who sampled the fine fayre and local brews, a tradition upheld to this day.

Guests in previous years, especially the clergy on their travels between Torre Abbey in Torquay and Bishopsteignton, used to rest here with us with their pack horses whilst waiting to use the tidal ford to cross the River Teign. It is believed that part of the Roman road can still be found under the floor of The Old Inn.

In later years the granite railway remains of which can still be seen were built in order to link the granite quarries on Dartmoor, before becoming a National Park, to the Stover and Hackney canals. Stone was transported down the River Teign to the docks at Teignmouth via barges operated by the lighterman, as was clay from local pits, both to be exported worldwide.

The stone that was used to build the Old London Bridge came from these quarries. The scene then was a hive of activity, now it is one of tranquillity.

The passage House is located in what was the little hamlet of Hackney, so named after the fishing nets once used on the river.

Hackney itself consisted if the Inn and a number of small cottages occupied by the barges or lighterman who worked the local canals and river. The cottages, to the right of the Passage House Inn along the river bank, are now derelict but still visible through the overgrown fruit trees.

The setting of the Passage House Inn is quite stunning. It is situated on the northern bank of the River Teign at the head of the estuary.

The surrounding area is one of the most important wildlife habitats in the West Country, teaming with wildlife. In contrast to the wild and rugged terrain of Dartmoor, the veil around the estuary throughout the seasons is a calm and peaceful haven for birds, including many usual migrants.

Dogs are always very welcome here at The Passage House Club. We think this is the perfect place to bring your dog to enjoy some of the excellent facilities on our doorstep. The Passage House Inn is dog-friendly (bar area) and the local nature reserve, Hackney Marshes, is just on our doorstep.

The gateway to Dartmoor is also just 15 minutes’ drive away where there are many splendid walks and rivers for your dog to enjoy.

Let us know in advance of your stay that you are bringing your pet dog, and we will make sure that we provide a dog bowl and some tasty treats for your pet’s arrival!

Why Leave your Dogs at home…?

There are numerous walks on Dartmoor and local country parks such as Stover, Decoy and Parke Estate are all very popular with dog walkers.

Dog-Friendly Beaches

Slapton Sands (dogs allowed all year)

Mead foot Beach, Torbay (long stretch shingle beach)

Ness Cove Beach, Shaldon (dogs allowed all year round)

Shoal stone Beach, Brixham (Small shingle beach with café)

Dawlish Warren Beach (Certain areas restricted)

Teignmouth Beach (Dogs at extreme ends only)

Elberry Cove, Broadsands (Pretty shingle beach)

Torquay beach

Peaked Tor Cove, Torbay (Tiny pebbly Cove)

Babbacombe Beach (Delightful Small beach set beneath the cliffs)

Teignmouth River Beach (dogs welcome all year round)

Salcombe North Sands Beach (Dogs welcome all year round)

There are lots of places to visit in Devon with your dog. We have listed below some local attractions which are dog-friendly. Lots of National Trust places do accept dogs too, so please search their website for further information.