This article was written on 5 June 2026
and is a 5 minute read
National Fish and Chip Day was launched in 2015 in celebration of the UK’s favourite dish. It takes place on the fist Friday of June every year and brings together everyone involved in creating this wonderful takeaway favourite.
With so many coastal locations near Forest Glade, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to this delicious, traditional seaside treat. Do you take yours with salt and vinegar? A bit of ketchup? Or the more off-piste curry sauce? However you enjoy it, make sure you go to somewhere where they cook the food from fresh and, really, you need to sample it in the open air and, best of all, right by the sea.
The Esplanade on Sidmouth is a scenic spot for your takeaway (Image: Maria Thorne)
If you’re after a quick takeaway fishing fix while staying with us, look no further than Alan’s Fish and Chips in Cullompton. A family-run business originating in Exeter, Alan’s family is continuing his tradition of great food and warm hospitality. We’ve always found their food to be cooked fresh, with large portions and friendly service.
The Proper Fish and Chips’ Honiton store has been named as one of the UK’s 50 best fish and chip takeaways in 2026. Eat in or take away, the fish served is from sustainable stocks and the potatoes, pies and burgers are sourced in the South West.
Greendale Farm Shop on the Exeter to Sidmouth road, has an excellent reputation. Their menu includes a wider range of fish than your regular chippy including bass, hake, gurnard and even scallops! They source fish from their own boats and make chips from their own potatoes. You can’t get fresher than that and you can even order online. They have gluten-free fish and chips every Monday. They also have a wonderful fish counter with a wide array of locally caught fish and seafood.
The award winning Darts Farm in Topsham also serve locally caught fresh, seasonal fish caught by local fishermen. You can request yours cooked in the traditional batter or grilled as a healthy and tasty alternative.
Photo by Seb Reivers on Unsplash
The River Exe Cafe is an unusual, seasonal floating restaurant, moored out in the middle of the river itself. Accessible by water only, you can get there by water taxi from Exmouth marina and this forms part of your booking, which must be made in advance.
Back on dry land, Rockfish is located next to the town slipway, overlooking the beautiful Exe Estuary. It’s part of a small chain of local seafood restaurants serving dishes that change daily, depending on the most recently landed catch. A new Rockfish restaurant has just opened in Sidmouth (Spring 2026).
Brixham, S. Devon, with its plentiful fishing boats, is where the original Rockfish was founded (Image: Maria Thorne)
If you would like to sample your fish and chips with the briny smell of the sea in the air and a little wooden fork in your hand, then you can’t do better than head over to one of our nearby beaches. Not far from the Esplanade in Sidmouth you’ll find the White Horse Cafe in Old Fore Street, but be prepared to queue down the road as it gets very busy! Also in Sidmouth is Sidmouth Trawlers, a family run business selling fresh fish landed in Brixham as well as fish baps and crab sandwiches freshly made to take away. Check out their Facebook page to find dates for their own Fish and Chip van, popping up around the town. Krispies in Exmouth even batter the chips to live up to their name, and the Budleigh Beach branch of Rockfish not only serves take away fish and chips but you can also eat in and they are open at 9am for breakfast baps. Opening times are limited so check before you go. Take your meal and sit on once of the seafront benches to admire the view. Just keep an eye out for seagulls!
A beady-eyed seagull at Exmouth (Maria Thorne)
If you fancy actually going out and catching some fish for yourself, you can’t do better than heading to Beer, where a mackerel fishing trip makes a great family activity. Enjoy the beautiful East Devon coastline from the water and perhaps return with some fresh mackerel for the barbecue.
Lyme Bay Boat Trips in Lyme Regis offer daily mackerel and deep sea fishing and sightseeing trips. It’s fascinating to get a different view of the coastline and local towns.
Fishing boats at Beer (Maria Thorne)
You’re spoilt for choice for fish and chips in Devon. Don’t forget to let us know which is your favourite!