River Cottage
River Cottage HQ, Trinity Hill Road, Axminster, EX13 8TB
Member Overview
A Landmark Devon Food Destination Championing Seasonal, Sustainable Eating
River Cottage is an internationally recognised food, farming and education hub based at Park Farm, near Axminster, on the Devon–Dorset border. Founded by Hugh Fearnley‑Whittingstall, River Cottage has spent over two decades championing seasonal, local and organic food, combining on‑farm growing, cookery courses, dining experiences, events and accommodation within a working farm setting. [
A Farm‑Led Food Philosophy.
At the heart of River Cottage is a simple but powerful ethos: good food starts with good ingredients. Much of the produce used on site is grown on River Cottage’s 100‑acre organic farm, sourced from trusted Devon and Dorset producers.
- Selected for seasonality, sustainability and flavour. This approach shapes every part of River Cottage’s offer, from daily cooking in the kitchen to immersive dining feasts and hands‑on courses.
The River Cottage Kitchen & Dining Experiences.
The River Cottage Kitchen offers relaxed daytime dining, serving breakfast, brunch and lunch in a welcoming, dog‑friendly space overlooking the Axe Valley. Menus change regularly, guided by what is available from the farm, kitchen garden and local suppliers.
Alongside casual dining, River Cottage is renowned for its Dining Feasts, hosted in the restored threshing barn. These multi‑course events celebrate the best seasonal produce and bring guests together for immersive food experiences led by the River Cottage chef team.
The River Cottage Cookery School.
River Cottage is also home to one of the UK’s most respected cookery and skills schools, offering courses ranging from one day to four days in length. Courses cover topics including:
- Seasonal cooking and vegetable‑led eating
- Bread‑making, fermentation and preserving
- Butchery and meat skills
- Fish preparation and sustainable seafood
- Cheese‑making, foraging and gardening
Courses are practical, educational and rooted in River Cottage’s belief that cooking skills empower people to eat better and more sustainably.
Accommodation, Weddings & Events
Guests can stay on site at River Cottage in a selection of farmhouse rooms, cottages and off‑grid cabins, offering a peaceful countryside escape with views across the farm and valley.
River Cottage is also a sought‑after venue for:
- Weddings, centred around seasonal food and relaxed celebration
- Private dining and milestone events
- Corporate gatherings and team retreats
Every event is supported by River Cottage’s in‑house food, hospitality and event teams.
Producers | Restaurants & Cafés | Cookery Schools | Event & Wedding Venues | Sustainable & Organic Food | East Devon | River Cottage | Devon food destination | sustainable food Devon | cookery courses Devon | organic farm dining
Where to find us