LOCAL RESTAURANTS
There are many good restaurants within a short drive ranging from Michelin 2 star at Gidley Park to the many pubs with better than average food in the local villages. 

WALKS
Dartmoor is famous for its many walks, which range from short scenic rambles to serious treks. Typically it is a 20 minute to half an hour drive from the Garden House to find the best walks. See www.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk for more information.
In the local countryside, there are many footpaths including the "Two Moors Way" within easy reach.  All give superb views of the rolling Devon countryside.
Castle Drogo (see below) has several attractive posted walks through the grounds and the beautiful Teign Valley. 

PLACES TO VISIT
National Trust properties Castle Drogo - 6 miles (the last castle to be built in the UK, designed by Edwin Lutyens).  Finches Foundry - 7 miles (a fascinating working forge powered by waterwheels).  Lydford Gorge - 15 miles (famous 1 1/2 mile gorge on the western edge of Dartmoor).  There are many more - the National Trust booklet on Devon properties is in the Garden House, and information is available online at www.nationaltrust.org.uk.

Preserved Railways The nearest is the Dartmoor Railway (10 miles at Okehampton) which runs a short distance from Okehampton (and occasionally the 15 miles to Crediton) to the superb listed iron bridge at Meldon (see www.dartmoorrailway.co.uk).  Bikes can be hired at Okehampton to ride along the disused track to the west (nice and easy cycling!).   Others include  the South Devon Railway,   Paignton Steam Railway and the small Devon Railway Centre.
Not a railway but for those interested in machinery an excellent visit is Coldharbour Mill.

Animals and scenery etc.  Paignton zoo  and Torquay's coastal zoo are both within easy reach by car.   Also worth visiting is The Donkey Sanctuary  and Miniature Pony Centre.  For stunning scenery visit Becky Falls and Canonteign Falls, or head underground to Kents Cavern.

Exeter and Area  Exeter, the Regional Capital, has many places of interest to visit as well as being a good shopping centre - see this site.  Bike and canoe hire is available from the historic Exeter Quay.   Many boat trips along the coast can be arranged from various places near Exeter, see fpr example Stuart Line Cruises.