BOVEY CASTLE
About the Castle Hotel
Bovey Castle, Dartmoor - A Grand Country Estate Retreat
Bovey Castle presents itself as a grand country estate, offering a luxurious escape set against the dramatic backdrop of Dartmoor National Park. This historic property, comprising a striking manor house and charming private mews, provides a refined experience that balances its considerable heritage with contemporary comforts. It's an establishment that understands the art of hospitality, catering to discerning guests seeking both tranquility and a wealth of activities.
Location
Situated within the sprawling grounds of Dartmoor National Park, Bovey Castle offers breathtaking views across rolling valleys and moorland. Its secluded position provides an immediate sense of escape, yet it is conveniently located only 40 km from Exeter International Airport. Nearby attractions include the Grimspound ancient settlement, the Miniature Pony Centre, and the historic Castle Drogo, offering opportunities for exploration beyond the estate's extensive offerings.
Style and Character
The estate exudes a distinguished, almost regal charm, with the main manor house providing a sense of timeless grandeur. The 60 individually designed bedrooms, spread across the manor and the mews, offer luxurious and comfortable surroundings. Public spaces, such as the main living area with its wood-burning stove and open-plan bar, are designed with a relaxed yet intriguing atmosphere, utilizing a neutral palette that allows the architectural details and the surrounding views to take centre stage. The sense of occasion is palpable, particularly during festive periods with events like cider and sloe gin making.
Service and Facilities
Service at Bovey Castle aims for an impeccable standard, with staff seemingly attentive to every guest's needs. The Elan Spa is a highlight, described as a sanctuary for relaxation, offering an impressive array of treatments using high-quality products. For those seeking activity, the estate features an 18-hole championship golf course with spectacular valley views, a well-appointed indoor Art Deco swimming pool, and a wide range of pursuits including falconry displays, archery, rifle shooting, and a 4x4 off-road track. There's also a dedicated children's club and playroom, ensuring entertainment for all ages.
Rooms
Bovey Castle offers a diverse range of accommodations, from elegantly appointed rooms in the main hotel to self-catering country lodges. The main hotel rooms, categorized by views (courtyard, woodland, valley, or Dartmoor vistas), feature luxurious furnishings, many with double sofa beds for families. The three-bedroom lodges, ideal for families or groups seeking privacy, are fully equipped with kitchens and living spaces, offering a home-away-from-home experience, though breakfast is a separate arrangement for lodge guests. Both hotel rooms and lodges aim to provide comfort and spectacular views.
Food and Drink
Dining is a significant part of the Bovey Castle experience. Executive Head Chef Mark Budd oversees menus that emphasize locally sourced ingredients from Devon and the South West. Options range from sophisticated dining in the Great Western Grill, which hosts special events like a six-course gala dinner with live music, to more casual gastro-pub fare at Smith's Brasserie. For ultimate convenience, family-style meals can be delivered directly to lodge doors. A signature treat is the Afternoon Tea, a quintessentially British indulgence, and for those with specific tastes, a Gourmet Larder offers selections such as smoked salmon, alongside BBQ packs.
Value for Money
Bovey Castle positions itself at the upper end of the market, with pricing reflecting its five-star status, extensive facilities, and the quality of its dining and spa services. The inclusion of numerous activities on-site, from the golf course to falconry, contributes to the overall value, particularly for those intending to make full use of the estate's offerings. While not an inexpensive option, the breadth of experiences and the luxury setting suggest a justifiable expense for a special occasion or a comprehensive countryside retreat.
Accessibility
Information regarding specific accessibility features, such as wheelchair access or adapted rooms, is not detailed in the provided text. Guests with specific mobility requirements should contact the hotel directly to ascertain the suitability of their facilities and accommodations.
Family-Friendly
Bovey Castle clearly caters to families, with its three-bedroom lodges providing ample space and self-catering facilities. The hotel itself offers a children's club during school holidays, a playroom, and activities like falconry displays, woodland walks, and swimming. Many hotel rooms can accommodate children on sofa beds or extra beds, and the option for family-style dining in the lodges adds to the convenience. The range of outdoor activities further ensures that younger guests will find plenty to engage them.
Choose your room
Price and Room Availability Calendar
Local transport options
Overview of transport connections
Facilities
General
- No smoking on site
- Free Wi-Fi
- Parking
- Safe deposit box
- 24-hour reception
- VIP check-in/ -out
- Express check-in/ -out
- Pets allowed
- Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
- Wheelchair access
- 24-hour security
- Luggage storage
- Locker room
- Lift
- Barber shop
- Coffee shop
- Smoke detectors
- Electric vehicle charging station
- Fire extinguishers
- Key access
Sports & Fitness
- Fitness centre
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Tennis court
- Golf course
- Billiard tables
- Table tennis
- Archery
- Yoga class
- Fishing
Guest Parking
- Electric kettle
- Cookware/ Kitchen utensils
Services
- Pet amenities available
- Room service
- Laundry
- Dry cleaning
- Tours/Ticket assistance
- Grocery shopping service
- Welcome drink
Dining
- In-room breakfast
- Restaurant
- Bar/ Lounge area
- Picnic area/ Tables
- Packed lunches
- Special diet menus
Business
- Business centre
- Meeting/ Banquet facilities
- Fax/Photocopying
Children
- Cots
- Playpen
- Board games
- Children's menu
- Children's play area
- Toys
Facilities for people with disabilities
- Toilet for disabled
- Bathroom for disabled
Spa & Leisure
- Indoor swimming pool
- Sun loungers
- Garden area
- Spa & wellness centre
- Sauna
- Steam room
- Jacuzzi
- Pedicure
- Manicure
- Waxing
- Body scrub
- Facial
- Treatment room
- Body wraps
- Back massage
- Head massage
- Full body massage
- Foot massage
- Pool with view
Room features
- Heating
- Sitting area
- Patio
- Terrace
- Garden furniture
- Tea and coffee facilities
- Ironing facilities
Bathroom
- Free toiletries
Self-catering
- Electric kettle
- Cookware/ Kitchen utensils
Media
- AM/FM alarm clock
Location
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