Where
Nestled in 245 acres of private Dartmoor National Park, just 45 minutes west of Exeter, Bovey Castle is reached via foxglove-lined lanes and chocolate-box villages, before the impressively pillared drive sweeps you in. Winding through the estate, past its pristine golf course, you finally arrive at the grand manor: pure bliss
What
Built in the 1930s by the heir to WHSmith, this neo-Elizabethan manor was conceived as a country retreat — equal parts rural sporting lodge and lavish party house. Post-war, it was sold to GWR and opened to the public, quickly becoming the grande dame of the South West, attracting a new generation of luxury-seeking holidaymakers via the railway.
That original glamour is very much alive today. Now part of the award-winning Eden Hotel Collection — recently crowned AA Small Hotel Group of the Year 2025 (for the second time in a decade) — Bovey Castle continues to deliver both history and high-end hospitality.
The manor house itself oozes classical charm: think vaulted ceilings, vast stone fireplaces, and a sweeping, wood-panelled staircase. The vibe is country-luxe, with wellies by the door and tweed-clad staff adding to the sense of relaxed refinement. It’s a well-oiled machine that hums discreetly in the background.
Sleep
We visited to trial one of Bovey’s dog-friendly stays. Our spacious State Room awaited with bowls and a bed already laid out for our four-legged companion. Towering cathedral windows filled the suite with natural light and offered sweeping views across the manicured lawns and wild moors beyond. Watching the dramatic weather roll in from the vast, cloud-soft bed, wrapped in a fluffy robe with the dog gently snoring at your feet, is surely the definition of cosy indulgence. For larger groups or families, there’s also a collection of semi self-catering lodges scattered around the grounds. These offer privacy and flexibility, while keeping the hotel’s amenities and dining just a two-minute stroll away.
Eat
The main event is the award-winning Great Western Grill. As a vegan, I was genuinely impressed to be handed a standalone menu rather than the usual apologetic footnote. The tomato tartare was light and fragrant; the vegetable Wellington — all crisp pastry and hearty root veg — was one of the best vegan fine-dining dishes I’ve had. Adi, the restaurant manager, was a lesson in old-school hospitality: attentive, charming, and effortlessly warm.
Meat-eaters are equally well catered for, with locally sourced Dartmoor steaks and the freshest catch from nearby Brixham Harbour.
Smith’s Brasserie, at the opposite end of the manor, is a relaxed, dog-friendly spot serving grill favourites, pastas and pizzas — perfect for a laid-back lunch or informal family dinner.
Do
The beauty of Bovey Castle lies in the breadth of its offering. The daily activities board might suggest teeing off at 9am on the championship 18-hole golf course, a massage at 1pm, and afternoon tea by 3. You can curl up with a book in the cosy library, take a dip in the lapis-blue indoor pool, or roam the gardens with your dog in tow.
The Crowd
A mix of well-heeled retirees and international visitors seeking a taste of quintessential English manor life. Weekends and school holidays see stylish families arriving, looking to entertain every generation with a blend of outdoor fun and indoor comforts.
Insider Tips
Make the most of the activities on offer. Whether it’s golf, fly fishing, clay pigeon shooting, or an adrenaline-fuelled 4x4 off-road adventure, there’s something for everyone – all set against the epic beauty of Dartmoor.
Bovey Castle, North Bovey, Dartmoor National Park, Devon TQ13 8RE. Book here.
