Arriving to the satisfying crunch of gravel, the happy smile of the concierge and a notable freshness in the air, the welcome at Bovey Castle is one of pure excellence and one that the original owner, Viscount Hambleden, heir to the WH Smith Empire, would certainly have been proud of.
Found on the edge of the Bovey valley, surrounded by 275 rolling acres of Dartmoor National Park and overlooking meticulously landscaped Edwardian gardens and a sparkling lake below, Bovey Castle is an idyllic national gem and an exceptional example of some of England’s last true wilderness.
Endless entertainment
Whatever your whim, Bovey Castle provides the ultimate experience with elegance, ambience and finesse. For those after a tranquil escape, one can meander through the regal rooms, unwind with a luxury treatment at the critically acclaimed Sundãri Spa, watch the astonishing morning falconry display upon the terrace or dine in style in one of the memorable restaurants. For those seeking adventure or corporate bonding, tranquillity can be abandoned in favour of a competitive game on the 18-hole championship golf course, entertainment in the immaculate event and conference facilities, flying an eagle across Dartmoor, cider and sloe gin making, or a War Horse pony trek over the moors. Egg collecting, cocktail making and hot air ballooning are a few more of many other quirky activities on offer.
A veritable treasure, Bovey Castle has thought of everything. After hearty activity, guests may be in need of a hearty meal, and there are many menus offering the solution. With a wealth of dining choices, every taste bud is tantalised. Guests are offered a range of experiences, from the informality of the Castle Bistro, the quintessential afternoon tea of the Cathedral room – which on sunny days can be enjoyed with the panoramic views from the South Terrace – to head chef Marc Hardiman’s delectable Dartmoor Beef menu in The Edwardian Grill, and the opulent delights of the castle’s private dining service.
Family fun
Children will also be suitably indulged with a bountiful selection of activities. From the comfort of the hotel, happy hours can be spent by little ones splashing around in the generous swimming pool and building Lego models to their hearts’ content on the floor of your suite, delivered by the hotel’s toy concierge – an exclusive room service menu at Bovey Castle. Beyond your suite, the playroom will keep young children occupied with baking, painting, puzzles and more, while parents relax. For seven-to-14-year-olds, Bovey
Rangers is on hand to organise supervised activities in the school holidays, including rock climbing, kayaking and an exciting course in survival skills.
Rooms with a view
Boasting magnificent views across the moorland and 64 luxurious bedrooms and suites, as well as a collection of three-bedroom granite and oak lodges, each bordering the golf course and secluded by lakes and manicured lawns, Bovey Castle is the perfect choice for a sojourn this spring.
Featured in the Condé Nast Traveller Gold List, 2011, named UK flagship spa for Sundãri, 2011, and honoured with gold five-star accreditation by Enjoy England 2012-2013, Bovey Castle is just two hours from London by train to Exeter, or around three hours by car. Spring rates start from £349, based on two people sharing a classic room with breakfast and dinner included.
Further information tel: 01647 445007; www.boveycastle.com
